Empire Divided IC

Crumbli Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach Wandering Grim Hollow doodleSM Osthavula BLK OrenjiGatsu general ostruppen Karcen

all accepted CS's may post in the IC if you havent finished and post i will delete it.

"Miss Abrukt, the Duchy of Riret is requesting more shipments of, tea."
With a groan Irta looked from behind her little fort of work papers
"more?! there have been two shipments this month already!"
The secretary flinched at Irta's little outburst as she was normally a quiet woman. Irta slammed her elbow on the table and supported her head with her hand, on the brightside it means more monetary gain, she was quickly becoming one of the richest peoples of the continent but that was at the cost of work, lots of work, and complaints! all the complaints. Sighing she glanced at the painful mountain of papers she had to work on, most were minor things, complaints, requests, purchases and all. She of course had hired a small team of trusted individuals - all Naga, to help her with these papers but there were still tons of work for her. The one she was signing right then was a village's request for more townguards as banditry was increasing in the Kayoran Expanses, perhaps she should allow them to throw up a bulletin board for various jobs for adventurers? Writing that down on the parchment she looked back to her small human secretary whose only job was to inform her of menial things and tell people to talk to someone else.
"Tell them they will get their tea in a few weeks" she said begrudgingly
Bowing the Secretary quickly left the increasingly angry governor.
"im going to have to order more tea arent i?"
pulling three more papers along with the new one from Riret she signed them all, the other two were about expanding on the rest of the peninsula that Rimemere was in in which she was preparing to buy and claim soon, and the other was about concerns about the increasing pirate problem along the coasts along with a heavier military presence. You'd think with the added security of the Naga soldiers priates would decrease but with that there were more valuables on board the ships.


Yawning Rainer was ontop of a poorly built watch tower, if any bandit party was gonna attack this tower probably wouldn't withstand a normal kick but it was pretty tall and provided a good line of sight to a well known trade route that people across Ovalina used to get to Hapsivania. Although some mistake the nearby town of Rigak to be it and would sell their wears there instead, others would simply stay there as it was "close enough" in fact Rainer himself was one of those people, he used to be a poor farm boy that ran away from home after he was sick and tired of doing the same thing over and over again accomplishing nothing. Then he found himself traveling along the trade routes doing menial work to get by until he got to Rigak. Being a townguard wasnt his first choice but it was better than be another hand in a farm, here he could actually help people, although it wasnt exactly the most glamorous of lives sitting up in a tall-ish tower looking over a caravan that just entered his view.

They seemed to be coming from the nearby village judging from their large convoy of wagons and cattle it seems they were either going to settle into the city or unload a lot of goods. The peaceful scenery however was ruined as the caravan's people reacted to something in the woods. Rainer got up from his seat squinting at the large caravan and immediately rang the bell to alert the nearby town of a bandit attack. Another day.

Shogunate Of Enryaku-ji
Kimozaki in the Honoji province

The city of Kimozaki was brought alive by the markets and other establishments opening, blacksmiths hammering away and the everyday chatter of the peasants and monks. The guards where ever vigilant on their posts, keeping a watchful eye on their people. It was a fairly normal day in the Shogunate. In truth, nothing interesting had happened since they had arrived here, little to no interaction had happened between them any any other kingdoms or duchies. Save for the odd exchanges of waves the fishermen would give each other. Although this could be to blame on the Shogunates policy of isolationism when they where building up their cities.

The normally quiet lower halls of the Shoguns keep was shattered by the bust footsteps of a minor messenger. He moved through the hallways and past guards, after showing them the appropriate seals and certificates. The keep was oddly humble for someone who was essentially the king, a demi god. But it was a pleasant place. Well built and strong. He eventually came to teh main room. The Shogun was eating with his generals. The head of warfare, subterfuge and the navy. There where all dressed in equally humble and plain clothes, sitting on the floor taking tea and talking. The messenger bowed and he was let in, the two great guards letting him pass.

His word where in their native tongue, but they where still formal and polite. "My lord, the traders wish to disembark to new lands and trade with the natives and the monks wish to set up new temples. As well as other things, many traders and monks have put forth this suggestion" he said before bowing his head once again. "Hmm, a time to greet the natives. It could be equally beneficial and dangerous" Yamagata stated before looking back at the others. "True. Our people, faith and even structure as a society are all different, we might be seen as hostile" Ishino added, giving a nod.

"In my experience, if they wanted us gone they would have done it by now" Shouni said, looking straight to the Shogun. Yuota stopped and thought for a moment before speaking up "That might be so, but, it is our duty to help those who may be in trouble, is it not?" he asked them "I believe that the people have spoken the truth, it is time to make ourselves known. Send a messenger and some guards, it never hurts to be safe" he said with a slight smirk, looking over to Yamagata.

Sometime passed before a man was chosen. Shinjou Nagamoto, a well known trader and diplomat was sent forth with 30 guards, made up of warrior monks and shizoku. The men departed with the Shoguns blessing and they where praised as they walked through the streets and out the front gates, towards the Duchy Of Riret.
Crumbli

Shinjou Nagamoto visual reference.

The young lady ran as fast as her feet could take her, over the mossy cobblestone roads of the middle Vors. On either side of her, large plantation houses rose up from the hilly landscape and on them, little slave cabins with yellow in the windows from the lanterns of the slaves as they did their dinner cooking. Slave-drivers on horses patrolled around the wooden post fences that lined the fields of cotton and beans and corn, and watched as the young woman dressed in the livery of the House Grissen dashed past and over the hill. Cresting the rise, the gates of Vorsburg came into view: an imposing old city set on a plateau above the surrounding grasslands of a formidable height. Her feet carried her through the gate, down the crowded streets, and to the very gates of Castle Vorstein before---a sudden force, like a being struck from a tree branch on horseback, knocked the wind right out of her. She found herself pinned against the nearby wall.

"Oh," slurred a voice from the lips of her assailant, a pale blonde man with an impossibly cruel face, "what is this?"

"Le' me gawh," she coughed, attempting to catch her breath and trying to pry his arm away from her throat.

"What's such a pretty young lass such as yourself doing out at such an hour? Why, the night would just eat you up." He said, darkly and menacingly. He opened his mouth to bare his alabaster white fangs, causing the woman to squirm harder and more desperately. Suddenly, a wooden cane flew from the left and lodged itself squarely in the vampire's mouth. The wielder, another such creature with a darker and more pensive countenance.

"Freid, you disgust me with your opportunism. Have you no shame? Don't you see she bares the livery of House Grissen?"

"So she does." The first vampire muttered, releasing his hold on her. The other vampire closed. "Why have you come?" He demanded.

She reached meekly in her messenger bag and withdrew a single white letter sealed with red wax. "A letter, from his lordship the Duke, to be delivered as fast as possible."

"Where is your horse?"

"Broke its leg four miles back. I had to run here."

The vampire smiled sardonically. "Very well. You are dismissed."

The messenger did not have to be asked twice. She turned and bolted for the gates, never looking back. The older vampire turned to Freid. "Your appetite was going to get us in some trouble with the Duke, youngling." He said, stressing the last word in an attempt to be as condescending as possible. "Let us take the letter to the Count, he will want it immediately."

"Your grace, if I may," began the old general, "the provinces of Grissenholt have grown quite crowded of late, especially the cities which are becoming dens of pestilence and crime. Our people need room to expand. To the west lies the sea, to the east the disjointed provinces of the Empire."

"The Empire is dead, time has killed it." The Duke replied, looking out the window of the palace towards the docks and open ocean past Grissen City, the triple and double masted sailing ships unloading their cargoes by torchlight. "Such a bloated, bureaucratic morass was destined to die. I count myself fortunate to be the one to lead my people into a new age."

The general looked at his shoes. "Yes, well, there are other concerns. Namely, the vampires of the Vors. They have grown in power and influence over the last century and I fear their designs are for your throne, sir."

"Perhaps," Grissen admitted, "I have sent word to Count Vorstein. He is to appear before my court before four days have passed."

"Why do you wish such a worm to haunt these halls?"

Grissen smiled. "A renewing of the vows of fealty."

The city of slaves was bustling as always as traders from distant lands all seeking slaves and trading gold and other goods for those that the clan caught for the Siigonis made good slaves they were strong and durable unlike the elves that so many used, still they were much more costly because of the difficulty in obtaining them. Still all knew this could not go on forever and none knew this more than the chief of the clan who was even now seeking some alternative so that they could advance as it seemed that as just one clan. Still they could not farm, for the soil did not work for the normal cash crops that the other nations liked. the also did not fully control their homelands, as they needed other tribes to exist and have their own territory in order to raid them for more slaves. Still there was a solution that was being cooked up flesh magic could alter beings thus perhaps it could make creatures to birth more slaves rapidly for sale until something else could be devised. Still even if the entire swamp was not united there had been changes instead of wooden huts the population of Staad kolos dovah hil nok now lived in more modern stone dwelling and while they might be crude by the standards of the others it was a sign of change. other nations might notice or they might continue to look down on the barbaric and crude Siigonis like they always had. That would one day change and the current Chief would make sure of that she would lead her people out of their stagnant traditions and into a great future, still the first steps were currently taking far longer than she had liked. she had even started to try to move to less slavery and more diverse goods but swamp poppy just did not grow in large enough numbers to replace anything and few were interested in the herbal remedy of such backwards people. There would be a solution one day the the world would see they were not below them, and that future currently was upon two the chief and her pet mage.



The lab of Slenmedronk was one of the more expensive building that had been built in the past few years and was filled with any instrument that could be traded for, from books on the anatomy of other races, to medical instruments, to exotic drugs, every thing that could help was supplied and while this was a blessing it was also a curse as if he didn't develop what he promised then this would be one big waste of money and there would be no way he or his magic would survive. Still Slen was sure he was onto something, while originally 2 enhancements had been enough to nearly cause death, he had refined them as he understood more about the body. the chances of survival had gone up even more after his dissections of his own kind and his documentation their differences now he could enhance strength and other factors once with little trouble, though of course there were physical side effects from such changes but they were not deadly. Still every step was once closer to what was his goal, or well what he had promised, but sadly none of the subjects had survived and that was perhaps a mercy given what others that did survive had become. the flesh crazed while not fully gone were abbe rations that were no longer completely sane, and Slen did hope to one day cure them, but for now there was no way he was still working on making the enhancements undoing them was far more complex. Still a new subject, number 34 was showing promise she was up to three alterations and while she was no longer mentally functional , a mercy in truth, she was for the most part healthy; or as healthy as she could be. The subject was still a long way to done but already her skeleton had been altered as had her mind and her body was expanding slowly. The key was to create a better reproduction cycle, a fast one capable of making many children or something like them. the best solution Slen had come up with had come from ants perhaps understanding their queens would help him figure out how to continue his work on 34.

The duchy of Riret (Turn 1)
The palace of the Duchess, Atita, Pinto, Duchy of Riret

The duchess was always known to live in luxury. Her palace was young but already adorned with many of the greater pieces of history that Riret had to offer. This was, officially, her second residence though she did have a number of houses and embassies that she enjoyed staying at all over the duchy. The new palace was by far her favourite of all of course. It wasn't as tall as the old palace, it wasn't as regal either but its facilities were all modern and its garden was to die for. Waltzing the paths of her courtyard, the duchess finds comfort from the recent passing of the former general. She'd been cold at his wake, and proper at his funeral, but the deaths of any adviser hit her hard.

With her walks the lady of the land, and her personal maid Linnor. Celestine stops to smell a rose, gently grabbing it by the base and bending it towards her nose. She inhales through her nostrils, filling her senses with the beautiful odour the flower and the appealing sight of its yellow petals. A gentle sigh escapes her lips as she fixes her posture and looks at the plants from walking distance. "They invest much time in these gardens. The old palace only had red and pink roses, never white nor gold nor orange. Especially not black. And the Dahlias are gorgeous of course."
"Of course, your grace." Says Linnor, picking up the trail again to walk towards the nearest of the duchess' four strategically placed gazebos. "I've seen none their equal, your grace." Corona adds, waiting for the duchess to finish smelling the roses. Celestine is slow to comply with the unspoken requests of her trusted advisors. She walks towards the gazebo and offers the two guards awaiting her a polite bow of her head. They remain unmoving and continue to stare into the distance. She enters its vine covered roof and takes a seat on a short white chair by the table. Everything there was shorter for the duchess and other Divinalita to find comfort but tall enough to comfortably house any guest. "Linnor, could you be a dear and get us some tea?"
"Of course, your grace." Linnor replies, making her way out of the gazebo and following the path back to the palace. Celestine and Corona were alone with the lady of the land standing awkwardly by the table's side. There was a seat for her but she felt it wrong to be seated without permission. Celestine recognises the awkward nature of the woman and looks towards the chair in front of her. "Sit. Please."
"As you wish, your grace." Corona grabs the back of the chair and pulls it out from the table. The chair was wide enough to seat her and while low it may be, she could still rest comfortably in the chair. Their painted white wood and golden dyed cushions made them rather stylish and easy to rest in for passing hours. Something the duchess did in them quite frequently.

A few minutes pass and Linnor returns with another Cervi. In her hands was a silver tray carrying a tea pot and what appeared to be small bowls of different tea blends and sugar cubes. The other carried a tray for the cups and saucers, and what appeared to be a fairly large bowl of steaming water. No one beyond Linnor was allowed to handle Celestine's tea and everyone in the palace knew that. The two approach the table and set the trays down. They take the contents from them and lay them out in an aesthetically pleasing manner across the small circular table. Once finished, the other Cervi takes the trays away and leaves the trio to enjoy their tea.
"Which would you like, your grace?"
"I need some nice surprises. I'll close my eyes." Celestine closes her eyes and plants her hands in her lap. She then waits patiently for her maid to pour her a cup of tea. Linnor is more than willing to comply and begins to brew a pot of tea for the duchess. She takes a handful of leaves from one of the bowls and places it into the pot. She then adds the steaming water and places the lid of the tea pot back on top of it. With the tea now brewing she sits down by at the table. A moment of silence passes with the three sitting calmly by the pot. If there was anything for her to know, now would be the time that she was informed by her spy master.

The Vela estate, Near the funnel lake, Cadalso, Duchy of Riret

With his hands planted firmly into the mattress of his bed, the admiral lowers his lips to the neck of the woman beneath him. She turns her face away from his and lets out a wavering breath as he gently pecks at the tender skin. She closes her eyes and keeps her hands laid out against the blankets of the bed with her fanned out hair concealing one of the many pillows present. He moves his left hand down the sides of her body, feeling nothing but skin against his hardened fingers. He lowers himself to his elbow and leans heavily to his right, putting all of his pressure on his right arm to allow him a gentler touch against her skin. "I missed you Lyra. It might only have been for a day but emperors above did I miss your touch."

She opens her eyes staring off to a drawer on the other side of the room. On top of it was a mirror, and hanging from the edges was his naval suit jacket. "Are you certain you only missed me?" She feels the seal of his lips against her skin break, the warmth of his breath washing over the area in silence at her words. He pulls his face away from the area moving his hand from her hips up to her face. With a lover's touch he pulls her chin towards him and stops once their eyes meet. His stern and uncaring eyes spoke another language to her. He lowers his face to hers and presses his lips against hers for but a second before returning his head to the former elevation.
"I missed you. No one else."
"You have other things toys, don't you?" The woman looks up at him with disapproval bolstering her every word. "I was talking with the other Cervi. About love. If it was possible for a master to love his Cervi in a way beyond property. If a Cervi could love their master in a way other than she should." The admiral begins to move around, rising up to an upright position and moving his hands away from her face and side. Her turns around so his legs may hang from the ends of the bed and his back is turned to her. He moves his right hand onto the woman's stomach and continues to listen, gently rubbing the bare skin. "No one said it was possible. Even your other toys. So why do you lie to me, why does my body lie to me, why does nothing make sense?"
"If it made sense it'd be easy, Lyra. The emperors don't work like that. I'm not lying when I tell you these things and neither is your body. Neither is my body. I don't feel the same with the other Cervi as I do with you, and I'm not sure I'd want to either." He feels her abdominal muscles begin to tighten as she rises herself from her lying posture and lets go of her stomach. She pulls herself upright and swings her legs around to touch the cold wooden boards of the floor with her toes. She rests against his weathered body and feels the warm embrace of his arm around her. The hairs of his beard touch her forehead as he turns to press his lips against her scalp. "I wish I knew how to make this work, or make it go away." She mumbles as she hides her face into his chest.

The barracks, Biede, Viyao, Duchy of Riret

Angered by his lack of pain over the recent passing of his close friend and mentor, the general returns home to Viyao and begins to mobilise the army. Foreign nations and lands owned by petty nobles littered the country side. No more would he stand to allow such a thing to stop the duchy and his men from bringing the land's order. He'd been granted permission to rally the army of course but his intentions were still concealed from the duchess and the others of the court. His horses remains quiet as he trots down the cobbled path in front of the barracks. Outside the building stood two men in moderate shape holding what appeared to be spears with their shields resting against their legs.
"Attention, soldiers! You aren't paid to lounge around." He kicks his left foot free of its stirrup and brings his leg over the horse before dismounting the stead and walking inside the open gate to the building. He sees men in the courtyard firing bolts at targets to improve their aim and finds himself somewhat calmed by their proper form and decent aim. He was on edge and for good reason. He ascends a flight of stairs and enters a room with four other men. Cervi littered the edges but they weren't really people in his eyes, and thus weren't worthy of his attention.

He walks towards the table in the middle of the room before he's offered a goblet of wine by one of the faceless servants around the room. He holds it up to his lips and takes a sip. The moment the liquid hit his lips he finds himself able to focus his attention on the matter at hand. The province of Portilla was an independently run province connected to both Faras and Viyao, with a well established port already in place and access to the river that gave inner Regalia most of its trade. With a key location such as this it'd further push their hold over the tea trade, provide them with a new harbour for their many ships, and cut off the live blood of inner Regalia should ever they need to.
Diplomatic talks with the province had already concluded and they turned up less than favourable results with the terms "Slavery" and "Loyalist scum" appearing a number of times throughout the talks. While they were certain that not everyone present held such a disdain for the empire leaving this province in the hands of separatists such as they was not an option. At least not in the eyes of the general. "How long until we can march?" Asks the general placing his goblet down on the map.

"The forces of Viyao are almost assembled and those of Faras await your orders. Taking the province will be but a trivial matter. The hardest part will be the two castles from the Divine wars. Fort Banari and Rovigo were known as the impregnable peaks but that was in a time before the might of sulphur. Based on the stone work of ancient structures in Riret a series of volleys from a team of engineers should be more than enough to put a considerable hole within their defences."
"And if they're not?"
"If they're not, their location isn't one with many farms nor is it close to the water. We can always starve them out over the course of a month or so, though avoidance is also an option. They are only situated in the southern parts of the province. Send diplomats in after we've taken the towns and explain to them that they've lost. It'd be safer but we open up the possibility of allowing survivors the right to make demands or inspire others and rally their people against us once more."
"What can you tell me of the terrain?"
"No different to Viyao's short of the water and sand. Open fields, scattered houses, plenty of crops. You can spot the castles and the towns on the horizon if you're close enough."
"What of their army?"
"Nothing but conscripts and the odd hunter on a work horse. From what our agents inform us they've no sulphur and they prefer the feeling of swords and bows."
"They use war bows then?"
"Not even. Any seriously harmful weapon appears to have been invested into their navy which is, again, lacking. We should seem but a summer breeze. Surprising and welcomed."

The embassy, Sarro, Faras, Duchy of Riret
KindlyPlagueDoctor

Faras was the closest claim of the duchy to the shogunate. Their ways were mostly a mystery and any spy that managed to work their way into the lands were slow to respond and often struggled to adapt to the strange language. Still, there were some who made it in and did learn the language. The arrival of the ambassador was a surprise to the commoners within the small town built around the docks of Faras' northern most shores but not to the soldiers who met him there. He'd brought more men than was reported and by arriving with thirty men he certainly made his presence known.
He finds himself escorted to the embassy by these men with the alternative being "a painful farewell" as the captain present so elegantly put it. The ride to the city wasn't too long, taking just over an hour and when they arrived to the city they were greeted by soldiers moving about the streets rather openly. Officers patrolled with lists and flags of the duchy were strung from every third building. While the display wasn't intended for the approaching ambassador, it was one the politicians of the duchy weren't going to let slip by.

Arriving at the embassy of the city the soldiers tell his men to relinquish their weapons to the guards of the building and to wait there until a representative of the duchess could see them. The building was one the duchess didn't frequent often but it was certainly built well enough to house her with her expensive tastes comfortably. The building had the flag in every hallway and colour themed rooms to match the regional scheme of gold and brown. The ambassador known as Shinjou Nagamoto was entitled to stay in a proper suite, while his guards were invited to stay at the embassy's small barracks for housing guards and other less important characters.
To meet with the ambassador and settle him in were a number of Cervi and a sentinel. While the Cervi tend to his every need, the sentinel remains within viewing distance at all times. In his suite was everything he could ever need including a number of casked drinks that had yet to be tapped. His arrival is relayed to the duchess who approves him access to Atita but only under the conditions that he leaves two thirds of his guards in Sarro and that he remains in the embassy for a week to get acquainted with Riret customs.

Somehow, 63 of the 72 senate members had shown up for a meeting, which meant that either the national budget was up for debate, or a seat was up for grabs. Of course, it was the latter. Gerald Von Harstaan had been jailed three weeks prior for attempted murder. The Senate all unanimously agreed that the man would be removed from his position, but there were two candidates up for consideration. Elfreid Von Harstaan, his son, and Farjan Likjanstaan, the son of the mayor of Haakensburg. The two men were both respected among the majority of present senators, as they both embodied exactly what the older men who ran the republic believed the senate to be. Of course, there was opposition to the prospective men to fill the seats, but they were the nine who failed to show up. Several lively hours of debate would ensue when the High Minister opened discussion, assuming the man did so today. High Minister Spaats personally was opposed to the two new bloods, as he viewed them both as a challenge to his authority, as neither were suggested by him. The old wolf had spent the last ten days sitting at his podium, filling out paperwork, as the rest of the senate did the same. Of course, today several senators came prepared with emergency bills that they would propose, which would include the appointment of a replacement. The Minister was grimly aware of this, and with the smashing of his gavel, he declared the debate open for all. In the few moments that followed, three senators all got up, and convened directly in front of the High Minister's podium, feigning a discussion that bordered on shouting. The meant to be heard by the man in his tower, and they did just that.
"All parties opposed to voting on the matter of Senator Harstaan's replacement, please stand," He grumbled, "You lot are getting rowdier by the minute." He tacked on at the end, making sure to draw the ire of the few who actually wished to see the stalwart out of the senate.
When the vote was called, the second Harstaan was elected by a resounding majority of 43 to 18. Of course, as all Madjian senate sessions go, the minority leader stood up, and raised a hand next to his head, akin to a child waiting to be called upon by his teacher.
"Minister... Loone, what matter do you raise to us today?" Spaats questioned, bordering on a growl as he spoke the man's name. The two often butted heads, as the leader of a slim majority that was unpredictable, and the head of a rank-and-file minority.
"I thank you for honoring my request, High Minister. Today I have come forth to propose a new direction for our grand republic. We all recognize the power of Madjia's fleet, as we are an unchallenged force south of the Timberlands, but what good is that force if we do not use it? Self defense has never been a part of our long and honorable tradition. Ministers of the Madjian National Senate, I have come before you to propose the creation of a new government ministry, within this bill. You have all read it, I trust. For those who have not, I am proposing the creation of a government office dedicated to the resettlement of our good and honorable citizens into foreign unclaimed lands. The creation of the Madjiaskolonie." The man said. With each sentence, his wiry frame shook with more emotion than seemed possible from a man of his age.
Most ministers did not expect this act to be put to a vote so soon, and as such many who would oppose it had not even bothered reading it. Some had not even read it, however, this was the only bill that the minority head had proposed that Spaats approved of.
"Ministers, we shall put this matter to a vote, forgoing discussion. All in opposition, please stand." Spaats commanded. Around 20 or so members of the majority tentatively stood up, hoping the rest of their comrades would join them, "All in favor, please rise." The minister finished. An off 32 some senators stood in favor, allowing for the passage of the bill. The Madjiaskolonie would now receive funding from the navy, and would be allowed to use any funds it made to directly benefit itself, instead of returning them to the government.
Hans Merchenshaff looked up from the last document he needed to sign to officially take action, under the ministry's name. The human who he had appointed as his assistant was proving to be an oddly efficient administrator.
"Say, Faiyat, do you think the senate would mind if I sent you to run the first settlement?" The elf asked as he set the only document that stated Merchenshaff by name as the man who would run the original colony, on the desk. The man peered up curiously. He wore half-rimmed glasses, and had long white hair, despite only being four years the senior of Hans.
"Well, I can't see why they would want the brains of the operation leaving the mainland..." He said, confirming what Hans hoped. He struck out his own name, and wrote down Faiyat Von Herack, in his place. He signed the paper document, and leaned back.
"You'll be leaving for the cape in a week." Hans announced as the man left the office.
Standing on the steps in the cold coastal air, the man shivered as a bit of brush bounced off his face. Shaking himself back into reality, he walked down the stone stairs, onto a set of scaffolding that overlooked the docks where 16 ships were being loaded for the expedition. The city always seemed cloudy, and today it looked especially dreary. The plan had been to establish a colony at a location which would provide more lumber and raw metals for the Madjian ships, as the commissions showed no signs of slowing down. The obvious location was a nearby island of sorts, which held minerals in abundance, below thick wooded hills. Within weeks of the decision to resettle, the Madjiaskolonie offices had rounded up 4,000 Kobolds, Humans, and Elves to populate the first colony, most of whom were poor and unemployed peasants who had been promised a better life, and stable work in the colony. Of course, such a massive undertaking needed a non-governmental sponsor to grow so quickly, and they found that in the largest Mining company in Madjia, Taaganmeschmitten, or often just Taag. In the honor of their sponsorship, the Senate quickly had agreed to name the colony in their honor, as well as granting exclusive commercial mining rights to the company. Of course, the Elf and the Man had spent weeks toiling away in the offices, rushing to get everything under control. Officially, as of the momeny Faiyat exited the office, he was the governor of Taagesval, as the colony would be named. Of course, there would likely be resistance from the locals, albeit primitive harassment at best, the Senate agreed to send along 120 Pike-men from the Republic Army.

"Sir, we've just received word from the Senate that we are to send a trade delegation to the-" A young round-faced boy said, rushing into the offices of the Officer's Committee. He was cut short by a grizzled old captain, obviously looking to take advantage of the new vacancy in the admiral's seat.
"I don't care who it's to, but send our fastest trade ship. Make sure the payment is actually loaded this time. Oh, and make requisition a few mages from the army to serve as the guards." The captain growled. In the past, this boy had never failed to disappoint him with his incompetency. If the man had it his way, the boy would be back at home with his rich parents, serving tea to local businessmen and their wives. However, few things had gone this man's way. He spent the first ten years of his career in the Navy working aboard an escort ship that watched over fishing vessels when a storm was brewing. After he was finally promoted and was allowed to serve on a warship, the crew turned out to be a lot of disorderly swine who rarely obeyed their orders. His only stroke of luck came after three years aboard that ship when he finally tamed the crew, and the captain died in a battle with some pirates. The man was recognized as the captain of the ship and was officially promoted, but he was brought in as an administrator for the next leg of his career.
Being cut short of course makes most people want to leave, and that the boy did. Near waltzing out the door, he found the captain of the Maria, the fastest ship in the Madjian navy that was not a warship, and gave the captain his orders: Stock up on gold, take some Mages, and sail to the Offeiriad State's capital.

• The Senate actually agreed on something (Wow), and commissioned the creation of a colony a short sail away from their own lands
• The Admiral in charge of the colonial offices assigned his assistant to govern the new region
• The Senate sent a trade delegation to the Offeiriads. OrenjiGatsu

Two barons of the nearby provinces arrived, the rulers of these provinces seemed to have problems with the city bleeding over and naga control becoming increasingly stronger within the region. Irta Abrukt accepted to a meeting discussing their concerns about the increasing population and the demand for more space in the city however they anticipated the Arasi herself, silly surface dwellers. She watched heir entourage walk toward her palace from high up above they were accompanied by five men wearing their individual coat of arms from the small kingdoms they belonged to. Irta readied herself preparing for their reactions and possible threats they will no doubt shout at her. In the meeting room seats were prepared, meals were made, slaves were ready to serve and wines were poured, as the two barons entered the room at the same time, their shock was apparent when they were met with a familar face at the end of the table and not what they were anticipating to be the absolute ruler of the dynasty that had brought them so much wealth.
"High Governor Abrukt? where is the Voshali?"
"The Arasi, is not on the continent as of now, she is occupied by matters that are beyond Ovalina, take a seat, i will discuss your concerns with you" she gestured to the table and on que two slaves walked forward and pulled two chairs out for them.
The barons looked at each other, wary and unsure of what to do now that their request was seemingly denied and this may have been Naga trickery that they've heard so much about. Sitting down they stared at the governess, questions raced through their mind as she looked at them with a big smile and wide eyes.
"ahem, Governess, thank you for your hospitality but-"
"you are here to discuss territories once again are you not?"

The two grew silent, and dug into their seats. "y-yes" the both of them nodded looking up at their host. "Ahem. Your city is infringing into our provinces. We urge you to keep your citizens in control." Irta gave them a fake expression of urgency and worry. "I am sorry but i cant change what my people think." Sliding over to the window of the room she looked out onto her sprawling city before glancing back at them. "How about i offer you a buy out? i will buy off your provinces and you can continue your lives as wealthy business men" her false smile permeated as she finished her sentence, the two barons faces grew pale and their knuckles turned white. It was now apparent that this meeting they had scheduled was a trap, where they thought they would have at least compromised their demands it was instead set up for the Governess's demands. If they refused she could have them outright killed and take over by force, and it was well known that under naga rule no other race could run a business making her latter statement a joke. One of the barons jumped up from his seat. "BULLSHIT! THIS WAS ALL A RUSE! IF YOU BUY OUR PROVINCES THAT OUR FAMILIES HAVE RULED OVER FOR GENERATIONS WE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE OUR BIRTH-LAND!" Irta gave them a passive expression it was expected that these old aristocrats would attempt to hold on to whatever they can, blinded by old tradition and ignorant to how much she had given them. "it was simply a suggestion, you may decline if you'd like" She shrugged with her top pair of arms the other two at her sides and middle crossed. The other man stood up to join his outraged neighbor. "If we decline you will simply kill us outright, you have every strategic advantage over us right now." he was much more calm however his words brought a glare that could cut through steel

"Dont lump me in with you Bakchir, unlike you savages i dont kill for no good reason. And what do you hope to achieve stating these assumptions when you are under my mercy?" The two barons trembled and fell back into their chairs what could they do? Irta slid near to the table that their plates of untouched food was on, and slamed one of her palms on the table showing the dark claws on her finger tip to them. "Do you accept my deal? or will you leave?" She suspected them to succumb to her demands but they did not. Without a word they got up from their seats and left the room, they were most likely going to prepare for a war, so shall she.

Arriving at the port of Caer, Creirgul looked about noting the size and determining the prosperity of the city in mind. It wasnt too impressive, in all honesty it seemed like your average city other than the large canal that controlled ships going travelling from north to south and vice versa. Speaking of which he was reminded why exactly he was there, to discuss the taxation and guarantee of keeping the naga ships following through. This path was the fastest and most commercial route to Grissenholt which gained the attention of Governess Aburkt, hopefully the ruler of this kingdom will accept some sort of compromise to lessen the taxes and maybe even abolish them.
OrenjiGatsu

The embassy, Duchy of Riret

The group reached the Duchy after some time of travelling. Their first contact was a town they soon found out to be called Faras. Shinjou Nagamoto soon began to think that coming with thrity guards may have been a bit much, after all, some could have considered them a raiding party if they weren't careful. Admittedly they where caught by surprise that the natives could speak the language of the shogunate, albeit not completely fluent it was impressive, he wondered how they learned it. Perhaps some monks or farmers had been teaching it. Shinjou himself was in part chosen because he knew some of the native language, but not much. If anything, this put him to shame.

He and his men accompanied the native soldiers to the city. The hour long ride was interesting, mostly the guards giving each other strange or inquisitive looks. For one thing their armor was different and they had physical facial differences, Shinjou and his men having "sharper" features. Although he personally thought none of them had a nice a mustache as he had. Upon reaching the city Shinjou and his men looked on in awe and curiosity at how different it was to the shogunate, they found it fascinating. These natives where so different, or was it them that where so different?

The guards where hesitant at first to relinquish their weapons, while yes, some of them knew martial arts and could defend themselves and Shinjou. Fists and feet vs swords and spears was not something that would be without causalities. Eventually however Shinjou managed to convince his men that it was the right thing to do, after all they had to honor their hosts wishes. Shinjou himself withdrew the short sword from under his robe and gave it in. His men also did the same. Now the guards would be taking care of a large collection of pole arms, swords, bows and daggers.

Shinjou was thankful for his room. He was still marveling at this new architecture. He noticed the flags colors across the building, definitely a patriotic touch. His men, a mix of warrior monks and shizoku, where contempt with their barracks, again most of the design foreign to them they found it interesting. They took this time to rest and some to pray for good fortune. Shinjou Nagamoto didn't ask the Cervi for much and he was polite to both them and the sentinel. He was happy that he was allowed entry, even if he could only take ten guards with him, either way he was fairly excited to learn about the customs of this native kingdom.

Crumbli

Count Vorstein stood gloves in hand before the Duke who peered down at him from the elevated platform on which his throne rested. Before the duke, the vampire looked meak and almost unassuming. This concealed his mallicious and duplicitous nature, but did not fool the Duke who knew how conniving his subordinate really was.

"Your grace," lisped the vampire, "it is... an honor to stand before you. I came as soon as my fleetest horse could carry me here. What is your wish?"

"Spare me your pieties, Vorstein. You pretend as if you are my most loyal of vassals, and yet I have time and time again discovered your agents at work in my household."

"Rabble, my liege. They are not my agents."

The Duke narrowed his eyes at him, and between them there was a silent recognization of the truth. The Duke sighed and placed his head against his knuckles in thought before sitting back up.

"Vorstein, you are charged with leading a small ducal force into the province of Lelane, part of the Duchy of Lessau. The Senatorial authorities there are weak and we have longstanding claims to the territory. Rout them, establish order, and make ready for the installation of a new vassal."

Vorstein appeared almost shocked. "Aye, you grace." He placed his right arm against his left shoulder and bowed at the waist.

"Do not fail me, Aleksandr. Consider this a test of your loyalty."

Vorstein couldn't have blanched even if he was scared. "I will not fail."


The horn sounded to return to the mines after lunch. A queue of halflings formed at the far end of the yard, pickaxes and shovels over their shoulders and marched into the gaping mouth of the coal mines. Between the coal yard and the armor workshops belching flame into the sky was a cobble road well-trodden by soldiers in heavy armor. A line of haldberdiers was marching, accompanied by a column of handcannoneers and a few more gunners in the distinctive livery of the House Vorstein, vampires in their blood red tunics and steel armor carrying their mantlets on their backs and their muskets shouldered. Behind them, some mounted troops with the command staff, in the midst of which rode Count Vorstein on a black horse. Some of the halflings working at the ovens of the forges stopped shoveling coal to watch the soldiers pass, sighing quietly to themselves. Their lungs were black and scarred with coal dust, all so the tall ones could kill each other.


Army of 1,200 Halberdiers, 400 Handcannoneers, and 300 Vampiric Handcannons under the command of Count Vorstein invade the province of Lelande, Duchy of Lessau.

Progress had been made, though it was still slow going given the crude methods for dissection available to him. Insects were far more difficult to cut apart properly because of their small size, but still he had managed to get it done after the first few times where the queens had been crushed. Slen had figured after reviewing collected knowledge that basing his work upon ants would not due as they sometimes laid eggs and some times didn't they needed constant eggs, thus a termite queen was a better basis, though he foresaw mutation issues. Still ha had cut them open and learned how their insides worked how the eggs were made and what did what inside their bodies, though some of it was guessing again his options for gaining a bigger view of such tiny things was limited to a magnifying glass. Thus Slen had rapidly developed a new mutation for 34, though this likely would require even further mutations to perfect.

Thus late int he evening the ritual was conducted, as Slen and several of his apprentices/assistants held forth and placed the various components to this new spell as Slen focused his will upon the body of the test subject. As with any primal unrefined magic the casting was somewhat chaotic, causing mild issues like unnatural winds, and unnatural lights. Still they were all used to this and as the spell continued the components started to burn as their essence was siphoned off to fuel the changes. The essence had to be properly balanced a certain amount of various bits required while any extra was dispersed and could cause more issues, but this was to small to cause anything to horrid.

The subject would start to change, it's already mutated form shedding it's scales and revealing a very light brown flesh like skin. On the back of the subject the flesh gathered and budged growing and growing as new organs were grown. While those mutations grew extra arms burst out from the subject, ad the eyes turned into insect like orbs, but still the thing lived. These mutations took hours before the new insect abdomen grew in. The subject had again survived, now they just had to wait and see what it would produce and further refine this alteration.

"Sgathach, we need to talk..."
pacing around the the hallways of the Castle of the Great Warrior Maid of Ashenfall, Sgathach steps out of the warm tub of water that she bathe in, her relaxation interupted by none other than her sister, Aoife, the Wife of her great champion.

"What is it, Aoife? my presence is needed once again?"
She barely had the time to cover herself as Aoife rushed in, both parties did not take heed in this moment of embarassment to the both of them.

"No. but... i must ask of you tolook after Connla. train him to be like his father... i will be busy in the coming days, The Great Houses has made contact with a faction in the nordenlands. I must head back to the Capital at once."

"Oh..."
An Audiable sigh, she dislike the idea of training Aoife's son in the ways of his father, but she cannot deny her sister's request.

"Then on my honor, even if i disagree with it. i will still do it."

​

"Freagarthach, what can you tell me?" Looking at the map of the world, small flags impaled on the map with varying colors. as if its a battle map.

"Nothing new... but my scouts report movement from the South... a small faction... one of my hunters even interacted with them. perhaps they are able to trade..." The Hunter kneeled to greet the Representative of the Great houses.

"No. judging from the Map... we dont have Connecting roads towards them... we may need some... Land... Lead a Group of Rangers and Colonists first. then control the area." Sipping from his Tankard, The Ranger left to rally his Forces, their objective, the capture of of new lands for their growing Faction.

"By Gywnth. The Embers Guide you... "

Actions

-Heroic Unit, Freagarthach
leads about 15 Rangers and 20 Colonists down South to capture land and if any, Bandits for enslavement.​

​

The duchy of Riret (Turn 2)
War camps, Near Dirente, Portilla, Realm of Regalia

The port city was in clear view of the duchy's forces. Its lack of walls and surplus of tall standing buildings served as nothing more than a homing beacon to both merchants and the army. The minimal defences and the army gathered to fight off the invaders stood at an estimated six hundred strong before the deserters decided to turn tail and run. The officers fighting along side the duchy, loyal to the senate, laughed at the very idea. There'd been a total of two skirmishes so far with the duchy emerging victorious both times. Fourteen dead on the first skirmish, three on the second. At least for the duchy. The separatist province wasn't so lucky. They'd amassed a death total of twenty three and thirty nine from the two skirmishes. Their bodies were left unburied and the the towns that housed these men had already been set alight. Such was the price paid for attempting to stand against the imperial bannermen under the command of General Ayers.
"General Ayers, the men stand ready. They're assembled and eager to put their training to action." A strangely armoured man pulls aside the material that covered the entrance of the general's tent. His uniform sports black and gold in surplus and he carries on his uniform a number of medals that Ayers wasn't even sure symbolised anything. His large moustache and narrowed eyes help to jog the general's memory as to the man's significance. Imperial commander Alessandro, the only decent senatorial officer here.
"Of course. Forgive me, commander. I'll be out shortly."
"Take your time, general. Take your time." His tone is a compassionate one as he lets go of the entry way material. His shadow walks out of sight and the general looks down at the planning table once more. They were quickly paving their way through the land. With how little resistance they'd faced the general questions if the populace really were separatists and if it was just the arrogance of the nobles that collectively ruled the province damning the people. He places his hand on the hilt of his sword and makes his exit. If the two armies were ready to fight one another, and they were waiting on him, he wouldn't let history remember him as tardy.

He joins his men on the front lines riding along side a handful of his officers and the senate's overseers. One of his fellow officers wave a large Riret banner while a senatorial officer waves the Imperial flag with pride. He calls to his men, "Brothers! Don't let these dogs stand before us and bark their falsehoods. They forsake the empire, the emperors, their brothers and their duties. Look at how little loyalty they have even to their own. They are nothing but miserable cowards and farmers who claim to know better than the divine will of the emperors. They claim their way of life is true, and that there is liberty in abandonment, but I see through this charade. I see them for what they are. I know you do too. Make them suffer, take what's ours, and let them know the emperors' names as they are exiled from the eternal kingdom of the next life. For the duchy! For the empire!" He spies officers repeating what he's called out all through the lines of soldiers, each in turn having their bannermen hoist their banners high into the air with a roar.
War cries fill the ranks as the general pulls on his reigns and turns the horse around to face the army of Portilla. They wouldn't last long now. He rides off to the side with the cavalry he'd brought and appoints himself their commanding officer. The rest of his officers disperse and join the army to fill different positions that they feel they're more competent with. Cannons are slowly assembled and as the armies charge towards each other the general spies a small group of heavily armoured riders. Undoubtedly the nobles or their champions. There were no more than thirty two of them and with the amount of cavalry the general has at his disposal he suspects they could easily be kept distracted or defeated. He leads the charge against them cutting behind his charging spear men towards the cavalry.

The heavily armoured riders attempt to flank the far left line of spear men but are greeted with a volley of bolts and a quickly detached squad of soldiers. They ready their spears and while many are caught off guard, three of the heavily armoured horses fall to the spears alone. The crossbowmen ready a second volley for the remnants of the heavy cavalry but are left without a clear line of sight as the general's light cavalry clash with the knights.
The battle rages for only an hour before the forces of Portilla are officially defeated. Their general was among the dead and slain by the hand of Julian once the two detachments of horses had tangled up with one another. A total of twenty seven survivors from the battle are taken as prisoner. The army approaches the city once more before being met with the two hundred odd deserters of before.
Julian is the first to encounter them and is told to leave the city as those that remained were loyalists and had no issue with the empire. This wasn't enough to convince him of course but with the presence of the senatorial officers and the reputation of the duchy at stake, he had no option but to leave them unharmed for the most part. The city was declared liberated and while many of the soldiers were upset about the lack of pillaging they'd been able to undertake, the officers agreed to give the men free reign of the city for two hours so long as they didn't disturb the houses of loyalists. Many returned with widows and children who were to be reclassified as Cervi, no longer fit for service around the land. Many of the loyalist classed houses were still broken into of course but the people inside were left relatively unharmed.

The Vela estate, Near the funnel lake, Cadalso, Duchy of Riret

"Mister admiral! Mister admiral! I come with word from her grace, my lord!" A boy no older than twelve calls to the admiral as he runs through the halls of his estate home. He has little time to notice all the carefully laid out relics and ornaments and even less time to recognise them. Many came from foreign lands and ancient sites all across the empire. He was a cultured man, or at least outwardly appeared that way. Along the halls were the portraits of his family and of course himself at the very end. Cervi begin to emerge from the side rooms and watch as the boy calls out for the admiral. He makes it to the end of the end of the hall where the largest of the rooms was, and barges on in.
Inside sits the admiral with his personal Cervi, watching over them as the one male brushes the hair of the two women. He turns and looks towards the intruder and is quick to rise from his seat. His hands fall upon the back of his seat and the look in his eyes is one of anger as if he'd been disturbed at a highly sensitive moment. "What is it?"
"Lord admiral sir, the duchess. She asks for you. Gave me this letter too." The boy begins panting as he rummages through his bag. His face was covered in cuts and bruises and the thin nature of his body leads the admiral to believe he was malnourished. "Pass me the letter, boy. I'm no mage. I can't read it without seeing it." The boy pulls out three letters from his bag and quickly flicks through them. Two appeared roughly the same with an ink swirl placed on the top left of the first, and top right of the second. He stashes them away and hands over the third letter to the admiral. It sported the duchess' seal of approval. He grimaces at the piece of parchment in his hands and shudders to think why she'd need him urgently. He waves a hand at the boy dismissively as his eyes remain fixed on the seal. "Go now. See to it that you get a copper for your work."
"Really mister lord admiral sir?" The little elf's eyes light up at the idea.
"Alright. Two. Now get out!" The admiral shouts and the boy is both overjoyed and utterly terrified. He nods and quickly runs out of the room, closing the door behind him.

He runs his finger along the lip of the letter and tugs at the seal, gently breaking it open. He reads the note carefully mouthing the words as he goes. The duchess was often one for long winded letters but this one was scarily short. It made him feel uneasy. His eyes set upon the words, 'I need your counsel immediately. Ride to Atita the moment you get this letter.' As instructed he takes the letter and leaves the room in a flustered state. He slams the door behind him with his face as fair as a ghost's. He turns into one of the rooms and ascends a flight of stairs to the sleeping chambers of the upper floor. He enters his chambers and changes into appropriate attire, taking his uniform and riding boots, before setting off for the duchess' palace in Atita. No one at the estate is told of where he's going or for how long.

The palace of the Duchess, Atita, Pinto, Duchy of Riret

The admiral stumbles into the palace after riding nonstop. He'd changed horses and drivers, both purchased for his own stables. He disembarks his newly bought carriage at the palace gates and is met with sentinels eager to allow him entry. They remain behind at the gates but tell him to hurry. He wastes no time in running to the palace doors where he is met with the obedient Corona standing guard as always. She guides him to the duchess and locks the door once they enter her chambers. He turns to his side and offers a halfhearted bow but before he's done the duchess begins to speak.
"Your idiot brother's marched on Portilla without my blessing or permission!" Celestine throws a fist down at the small table in her chambers, knocking her cup and saucer. Tea spills over the lip and lands on the saucer, with a droplet or two hitting the wooden surface beneath it. Suddenly the admiral has a moment of clarity as to why this was so urgent. "Samuel, did he mention any of this to you or your sister?"
"Your grace, I am but as you are. Though my odour is far worse."
"Yes. I noticed that when you entered."
"So was that all your grace?"
"Of course not! Your brother's gone and invaded Portilla, not only without my blessing but successfully too. If he'd failed or his attempts were met with heavy resistance we'd be able to claim him a rogue agent or lie and say he was fed false orders. We'd be able to sweep his actions off to the side without any care in the world."
"And because he's succeeded in taking the lands he's gone and forced your hand on the matter, yes?"
"Exactly. I need to take responsibility for this or risk alienating the general who just proved he can take over lands by his own devices. It's either being chastised politically by the senate or military castration." The duchess sits down and rubs her temples. She wears her worry upon face, clearly panicking about this whole ordeal.

Samuel walks over to the bed and rests his tired rear upon its frame. Corona looks at him with disapproval for but a second before the duchess nods to him. "I received word when the army was mobilised and focused more on my mourning than my duties. He exploited my grief for his personal fame and glory. I also received a letter earlier this morning about his victory from a friend tied in with the senate."
"So you sent for me before you'd even known he'd won?"
"Yes. I sent for you with the plan of your ships aiding him, and the show being a form of intimidation to encourage their submission as opposed to war."
"So you wanted us to scare them into surrendering and then what?"
"The senate would have been able to put in place imperial law once more, stripping the nobles of their nobility and rebuilding the province from the ground up." Samuel ponders over her words before shaking his head. He wasn't quite the politician she was but he was militarily minded and that didn't work from his point of view. "I don't think that would have worked out. No one willingly chooses to die. Besides, if you had your imperial friend contact you it means he was there. No?" The duchess rests her hands on the table in front of her looking at the spilt tea with regret. "I suppose so."
"That means that the general was fighting along side imperial officers or in more broad terms, the senate. I'm aware of how painful they can make anything at all. Even walking on deck can be a pain with them around. If he marched there, invaded, and established imperial law once again it means this whole affair was approved by the senate. This whole attack was allowed by those officers and that means we can divert blame back onto the senate if they accuse us of anything even remotely vilifying."
"So you stand with your brother in law?"
"I don't. No. If I were in your slippers I'd have him flogged. I think he lacks discipline and basic understandings of the impact his actions have. I do stand with whatever makes Riret look best. Supporting our own and blaming the senate for any misdeeds committed is the best course of action. They have complaints, let them eat themselves. It's not as if it was the church that orchestrated this. If it were, then this'd be a whole other story. One we couldn't talk our way out of."

The duchess takes a sip from her cup of tea and sighs. She hoped he was right. Even in his sleep deprived state he made a lot of sense. Perhaps she'd gotten herself over worked for nothing. Linnor moves a small towel in as the duchess lifts her cup once more and soaks up the spilt tea to keep everything as neat as she could. Corona on the other hand stands by the door ready to unlock it whenever told to. The duchess places the cup down on the saucer and invites Samuel to stay, saying, "You're likely exhausted from the ride. Given how sensitive this could be I'd like you to stay here for the next few days. Take a bath whenever you can. I have plenty of Cervi that could help you however you need. As for sleeping I have plenty of guest chambers and if none of those are to your liking I'm sure we could figure out some sort of arrangement."
"It'd be my honour, your grace. If you need me for anything please don't hesitate to beckon."

The embassy, Sarro, Faras, Duchy of Riret
KindlyPlagueDoctor

The flags were still flying high, but the army had well and truly left the city. It was, for the most part, unguarded. Militiamen and town's watch were the closest thing to soldiers that remained and even they took their duties with a grain of salt. Many feel shafted by the recent call to war and their lack of participation. The soldiers who sat around getting free drinks and charming women all day would return soon enough with war stories aplenty and eager to share them for the cheap fame and glory. Regardless of this, they patrolled the streets thoroughly. Many keep their eyes peeled for any deserters or soldiers trying to avoid the call, but find none. Shinjou Nagamoto wasn't entitled to know where the army went but was assured a number of times that they weren't mobilised against his people or their lands. So too were his guards.
After a week in the embassy the diplomat is blessed with two carriages. One appears to be a wagon for goods while the other was a carriage clearly designed to house a small group of up to six people in luxury. The sentinel enters the carriage and requests that only the diplomat enters with him. The ten guards would have to ride in the wagon and were entitled to bring a weapon between two. While insulting to some, the rules of Riret were quite clear. Many weren't even allowed to carry upon entering a city unless they were nobility or possessed a permit. Their weapons could be left at the main gates and collected when they left, or kept in their houses and taken out by town's watch to keep the peace.

The carriages are quick to transport the diplomat and his guards, but will take him three days with little rest to get to Vellano. Once there, they're scheduled for a change over and to arrive at Atita in a day with no breaks, two if they decide to rest through the night. The travel was long across the duchy but such was the nature of travelling across the land. Perhaps they'll pay a visit to the most humble and her priests at Saint Marina I's grand cathedral.

The Madjian trade delegation arrived at a record pace- something that please the High Minister. He described it as, "A true testament to Madjian superiority. Our ships sail as fast as we command them, and wherever we command them," to a local newspaper. Although the piece was laden with anti-senate sentiment, and the reporter would shortly be locked away in a local prison, but his words resonated with the brass in the navy, who saw all things in the sea as Madjia's rightful property- or rather, the navy's property. Nonetheless, the trade ships sent to the somewhat undesirably placed religious state arrived before the expected date. The senate entrusted negotiations to the navy, as they felt that they merely ruled Madjia on the land. What happens at sea stays at sea. The higher-ups loved this, as they were allowed to do almost anything while at sea. The navy was no more than a collection of privateers in it's current state. The boy in charge of the delegation wanted nothing more than to escape his steely superiors, so he decided to tag along with the Maria. He had spent little time at sea, but he already knew he was more suited to the negotiations he would be handling.

On that matter, the boy had been instructed to wait to speak to who he believed would be his counterpart in the Offriad government. He had immediately told the person in the most ornate uniform he could see that he was here to propose a trade deal, which culminated in the boy being led to a small seat in a hallway of an unnamed building, waiting for an unnamed bureaucrat to see him. To the boy, the whole country seemed to be some sort of unnamed, unspoken rule. He was Henry Percival de Kaans, the son of Artur de Kaans. He wasn't meant to sit around waiting for some sort of introduction. For as green as the boy was, he knew one thing about waiting: You are always behind someone in a line. Even if he couldn't see the others waiting, as soon as a door opened he would walk in, purpose exuding from his very stride. He would enter a room as the no-nonsense Madjian businessman that was world renowned for his ruthless negotiating tactics, and his desire to get things done as soon as possible. "Henry Percival de Kaans, you better not mess this up..." He muttered under his breath.
OrenjiGatsu
The Kobolds had proved to be amazingly efficient workers after a few more mercenaries had been brought in to wrangle them into a proper workforce. Within a matter of weeks, the little gray monsters had been brought to their knees, and were digging mines like they had been left to their own devices. Of course, the Elven "volunteers" were working equally hard to fell the trees in the region. The Governor was very pleased with the new developments. Somehow, for the first time in his life, everything was going right. Of course, out of paranoia, to prevent anything ruining his sense of security, he placed the colony under martial law, using every available soldier at his disposal to lock down the settlements in the region. He had received word that around 4,000 commissioned settlers- all human- would be establishing a proper city, with proper, well, proper everything. Anything the governor could have dreamed of in his colony would be arriving, courtesy of the Madjian senate. Or rather, of his superiors at the main offices on the mainland, but he knew that the man had simply bullied a few senators into pushing his funding up a few rungs.

Summary
Lil' round faced boy gets himself worked up a hallway, with absolutely no idea of what's going on
Old human bureaucrat #634 is very happy with the state of his colony.
4,000 humans are "willingly" resettled to the colony
Elves and Kobolds "willingly" destroy their natural environments

Vellano, The Duchy of Riret

Shinjou Nagamoto was incredibly pleased withe the manner in which his hosts where treating him. He was definitely feeling like a spoiled child at this point. "It is my honor to be a guest to such civilized and caring people" he said with a bow to the Sentinel. He stepped into the carriage and got himself ready to depart. He watched his guards climb onto the wagon, with five weapons between the ten of them. They seemed to be equally warrior monks and shizuko, so, they opted to give the weapons the the ex samurai. The warrior monks could hold their own well enough with their martial arts.

The men where being as compliant as possible. On one hand not wanting to risk tarnishing the image and relationship of their people. and two because they didn't want to be known as the men that ruined the Shoguns chance at diplomacy. The group traveled without any trouble. Shinjou asked a few questions, mainly things like the history of Vellano and any noteworthy or unique parts of the culture there. "Are there any special stories from Vellano? like folk stories and such?" he asked with genuine curiosity. Certain folk stories where popular in the Shogunate. peasants rising to greatness, singular monks fending off hordes of demons or bandits . Things like that.

A few days had passed, the emissary and his men not encountering any problems, nor causing any. The men stepped out from their respective carriages. Shinjou's foreign and colorful robes flowing in the wind, his mustache following in his robes lead and swaying in the wind. "Ah, a beautiful place indeed" he said, looking around and his guards moved to flank him "So, where do we begin?"

Crumbli

The Grissenholtian Army took field with banners unfurled and trumpets cried the carrion call over the heads of the vampiric troops. The two armies met in pitched combat outside the Lelandian capital, a small walled town called Tukreet. The garrison knew they could never hope to hold against Grissener siege, and so much to their credit they sallied out to face the invaders. On a hill near the city, Elvish cavalry massed for a charge in the early morning, dew still clinging to their armor and their horses stamping in the mud. The horns rippled through the ranks of the defenders and deafened them with fear. Senatorial officers in their shining silver armor quailed.

The first charge came from the attackers, a slow, methodical charge of heavy infantry which was met with a kiting tactic by the defenders. Unwittingly, the horsemen swerved right into the line of fire of a regiment of handcannoneers. Shot rippled through their ranks and horses cried in anguish, falling on top of their dying masters. The Grisseners pursued to the river, where the general's bodyguard attempted to ford and cross to safety. They were caught in the deep water and gunned down like animals. The Elvish troops that survived the battle were greeted with the horrible visages of vampires, clasping them in irons and dragging them into the capital. The human soldiers looked on with contempt and some disgust as the vampiric troops exercised their sadism on their captured foes. It was not the Grissener way. By mid-day, the capital was under the jackboot of the Duke Grissen and the vampires of the Vors hunted and savaged the people of Tukreet in the night. The Grissener soldiers could not sleep for the blood-curdling sound of women and children, drained of their life force or put to the sword as their uneasy comrades in battle terrorized the population. Morning came on ever slowly, and the streets were empty save the corpses of the young and beautiful.

Grissener Army in Lelande pacifies the population for the next turn.

Turn 2
Staad kolos dovah hil nok

In only a few days the subject had proven itself complete already the first batch of the replacement slaves was being born. The broodmothers, as they were now being called, had been modified to lay eggs, these eggs had hatched into large worms which soon turned into pupa that hatched into a full grown Siigonis. It was a perfect replacement system as no longer would they need to raid for slaves they could sell these new creatures, and while they required a decent amount of food their rapid growth made up for their great appetite. There was also the issue of their minds but they by instinct it seemed could take commands so they would do, they weren't the brightest but hey who needed a slave to think. This was what lotdovahdrog had been waiting for now at last she could unify her people from a scattered tribe to a true nation.

lotdovahdrog sent out messengers with a public message and a private one, in public each tribe was called to join hers with offers of no more raiding and full and equal treatment they would not be prisoners or slaves they would be equals. It was without a doubt and attractive message they would be free of the constant attacks, their men and boys woudl finally be free to venture out from their homes. Still they would be giving up control to another tribe, and who they were and their lands to become one, still all tribes that had joined were without a doubt in a better place. In secrete the message was given to each chief who might fear the loss of power and in these secret letters was another offer. The chiefs that joined would be allowed into a council below lotdovahdrog but above others they would have control, but those that refused would be killed and their tribes as well, they had to chose life or death for their tribes.

Few hours of Scouting and protecting the Colonist Caravan from the Swamp wildlife and the occasional natural barriers of the Swamp, they reached the Southern Pass where a Scout located a small Fortress with some bandits partying about on their first plundering.

"Bandits." whispered by Freagarthach's Lieutenant, his eyes lightened up under his masked cowl.

"Tell the Colonists to stay put, and get into position with the rest... make them surrender then enslave them, strike from the shadows of Sgathach." The Rangers scattered and surrounded the Bandit fort.

as the Bandits reveled in their sinful desires of Lust and Gluttony, the Rangers moved in position in the shadows where they wait for the first hunter's orders.
his whistle disguised as an Eagle's screech of attack, not long after Arrows rain on the partying bandits, the suprise attack was a success, despite their numbers the attack has made them falter, no one could see nor hear the Rangers from their position.

"Attack!" Freagarthach bellowed from the Tree branch, the Bandits were rushed by The Drow Rangers and slaughtered those who resisted them.

A Few hours later with the Camp in utter mess with Bodies strewn about, the rangers have rounded up the surviving rest, although most of them were Prisoners kept by the bandits as well as the females of the group along with the Bandit Leader whom they rendered unconcious.

"Looks like those Prisoners were from the Place down south... They'll join our Colonists... the Bandits however... they'll be our slaves... but do not Roughen them up on our way to a new Location..."

Result(Turn 2): Victory , No Casualties, 17 Bandits were slain, 5 Bandits including the Leader were Captured and Enslaved, 5 Villagers were liberated.

The duchy of Riret (Turn 3)
Dirente, Portilla, Realm of Regalia

Julian walks through the streets of the recently reclaimed city. There would always be pockets of resistance especially in the far off bastions of the old Divinalita wars. He runs his fingers along the top of a railing in front of a house, the door painted red with the imperial crest. A sign of traitors to be sure. From inside he spots a masculine figure roughing up a smaller, more petite figure. The pair get closer to the window where he notices the man was a member of his army, and the woman was an elf. He sighs and continues walking. She was an elf and apart of war is the right to claim more Cervi for both the empire and one's family. He turns his face away from the ordeal ignoring her cries for help and looks at the other soldiers walking about with him. Quite a few appear to be lounging around enjoying the cool air, while the odd soldier walks past with a recently claimed Cervi or keeping tabs on stocks.
As he looks over his men enjoying the calm, he hears the sounds of hooves ride up behind him. He looks to see three of the senatorial officers come to a stop barely a metre away. The first senatorial officer disembarks while the other two remained seated. He recognised all of three of them. Two of them had fought with him in the battle and the other, the one that approaches, remained at the camp for strategic and logistic reasons or so he assured everyone a number of times. "Alessandro, Michael." He offers them a half hearted salute, to which he received the same.

"General Ayers, we've received a response from the senate regarding this invasion. It seems they're thankful for the removal of those that doubt their authority, but we shouldn't dwell here for long. They want to dispatch a force of their own to investigate the region for heresy and treason. I trust we'll return to Riret soon?"
"We'll return when the region is pacified or when our banners can be exchanged quickly."
"Of course, General. I assume you've informed the duchess of our success here?"
"Such is the work of scribes and not generals. I've sent some of them to do it for me. Is that all officers?"
"For now, yes. Until the senate sends us word of anything else you should consider us at your disposal. Though many of us will be doing scribe work as you so graciously describe it."

The palace of the Duchess, Atita, Pinto, Duchy of Riret

Admiral Vela and the lady of the land share a view across the duchess' garden from beside a quiet pond with a handful of fish performing laps of the shallow pool. The two were military minded and the duchess, knowing her people, wanted the two to become closer. She'd allowed her lady of the land to spend the day away from her side and seeing how leaving the palace wasn't something either her or the admiral were inclined to do, the two found themselves pacing the gardens together. As of now they lay in the shade of a large tree in the far off corner of the duchess' many flowered garden telling each other stories of past encounters. With the admiral having seen a large portion of the known world, though mostly blue, he leads in the amount of shared experiences. "And then he said he didn't want it so I had to ride all the way back, and if you know me at all you know that riding and I go together as well as well as a Pintan and the desert. I swear it's the last time I offer a senator anything other than the pointy end of a sword."
"Being a sentinel has it's blessings."
"How so?" The admiral says, rising to one side so that he may look upon her. "Well, I only answer to her grace the duchess and his holiness the emperor. I don't have to worry about senators and their lackeys. Push comes to shove, we outrank them. Even the lowest sentinel is exempt from their jurisdiction." She looks rather straight faced as her eyes flick over to the admiral. "I see. Speaking of, I'm not sure I know how you came to be as you are."

A silence falls over the two as the lady of the land begins to recall the events. She parts her lips to speak from her earliest memory but quickly cuts it off to start much later. "I was a run away from home if you must know. I evaded the guard for a few days before being taken back to my home. My parents disowned me and rather than becoming a street urchin, I was sent to the gaols to keep the streets clean. While inside I bit a man and joined the ranks of the Cervi because of it."
"You didn't have an easy childhood then?"
"You don't know the half of it, Admiral." She says as she lifts herself up to a sitting posture. She dips her fingers into the water of the pond and looks at the fish swimming about. One of the larger ones rising to the surface to nibble on her finger assuming it a piece of food. Her expression remains stagnant and one of stern honesty. "If I can be truthful with you, Admiral, there's a lot I wish I could change."
"I'd drink to that." The admiral agrees before pausing and sitting up. "Actually... I could drink to that. You want to go grab a drink? There's a tavern just down from the palace. I've been there enough times to know they're trust worthy. Nobles only is one of their rules."
"I'm not sure I should, I'm not a noble after all."
"You have more nobility in your little finger than most of the idiots who frequent there. Come on. Duchess'll shout, I'm certain." He holds out his hand for the lady of the land to which she accepts his gesture, taking a firm grip and pulling herself up from the ground.

Vellano, Riret, Duchy of Riret
KindlyPlagueDoctor

As the foreigners disembark their carriage they're greeted by a small figure dressed in typical clergy robes holding a large staff of a throne with a man sitting atop of it. The man present was clearly the first emperor, the commonly accepted ruler of the heavenly empire. "I'll be your guide today, sirs. We'll see every inch of this city if you'd like." She begins to walk them through the streets of Vellano. She leads them down many paths and the likes showing off the enormous statues of the emperor and explaining their triumphs and divinity. The guide was no taller than four foot and her possession of two small animal-like ears gave off the air of importance to the group's nature for being. Their ignorance would be forgiven easily by passersby.

"Vellano was once the capital of the duchy. It holds many cultural and historically significant figures near and dear to its heart, as well as many of the sacred shrines bestowed by the emperors to breathe life into our kind. We Divinalita wouldn't exist were it not for the shrines. In fact, the emperors were so loving and generous that when they bestowed upon us the ability of rebirth we deemed it only fitting that we submit ourselves to their will. This city is a beacon of their love, their divinity, and their blessings onto the realm of mortals." She continues to give many speeches about the city, the history of Riret as a whole, and of course the usual tourist destinations. She shows them a few taverns, many more inns, and most importantly a large number of churches. Each and every one was similar and yet unique at the same time. The most unique of them all being the cathedral of Saint Marina I's, an enormous and imposing figure that jutted out above the walls it hid behind with a reflective bell tower designed to steal the attention of all who dare to pass through the city.

"Would you sirs like to meet the most humble? I'm sure she could explain the faith far better than I have. She was hand chosen by the duchess you know. Her faith and humility shined out across the realm like a candle lit in the darkest night in prayer to the emperors above."

Vellano, The Duchy of Riret

Shinjou's eyebrows, along with his guards, raised up a little at the sight of the animal eared girl. She was so small yet she looked so important. His mind was once again cast back to the Chīsana mono of the Shogunate. He hoped that this similarity of seemingly youthful beings would help the relationship of their respective kingdoms grow healthily. Although Shinjou was always an optimist. Once the diplomat and his men had caught their rather rude and sudden raising of eyebrows the all bowed and asked forgiveness "A thousand pardons my lady" he said, his voice still fairly happy but regretful. The fact that the peace between the Shogunate and the Duchy rested on his shoulders had not left him.

The foreigners listened intently nodding and looking around in awe of the city. So many parts where similar and unique. In their eyes it was almost like every citizen had designed their own little corner of the city. The men's attention increased at the mention of the nature of the Divinalita. They where similar yet different to the Chīsana mono. As far as the Shogunate knew, rebirth was not needed. "If i may ask. Is there any written works on the nature of you Divinalita i may purchase?" he asked respectfully "You share certain similarities with our native Chīsana mono" he said, still following the small Divinalita close by.

The diplomat and his guards bowed once more "It would be our honor to be the first men of the shogunate to meet the most humble"

Shogunate Of Enryaku-ji

The Shogunate was buzzing with gossip and rumors. Many children and Chīsana mono alike where discussing in youthful wonder about the nature of the islands natives. Likewise many housewives and Geisha's where going over the local gossip. What the music could be like, the food, culture. The younger women even discussing what the men of the Duchy where like. The talks in the many temples and monasteries where more serious. Not anything grave, they where rather optimistic in fact. Surely, peace and understanding could be achieved.

However, the monks knew that religion will always be a problem. Even if many of them didn't want to admit it. Even during the great uprising. The "Emperor" and his men believed that Shogun Youta Tanaka was a false god. Simply a magically talented child. Of course these ideas where far from the truth. Admittedly the men of the Emperor had their fate sealed from the start. They would pray for help from the Sun Goddess. Help that would never come.

Still, it was a great day of celebration for the people of the Shogunate. Farmers plowed their fields with growing happiness and confidence in the air. Sailors and fishermen cast their hopeful eyes to the horizon, in hopes of one day sailing to the distant ports of the Duchy. And interestingly the Shizoku where particularly hopeful for the meeting of the two peoples. It would seem these ex samurai saw something of the old Empire Of Enryaku-ji in the Duchy of Riret.

Crumbli