Mythopoeia: RP of gods and nations (game thread, closed)

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Aerith, Silver Claw

Little by little, Aerith unearthed the web that had existed beneath her very house. Drawn into this by Khyber and Yoren, she had no choice in the matter but the more she discovered, the more she urged herself on. Accounts had been set up, money had been pouring from Aquila businesses and their own personal coffers into Severyn, a de facto organization of Krakari nobles who more or less was thought to have vanished. No longer was Severyn just a family of those without a family but Aerith was beginning to see something more. But as she searched, this only drew up more questions and time wasn't on her side.

The world was getting smaller and smaller with Aerith finding people she could trust being hard to come by. The entire nation is on edge with the Grat spies being found and questioned. She was on the council the day the news broke or rather when the spies broke and spilled their secrets. Their army awaits in Silver Claw, awaiting deployment in case things escalated and the nobles refused to back down.

Aeirth held her cloak tight, as she walked into another council meeting. In between the tutors and her parents, she was a retainer for her grandfather as well and in a unique role as his apprentice. The guards dutifully opened the door, still holding to the ceremonial swords that have been in use since its invention. The council was already in the midst of talks by the time Aerith found her seat next to Aeryn.

"Pleasure you could join us once again." Aeryn said, bowing to his granddaughter of equal height. She was as tall as he was but Aerith could never quite nail down his authoritative stature. She returned the bow and listened in. "I think it is quite ironic that we had a bit of difficulty integrating those flying beasts into our army when we could fly ourselves, don't you think?"

"Those dragons will serve us well. I can vouch for their effectiveness." Aerith said eloquently. She remembered the dragons landing in Silver Claw and the Krakari's initial reactions to the fiery beasts. It was an odd but well received-gift to the States by the Aurorans and hopefully they would not have to use them any time soon. She had seen what those dragons were capable of.

"I do hope so, my soldiers have had to "accommodate" for their integration." Khyber's father said from his desk. He resembled little of Khyber beyond his looks. "Burns were the least of their worries with those beasts."

"Anyway, back to the topic." Aeryn announced, done with the squabbling. "Our borders are secure for the most part with our new Gatling guns at specific areas. We have yet to test these in combat, however."

"I assure you that these machines work well, especially against how the Grat operate." A scientist of the Strix said to them. "All we have to do is find the best ways to use them."

"That should be a priority then." Aerith said. "If we are going to use these new weapons effectively, then we should know how to use them effectively just like any tool. This just a tool like anything else."

"Does that include people?" Dehl said jokingly as usual. "If that's the case then we need some breathing room and dealing with our Grat neighbors might be a way to gain that extra space."

"That is an option. The land is growing sparse and between us, the Aurorans and the Grat, the continent is shrinking." Aeryn said.

"If I may speak, Elder." Aerith said to the council.

"You may, Aerith. I was about to ask your opinion anyway." Aeryn sat down as Aerith stood up in full view of the Council.

"Obviously, we should approach the matter with the Grat very carefully." Aerith began. "We don't have to declare war on anybody because we have everything we need right here. So I urge the formation of some sort of Intelligence gathering unit to look into the matter. I know we have refrained from using such measures but in this time of crisis, we cannot be allowed to take large steps in front of the Grat. The White Wings will shoulder the burden of Intelligence gathering if you let me have free reign over them. They are all experienced in scouting and all come from Aquila families. We can trust them as long as you trust me."

The council looked at her, whispering to each other while they did so. Aerith looked back at Aeryn who got up from his chair, impressed by his granddaughter's sanction.

"A vote then? Who votes for allow my granddaughter to deal with this Grat situation?"

Aerith was taken aback by how many hands rose.

[hr]

Khyber, Lot-Vos

"Do you think they will buy it?" Khyber asked nervously. He stood outside on the balcony and towards the direction of the Raptor States. The setting sun made light bounce off the very waters he stormed all those years ago.

"Of course they will buy it." Yoren said. "The White Wings are Aquilas but our Aquilas all loyal to either us or that girl. They won't suspect a thing."

"But I need to know if it will work." Khyber said, speaking more to himself rather than Yoren. The whispers had stopped coming and he didn't know if it was because of the God disappearing the work of another. It troubled him or rather all of this troubled him. "We have everything we need to convict them we-"

"How can you convict the judges that watch over the law they break?" Yoren interrupted, coughing after he finished. "All we need to do now is get those men to do what we paid them for and forge those letters and that will be the end of it. No more money for Severyn and no more Severyn."

"I hope you are right because the voices in my head have told me otherwise." Khyber said. Yoren laughed at Khyber's statement, not making any attempt to hide it.

"The voices in your head stopped talking to you when you sent that girl to be a spy."

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Research defensive fortifications-double bonus to defense and applies for a single region near a city, 5 wealth to implement to a region
(Major)Settle North
(Major)Settle Northwest mountains
(Major)Research mining
(Major)Use White Wings to scout Grat-Krakari border

 

[JoJo]

Nations

Aetherial Collective

As their fit of experimentation continued, the Collective implemented Type One Anatomical Enhancements and rolled out Type One Zalya Armour", in addition to a triple of successful secret research actions. Gunpowder was also developed by the Corvans.

Aurora

As chaotic scenes emerged in the capital of Aurora, settlers pushed on westwards unaware of the drama they left behind. Aware of what might follow, Lord Roland Olin had the best military scholars produce a manual that would instruct Auroran soldiers in the latest practices.

Grat Shee

While trouble brewed around their eastern borders, spy glasses and better communication with the forest was implemented by the Grat. Meanwhile, the Grat settlements were expanded to the north and techniques for domesticating lizards for hunting and pets were developed by researchers.

Raptor States

Under the directions of their experts, the Krakari produced plans that would allow them to produce defensive fortifications. Their settlers found mixed results, succeeding in the Northwest mountains but failing due to freak floods in the North. Similarly, their mining research was a roaring success whereas the White Wings found little of tactical value in their scouting along the Grat-Krakari border.


Gods

Gangari

With the farms of the Raptor States in mind, Gangari gave out chemically-enhanced fertiliser to a selection of Krakari, hoping to boost their crop yields.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

The Yish Marshes - Rederick

Before Rederick stood two barrels. One marked with the symbols of a Krakari merchant house and the other marked with the Mark of Gangari, the symbol the Collective had chosen to use as its own. Both of the barrels were filled with Gunpowder, one from the the Raptor States and one from his own chemists.

Today they were to be compared to see if his peoples powder was suitable. A long wick was put into each of the barrels, the barrels were placed a distance from eachother, and then the wicks were lit.

After a few moments the barrels detonated and all that was left over from both was smoke. So much smoke. In war the power of it wouldn't matter if they couldn't see their targets, it was something that had been bothering him since he had fired the weapons the first time. Now though he was in a position to fix this so he tasked his chemists with something new.

The creation of two superior powders. One for firearms and one for mining. The powder for the firearms would be refined so that the smoke was minimal and it wouldn't cause as much corrosion in the barrel. The powder for mining would be refined and improved so that it would cause larger and stronger explosions that they could use to go through rock.

[hr]

In other parts of the Collective an argument was beginning to take form. Months ago news had spread that the Ajivhans wished to form a Union with the Collective. Some were happy and some were angry. The Luug wished to say separate from the Aurorans, not wishing to be controlled by the same people now holding their capital. The Yish were happy as long as they were left to themselves, the majority of their people drifting in and out of the settlement as Yish came to learn and Yish left to help their tribes or convince them to join. The humans though were varied in their opinions of it. Some thought that dealing with the Aurorans was the first step to them being annexed, some thought that reconciling with their homeland would lead to Ajivha living under its own banner again, and others were undecided waiting for word from Gangari or the temple to tell them what to do.

Spoiler: Collective's Actions

Major - Secret
Major - Secret

Major - Research Ironclad Ship Design.
Major - Research Explosives.
Major - Research Smokeless Powder (Improved Gunpowder).

 

[booksv2]

Grat Shee, plains of animals, Kesar


Shaman Kesar looked at the huge once deer and smiles wide as he observes the changes that the god and himself had changed in them. Watching the first of the newest riders learn how to stay on top of the beast and direct him he is still amazed at how aggressive they had become even with them being plant eaters. Looking to the side and watching a few of the other Grat who were in charge of looking over the animals on this plain his eyes narrowed as one of the Shrage broke free from the ropes keeping it restrained and attacked the Grat around it. Straightening sharply as one of them step wrong Kesar hisses to himself as the unfortunate Grat is gored and killed on the sharpened tines of the Shrage's horns. As it rears back still with the now lifeless body impaled on it ropes fly out and soon it is tied back down and the body removed to be taken away, one more death to fuel the progress they had been seeing.

Kesar slowly turns away and keeps the death and riding he had seen in his mind as he walks away. So many things had been happening recently, and not all of them things that could be controlled. Just recently they had broken through to the consciousness of the forest and while not a few were not surprised it was alive enough to talk to many were.


Walking up to a long set of cages sitting on the ground Kesar leans down to study the lizards that are kept in them. Opening one of the cages and lifting it out he keeps a firm hold on its body as the wings spread and it hisses at him before settling down and allowing itself to be turned back and forth as Kesar looks it over and takes closer looks at its fangs and tongue that slowly drip a poison. Putting the lizard back Kesar turns away to leave the plains of animals quickly, other things already on his mind.



Merso, hidden dugout in forest.

Merso looks at the stick that had been dropped off with a loyal army leader a few days ago. The knotches and nicks each carefully done in correspondence with the code that had been set up months and months ago with Crina. Sliding his fingers over the knotches one last time he lets out a breath and turns to the translation that was scratched out on a very thin wooden slat. Reading it again he can feel the edges of his lips turn up to show his fangs as he does.

We are in agreement, only those we can trust should know. Kesar may already have a rumor.

Lightly drawing his nails over the soft thin wood little scratches appear along the outside edges as he reads.

Spoiler: Action

Establish a settlement/colony to the north into the mountains

Train an elite unit: Shrage riders, scouting. Fast Riders

Implement a researched technology: domestication of lizards

Secret action

Secret action

 

[JoJo]

Lord Seer Aldren, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Aldren still couldn't quite believe that Maximus was gone. Life had to go on however and earlier that day the Imperial Parliament had been debating on a request from the government of Ajivha to built an intercontinental railway. The idea had quickly won over many converts and by the afternoon a suitable bill had passed it's third reading both houses, leading to the Lord Seer's current task. When he wasn't studying the orb, he carried out odd diplomatic jobs and it fell to him to write a letter to the Krakari. On his desk lay the finished piece, short but to the point.

Dear our allies the Raptor States,

The great god Gangari has suggested that our two nations and the Collective are bound together by a trainline that encircles the Channel, to quicken transport, strength our mutual security and open new doors for our economy. We would provide the necessary technology if you agree to this proposal.

Yours in the Gods,

Aldren Timberlake, Lord Seer of Aurora

.​

Lord Deputy Roland Olin, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Meanwhile in the royal chambers of the palace, the Lord Deputy came before the newly anointed Emperor, bowing reverently. The official religious ceremony had worked like a charm, confirming what had already been decided months in advance with the quick exchange of a few bagfuls of gold.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I must inform you that a lead has been found in the murder of your uncle and cousin," he start.

"Yes?" Julius exclaimed, looking up sharply at Roland.

"After speaking to several guards who witnessed the attack, we are now sure that it was primarily planned and carried out by Driders alone."

"The Driders?!" the Emperor cried, thumping his fist angrily down upon his throne.

"Did the late Maximus I ever tell you how your father Kaius died?" the Lord Deputy inquired slowly.

"Not exactly," Julius shook his head, "The story is that he died of a sudden illness, but my uncle said that was faked,"

"Indeed it was," Roland nodded sadly, "The truth is... the truth is that your father was murdered by a Drider assassin called Katalia."

"Another one?"

"Indeed. I witnessed their race's birth and the killing of my friend Domin. I attempted to convince your father to destroy them but he couldn't see the threat they posed to our civilisation; he paid with his life. Maximus as well was too blinded by his misguided attempts to treat his subjects fairly to do what needed to be done and well, we saw what happened."

"Why would the Driders do such a thing? What would they possibly have to gain?"

"Have you not seen what their leader in Saranda preaches?" the Lord Deputy passed a transcript one of the Drider leader's speeches.

"Even Maximus will bow down before us?" the Emperor exclaimed angrily as he read the note, crushing it in his hands as he finished. "To think our so-called allies have been saying such provocations behind our backs! What are our options?"

"I have several," Roland grinned ghoulishly, reaching his hand into his pockets where the god-hiding stone lay, plundered from Maximus' vault the day before. The new Emperor was like putty in his hands and no-one would stand in the way of his plans, not even the deities themselves.

.​

Emperor Maximus I, somewhere off the coast of Oilean Uisce

Maximus spluttered as a wave splashed over the small raft formed from the wreck of the dragon's carriage. The mighty beast itself and it's rider had long sunk beneath the waves but the half-crushed box remained, just about buoyant. The Emperor couldn't feel his hands or feet but kept a hold of the wooden structure, Aurelius wrapping his arms tightly around his father's waist. Maximus knew he couldn't let go with his child holding on, not when there was still some chance of rescue, even though he hadn't seen any other dragons since they had crashed into water. He assumed that they must have been chased off by the attackers, he hoped Amatia and Maria were safe.

He spotted something small and white flitting beneath his feet, at first he thought it must be a shark come to finish them off, before noticing the blonde hair flowing behind the creature.

"A mermaid?" Maximus thought in his dazed state before shaking his head, "A sea vampire!" The young girl surfaced, she was unclothed but apparently unfazed by the cold ocean around her. The Emperor tried to murmur something in surprise but she stared back icily at him before suddenly grabbing onto his sleeve and pulling the ruler and his son behind her through the water. Maximus struggled at first but relented when he realised she was deliberately keeping his and Aurelius' heads above water, she certainly didn't mean to drown them at-least. After what seemed like ages, suddenly a tiny wooden boat appeared out of the mist and the Emperor was thrust onto it, his unconscious son half-thrown after him.

"Thank the Father," Wen exclaimed as he bent down to help Maximus to his feet, "Opal, you've found them!"

~​

Sometime later, Maximus found himself in a small hut alongside his son, Wen, Suko, their vampiric daughter and a collection of halflings, among them Ker-Hai. All sat around the fire, royalty and peasantry alike drying themselves after their journey back to the island.

"Head of the Council!" the Emperor exclaimed in surprise at seeing his longtime ally here.

"Your Imperial Majesty," the halfling bowed reverently, "Glad you were finally able to make it here,"

"Let's go over what we know so far," Wen started, "A mysterious woman calling herself 'the Zayin' is working behind the scenes to gain influence over Aurora. Opal says she's of either Nova Auroran or Ajivhan descent, middle-aged and scarred. Someone high up in Parliament is assisting her and she was almost certainly behind the kidnapping of Empress Amatia, and the attempted assassination of Maximus here several months ago,"

"Damn," Maximus exclaimed, suddenly realising why the young vampire seemed familiar. Wen laughed when he saw the Emperor's expression.

"Don't worry your Majesty, you're perfectly safe now, if she wanted you dead she wouldn't have missed last year."

The small girl flashed a fanged grin at Maximus, he had yet to work out whether she could actually speak at-all or was just very quiet. The Emperor raised a hand.

"So are you saying that it was this Zayin behind the kidnapping of my wife, rather than the halflings?"

"Yes, well she ordered it, though the halflings did her bidding."

"Damn," Maximus said again, finding the sudden revelations hard to take in. "Do we not know any-more than that?" he added with a wrinkled brow.

"Not yet," Suko interjected, "There is someone who does, however."

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Settle west of Padonia to reach the coast
(Major) - Settle west of Padonia to reach the coast
(Major) - Settle south of Nova Ajivha
(Major) - Implement military manual into Auroran armies
(Major) - Research debt and bonds.

(Minor) - Announce the ascension of Julius to the Imperial throne the rest of the world.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Aerith, Grat-Krarki border, near Padonia

The land between the two nations yielded little tactical value to the Krakari as the rolling grasslands turned into forest and mountain the closer it was to the Grat lands. She knew there would be nothing here. On her numerous trips with her soldiers, even the Grat didn't bother to make an appearance or even put up anything in terms of a designation of where their lands ended and the Krakari lands began. So, with the help of some volunteers and a few cartographers, she went about making them herself.

It was simple, a fence here and a sign there formally designating the borders of the two nations. Since there was already a garrison force of Krakari soldiers already there, Aerith had plenty of help as most of them shared the distrust she had for the lizard-like people. A wealth of knowledge was gained from the interrogation of the Grat spies so she had some scribes even write out warnings on sings along the border. Guard stations were hobbled together from cheap materials but it was mostly for show. In the event that the Grat did storm the border, it wouldn't be through flat and open terrain. She had a few guesses as to where they would actually strike and the mountains was her primary guess but it would be more difficult to formalize the borders there.

In all this rush to build an actual border and all these buildings being put up hastily, not everyone noticed another building being built some leagues to the south and closest to Auroran Padonia. It was a medium-sized, brick building and could be mistaken for a trade house at a glance since it was close to the Auroran border and along the line of railroad that the Aurorans wished to build through there. What was truly the nature of the building was only made know to Aerith and a few of her most trusted bodyguards. Then when the building was finished, Aerith and her troops waited inside the building for Khyber who arrived soon enough.

"So, they truly trust you now?" Khyber coldly asked Aerith, unfazed by his lengthy travels. He closed the door behind him but not before she saw Khyber's small entourage once more. It was odd that Aerith and her troops wore white while Khyber and his wore pure black. They sat opposite, in contrasting colors yet they were bound together.

"So far, I assume so." Aerith said, crossing her arms. "Or else I wouldn't have been able to use the garrison forces as some sort of labor force."

"Well you are an Aquila." Khyber briefly mentioned before sighing heavily. "And that will make the next part of our plan quite difficult but in a way, some current events have offered us a unique opportunity."

"The train-line?" Aerith said, realizing where Khyber was going. "How are we going to get them in all one place with those things? At least the plan with the boat made an inkling of sense."

"Yoren's men were able to forge a seal of the Auroran letters. Usually, the seal is from Lord Deputy Roland Olin and the messengers know the seal by heart yet this new letter has been sent by a Lord Seer Aldren. He was the same Auroan who helped Yoren so this is an interesting twist of faith. Anyway, the messengers are new to his seal and Yoren has taken the opportunity to copy the seal with Auroran ink. He didn't take the seal, mind you. He simply had them copied. Any official letters later will clarify the seal but at the moment we have our chance."

"How much will that change our plans?" Aerith asked. "Will the train be the excuse for all of them in one place?"

"Well in the letter, the Auroans mentioned them giving us the necessary technology to maintain and have our own train lines. The Aurorans owe us a few favors so I don't doubt they won't give us the things we need to make our own trains even. So that is why Yoren paid for this place to be built. Once we have trains, you will be the head proprietor of Krakari's first railways or at least the face of the company. Yoren's merchants are working on this new concept."

"So now our plan relies on the Aurorans?" Aerith said, becoming more worried. "The council might see this as suspicious. First, I make an official between two nations and now they have hear me starting a company. This will certainly attract some attention."

"They will see you as opportunistic which is not necessarily bad in their eyes. At least we hope so." Khyber looked to Aerith and Aerith could see uncertainty in his eyes. "Not only will this building be the headquarters but its also supposed to keep you safe in case we can't."

"And why not?" Aerith said, worried more with Khyber's uncertainty. "What do the voices say?"

"They don't say anything." Khyber said honestly, feeling he had to be with the amount of danger he was putting her through. "They've stopped. I don't know why."

"Then we are by ourselves in this endeavor." Aerith sighed. "I should be surprised but that means its only us from here on out."

"It seem so."

Spoiler: Action

(Major)Apply Defensive fortifications near Silver Claw
(Major)Settle South, towards the coast
(Major)Research drilling
(Major)Research Trading companies
(Major)Research conductivity

(Minor)Accept Auroran proposition
(Minor)Formalize border between Grat and Krakari-laid out small guard stations that can be easily overrun but act as border checkpoints. Fences and signs also laid out along the border specifically the lands closest to Qartoq's manor.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - 17/21 AP

"No no no no no no no no no no." Gangari stood in the middle of nowhere observing the north from afar. They tried to kill Maximus though he was with friends now, the Krakari were primed to invade the Grat, and Aurora was being played like a fiddle again.

First step, reinforce the Grat and get them ready for when he needed them. Second step, get Maximus where he'll need to be to cut the cancer out of Aurora. Third step, defuse the Raptor States. Fourth step, do what needs to be done.

Gangari summoned Budraals spear to himself and teleported himself deep into Grat territory into the home of Sharo. Budraal only touched the spear once so there was little imprinted into it. The Grat could use it and in their barbarism he could trust them. Gangari took the spear of lordship and placed it upon the floor of the home, he had been watching he knew the next person to enter the shelter would be Sharo so he was unconcerned with someone else taking it. He then placed a note written in a runic script enchanted to be able to be comprehended by Sharo and Sharo alone beside it.

Sharo,

There is a problem in the east with which there will come a time when I will require your peoples aid. Though you cannot see this there is a great deal happening. The Aurorans are being manipulated and the Krakari with them in turn. I ask that you do what you must to placate them for the time being. There is a great deal that must be done and there are so few who understand the danger of what is coming.

The spear is a gift to you and your people, It is a powerful and useful symbol. Use it however you desire.

Gangari

After a moment of thought he dissapeared and unleashed a blessing upon the Grat tribes. Their relative lack of knowledge made them flexible in thought but uninspired in their creation. He would fix that, help them.

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Bless 500 Grat with enhanced creativity, flawless memory, and a greater insight into the world around them.
- Action is difficulty 9, with a cost of 3 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8. Autosuccess.

-Give an unused Spear of Lordship to Sharo of the Grat.

- Should have 14/21 AP at end of turn.

 

[JoJo]

Nations

Aetherial Collective

In the second month of summer, as temperature peaked, all the Collective's research into their secret pair and their research into ironclad ship designs, explosives and smokeless powder were successful. Rumours brewed that the results of these months of work would be soon revealed to the rest of the world.


Aurora

Settlers continued to push the boundaries of Aurora, reaching further down south as well as far enough west that the borders of Padonia touched the western ocean for the first time. Such size meant that the leaders of Aurora began to look into the possibility of dividing their largest province in two. At the same time, a new tactics manual was successfully released to the various divisions of the Auroran army, however research into debt and bonds by the government ended in failure when not enough mathematical experts could be located.

Grat Shee

The Grat Shee furthered expanded their borders north into the mountains, ever hungry for more land. They also trained a new elite unit, the scout-oriented Shrage riders whilst also implementing the domestication of lizards into their culture. Furthermore, two secret actions were also successful.


Raptor States

With rising tensions came a desire to secure their infrastructure, this lead to the Krakari expanding their borders to the previously loosely-held south coast below them, as well as defensively reinforcing the territory around Silverclaw and erecting proper border posts by Grat land. Research into trading companies and conductivity was also a success, however drilling research yielded few useful results during initial experiments.


Gods

Gangari

Seeing the potential for war to brew between the Krakari and the Grat, Gangari blessed five hundred of the Grat with enhanced creativity, flawless memory, and a greater insight into the world around them. To complement this, a Spear of Lordship was given by the deity to Sharo of the Grat.

 

[booksv2]

Grat Shee, Sharo, Private hide

As Sharo was walking into his private hide he stopped dead in his tracks. Staring at the large spear that had been left in the center he turns quickly pulling his axe from his harness as his sharp eyes look at every corner of the room looking for the person who had left it. Walking towards the overlarge spear Sharo slowly reach's out and grabs the middle, picking it up. His eyes fly open as it lifts easier than even his axes he looks it up and down as it shrinks till it is but a foot longer than the normal spears that were used still by the Grat. Looking it over and hefting it he puts his axes away and starts swinging it around, smiling at the ease and swiftness of it he tries an experimental swing at the tree his hide is built on and stiffens as the blade slides through the wood easily. Stopping and pulling it closer he somehow knows it is sharper than any blade that a man can make. Looking at the spear he can see something laying a little bit away on his table. Walking over he slowly reads the note that had been left by Gangari , frowning as he reads it again and even a third time before straightening and grinding the butt of the spear into the floor and looking at it closely again. Saying softly to himself.
"A spear of leadership huh."

Taking the spear from his back where he still keeps his old one he slides the new one into the area and laughs at how perfect it fits. Twisting to make sure it stays he turns to leave.

Kesar

Standing behind a Grat sitting at a table going through a book he had not ever read before Kesar watched as he handed someone else the book and started reciting it back to them word for word. Shaking his head and turning to another Grat who was doodling he watched as they scratched out a new idea about bows that if it was true could increase their power by almost half again.

Chewing on his claws and focusing on these new Grat Kesar looks at the reports about more and more of these new Grat keep coming in.

Grat-Krarki border

Looking down at the border that the winged people had made the squad of Grat smiles at each other before they drop into the sparse grass along the border on the edge of the forest and crawls quickly towards makeshift fence. Pulling the bags they had with them they waited till the border guards were not looking to pull skulls of Grat who had died in battle and setting them on top of the posts and keeping them in place with arrows stabbed into them and broken off so they would be hard to take off again. As many of them crawl along this section of the border the same as many other squads were along the rest of it they put Grat skulls and leaving wooden slates with carefully scratched out messages in the same language that the Aurorans use so all could read it.

Even the dead Grat Shee watch over this land.

Leaving these slats on every third post they had to send several of the squad back to grad more sacks and slats till the whole section of the border they were in charge of was done.

As they faded back into the mountains and forests a few of them stayed to watch the reactions of those who found these warnings.

Spoiler: Action

implement: Apothecaries
implement: Mechanical Engineering: Clockwork Mechanisms

Form third standing army



Minor Actions
Worship; 30 Gangari
Gathering and setting Grat clean skulls on the fence on the Grat-raptor border

Spoiler: Spear of Leadership

Each is a large heavily runed living metal spear that has an appearance nearing that of a polearm. To its wielder it is light as air and feels cool to the touch. They are eternally razor sharp (the speartip has a monomolecualr edge though it will thicken/blunt itself when such sharpness is unwanted by the wielder) and if thrown will teleport back into their wielders hands.

The actual length of the weapon is determined by the size of the wielder as the spears will adjust themselves to stay appropriate to their wielder.

As they are held they record the knowledge, skills, and memories of the wielder to make them available to the future wielders of the individual weapon in a subconscious and guiding manner.

 

[JoJo]

Emperor Maximus I, near the water-bender village, Oilean Uisce

As evening fell, Maximus was lead through the forest to the centre of the island, the highest mountain of Uisce looming above him. He couldn't help smile as he watched his son run circles around Ker-Hai and the other halflings, who were equally fascinated by their de jure liege. As well as imparting the Duchy of Verde on his firstborn, a title that had been merged with the crown since his ascension, he had also taken the opportunity to grant the vacant Principality of Oilean Uisce to his heir seven years ago. He hoped of course that Aurelius would eventually succeed him as Emperor but although the Succession Acts of 715 made his son the heir presumptive, by tradition the throne could pass to any male-line descendant of Father Matthias, even those many generations separated from the previous Emperor. Therefore the princely title would ensure young Aurelius and by extension the House of Verde had a fallback if the tides of fortune turned against the Imperial family. Of course, that had already happened to an extent.

The group finally reached a clearing of trees at the foot of the mountain, at it's centre a small stone shrine. Maximus raised an eyebrow as he recognised the symbol of Jashiki inscribed on it's side, the first he had seen in years. The chatter of the halflings suddenly died, to be replaced by silent unease.

"What's the matter?" Maximus whispered to Wen.

"This is a holy place for the small folk," he replied quietly, "This mountain is said to be the resting place of their fallen god, they are forbidden to go any further than here,"

Ker-Hai approached the pair with a solemn look.

"From here you must go alone, your Majesty. Our wise women say the spirits who live here asked for you personally,"

"The spirits?" the Emperor exclaimed in surprise.

"They are quite safe," another halfling added, "We have only heard their voices but they are benevolent to all who are innocent. I have heard of lost travelers saved by their kindness."

Maximus looked around for Aurelius, he was some way behind talking to Opal, who nodded silently in reply every now and again. Wen saw his gaze and put a reassuring hand on the Emperor's shoulder.

"We'll look after him until you're done, we'll waiting back at the hut."

After a prolonged farewell, the group departed and Maximus waited alone in the darkness. After several minutes, he heard rustling around him and several shadows materialised from the trees around him.

"Emperor Maximus," a voice hissed in his ear, "How very nice to meet you. Do not be alarmed but our rules require you wear a blindfold as you enter our dwelling."

The Emperor allowed himself to be blindfolded and then he was lead by the hand down a winding stony path. Despite the earlier appellation of 'spirits', the small palm leading him felt entirely solid, probably halfling he guessed from the size. Some time after he had given up trying to keep any sense of direction, they reached a flatter surface and then his blindfold was removed. As his eye's adjusted to the gloom, Maximus found he was in a large cave, surrounded by about forty hooded halflings seated on stone chairs. They stared at him passively, no emotion visible on their faces.

"Good evening, Emperor Maximus," one said, stepping forward with a short bow, "I am Lea-cor, leader of the Missing Eye. I am pleased to see you are still alive and well, despite the reports suggesting otherwise."

"Why am I here?" Maximus asked slowly, taking in the scene around him with a long sweep.

"We too have been fighting the ones who seek to do harm to you and your kin. The Zayin and her wretched cult, their roots have been digging for a long time into this island."

"What do you know?"

"Come, there is someone you must speak with."

Maximus followed Lea-cor deeper into the cave system, winding through passages until they reached a smaller chamber. It was cosy and well lit with candles dotted around burning incense. In the centre lay a many-legged figure, reading a scroll on a bundle of silk rags. She looked up at the pair with a cool glance.

"Greetings, your Majesty,"

"Katalia!" Maximus exclaimed in surprise as he recognised the old Hand of Lysei, she was perhaps the last person he'd have expected to see. He hadn't heard from her ever she disappeared at the end of the Second Ray-Das war with several captives in tow.

"You know about the plot against me?"

"Yes," she said simply, "There is a plot that has been slowly uncoiling for years behind the scenes in Nova Verde. Your Lord Deputy Roland Olin is out for revenge, against the Driders who he sees a perversion, and against your family who he blames for the death of his father,"

"Well, I did allow his execution," Maximus admitted sheepishly.

"And rightly so, Lord Olin senior was a traitor to his people, like your uncle Octavius," Katalia replied sharply, "Roland Olin is working with a cult, lead by a mysterious woman who calls herself the Zayin. I don't know her identity but she is served by a collection of vampiric children, most of which are probably much older than they look. They're fastidiously loyal and very well trained."

"How did you find all this out?"

"Much from those foolish halflings who tried to capture your wife," the Hand of Lysei laughed, "They were in the pay of the Zayin and assisted by her brats, they were only tools though, taken for a ride and disposed of when they were no longer useful. The Lord Deputy just wanted an excuse to conquer the Ray-Das for Aurora. Then, I tracked her down her base."

"Where?" Maximus breathed.

"In the north of Maia, below a ruined manor said by some to be the birthplace of the Driders. I tried to fight my way in but I underestimated the strength of the children, I was forced to retreat without even seeing the *****," she chuckled bitterly, "Maybe not quite what I used to be. I found one of these little guys on my way out and they agreed to take me here in return for me rescuing them. Well, that's it."

She passed Maximus a map of the isle of Maia, with the location of the base clearly marked.

"I wash my hands of this now, I have done everything my Father Lysei wishes. Go now Maximus and good luck,"

.​

General Fallan, Eagleview base, Saranda

The last two weeks had been a whirlwind for the General. First the new Emperor Julius had announced that the Driders had been behind the assassination of the late Emperor Maximus and Prince Aurelius, an act beyond the comprehension of the loyal solider. They might have well have spat in the face of the Father. For security the army had immediately been ordered by the Lord Deputy to move all Driders into specially designated camps, mainly in the sparsely populated north of Nova Aurora, as well as down south below Nova Ajivha. The autonomous Kingdoms and Free States of the Commonwealth had been ordered to deal with their own populations. Those Driders who refused to move or otherwise angered the soldiers in any way were cut down where they stood, rightly so the General thought.

Now the second stage of the plan came into action. He had it on good faith from Lord Deputy Olin that the plot had actually originated in Saranda itself, though that hadn't been announced to the public yet for fears of giving their enemies warning. In staggered arrivals therefore battalions of the first Auroran army had been dropped off at the Eagleview base in the north of Saranda by a line of dragons, those which could be spared from patrols up north at the Grat-Raptor border. All three elite units were also smuggled into the base, ready for J-Day as the soldiers called it, or 'Justice Day'. Thus as the summer drew to a close, the doors of the Eagleview base opened and thousands upon thousands of Auroran soldiers marched into Saranda.

"Now," the General muttered to himself as he watched the first lines move into the distance, dragons circling behind them and occasionally flying ahead to scout out the forest before the army. "Will they fight back or will they see reason?" They would see soon enough.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Occupy Saranda using the first Auroran army, supported by dragons, sea vampires and steam gun water-bender elite troops
(Major) - Settle north of Saranda
(Major) - Secret action
(Major) - Secret action
(Major) - Construct inter-continental railway going through Aurora, Raptor States and the Collective

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari - 14/21 AP

Gangari stood troubled in the home of his son, Rederick was sitting confused in a chair in one side of the room. Gangari started to pace back and forth as he talked "Rederick I need you to listen carefully. The war I've spoken to you of, the one you've been preparing for may soon be at our doors. Aurora is marching against your Neighbours in Saranda and you have little time to prepare. The Legion has been warned and have been arming themselves since I saw the Aurorans begin their march. I need you to go with them, they can't be allowed to hold that land. I know about your plans and the work will continue. I'll see that it all makes its way to your men and I'll have reinforcements for you by the end of the month."

Rederick stared at his father for a few moments before responding "Already... I'll pack my things. You've given the orders then?"

Gangari nodded "Everyone's moving, the border is being built, docks are preparing, administrators are writing. I was hoping this day would never come but it has."

Rederick stood up and headed towards his closet asking as he moved "Have you tried to talk them out of it?"

Gangari frowned "I'm about to, I can't rely on them listening with all that's going on though. Good luck." And then Gangari faded from the room to leave his son to prepare for the march.

Spoiler: Collective's Actions

Major - Implement Sandhawk Flight Packs (Runic Flight, Controlled Flight, Personal Flight, Grown Living Metal, Rune Enhanced, Miniaturized Components)

Major - Implement Sky Ships (Runic Flight, Controlled Flight, Ironclad Ship Design, Grown Living Metal Armour, Rune Enhanced Armour, Miniaturized Components)

Major - Implement Smokeless Powder

Major - Research Firearms

Major - Deploy Legion (Mobile Army) against the Auroran army in Saranda to assist the Driders in defence of their lands. As others seem to be listing what they're using in regards to specific techs: all my medical techs, as many of my defensive techs as you are willing to allow me to justify using in foreign territory, krakari firearms, anatomical enhancements, and zalya armour.

Minor - Rewrite military doctrines to take account and advantage of anatomical enhancements, Zalya armour, sandhawk flight packs, and sky ships.
Minor - Begin modernizing militaries with sandhawk flight packs, and sky ships.
Minor - Arm as many Legionaries with Krakari Firearms as possible with current stockpile.
Minor - Train firearm users to use new smokeless powder in their firearms.

Minor - Tie lengths of twine to trees on the border of the collective to create a visible border. Leave signs with said border stating "Anyone not a friend of ours or a messenger who crosses the red line will be shot on sight."
Minor - Ward off Auroran rail builders. Warning shots will be fired upon approach to border if required, if they refuse to walk away guards will apologetically open fire if they cross the border.

Minor - Share the following technologies with Saranda: Silver-root node growing, Living Metal Growing and Harvesting, Grown living metal structures and fortifications, Rune enhanced structures and fortifications, and Liquid life potions.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Aerith, Silver Claw

"Everyone is moving." One of the nobles said in the council. Aerith was busy looking over the reports to see who it is let alone care. "Our scouts see movement with the Aurorans and the Collective. It is only a matter of time before the Grat move as well."

"We will not trample over our own border." Aeryn argued, looking over to his granddaughter who saw looked up as well. "But the concern is noted. At least with the railroad we can don't have to fly all that much."

"Speaking of railroads, when are the Aurorans going to tell us about those engines of theirs?" Dehl asked, looking at Aerith. "That would certainly make things easier for all us."

"We don't have to. I'm sure our scholars can make our own versions!" The representative of the Strix family said. Aerith looked over to their table, seeing their Elder missing and replaced with someone considerably younger.

"Grandfather, who is that?" Aerith whispered to Aeryn, looking to representative. Aeryn squinted, looking at the representative wearily.

"He couldn't make it today. I don't know why. It all seems very suspicious and we can't seem to get any answers." Aeryn whispered back while the others talked in the busy council room.

"Maybe it is who is asking the question." Aerith said without breaking her view of the Krakari, seeing if she could recognize him but she had a feeling she already knew who he is. "Call a break and I shall see what I can find out."

Aeryn looked at Aerith incredulously before looking back to the council. "Very well... I call a break to be had! We shall resume in a few moments." Aeryn stood up from his seat and made his way out before whispering to her. "Make it quick."

Aerith waited for an opportunity to approach the new representative as the other council members filed past her. When she finally saw the Krakari start to leave, she followed. When she got close enough she called his attention which was nearly drowned out by all the chatter.

"Ah, Aerith Aquila." The Krakari said, bowing his head to her. This one didn't even have the blue feathers of the Strix yet he was there. Aerith returned the gesture but not without a few more questions already in her head. "What may I be of service to you?"

"I think you already know my question if you are really from the Strix." Aerith hissed. "Why can none of their family make it to the meeting?"

"The master decided send someone else in his stead. Is that not able to be done?" The Krakari said with smile still on his face.

"Yes, but it is customary that another family member fill his place." Aerith still scanned the man even as she talked. There was something incredibly strong she could feel in her intuition.

"Unless there can be no family member immediately present to attend the meeting." The Krakari countered. "My master and his family sent me here because none of them were able to come. I'm afraid it is as simple as that."

"Then why have you not told my grandfather and his men the same thing?" Aerith was ready to move. She was close to one of the guards. These were Krakari that had been guarding the hall for decades. She suddenly wondered why the guards hadn't stopped him either. He must have had an official document or some other way to get in. Aerith took a glance at the guard and saw that even he had changed. She hadn't noticed it now but her hands were starting to shake.

"Do hawks dine with snakes?" The representative asked calmly, drawing Aerith back in with her question. She recognized that voice. "We do not associate with Krakari like their kind except for you. I've been told a lot about you and that you are trustworthy so I will trust you. He brings me here as a message for you. The borders around us boil. Bring the second army from Lot-Vos here. The time is drawing near."

"Who are you?" Aerith asked.

"Merely a librarian."

The call for the council to continue came and they both went back to their respective places. The representative passed a coin to Aerith's palm. When she was seated, she was able to take a glimpse of the coin. It was a new coin, stamped and officiated in Lot-Vos. Aeryn sat himself down and Aerith tucked the coin back in her pocket.

"Well?" Aeryn asked.

"He's just a messenger." Aerith quickly said. "He is no one that special."

"And that is why he concerns me." Aeryn fidgeted in his seat. "Anything else?"

"Nothing but I have another request." Aerith felt the coin in her pocket, feeling the new coin's shape. "As you may know, there is a great deal happening in our ally's southern lands. It is rumors so far but our borders are starting to boil. I advise we bring in the second army from Lot-Vos to Talis. We may need them in the coming months."

"I see..." Aeryn pondered the request. "Let's see what the council has to say. They seem to favor you these days almost as if they have no other choice."

Aerith knew exactly why.

[hr]

Khyber, somewhere along the coast

"Move!" One of his soldiers yelled out as Khyber watched the rest of the captives being loaded onto the ferry. He had done this before but this time, he wasn't blinded by fury. He could see the worry through their battered faces. He could hear their despair as they dragged them out to this pier in the middle of nowhere. The guards were packed in the next ferry. They hadn't even given him a fight when they raided the estate. Morning was rising from the east, as the Strix were loaded onto hastily-built ferries. The ferries carried the last hope of some sort of peaceful resolution. The Strix had always been an honest family which would make sense as to why Yoren would want them gone first. He was in too far to pull himself out. Aerith would die and he would die. As great as he was proclaimed to be, Khyber feared death and feared the death of his own pupil even more. The voices in his head had left Khyber, leaving him more scared than before and now he felt shame.

The ferries were pushed away by and they slowly drifted across the water. Yoren's talons were in him now. They were tearing deep and hard into him. All he knew was war and combat. This far from honorable but he couldn't stop and no amount of debating would change the old Krakari's mind and his eyes were everywhere. He had to do it but his actions were Yoren's and not his, or so he liked to believe.

"Loose." Khyber ordered. Fire arrows flew from behind him and landed onto the two ferries. Fire spread consumed the ferries as if it was tinder. Khyber gripped his hands, shaking with anger. His soldiers disappeared but he lingered a bit longer until the ships collapsed into the water. They would describe their deaths as an accident. He never knew a crueler fate than a life being taken by chance.

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Research locomotives
(Major)Research wiring
(Major)Implement mining, explosives, revolving parts into strip mines- +wealth, -1 to Krakari population
(Major)Move Standing army from Lot-Vos to Talis(Southernmost city in main Krakari territory)
(Major)Apply defensive fortifications to Talis

(Minor)Help Aurorans build train tracks through their territory.

 

[booksv2]

Grat shee, Southern edge of the plains.

The noise and bustle here in this place was amazing. Thousands of Grat moving around and talking and laughing and doing things making a sound of wall more noise than any battle that Sharo had ever been in. Watching these people, mixture of craftsmen and hunters, Sharo couldn't help but smile. These his people were going to try something new, leaving the safety of here the forest and other Grat to do something. Watching them all for a few more minutes he stands and raises his hands, calling out to all that can hear him soon the silence has spread out across the whole group and thousands of eyes turn to stare at his fairly small body standing above them on a rock.
"Hear me my people, wonderful fearless Grat!"

Pausing as a huge wave of cheering and roars from the hunters washes over him he raises his hands again to quiet them, but keeps his smile as he does.
"Here me! You are the first since we came to these lands to again move to make a new place. While you will be far from us you will always be Grat Shee. As Grat go and show those who wish to push us back how we grow and move as the forest itself, ever pushing forward and out. Now go!"

Standing on the rock watching the outer edges of the crowd start to turn and move away more and more of them also do. Even with how smooth they are going it still takes hours for everyone to turn and leave. Soon the only thing even Sharo can see is the dust cloud in the distance. Nodding his head sharply and jumping down he looks at the squad of Grat who were waiting for him and waves back at the forest.
"Lets go, they will do us proud."

Spoiler: Action 2

Settle middle of desert on the other side of the map away from all other territorys.

Send one army with first Hunters with them.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Oilean Uisce and Saranda

Once his meeting with the Cult of the Missing Eye was finished, the Emperor was dutifully blindfolded and lead back up through the caverns until he found himself alone again in Jashiki's circle. Before he left, they had told him of several of their members who lived outside of the mountain, as well as a secret call-sign to get in contact with the cult which he now turned over in his mind. As he walked down the dark path to the wooden hut where his allies were staying, he suddenly heard a voice behind him.

"Maximus," the tired voice spoke "We should talk." A whooshing noise was made briefly before the form of Gangari appeared a few feet infront of Maximus.

"Woah!" the Emperor exclaimed, stepping back in surprise, "One of these days you deities will give me a heart attack. You heard the news then?"

"The day you're unable to handle men appearing from thin air is the day I stop." Gangari smiled. "Yes I heard, If only I had noticed what's happening before they moved forward."

"What do I do?" Maximus lamented, "Lord Cassian always said I should listen to the people, that I should respect their will," he sighed, "Roland Olin was their choice, they let this happen. Should I have had him executed when I had the chance?"

"If you had killed Roland back then it would have been someone else now. If Roland hadn't been chosen by your people, those that had planned this would have found someone else. Thinking about what you've done and what you could have done leads to nowhere. The important thing is that you're alive and that their plan would rely entirely on you and your son being otherwise."

"That is true, we are lucky to be alive," Maximus nodded darkly, "Part of me says that me and Aurelius should take our chances now and find somewhere quiet to live out our days. Amatia and Maria could join us later. The people have their glorious new Emperor, they don't need me any-longer. I've reigned since I was eight year's old Gangari, I barely remember a time when I didn't have this weight on my shoulders. Isn't this enough?" The Emperor picked up a stone and tossed it angrily into the depths of the forest.

"The part of you that wants you and your family to leave your old life behind is the reasonable part. You've been fighting to keep your people together since you were a boy, you've earned relief. And if that's what you want I can help give it to you." Gangari paused looking far off into the distance "But i'd ask that you think about it before you decide." Gangari paused again "How aware are you of what Aurora's doing right now?"

"My bastard nephew is now on the throne?" the Emperor shrugged, "News takes a long time to travel to this island, is something else happening?"

"Roland has managed to place the blame for your assassination upon the Driders. Unfortunately It appears they're beginning their attack." Gangari paused again looking to the south "I don't want to ask this of you but if I can't talk the officers out of it would you be willing to reveal yourself to them?"

"The Driders," Maximus shook his head sadly, "I might have known, he was always going on about his 'solutions' to them. If you need me then I can try but who knows if they'll even recognise me, our statues don't always resemble the man exactly if you get my drift." he reached into his pocket for some parchement, "Still got some of this handy. In exchange, would you mind dropping off notes at King Alika and King Ver-Jie? Both are trustworthy allies whose help would be appreciated in this hour,"

"Of course." Gangari half smiled again "I'll return soon then." And then Gangari faded from sight only to appear in the land of Saranda inside the tent of General Fallan as he was entering it, giving the impression that he had been waiting for him.

"Bah," the General muttered as he walked past Gangari and sat down in a makeshift chair on the other side of the tent, throwing back a curious glance as he did so. "Who the hell are you then?" he barked, assuming the figure must be a new officer he didn't recognise.

"Who do you think I am?" Gangari stared at the man intently as he continued "Honestly I'm surprised you don't recognize me, most mortals figure it out when they see the eyes." Gangari walked towards the man "My name is Gangari and I come to you today to bring you the truth of your situation."

"Father's blood, the great god Gangari?" the General exclaimed, "I don't know what to say, it's... it's an honour!" He took a bottle out from a small cupboard, pouring out two glasses and offering one to the god. "My finest whale oil," Fallan added proudly, "I mean, I knew you and Lysei would be behind our holy war but I didn't expect you to actually appear before me,"

Gangari took the glass and looked at it "If I didn't appear I'd be just as guilty as the men behind this." He sighed and looked Fallan in the eyes again "The Driders aren't to blame for the Assassination. Your Emperor is being used as a puppet in his grief. And annexing Saranda is only going to further his position as a puppet."

"What?" the General spluttered, "I have it on good authority that the Driders of Saranda were behind the regicide of Maximus I, in an attempt to destabilise Aurora in preparation for an invasion. Who was responsible then?"

"From what I've seen. The man who determined that the Driders are responsible. A man named Roland Olin."

"Roland?" Fallan exclaimed, "I know that man personally, you must be mistaken, he is our honourable Lord Deputy. On what grounds?"

"The Driders are few in number compared to your people and have been nothing but friends since they were created. Olin was the one to come to the conclusion that the Driders were responsible. Maximus executed Olin's father. Olin is now hiding from me." Gangari paused momentarily "Why would a man hide from a God if he was righteous?"

"Friends?" the General laughed, "Have you seen the propaganda of their leader? He wanted Emperor Maximus to bow before him, you can check it yourself." He paused before continuing. "Hiding... the Roland I know wouldn't do that. Are you sure you aren't mistaken?"

"I can't see him. Unless Lysei is hiding him the only way I can think of to do that is a piece of magic Maximus kept to himself before the assassination." Gangari continued looking him in the eye "As for the Driders, Have you seen the propaganda your priests make? They want the world to bow before them."

"They wish to see the world united in peace under Aurora, sometime in the distant future," Fallan retorted, "Somewhat different to claiming that leaders who live today will be conquered and forced to submit by arms." He sighed and poured out another drink. "I don't know what to say, if what you claim is true what can I do anyway? I may have many stars on my shoulder but I am at heart no more than a humble soldier."

"Fallan. I've never lied to your people and I don't plan on starting. And you may be a soldier, but you hold more power than the men out there. If you give the order for them to retreat, I can give it to them far faster than any runner. If you listen to me, you can see the corruption torn from your people. If you listen to me Julius will see the truth so that justice may be carried out." Gangari sighed "If you don't the Driders will become what you think they are and your people will never see the end of war as your empire turns on itself and the traitors win."

"Fine, I will try," the General grunted, "That is as much as I can promise and it may cost me much, but I will try to turn them around,"

"Thank you." Gangari materialized a bottle of orange coloured wine with his seal on it and handed it to Fallan "I have a plan if you're willing to hear it."

"Go ahead," Fallan replied as he opened the bottle of wine.

"Send a letter claiming that the Driders surrendered without bloodshed and that you've discovered an ajivhan priest in their midst claiming of a traitor in the parliament. Ask that the Lord Deputy come to inspect his new province and hear the mans story." Gangari downed the glass he had been handed "If he comes himself ask him if he knows someone called the Zayin, and once he realizes he has been caught he may be interrogated for his conspirators. If the man I produce is assassinated, the truth becomes quite clear and I'll show the Emperor myself what Olin is. If he realizes what's happening and sends an army then the traitors will show themselves and I'll be able to reveal them as they think of ways to hide themselves. If someone is sent in his stead, then we reveal the truth to them and try again."

"And what if the army refuses to turn?" the General asked, "send the letter anyway?"

"If it refuses to turn, I'll show myself to them and if that doesn't work my children will turn them. The letter however would need to be changed. Perhaps claim that you have captured a woman named Katalia telling a story of your parliament would work?"

"That is what we will do then," Fallan said with a sigh, "To the truth, and all that may come,"

[hr]

The Yish Marshes - The Aetherial Collective

So much was happening suddenly. News of war with Aurora, A third of the collective packing up and marching to Saranda, new machines and their designs being given to workshops for sudden production. Flying machines at that.

Man-sized wings were being constructed from the metals of their god and filled with small and complicated gears. After being strapped to a man or their armour it allowed them to fly. Graceful and quite high up. A mastery of the sky could full well be ahead of them.

Ships were being built from metal and filled with the same kind of machines as the wings. Heavily plated in the bronze and silver metals of Gangari they would accomplish little in the water, their purpose was to sail the skies. In some models steam engines were built inside in an attempt to move faster but the prevailing design seemed to be a kind of barge. The barge allowed quick movement of resources and in some cases were realized that with simple modifications made excellent warehouses.

In other less joyful news a border was being constructed, one that quickly met the Aurorans it was meant to keep out for the moment. Workers and a railway. Inconvenient timing, risking them building something in the collective that could help them invade was something that needed to be avoided. Even worse if they had already caught on already it could be used to insert spies.

Warnings were yelled at the workers as they approached. The decision had been made that they were to warn them of a plague spreading through the collective, one that they didn't wish to risk spreading to Aurora. The workers were told to report to their bosses that the Collective would handle the construction on their side of the border, and that the Aurorans should stay away until the plague was dealt with.

[hr]

Saranda - The Aetherial Legion

Gangari's maps had payed off. Patrols were avoided as the army moved into position. They wouldn't see them coming until it was too late. Building camps wasn't risked and men were spread as thin as possible to make them harder to see. A few men were sneaked into the city to tell the Driders of their plan and to teach them better methods of fortifying themselves.

The order to move could be given in less than a second, all that was left was waiting. Gangari would give the order. If their army retreated or stopped the invasion they would walk towards their camps as friends looking for shelter. If they failed to heed Gangari the Legion would charge them without warning and join the Driders in defending their territory.

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Create Automatons as a race/technology. Sheet will be soon. It is being given to the collective.
- Action is difficulty 11, with a cost of 4 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8.

- Should have 10/21 AP at end of turn.

 

[JoJo]

Summer passed into Autumn and the food banks of every nation were restored with the harvest of the season, even whilst fighting raged across much of the world.

Nations

Aetherial Collective

As their spurt of research started to draw to a close, the Collective implemented Sandhawk Flight Packs, Sky Ships and Smokeless Powder. At the same time, they finally decided to research firearms to keep in pace with their Auroran and Krakari peers.



Aurora

As the first Auroran army marched on Saranda, the trail of people following the army settled the land north of the Driders, to give them space to fall back on if need be. At the same time on the other side of the world, a great trainline was built in a circle around the channel by the Aurorans and Krakari to link their two nations together. The Collective branch was cancelled however after several Auroran and Krakari builders were shot dead by Corvan bordermen. Whether their later claim of a deadly plague would be accepted by the nations of the victims would remain to be seen.


Grat Shee

The Grat Shee implemented Apothecaries and Mechanical Engineering: Clockwork Mechanisms, whilst also forming a third standing army to bolster their defence. The real story of the month however was their successful settlement in the southern desert, a new branch of the Grat Shee nation even though it would take time for them to adjust to their new environment.


Raptor States

To allow the use of their new trainlines, the Krakari successfully researched locomotives. Their research into wiring was less successful however and certain problems could not be solved. Aware of the growing instability in the world, they implemented strip mines as well as moving their standing army to their southern city of Talis and applying defensive fortifications to the city.


Saranda

As the first Auroran army marched south into Saranda, they were surprised to encounter Collective troops hiding among the Driders. After fierce fighting and much confusion when General Fallan ordered a sudden retreat, the Aurorans nevertheless scraped through and secured the entire territory of Saranda under occupation. The Collective for their part were driven southwards, largely unharmed with the exception of minor losses and perhaps some of their pride.

Gods

Gangari

Despite all that was going on around him, Gangari began the construction of a new race of automatons, starting by building their shells. Their souls would have to come later, however.

 

[booksv2]

Grat Shee, in the desert, Merso

Merso runs his claws through the shifting sand under him a few times absently as he stands at the top of one of the dunes inside the desert. Looking out over the large expanse of shifting sand and blazing sun. At first when he and his troops hat gotten into the desert proper they had been unable to do much, the sudden change from their slightly cooler home to this causing their body's to make an immediate and drastic change. But now, standing under the hot sun, Merso felt invigorated. The burning sun making his blood run warm and making even moving easier, as he soon proved by jumping off the top of the dune and running down the sand fast. Using the sand to keep him sliding down he soon got to the bottom and rolled a few times laughing like a newly hatched as the sand flew but he felt nothing. Standing and shaking his harness to get the sand out he walks over to a temporary shelter that they were still using, clawing off some of the meat that was hanging and cooling he eats it quickly feeling his energy starting to fade.

Standing there and looking at the very few Grat standing or working close by Merso keeps what had been going on in the north out of his mind as he works to keep this new tribe safe. Walking over to where a small group of workers and a single rockman are he watches they slowly dig out and brace the shifting sands before they fall and cover what they had dug. Watching for a few minutes Merso can tell it would be almost impossible to do so, so he called the workers over and orders them to stop trying to dig. Looking around he points at the rockman and tells him to get the rest of the others who had come and to all go out and get rocks and clay and other types of earth and to make large dwellings from those and to then pile the sand over them to make fake dunes. After the rockman scratches its chest and jaw a few times it nods and wanders off to gather the rest.

Turning away from it as it wanders off Merso points at one of the workers.
"Get one of those new thinkers and start drawing up proper hides for this sand as well as how we can use it. Go!"

The gathered workers scatter, spreading out gathering others and relaying the orders from Merso.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Crina, eastern edge of the territory


Standing in a hide a few hundred feet into the forest on the eastern edge of the Grats nation Crina stares hard at the so called nation across the way. Deep inside her where others never see the hatred of the new way burns, only Grat are people. Digging her claws into wood in front of her she slowly bares her fangs as she rips small chunks of wood from the walls and throws them out the window.
Sharo... Sharo and his spirits have corrupted the Grat. If but for them we would rule the thresh and they would cower. But we are made to leave them, even help them in some ways."

Crina narrows her eyes and picks up her rune'd axe and slams it into the tree at the center of the hide hard, feeling it sink into it and get stuck as she jerks on it.

Spoiler: Action

Research desert architecture

settle south of Shifting sands(desert only)
settle east of Shifting sands(desert only)
settle west of Shifting sands(desert only)

Minor:
Name first settles desert land Shifting sands

 

[JoJo]

Lysei, Saranda

Since the death of Cyth'raul, Lysei had largely kept out of mortal affairs, dwelling on the state of the world. Despite how hard he tried, the problem of suffering remained. Was corruption too firmly rooted into the Earth to ever fully excise it? These questions kept the god of fire contemplating quietly for many months above the clouds, floating without caring where the wind was taking him.

After a time though, the volume of prayers pouring in from Saranda were too many to ignore. With a sigh, Lysei opened his eyes and descended from the heavens to observe what was happening. He was surprised to see his two adopted children, the Aurorans and the Sarandans, were at war with each other. This was news to Lysei, the two nations hadn't any grievances last time he'd walked among the mortals.

With a flourish, Lysei leapt to the palace in Nova Verde, casting his mind through the many rooms in an instant. Maximus was gone from the throne, in his place sat some callow youth who looked only too familiar.

"Kaius?" Lysei breathed angrily, before looking again closer. The young man resembled his old enemy strongly but some of the facial features were off, clearly a relative. The god of fire was sure that he would have noticed if Maximus had perished, he concentrated on hearing the prayers of the Emperor alone, blocking out the thousands of other voices talking to him. At first there was silence but then he heard the faintest of voices emanating from the south.

"There you are," Lysei smiled as he swept towards Oilean Uisce like a gust of southward wind.

.​

Lord Deputy Roland Olin, Nova Verde, Isle of Maia

Back in the capital, the Lord Deputy nodded approvingly as he received the news of the conquest of Saranda along with his Cabinet. His expression began to change however as the apologetic messenger relayed some of the problems that had emerged along the way.

"I'm afraid your Excellency that despite their success, the First Army encountered a couple of unexpected issues whilst the occupation was taking place."

"Do continue," Roland replied with a raised eyebrow.

"The military forces of the Collective were found assisting the Driders and although driven back remain at large in the region,"

"What?" the Lord Deputy fumed, "That insignificant band of cast-offs thinks they can oppose the mighty Aurora? And to think that the King of Ajivha asked to build closer relations with them!"

"Not only that," the messenger quavered, "But our own General Fallan reportedly gave orders to retreat and then split his battalions away from the main army. It is thought that many of our elite units went with him, his next move is unclear,"

"Why?"

"It is said..." the man continued, almost at a whisper, "That he claims that the Driders weren't responsible for the death of the late Emperor and his heir!"

Silence fell across the room, none of the Ministers daring to speak. The Lord Deputy stared at the messenger with bulging eyes, crushing the papers in his hands into a ball.

"And who does he blame instead?" he finally asked slowly.

"Y... you, sir,"

"I see," Roland stood up and faced the window, standing without a word for several minutes. No-one in the room dared to move. When he finally spoke, it was in a hushed tone.

"None of you here will repeat these lies again, in any context, ever. That is an order, on the pain of execution,"

The attendants nodded silently.

"Raise a fifth army from the men of Nova Aurora, Medegarde and Sirigarde. Prepare everything for war with the Collective. Do it now!"

As the men scurried off, the Lord Deputy returned to his desk and pulled out some parchment. If he was to fight a second nation then he'd need support, he quickly weighed up the possibilities. Mereton didn't have the power projection to get to the other side of the world on their own, and the Raptor States were likely too busy watching their own borders to commit to a war at present. No, there was only one choice. He started to pen the letter.

Greetings our allies the Grat,

In recent weeks the Commonwealth of Aurora has had a spot of bother with the nation known as the Collective. If you would be amendable to such an offer, would you wish to mount a join invasion on their lands in the next month or two? All the spoils, both land and wealth, would be split equally between us, and an extra wealth payment would be made to the Grat once the occupation is completed.

Yours in the name of the Emperor,

Lord Deputy Roland Olin

.​

King Indraj-Alika, north of Saranda

Far to the south, the King rode his horse ahead of his army, preparing to officially cross the border into Saranda at any minute. He wasn't sure if it was proper for Auroran royalty to lead their forces into battle, he couldn't exactly imagine Maximus swinging up onto a horse, but it felt like the right thing to do. He trusted that Didana would be able to manage the Kingdom whilst he was away.

Through the link provided with Gangari, the Ajivhans had already agreed a rendezvous point with Fallan's defectors, now it was a case of getting their western brethren on board. A letter had been sent by messengers, Indraj hoped it had reached them by now.

Dear the Forces of the Aetherial Collective,

Through the medium of our Father Gangari, we have come to learn of your presence in the south. As your brethen in Ajivha, we humbly request your assistance in the reclaiming of Saranda from those loyal to Emperor Julius and Lord Deputy Olin and protecting the Driders from further atrocities.

We suggest the forest to the south-east of Eagleview base would be a convenient point for our forces and that of General Fallan to converge.

Yours in good will,

His Majesty King Indraj-Alika of Ajivha

He turned to Naleene, Maximus' former chief of guard, who rode some way behind him. Like many well-connected Driders she had fled to the relative safe haven of Ajivha as the Lord Deputy's 'solution' began to be rolled out and now they were here, ready to claim Saranda back.

"Are you sure this is it?" he called as they passed a few solitary wooden posts that supposedly demarcated the Sarandan border.

"Aye," she replied with a nod, "It doesn't look like much but until recently we didn't have any reason to mark it out precisely. This route is virtually a blindspot though, as long as we keep to the trees they won't see us coming,"

"Good," Indraj smiled, gripping his sword, "I've seen some of these men in action, they're among the best in the world. We'll need all the help we can get!"

Spoiler: Actions

(Major) - Third Auroran army (the Ajivhan army) with the support of General Fallan's defectors, the elite troops and the Driders attempt to take control of Saranda from the First Auroran army
(Major) - Settle south of the Ray-Das Kingdom
(Major) - Settle south of Ajivhan Kingdom
(Major) - Form Fifth Auroran army in Medegarde
(Major) - Secret action

(Minor) - Roland Olin sends a letter to the leader of the Grat
(Minor) - Indraj-Alika sends a letter to the Collective army

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Gangari 21/21 AP

Gangari stood in a field of corpses. Dead Auroran and Collective men dragged from the field by his children. He walked over to one of the less damaged bodies and flipped the man over. He had bled out before a surgeon could help him. Gangari touched the back of his silver helmet and caused the metal to part exposing his head. Gangari started to peel away flesh with his power, reaching the skull in moments. He cut through the bone and placed a crystalline spike into his brain before putting the bone and necrotic flesh back where it had been. He then fixed the mans helmet and moved on to the next man. He did this to the corpses of ten of the Collective Legionaries, he picked men who had been young and relatively experienced, ones that were still relatively intact.

After he had finished with them he walked to the first and spoke loudly. "Listen child. It isn't your time. You've been cut down by the corrupt. It's time to set things right." The eyes of the corpses on the ground, collective and auroran, altered and unaltered alike flickered open. Gangari continued "The man responsible for this is named Roland Olin. He is an Auroran and has murdered so that he may manipulate his people for his own benefit." The men on the ground began to groan confused and tired. Gangari continued again "You are being given the power to fix this. You are being given another chance at life." Gangari faded away and the corpses began to move.

While they were confused they felt alive, far more alive than they had been in years. Each felt purpose, to locate and capture Roland Olin. Each felt anger, rising at Roland Olin the man responsible for their fate.

Eventually this group of men would come to understand, thoughts not of their own drifting through their minds. They were Revenants. Their purpose was to obtain justice for themselves. They were to capture Roland Olin so that he may be made to suffer.

After a few days of wandering towards the north they found that their rot was healing. The group realizing that they appeared human came to the decision that they would dispose of their armour and pose as peasants while they made their way to the Auroran Capital.

Olin would die for his crimes and they would drag him into the streets to see it happen.

[hr]

South-west of Saranda - Rederick

They had been driven back by the Aurorans. The Sarandans put up less resistance then they had expected. It had gone wrong. Little news was reaching them out here. Occasionally Gangari would appear and offer them things, but he wouldn't stay long.

After a week of wandering the wilderness and thinking of a way to take Saranda something interesting happened. Though it took time for them to realize what it was, they saw a fleet of ships in the sky heading towards them. Reinforcements. The ships after arriving took position above them and men began to jump from them high in the sky. Men in their polished silver armour flew gracefully down using the wings upon their backs.

News was brought. Food and water were passed between the men. Fresh munitions were brought down. Men began to train in the use of the wings that their cult had made for them. After a few days the majority of the army moved onto the ships, a few men stayed on land with the horses so that they could lead them back to the collective and to new riders.

He had been told of men made of metal appearing one day. They seemed ignorant of what they were but the cultists seemed to understand how to make them and repair them. Their minds apparently being made of odd crystals that the cultists refused to divulge the source of.

Rederick was confused about that. It was clearly Gangari that was responsible, but why was he making Zalya?

It didn't matter. They were armed, their job was clear, and it was their duty. Saranda would be free again.

The fleet of ships began their flight to Saranda. They would fly down to fire at them and take refuge high in the sky in their ships when they managed to position or reposition their cannons. They had mobility that the Aurorans would never be able to match.

It wasn't until they were thousands of feet in the air above Saranda that they had been given a letter by Gangari, one that had apparently been brought to their empty camps. It seemed the Demiurge had been convinced to join their cause. With little time remaining he wrote a simple letter and handed it to Gangari to give to Indraj however he would do that.

Demiurge Alika,

It is with good fortune that we receive your letter now. We are beginning our assault to free Saranda as I write this letter and with our current advantage it would be unwise to abandon the attack to join you at Eagleview. We advise attacking the occupiers as soon as possible once you have combined forces with Fallan to catch them in their confusion. Thank you for joining us in this.

Good luck,

Lord Commander Rederick

Spoiler: Gangari's Action

- Create Simulacra Crystals as race/technology. Give to Aetherial Collective.

Spoiler: Automatons

Race Name: Automatons.

Appearance: The first generation of Automatons are currently tall, bulky, and imposing like Luug but otherwise shaped like humans. Their forms are plated in bronze and silver living metals and their internal components are similar in that regard. Inside of them they are filled with clockwork components for the most part. While their internals are mostly silent a faint mechanical clicking sound can be heard coming from inside them while in their proximity. Their eyes for the most part appear to be made of sapphires.

Perks:

Mechanical - Due to their nature they don't require food, water, or oxygen which certainly means they don't require food. However due to their nature they require raw materials and maintenance. Instead of food they consume "wealth" to survive. Also, Instead of growing in number through a yearly population growth they need to be actively created through a wealth fueled action.

Upgradeable - Their capabilities are dependent upon the technologies of the society creating them. A more knowledgeable creator can build more effective automatons.

Flaws:

Mindless - The bodies are simply that bodies. Minds require separate components and are not part of this creation. Current mindless automatons are inactive beyond simple commands and require slaving to a particular master.

Obvious - Due to the way the first generation of Automatons are constructed, their nature is quite apparent making espionage requiring social interaction quite difficult.

Spoiler: Simulacrum Crystals

Race Name: Simulacrum Crystals

Appearance: A large blue crystal containing a mind and soul designed to slot into an Automaton. They are created through a process separate from that of the Automaton. This process is closely guarded by those responsible for it and seems to be related to structures that are part of Silver-root.

Perks:

Loyal - They are created with a high respect for their God Gangari which makes them unwilling to turn against him and his teachings without good reason.

Domineering - The Simulacra are designed to interface with the Automaton shells to control them. This of course means that they can control Automatons by being placed inside them or otherwise attached to them.

Flaws:

Soulbound - Due to their manner of creation their souls much like that of the Corvans are bound to Gangari, making them incapable of fueling him through worship. Though they can't fuel anything else with worship either in fairness.

Bodiless -While they technically have a body in that they have a corporeal form, it is an inanimate form. It must be inserted into an Automaton or otherwise connected to a body to accomplish anything.

- Seasonal Cost of Maintaining Automaton/Simulacra Population= 2 Wealth per population.
- Automatons/Simulacra are unable to found settlements.
- There may only be as many Automaton/Simulacra pop units as there are territory units (settlements) in the controlling nation.

- Action is difficulty 11, with a cost of 4 AP. Total domain bonus applied to the roll is +8.

- Should have 17/21 AP at end of turn.

Spoiler: Collective's Actions

Major - Implement Black Swarms (Marsh Bee Training and Breeding, "Magic Eating Bug" Control and Breeding, Swarm Familiarization).

Major - Implement Firearms.

Major - Train Elite Unit - Occultists

Major - Train Elite Unit - Internal Security

Major - Deploy Legion to assist Third Auroran army against First Auroran Army in Saranda. Use everything again.

- Gain Automaton/Simulacra population of 1 through Gangari's actions.
- Gain Perk due to gaining a divinely created race.
- Perk: Living Creator - Collective Population units if captured through raids or invasion remain part of the Collective through loyalty to Gangari. Active resistance will remain in occupied territory.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Khyber, Talis

"I didn't expect you to leave Lot-Vos." Khyber remarked as he watched Yoren carefully walk off the boat. The arms and soldiers from Lot-Vos were arriving in droves. The soldiers flew but most of their equipment had to be shipped by various means. Large ferries and ships contained the firearms of the army. Yoren was too old to fly let alone use his wings properly after they were broken by Severyn.

"There's a lot of things you don't expect these days with the voices in your head gone." Yoren quipped. "Also I was getting sick of halflings."

The two walked into the city in full daylight yet it seemed like dusk. Dust filled the air as factories and nearby mines were working away in the surrounding areas. More Krakari were in the city due to the increase of jobs available and its handsome pay but often they did not know what awaited them. Stories of overworked Krakari dropping dead at their posts were leaking out of various factories and while some groups protested, not much could be done with the Council. Tensions were rising between the lower class and the upper class and it was palpable as they made their way to a safe house. Khyber's soldiers closed the door behind them and went to patrolling the property while Yoren seated himself on a wooden chair, much to his chagrin.

"The poorer are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer..." Yoren gasped as he struggled to straighten himself on the chair. "Another group to place the blame on when we strike."

"And all we need is a spark to set it all off." Khyber murmured, his mind dwelling on the plans laid out in his head. Even though his powers had left him, he still carried all the experience he had in all the fighting he did. He was an accomplished commander but this was almost something entirely different. "Have your men told you anything of the conflict to the south?"

"Just whispers so far." The elderly Krakari tried adjusting his position once more. "The Aurorans are moving in for the kill. The Collective shot a few workers in some misunderstanding about the borders. Ironically, I think the Krakari were shot by our own guns that we gave the Collective. The council is going to have some difficulty in deciding who to side with."

"If the Aurorans really wanted the conflict to be over with then they would have to hire mercenaries or ask the Grat for help." Khyber mused.

"If the Grat move, the council will declare war proclaiming that they are directly attacking their friend or sit on their asses while the workers gather their pitchforks. But hopefully, that won't happen. I know that Aerith will carry on with the plan." Yoren finally eased into his seat when one of the soldiers got a cushion. "Do you think she will?"

"Of course I do." Khyber said concisely, trying to hide his worry. "She's a soldier. She will follow orders, especially from me."

"Watch yourself." Yoren warned. "You aren't exactly the one calling the orders anymore."

"You know what I mean." Khyber said, dismissing the old Krakari's threat. "I trust her and I hope you do too."

"When you have lived for as long I have and seen the things I have seen, you will learn not to trust anybody." Yoren said.

[hr]

Aerith, Silver Claw

Aerith had to push through the crowd of overworked factory employees to get inside the Hall of Raptors. There were protests as more and more Krakari died in the mines or in the factories. Along with abysmal working conditions, the people were mad at how little the wealth was being spread among the common folk. As the Strix family mysteriously disappeared, all the peace left with them. The lower families aligned under the Strix had difficulty picking up where they had left off, leaving the educational infrastructure floundering among the protests. With the keepers of knowledge gone, the masses began clamoring.

She was finally escorted inside as guards beat the protesters with their rifles to disperse them. Inside, the Council didn't look any better. Family elders of the merchant classes were numbering less. She hadn't noticed the gradual decline but now it was very apparent that some Elders quit attending altogether. Aerith spotted her grandfather at his seat, looking grim.

"Ah, Aerith." He said with a heavy sigh. "I'm glad to see you well."

"Unlike some member of the council." Dehl rasped before letting out a loud cough. "Pardon me... these days, flying isn't necessarily the best way to get around the city with all the damned smoke in the air."

"All the smoke that we put in the air." Khyber's father said. He raised a finger to Yoren's cousin and pointed it at him. "We should not have polluted our skies with that filth." He looked back to the rest of the council. "My councilmen, we cannot live like this any longer. We must get new lands for our people or we shall choke on our own sins."

"A bit melodramatic, don't you think?" Dehl rolled his eyes. "But he does have a point. We need more room and I am sure that those protesters outside know that too."

"A valid point." Aeryn finally said, rubbing his head with frustration. The disappearance of the Strix must have put a strain on Aeryn considering that he is the face of the Elders. Aerith could see the strain in the old Krakari's eyes. "We must look to Pinnae then. Our territory in the south can temporarily solve our issues. We just need to be careful not to venture too close to Collective lands. I hear they have some sort of plague in their nation."

"Was it really worth shooting our own workers for though?" Dehl questioned. "If there was a plague, wouldn't we have known about it already? And why the outburst of violence all of a sudden. We send armaments and this is how they repay us?"

"It is a difficult situation." Aeryn said. "I do not understand it either but I am grateful we do not either. Plagues are not to be trifled with. I am sure there was a reason for the shootings but this cannot be lived down either."

"So should we help the Aurorans deal with the Collective then?" Dehl questioned. "I hear there is conflict within Auroran lands and Collective troops were spotted among the opposing rabble. We can ask the Aurorans to join in their pacification. I'm sure they won't mind."

"No intervention." Khyber's father protested once more. "We must focus on our own for now and those Grat. The Aurorans have not even done anything besides give us those damned reptiles to do anything about them. There are no reparations put out by the Aurorans. In fact, the Grat have only gotten bolder! Have you heard what they posted on our border checkpoints? Its simply barbaric."

"Then I propose we focus on Pinnae then for the most part. If we find anything worth doing, we need an army to do it. I'm sure we have enough Krakari who could clamor to get out here." Aeryn proposed. "In these days, trust is hard to come by so I advise all of you to watch out." Aeryn looked back to Aerith with a very serious face. "That goes double for you."

Spoiler: Actions

(Major)Implement Locomotives
(Major)Research smokeless powder-Improved gunpowder
(Major)Apply defensive fortifications to Pinnae
(Major)Raise third standing army in Pinnae
(Major)Settle west of Pinnae

(Minor)Send Apothecaries on a medical mission to war-torn areas.

 

[booksv2]

Merso, outside Saranda

Merso leading an army of Grat from the Shrifting sands slowly get closer to the edge of where the Aurorans are holding the boarder. Stopping a ways away and watching the soldiers walks around and preform patrols on the boarder Merso waves a squad made for scouting and hands them a roll of paper with the Auroran emperors mark on it and another with a clawed hand printed on the outside. Pointing at the boarder Merso says to them softly.
"Go and hand those to someone in charge, and bring back the reply."

Nodding the 5 Grat slink into the grasses and woods, sneaking past the patrolls and deeper into the taken land slowly till they come on a set of tents. Getting closer and closer one of them gets to within 100 yards before standing up and calling out to the tents that the patrols seem to be coming to to answer to.
"Hey the tents!"

"Greetings," a well-dressed officer appeared from one of the tents, surrounded by a number of his men, many of whom stared at the unusual race in amazement, "The Grat? I assume you are here in response to the Lord Deputy's request?"

The lone Grat comes forward and holds the roll of paper with the Auroian symbol out to the officer.
"In responce to this, yes."

"I am Captain Molton," the officer added as he told the roll of paper, "What is your reply?"

Handing the second paper over the Grat stays standing in front of the twice as large humans. The new paper reading 'From Merso commander of an army of Grat hunters. We are here to fight with Aurorans in exchange for money or land. Give your answer to the Grat scouts delivering this.'

"How much money?" Molton asked with a raised eyebrow.

The scout lifted one clawed hand and shrugged.
"Merso said that two chests of treasure(two wealth) is how much it is to have us fight for you. Two every season till we are done."

"It is a deal," the officer replied with a smile, technically he'd have to ask his superiors but it was such a good deal he couldn't see them turning it down.

The scout speaks up a second time after Captain Molton speaks up.
"Merso also wants to know who we will be fighting, so he knows what kind of spices to bring"

Looking up at Molton and the others around him carefully to see their reaction to that.

"Just some traitors from our own ranks, and maybe the Collective if they can still scrape an army together," the Captain shrugged, "No one too taxing, the spiders have already been cowed,"


The spines usually laying flat down the Grats soine and head lift and seem to shake slightly before laying back down. The scout taps his claws together as he nods.
"Ok, ill tell Merso. we will be joining your army with ours. They are just outside your patrols."

Turning the scout walks away, soon joined with the other four Grat just a few yards away. Turning back he calls out to Captain Molton.
"Do you have anything else for me to tell Merso?"
"Bring your best weapons," the Captain shouted back, "these rebels can be tricky!"

The scout waves back before the whole squad starts running back towards the lines and their own army

Sneaking past the patrols again the scout soon meets Merso again and stops very close.
?They said to come on in, and that we are fighting other Aurorans and some Collective.'

Merso narrows his eyes and stands straight, waving behind him several Grat start calling out and the whole army starts forward as Merso says under his breath softly.
?The Collective. Well, I am glad we have joined the right side.?

Spoiler: Action

Move Army from Shifting sands to Saranda