"Lost Continent: Flight From Muurdaan" (BeckonCall's FNB!)

[Beckoncall]

SpiralErrant Heyitsjiwon Prince Vaethorion :

THE STORMING OF THE STATEHOUSE:

The various taskforces assembled, the Prince and archmage stood with Sinana the Earth Shaman and Orm Himself -- highborn archers were everywhere. 10 anti magic warriors of the Tyren also stood at the front.

Lothar weilding the magical blade Gottendammarung held in his other hand an Astral Tear.

The attolian Spell Breaker chanted at the wards on the building as 20 Knights of the Circle prepared to storm the structure with their evil-repelling gear. The 2 Astrologers and Death Mage did their own machinations, with 30 Kriegan Banner Infantry in direct support. Lothar also bore a Crystal Prison -- if such was to be the fate of the fetch on resistance.

Gaining access was not easy. Sinana managed to shake and move the block, while the spell breaker peeled ward after ward away from it, a central block that obviously sealed the main entrance to the structure. The knights of the circle performed their own litanies to strip away magic and evil, and the highborn archmage threw the greatest dispels it could muster at the defenses of the structure.

The block that sealed the portal turned white hot, and vibrated under the total magical assault, but it was when Orm and Lothar together struck the strone itself that the sandstone cube ceased to shake and began to crumble.

With all other forces exerted upon the stone Orm and Lothar could slowly literally break the stone... and break it away they did.

Behind the sandstone rubble before a tired lothar and panting orm -- was the entrance to the structure. The entrance!

beyond the cloud of dust stood SCARIPANT -- Mad Fetch of Air and Flame -- his very eyes replaced with two tears of divinity.

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"THE PUZZLE IS SO CLOSE TO UNDERSTOOD! I LOOK THROUGH THE TEARS AND SEE TITANS, TITANS THAT SHALL OBEY MY COMMAND AND INTENT! LEAVE ME TO MY STUDIES, FOOLS! I HAVE SPARED THE COLONY MY ATTENTIONS AT THE BEHEST OF FAR GREATER AMBITIONS! YOU MUSTN'T STOP ME NOW! YOU'VE COME TO STOP ME! YOU CANNOT, AND MUST NOT! THERE IS AN ANSWER!!!!"

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The fetch was a pitiful mound of robes and crumpled flesh, but from within that mound shone the eyes of divinity... those burning and storming eyes of tears.

What would happen now? Would the troops storm the breach? Would Scaripant be reasoned with? Could he be? There was no putting the Genie back in the bottle -- it exited the structure, pushing all the assembly back with a divine wind as a crown of flame surrounded his head...

 

[Beckoncall]

SpiralErrant :

THE SPIRE TEN CONSTRUCTION:

Anais was of great help in speeding the construction of the tower, and corrected a few small but devestatingly important problems with the rings of glyphs that spun around the new tower. The extra labor was valuable... but it could be seen that the project needed wealth -- lots of it, for the intricacy of the work, and the rarified materials the top of the tower required.

THE STORM AND THE VINE:

Deryn and her elves, now protected, began to guide the powered vines, all the thicker and more numerous with the growth from the stormforge, into completely entombing the dangerous metal deposit deep within shearcliff. However, this was not the most magnificent outcome of the newly super-powered mine... The vines reached down where previously it was too hot to go... and pulled up two things... mineral rich lava that promised to turn regular fertile soil into a powerhouse of growth...and with it -- SEVENTY FIVE WEALTH IN SMALL DIAMONDS AND DIAMOND DUST. Smaller fractions of this sum were composed of rubies, sapphires and emeralds, but it was mostly diamond. DIAMOND!

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The gates:

Bruul, representative of magic and diplomacy in the current time when so many were occupied amoung the Tyren, aided in the portal project. His strength without physically touching the mechanisms of the gate enabled even finer attunement of the paths through the ways, shortening them. Even the high elves were impressed.

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BAD NEWS, BAD FISH:

After months of posturing, the fishmen of the swamp finally attacked the herds of the Tyren, slaughtering many many animals and critically wounding a handful of shepherds in the process. They fought like wild animals -- clearly the growing herds so close to their homes brought them out of the swamps to prey upon the creatures.

The great Olm and Blood-touched warriors accompanied by springborn support killed many of the interlopers, but damage was done. sixty fishmen laid slain at the end of the massacre, but the herds were slashed... even one of the grumps was laid low, but was expected to soon recover.

Two worlds were colliding... something would need to be done.

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[Spacekitty]

WIP

Spoiler

FINECIAN TROOP TOTALS
"Yellow Teeth" Clan
Dirty Paw: 10
Clean Paw: 10
Unskilled Worker: 30
TOTAL: 50

"Natives"
Hooded Worker: 32
Hooded Warriors: 70
Native Witch: 5
Dune Rider: 6
Giant Pengolin: 3
TOTAL: 124

"Foreigners..."
Black Surgeons: 3
Miscreated: 90
Transcendent: 1
Abhorrent 1
TOTAL: 95

"New World Trade Organization"
Unskilled Workers: 34
Skilled Workers: 50
Hitmen: 9
Dunsia Assassin: 4
Trolls: 10
Capos: 8
TOTAL: 122

Transcendence, an Order for Two
Educating the Transcendent had been a success so far, as far as the Fennec were concerned. This success would be continued, teaching Ulysses the Transcendent the knowledge of the world he would need. The Master Botanist would teach him of science, the natural world and the threats it held. Sontio would teach him to command and lead, and Fendarvin would teach him the arts of politics, strategy and the virtue of planning and patience. But most importantly there would be a focus cultivating a sense of loyalty, familiarity and brotherhood with the Fennec and his mentor Fendarvin. The Arch-Lawyer would personally see to it that he was Ulysses primary tutor and be with the creature whenever possible. (1 Transcendent, 3 Capo)

At the same time, the Rat-Spewer, the Mother of Many as she called herself, had proved to be no mindless beast, though it was clouded with a lust for what could only be framed as a conquest of its own variety. Fendarvin had promised to mentor the being, so as to tame it's wild nature so it no longer posed a threat to the colony and to itself. Therefore he would also spend time educating the creature, teaching it as well as the virtues of patience, strategy, and loyalty. Allys would be useful in any conquest. Skilled workers would also teach it knowledge of the world and seek to quell it's wild nature and begin integrating it into the Finnecian realm.
(1 Capo, 3 Skilled Fennec Workers)

Big Brother
The hitmen would "look after" the Finecian operations.
(9 hitmen)

BAD FISHIES
Fendarvin would not tolerate an assault on the Tyren people, whom he considered allies and against the colonies food infrastructure. The barbarians would learn what happened when you dared attack a Muurdaan colony. They would pay four-fold for the slight in due time.

For now, a scout team would be sent, consisting of the Master Assassin and his four Dunsia, their invisibility rings adorning their paws, to investigate the Fishmen forces and discover and map any fortifications, villages and cities.
(1 Capo, 4 Dunsia)

And, as a preemptive sign as what was to come, the Mother of Many would be allowed to spew forth a small, but worthy number of offspring to help scout the Fishmen and infest their food supplies and spread disease.
(1 Mother of Many)

The Garden
The Garden (The garden + baths + outside bar/Spa Complex) would be fitted with steam houses and continue to be flavored in a relaxation paradise, a place for people to come and for a time, leave the fears, pain and stresses of the world and unwind in another. Musicians playing only relaxing songs of harp, flute and other soft-voiced instruments would be hired. Spiritual gurus and instructors would be hired/recruited/trained to run meditation/exercise/"spirit journeys" and other relaxation/mindfulness themed classes. An air of peace of relaxation would fill the place. No heavy alcohol would be served nor would any heavy drugs, Only soft wines, Heaven's Aroma, Light Leaf, Kuzko (Desert drug that gives you a "spiritual journey", Sweat Leaf and Heaven's Amber for Elven patrons would be served, along with light foods. Visitors to The Garden would be charged a reasonable fine to cover "classes" and could further purchase food, drink and exotics throughout The Gardens. Waitresses dressed in pure white would wander The Garden with silver platters, selling drink and exotic.

The Garden would be a sanctuary of calm. The Highborn would be surely put to shame! Perhaps Sirens could be hired???
(3 Wealth, 10 Skilled Fennec, 15 Unskilled Fennecs, 5 Unskilled Ratkin to upgrade, 5 Clean Paw)
Furthermore, word would be spread of the magic, beauty and tranquility of the place would be spread! Live the life of an Elf- better even, all without the noses of the pointy-eared held high above you!
(4 Influence spent)

We can make him better... we have the technology
A willing Troll volunteer would undergo clinical trials in a joint laboratory with the Attolians. Heyitsjiwon
(1 Troll, 2 Black Surgeon, 1 Witch)

Red-Light District
The Fennec would begin construction of a Red-Light district in the Agora district, next to the Highborn's casino and "fancy" area, featuring a Rough and Tough Tavern for the common man and sailer, "The Scoundrel", with hard drinks, music, ladies and food, a betting hall of a similar variety and an underground arena!
(3 Trolls, 10 Dirty Paw, 12 Skilled Fennec, 15 Unskilled Ratkin,

Temple Excavation
30 Miscreated, 2 Witch on standby to help excavate and deal with any magical threats.

Production Target:
gunpowder, pistols and poisons would be produced in excess in the factory.





A Show!
Finecian Trolls would now be encouraged to wrestle/fight in the Harun'Taras Arena against the worthy Tyren warriors. Of course, never to the death or serious injury. This is for show.

Maintaining Operations
Operations in the Harun'Taras Area (Garden, Blooming Lamb, Arena) would be maintained.
(10 Skilled Fennec, 5 Clean Paws, 9 unskilled Fennec, 10 unskilled Ratkin, 2 Trolls)

Factory + Farm
Operations and goods production inside the factory and around the Farms would be maintained.
(32 Hooded Worker, 1 Grand Pretender Capo, 2 Witch, 15 Skilled Fennecs, 4 Trolls, 30 Miscreated, 1 Black Surgeon, 25 Hooded Warrior Guard)

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

"The Prince addressed Scarpiant firmly and politely. The knowledge that you seek, the rest you crave, the homecoming you need lies ahead of you in Tartarus. Our mages have unlocked secrets of the Tears of divinity, that we believed combined with the power of the imprisoned power of the Titans could help guide you there.

The only condition is that you take your brethren Phelot with you. You have both done the bidding of others for too long, and have suffered from it. You have an opportunity for freedom here. The two of you can find peace in Tartarus."

"You have the divine sight now. The answers you seek are there. The Prince gestured at the Tear, The Tears of divinity can be used as portals, this is one of their great powers and with our knowledge we can help guide you home. The Astral tear has those capabilities if wielded correctly."

"The answers you seek are at home, in Tartarus. That's where the answers and your peace lay". At this moment, the Prince truly believed what he said. He was not trying to decieve the wretched fetch. The Prince knew that the secret to the undoing of the Muurdan lie in finding a way home for the Fetch adminstrators. Without their steady hand, the Muurdan empire would decay and fall apart. To the Prince, guiding Scarpiant and Phelot were the first steps to liberating the entire world.

This was the Prince's ultimate goal and motive here. He genuinely wanted to help guide these poor things back home.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

The Fetch

Lothar raised the crystal and and said "This is the product of a lot of Attolian research and effort. We know in theory how these tears work... and also the dimensional magic that these things invoke. We ourselves are actually doing a lot of work on portals, and seek to learn more. However, I would be lying if we were not concerned about your... presence. In fact, we were somewhat convinced that you may have become mad or rabid. If learning more is your desire, then perhaps we can work together to learn more of these ancient and powerful magics." Lothar then threw the crystal over to the Fetch. He hoped that the Fetch would examine it and perhaps even accidentally activate it to imprison himself. Worst case, it would provide a distraction for the men to strike. The Fetch was too dangerous to let alive. The proliferation of all this magic in the continent led to the end of the Mage Kings. Knowing the Fetch and their kin... Lothar didn't trust them with that much power and knowledge. Scaripant had to be captured or at the very least, killed.

---

Brave New World

The New World and Old World collided once more as reports came of the Fishmen attack on the Tyren. This was extremely alarming, but to his relief there were no deaths. However, significant amounts of the Tyren herd animals were killed. This was a vital source of food and cloth for the colony, and a significant loss. It was clear that the fishmen could not be left to their own devices. The Snakemen were clearly trying to herd them, but they were no where to be seen. They needed more information to see how this problem could be dealt with, permanently. Caelis would ride north to the site of the battle with Cassandra by his side. He planned to "heal" one of the less damaged fishmen and bring it back to life by forcing its blood to pump once more. Then try to gain control of its mind as a form of interrogation. Caelis hoped to learn more of these primitives so that they could find a way to peacefully deal with the situation. To do this, he also enlisted the help of the University Beast Mage to help him learn and explore the mind of more feral beings.

As Caelis arrived on the scene with Cassandra, he walked up to the blood soaked fields and lifted the staff, Bloodscourge. He closed his eyes and tried to focus. Moments passed and nothing happened, but then... drops of blood began to rise from the field. They slowly floated up from the ground and slowly headed towards the tip of the staff where the blood seemed to vanish. More drops of blood began to float and fly towards the staff until the drops formed a weak stream. This stream slowly grew in strength... the ritual and spell began.

---

Medical Experiments

The Fennec approached the Attolians with a queer request. They wanted to see if it were possible to attach the claws of a fisher to one of their trolls. The troll seemed excited by the prospect of being able to cut its own food to pieces instead of waiting for one of its handlers to do it for it... Although, Dr. Flemming was a bit concerned about the ethical prospects of an... rather unintelligent being making its own medical decisions... he was more worried about what would happen if the Fennec tried to do this experiment by themselves, knowing them... they would try with or without the Attolians. So, the doctor agreed to help the Fennec in this experiment of theirs so that he could help prevent any unintended accidents, which the Fennec proved to be very prone to.

---

The Valkyria

In ancient Attolia, the Valkyria were female warriors who specialized in a unique, graceful fighting style that was practically half dance. When they practiced this dance, they typically wore long,bright, waving robes under their laminar armor such that they could confuse and ensnare the enemy with the long sleeves that they wore which doubled at a net/whip of sorts. Plus, their long robes often gave them the appearance of flight during their dance. They also wielded proper weapons under those long sleeves. Typically in the form of a sabre, bola or a morning star. It was difficult to tell which sleeve contained a weapon and many unassuming temple looters met a brutal end at the wave of a Valkyrian arm as they often merely thought that it was just a long sleeve. However, these women were those who willingly would give their lives in serve of the Pantheon as future servants of the Gods as they were sacrificed to be servants of the Gods when they reached the age of 24, the peak of their womanhood in Attolian culture. Once sacrificed, it was believed that their spirits become servants of the gods who bore their messages and guided the dead... however, this also included the hunting of those malign spirits who haunted the earth and refused to move on. In fact, popular Attolian folklore states that shooting stars are actually the Valkyria, flying off to capture an evil spirit and the slight trail of light is actually the long sleeves of the Valkyria.

It was in honor of this tradition and memory of the Valkyria, that a decision was formed. Inspired by the work of the Kindly Ones and that of the Hero Helysourne, the Attolians sought to form an all female military unit, tasked with the defense and policing of the Colony and the Pantheon. The Attolian Diplomat was placed in charge with trying to recruit the Lady Helysourne to head forming, training, and leading this unit, a more safe and stable position than what she had been doing prior and offered a compensation to help her get settled in the Attolian Housing District. The first Valkyria class would be the willing volunteers among the Sirens as it has become clear that the Colony's naval capabilities were lacking. However, this would be an opportunity to help protect people and their vital contributions to the Colony like Nicholas

---

Fire Sticks

The Fennec had given the Attolians designs for flintlock muskets and pistols. However, they had several key weaknesses that had to be addressed. Most of them revolved around the fact that blackpowder HAD to be used. This meant that reloading took a lot of time as powder had to be measured and poured in. In addition, there could be misfires due to the black powder getting wet due to getting wet by rain or high humidity. Seeing how close to the sea the Colony was... the chances of this happening was too great. Thus, an idea was put forward by Nicholas. What if the designs were integrated with a fire crystal? Thus, the firearm would be magic based instead of chemically based. Instead of having to refill the musket with powder every time... what if they could just use a crystal numerous times until it ran out of power? Then just the crystal could be replaced. Thus, the concept of a magical firearm was born. One that was more reliable, quicker and stronger than blackpowder.

---

Money Never Sleeps

The Attolian Housing District was home to many small businesses and cottage industries, jump started by the subsidies that the Attolians provided when the market was in a near recession. However, with industrialization going on, it was likely difficult for these businesses to catch up with these huge organized, state ventures. Thus, to further provide help to privatized businesses, a plan was created to open a stock market where people would pool their money in private business ventures of larger scale. This would allow things like a few daring merchants buying a ship and goods together to ship to the Old World. Where as by themselves... they could only dream of buying a boat. Ultimately, it would help make more risky business ventures a bit more palatable by spreading financial risk among all shareholders. Regardless, it was clear that the people needed better ways to be competitive and the ability to pool and rise money in a collective seemed to be a good solution to the current economic situation. After all, often times some people had money and didn't know what to do with them while others had grand ideas, but lack the resources to execute them. Caelis hoped that this would allow Attolian industriousness to allow the people to seek their own fortunes and wealth.

---

Wishing Bone

The discovery of the bones to the east were alarming. Several samples were brought back to the Colony, along with the first imports of coal and oil from the area. Knowing the quest that Maeder went on to find dragons, and ultimately Dracos herself, Caelis asked the Pantheon Priest to present one of the bones to the Church of Dracos as a gift, relic, and a sign of proof that Maeder's quest is not in vain. That these lands are likely to be the home to Dragons and perhaps Dracos herself.

---

The Brood Mother

The Brood Mother was swollen with a hundred insect eggs as they continued to grow. It was clear that they would soon hatch and that she would soon need to mate once more. This presented a dilemma to the Attolians, but perhaps there was a solution. The Fennec expressed interest in mating her with a troll. Regardless, come fall, a solution would have to be found somehow.

---

Orders:
1. Caelis goes to the site of the Fishman attack and gathers the blood energy there and then proceeds to attempt to bring one of the less damaged bodies of the fishmen back to life through forcing its blood to pump once more. He would then attempt to interrogate / control its mind so that they can learn more about the fishmen and the swamps. Assisted by Cassandra and any other mages who wish to help him.
Caelis, Bloodscourge, Cassandra, University Beast Mage, Talion the Creator any other mage support/guidance

2. Dr. Flemming helps with the Fennec procedure
Dr. Flemming, Surgical Center (in healer's guild)

3. The formation of the Valkyrian Guard with an attempt to recruit Lady Helysourne to lead it
Attolian Diplomat, 1 Wealth (as a payment/retainer/recruitment fee), 50 Sirens, 10 Halberdiers, 30 Attolian Swarm Infantry, 20 Sea Wolves and 3 Kindly Ones to help train

4. Weapons Development - Development of a Magic Crystal based firearm
Nicholas, Gnome Artificer, 2 Engineers, Gnome Machinist, Fire Mana Crystals, 20 Skilled Dwarven Workers, 25 Skilled Workers, Magical Workshop, 1 Wealth

5. Creation of the New World Stock Exchange to boost and facilitate private businesses
4 Architects, Castellan, 69 Unskilled Workers, 3 Augmented Stone Constructs, 100 Skeletons, Iron Skeleton Wraiths, Exile Aid, Piston Cranes, 1 Wealth

6. Gift to the Church of Dracos
Pantheon Priest, Dragon Bone

 

[Beckoncall]

Spacekitty :

FENNEC OPERATIONS:

The education of the "transcendant" and the "Abhorrent" continued apace, with fennec as well as attolian tutelage. The beasts progressed past their primal nature, but still had... urges... that required expression. Still, Fendarvin was confident they were under control, as were the attolian teachers -- though occasionally still disturbing behavior or happenings shed some doubt. The Transcendant, trained by strategists, was now better than most of his teachers at chess, for example... for how long could a thirst for learning keep them in check... and what if the monstrous ones realized that it was not just in games that their instructors could be tricked?

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Hitmen policing fennec operations became a common sight -- that is when they wanted to be seen. No shorts and no losses in the tills let the hitmen know that business, above and below the table -- was running smoothly. People who did otherwise learned quickly... it needn't be pressed any further than that. If clientele or workers would not listen to the hitmen, they would face the dunsia when they returned... that was enough to keep the peace in a culture and atmosphere where law was a second thing in mind...

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The mother of many, aka the abhorrent, was pleased to be loosed to do harm in the swamps... her vermin fought endlessly with the chitinous hideous things of the swamp, and slowly began placing themselves higher on the food chain. bigger and bigger vermin began to pop up... rats, centipedes, locusts, and mixtures of them all... the abhorrent blended the essence of what it ate and spread more filth.

The Dunsia Spied on the fishmen and deep into the swamps, so far out of range of the spreading vermin -- there was argument and shaking of fists among the swamp people. The snakemen apparently were appalled that the fish creatures had lost control and attacked the herds outside the swamp... The snakemen feared that this would now mean war with the peoples of the colony -- while the fishmen, they continued to spoil for that fight. There was little listening to reason -- but much argument and non-lethal combat between the two sides... asserting dominance, punishing for brashness, defiance of order. The snakemen were not in control.

The Dunsia also saw that while the fishmen lived in the swamp itself, the snakemen had built great clay houses and fortresses in what seemed to be the remains of giant statues sunken in the swamp... two great arms held skyward were the basis for their main settlement -- mud and doub houses strung between the two great marble arms outstretched to the heavens... whatever being this statue represented was either truly massive, or the statue was built of a size to honor it so. Fishmen and snakemen battled for what seemed to be doctrinal supremacy -- the fishmen wanted to invade the colony lands... and the snakemen wanted peace. And the fishmen seemed to be winning...

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With the help of attolian doctors and the healers guild, a cave fisher arm was grafted onto a troll successfully. So successful was the operation that the removal of one of the trolls arms was not neccessary -- the thing had three arms now -- one of them a horrid claw. Genius?

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The Gardens of Harun'Taras were improved and their influence spread further -- competing with the highborn standard of comfort seemed asinine, but Harun'Taras was making a job of it. More money and culture and influence spread into harun'taras and competed with entertainment offerings to the south. The northlands (outside of the highbord holdfast) became the nexus of pleasure and repose, though it did compete with attolian crystal gardens and siren song. The south red light districts became places of vice and relative skullduggery. Harun'taras was were you went for sport fighting... the red light districts was where you saw pit fights and more savage fare. The highborn withdrew further into their enclave at this, that is when they were not visiting the offerings of harun'taras and the attolian gardens. It just seemed that everything could be even better if folk did not compete so heavily with one another. it was hard to get the best of everything in one place... which I suppose was good enough for business.

A second red light district to compete with the first at the cliffs may have been an ill advised idea, as it brought more vice and savagery over a larger spread of territory. The fennec hitmen strained to keep the peace... and did so, for now.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The fennec task the witches and their miscreated to analyze the newly excavated temple ruins... there was the "crowded tombs" that for now had been left undisturbed... and the "clockwork maze" -- automatons skulked around inside, armed with halberds in a construction that ever changed it's pattern on the hour. Stronger constructs were seen, or rather heard, deeper within... The miscreated were woefully unprepared for the defenses theirin, and a full 20 of the thirty miscreated sent inside did not come out... this was more a task for a rogue than a wretch... (20 miscreated die in the clockwork temple)

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Production of everything the fennec combine could conceive of rapidly was spit from their factories... pistol armaments became common enough to be trade goods, and were a familiar sight on the waists of those of the company...

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The sport of fighting in the red light districts and the garden arena brought morale in the colony even higher. Random violence went down as bread and circuses gave a better avenue for such forms of expression...

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat

It does not take much expertise to determine that the purity of the silver is extremely high... if there were impurities they would have shown vividly in a lack of quality due to the treatment of the sea water. The Locustas hoped that the merdwarves could make something useful beyond smashing weapons out of the deposit -- so they were not put out when the merdwarves returned to extract the deposit en masse. Merdwarves gain 8 wealth, or they may fashion silver items from the deposit.

The locustas heard of the merdwarf plan to collapse the island the Drakhaina called home -- the wailing isle. They swore significant troops to guard the merdwarves as they explored the trench around the island... and it was an odd discovery when the task force did descend into that trench...

At the bottom of the deep ring-shaped trench they found layer upon layer of jet black and dark blue coral -- sifting the waters, heating up somehow -- likely chemically -- and expelling large amounts of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles into the sea above... stranger still the coral seemed to address the merdwarves and their locustas guardians...

"We are Strolites -- Ancient coral who together in our billions form a mind." -- "a handful of strolites have formed in these depths from the aggregated countless little begins in this trench." -- "You seek to collapse the isle above... that would bury us." -- "Do not harm the Strolites..."

_________________________________________

At the same time, locustas and merdwarf scouts pointed out the presence of "Tasoth" -- that's what the locustas called them... bright yellow barracuda folk with turtle shell shields, mouths full of needle-like teeth, and tridents made of stone and coral. "avoid the tasoth" -- said the locustas... "once they find you, the battles will rage unending -- it took generations for the locustas to deter the tasoth... they are only seen on the sea-steppe in certain seasons... but now the steppe is dangerous -- stay inside the forest of sea-weeds!"

 

[Pat]

Triton floats above the strolites, taken aback that the creatures the living cave spoke of were not merely sentient, but telepathic, and mind readers at that. At least, in great number. "You all have my word no harm will come to you. The shadow of the wailing of isle shall not fall on your bodies. May I ask how this heat you appear to be producing is generated?"

With his answer in hand, Triton and his expedition returns to the chamber his people have carved out of stone, dismissing his locusta escort with a gift of half the silver his miners have escavated from their claim that they may use as they please or give to the blacksmith loaned to them to create weapons and armor. The merdwarf goes on to order his workforce to gradually finish the first floor of their new home, digging out more space for living and cultivation into the rock. The newly built animunculi are tasked under watchful guard with transplanting small sections of nearby coral reefs into new environments both inside the chambers of their dwelling and outside in inconspicuous places within the vicinity of the home of their masters.

Escorted by his merdwarf marines and half of the temporary locusta warriors under his command as a show of unity between the two species, Triton visits the living cave to check up on the titan, ply them with questions, and to collect what treasures the automatons he left with them may have found since his departure.

Spoiler

Triton attempts to learn more about the strolites. Locusta are given half of the silver vein haul, four wealth, to do with as they wish. Thirty skilled workers slowly but surely create more space inside of the bottom of the cliff. Five animunculi undertake coral transplanting experiments, protected by four merdwarf warriors and five locusta warriors. Triton with five merdwarf marines and the other half of the locusta warriors visits the living cave.

 

[Shireling]

The Stoutmen of Standin
​

As the summer months wore on, the Stouts worked dutifully at their fields and in the places where they kept their livestock. Matters of civil order were brought up and swiftly dispatched by Reverend Kearney when available and by Captain Gardver when he was indisposed. The Green Festival had passed and the daily rhythm of the work of the summer months fell into good working order. The Stouts were pleased with the climate of the New World which much resembled home, and were comfortable to go about barefoot when their labors were finished in walks about the woods, in pairs for they still had some misgivings about the strange creatures that lived therein.

In this time, Reverend Kearney was wont to walk to the great tree which was designated as the resting place of the Cull. The threat of this ancient hunger was plaguing his mind and had kept him away from the statehouse for several days, thus ensuring that he nor any of the other Stouts were involved in the ensuing battle against the rogue fetch. The Reverend brought scrolls and pencils with which to sketch the tree and the surrounding lands, designing engines by which the Cull may be brought to ruin. In troth, this obsession stemmed from a very fevered dream which had shook him from sleep on a warm summer night and had compelled him to pore over the small library he had brought with him, of Imperial encyclopedias of animal life and the supernatural, and in these tomes he spent many hours but found no answers. Therefore, he spent many hours in prayer, walking about the freshly-kept groves of saplings which had been introduced along with paving stones to the roads of New Harmony. The builders, also, had been going about using cob to further insulate the wooden buildings against both fire and loss of heat. Buildings built in those days were up to the standards of Standish design back home, which featured several-story buildings with jettied floors and dwaddled walls. Kearney walked the short road between his house within the town to the gates of Castle Noleua and back in prayer, hoping that the Divine Godhead would send him some revelation by which he might save his people. The Stouts noticed this, and some grew disheartened.

Other industries were attended to. The Stouts endeavored to sink their own mine for coal, and intended to build up foundries for making all manner of things such as bricks and high-quality ores. They realized that military arts would likely be necessary in the near future, and appointed one of theirs who had been an armorer in the home country to oversee an Armorer's Workshop. Furthermore, an additional smith was conscripted to staff a Weapons Manufactory in the service of crafting new polearms, bolts, and arrows for the arming of the citizenry and for profit in selling to others. By their own home-practiced arts, they sought to make suits of cupric steel to encase bold Standish knights.

Other building projects were approved, although they were given a lower priority. These were: a college for musicians, a chandlery for making candles, an apiary for cultivating bees, a tinnery for making canned food, a wind-powered water pump, and a drydock large enough for the construction of a class of ship approximating a schooner.

TLDR, Build List:

PRIORITY:
Coal Mine
Smeltery
Armorer Workshop
Weapons Manufactory

NON-PRIORITY:
Apiary
Chandlery
Tinnery
Water Pump
Drydock

Spoiler: Current Buildings

NEW HARMONY BUILDINGS
CIVILIAN BUILDINGS
Chapel of the Godhead
Government Complex
Worker Housing
Cemetary
ECONOMIC BUILDINGS
Forester's Lodge
Warehouse
Granary
Tradesman's School
Blacksmith
Textile Manufactory
Tannery
Tailor
Beer Distillery
MILITARY BUILDINGS
Palisade Walls
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Coal Mine
Smeltery
Armorer Workshop
Weapons Manufactory
Apiary
Chandlery
Tinnery
Water Pump
Drydock

Spoiler: Standish Roster

Draftstouts-28
Stalwarts-96
Bulwarks- 38
Crossblades-15
R.Lizards-20
Cows-20
Bulls-2
Sheep-40
Chickens-30
Roosters-2
PERMANENT ASSIGNMENTS
---------------------
1 Clergyman - Chapel of the Godhead
2 Clergymen - Grammar School
3 Draftstouts and 20 Stalwarts - Forester's Lodge hunters, trappers, and fishermen.
4 Draftstouts and 10 Stalwarts - Forester's lodge as timber-cutters.
10 Bulwarks - Guards
2 Draftstouts and 5 Stalwarts - Shepherds
2 Draftstouts and 5 Stalwarts - Ranchers/Chickens
3 Draftstouts and 2 Clergy - Trade School
1 Draftstout and 2 Stalwarts - Blacksmiths
1 Draftstout and 3 Stalwarts - Tannery
1 Draftstout and 5 Stalwarts - Textiles Mill
1 Draftstout and 1 Stalwart - Tailor
2 Draftstouts and 15 Stalwarts - Brewery
ACTIVE LABOR POOL
-----------------
Clergymen-5
Draftstouts-8
Stalwarts-30
Bulwarks-28
Crossblades-15

 

[Beckoncall]

THE FETCH:

SpiralErrant Heyitsjiwon Prince Vaethorion

Scaripant was disarmed by Prince Vaethorion's intent and sincerity -- so much so that when Lothar passed him the crystal -- he misjudged that indeed this crystal was a path into tartarus -- and anxiously activated it.

However, it was not -- The highborn were surprised that the attolians had used this opportunity to TRICK the fetch -- and quickly rushing magics enveloped Scaripant as he struggled not to be pulled into his would be prison.

Sinana saw that the Fetch's next move was to defend himself with the tears, and in witnessing this, created earthly shackles to stay his hand -- moments later all the other mages in tow hit the thing with everything they had -- it's defenses were formidable, but putting up a barrier to the magical onslaught was enough to distract him long enough to be encased in the magical prison.

At his feet, laid the tears of air and flame he brandished... the crystal prison. was full.

The highborn considered this capturing of the Fetch when they clearly intended to help it a form of treachery -- things became tense between the highborn and the Attolians at the scene, with Orm attempting in slow verse to de-escalate the situation, and sinana attempting to get the gist of the chieftains sentiment and spread it faster before there could potentially be violence...

...All of this, when Phelot, the other fetch and true governor of the colony, appeared with his housemen, a full fifteen strong.

"Impudence! What have you done with my kindred you gang of backwater miscreants?! Think it within your rights to imprison an agent of the Muurdaan?! The very herald of the houses of the eternal empire!?"

The air seemed to get hotter as highborn looked to attolian, tyren looked to everyone trying to stay hands, and Phelot looking utterly enraged...

...Something would have to give, or there would be violence -- somebody in the tension was likely to act the fool...

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

"Imprisonment is too merciful for his failure to take charge as Governor, Governor." Lothar sarcastically spat back. I have my orders from Underlord Touryan and they were to slay him as punishment. But that is too simple and lacking of a judgement for failure of this magnitude. No, he must atone for what he has done. I have full intention to make sure that Scaripant is properly judged for his failures. He has much to pay for, and death is not enough to make up for his failures. He even admitted himself that he had the opportunity to exert his authority and power in the Colony as he was instructed to do, and yet he shrugged off his duty to chase after his own personal desires. Such sedition will not be forgiven so easily. His life is nearly not worth that much to pay off the debt that he owes to the Empire. Now, will you stand up and defy the will of House Touryan? Know your place, wretch. You hold no authority greater than that of the Underlords and Underlord Touryan's will shall be carried out. Unless you harbor such ulterior motives as well, 'Governor'? I suggest you speak carefully."

 

[Beckoncall]

Heyitsjiwon :

Labs and Labor and Lordship:

Caelis and his team studied the fish creatures after he completed his blood-rites on the fields of the Slain Tyren livestock. Some Tyren herders were offended by what they saw as a desecration of their slain animals, but this was outweighed by the enthusiasm of the cult of personality that followed Caelis whenever they were allowed.

The fish creature was not difficult to bring back to life, nor was it difficult to break it's will and dominate it into telling Caelis whatever he wanted. They were slaves of instinct it seemed, and feeding outside the swamps, with Tyren herds being so great, outweighed the relatively slim pickings of the swamp. Driven by a wild nature to consume the warm-blooded, they had been held in check by the snakemen for as long as they could bear, before invading the colony lands to feed. The fishmen would likely be back despite casualties as well, because the hunting expedition was considered a success for the majority of fishmen who participated. Knowing all there was to know, Caelis willed the husk of the fishman to die again. Such were the messy affairs of godlings, he supposed.

________________________________________________

The Valkyrian:

The Kindly ones were especially interested in the training of the Sirens for battle, indeed also in so elegant a way. Helysoune, quite taken with Nicholas, saw it as her chance to do him a great solid by agreeing to take the position of leader of the company in service to attolia, something that would garner Nicholas some favor bringing in such a great heroine to the attolian fold. Sirens however, seemed to be slow to train -- It would be the end of winter before the 50 Sirens would truly be a "Valkyrian Guard" -- but they showed promise with the sleeve-and-weapon forms, in and out of the water. They took quickly to the dazzling and disorienting maneuvers -- but were not naturals to the arts of combat. Time would test their mettle and prove them worthy however -- Just in time it was said for the coming of the Cull...

___________________________________________________

The "Fire"-arm --

It was a brilliant success. the first prototypes exploded or melted on loading thanks to over-ambitious gnomish design -- but once basic concepts were brought into a reasonable pattern, a fire-crystal rifle was Thoroughly producible, thanks to the aid of dwarves in making a frame that could contain the weapons structure after it had been fired. The problem was that it took fantastic individualized labor -- half the weapon needed to be made of individually machined manually crafted moving parts -- that mass production, without the use of tremendous wealth, seemed impossible. As it was however, an utterly exhausted task force produced 20 working fire-rifles... enough to arm a regiment. Further application of this labor team would be at a malus without rest and rehabilitation though... they had been taxed to their maximum. However, the product spoke for itself -- each rifle could safely be fired three times with air-cooling, and an additional two times if the barrels were quenched in water. Firing was swift and a loading process was swift and could be performed at the start of combat and not repeated until the gun was fired more times than it was advisable to do in an engagement... no matter how much water was used, eight shots was the limit in an engagement a fire rifle could put forward before the weapons became warped and useless -- but gnomes and dwarves wondered gleefully what kind of damage would be dealt by these weapons before that barrier was reached?!

_______________________________________________________________

Stock Exchange:

The building was built hurriedly and effectively by the considerable labour poured into it -- what was undeniable however was that "buy-in" and belief in the stock market was neccessary in order for the idea to be successful -- confidence of some of the regular populace lead to investment -- but different factions would have to willingly join the stock market to truly get all sectors of the market involved. This would either require the spending of influence or the attolians would have to sell the idea to the other factions -- which if successful could greatly increase the efficacy, efficiency and total wealth of the market. Taxes were one thing -- but access to the capital the citizenry held through investment could bring the colony to a whole other level -- the economy more likened to a city. As it was now, it was a big building with little to do... the Attolians would have to get on the task of bringing in the other factions to establish a true colony-wide stock enterprise... the Tyren in particular were thought to be vital to this endeavor as their currency until the recent adoption of crystal monies was the backbone of faith in colony coin, and for a large part in spite of this still was... The Silver Orm was undoubtedly the coin of choice in personal exchanges where crystal was not involved... bringing the Silver Orm into the market Symbolically would be a powerful attractant...
(Influence yet to be determined as well as effect, other factions, hopefully many, must be made to see the benefit...)

____________________________________________

The Church of Dracos: General Deth Glitch :

The Attolians gifted the Temple of Dracos with a REAL dragon bone -- a great femur that was used as a pillar in the temple of dracos. The exiles, now approximately 200 strong, had never felt closer to their god. (Morale and productivity of exiles increases!)

 

[Shireling]

The Encyclical on Colonial Matters (1). Stoutmen

Desiring to offer guidance to the Congregation on matters of spiritual import in the colony, the Reverend Kearney seeks to promulgate the following encyclical to all those who follow the Divinus Dualisimus, are ardent adherents to the gospel of the Prophets, and have received wisdom of Malignity. There are, as follows, several issues worth addressing:

One: the use of idols or graven images in the sacred places of worship, which are forbidden. Those who are new to the faith and do not understand, fully, our ways is likely to err in this respect. For it is very common for those of other faiths to make graven images onto their gods and worship them. It is not so with the Divine Godhead, who escapes all mortal wisdom or comprehension to render faithfully. Therefore, if any of you see a brother who has fallen into such error it would do well to lightly correct him. If this does not serve to shake him, leaving the matter to a trusted clergyman will profit the heretic as well.

Two: there are certain initiatives about to secure money for financing colonial operations. I will repeat the warnings that the Prophet Rasmus made in the Scriptures concerning the practices of moneylending and usury. To loan money to a brother is a sacred exercise in charity, and to expect a profitable recompense is both corruptive to that charity and a source of Malignity. I wish to assert this teaching against those who would be otherwise counseled into loaning money in the hopes of earthly reward.

Three: we are called, brothers and sisters, to be the salt and light of this world. Always, keep within your heart the disinfecting two-fold light that is love and charity, and expressing this love towards your fellow men, I encourage a spirit of evangelism and hope.

All these recommendations I promulgate for the direction and salvation of the Congregation,
Deus sit Semper Vobiscum

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat :

THE STROLITES:

"May I ask how this heat you appear to be producing is generated?" Triton queried.

"One stolite coral bud had tiny stomach, produces acids that break down matter in the water... chemical process produces tiny amount of heat. Strolite colonies combine stomachs into several empty chambers full of much chemical and sift huge amounts of water producing much greater amount of heat. Ambient heat grows more coral and attracts more food. Waste heat spreads out and diffuses."

OF SILVER AND WHITE:

The locustas take their new access to higher crafting ability to make more sophisticated weapons out of silver. The generosity and willing to share on the behalf of the merdwarfs brings the simple locustas closer to the merdwarfs.

"Speak to the safe ones when you can, Triton -- we have asked them to represent us in suggesting alliance between locustas and merdwarf. We do not have sophistication to make this pact, but safe ones will make if you are interested in joining forces formally with locusta -- The egg time is soon, and perhaps none of this will matter, but perhaps we can stand against the threat together, even if we must fail." These words coming from an older "white" locusta.

THE LIVING CAVE:

The Great eel gleamed with a new and healthy layer of slime on it's freshly cleaned skin. Dead layers of extremely durable eel skin was the primary product of the cleaning, as well as no small number of extremely sharp eel teeth that were rotted or infested with parasites -- if the merdwarves wished, Eelskin leather armor and Eeltooth weapons could be made into formidable equipment... the teeth could be honed to slash swiftly in the water, and were already deadly piercing weapons. The eel-skin however demonstrated additonal properties as well as being as strong as brigandine armor, it was naturally immune to electricity and even resistant to heat. (Merdwarves gain access to these resources)

In addition to this, cleaning the eel had yielded an unexpected blockage of giant pearls garnered from a lifetime of preying on giant shellfish in it's digestive tract... once cleaned themselves -- they were tremendous prizes... 8 in total, the size of cannonballs, and resplendent in their reflection of the light of the sea. The living cave felt and sounded younger even for them being gone...

The final scavenging was found (ahem) at the back of the cave. in scattered pieces was a suit of armor and an intact shield made masterfully and enrobed in magical runes that allowed the wearer to cast spells unhindered, as well as being especially powerful in defensive enchantments. The size of the armor was larger than a standard human being, if the merdwarves had the means to work the metal (which they did not) they could easily convert it into two suits of equally grand battle-mage armor... just keep it as it was -- a trophy. The back of the Living cave was extremely fertile with pants of all varieties many not found locally or at least not yet encountered... pods that emitted bright blue bioluminenscence, red tendrils of extremely palatable seaweeds, and many decorative plants as well... the merdwarfs were tempted to take grafts of these plants to further enhance and beautify their realm...

 

[Pat]

"Living Cave, I have come to ask of what you know: of the other titans we may potentially ally to defeat the Drakhaina, the strength and fears of the Tasoth, and, finally, the locations of possible further tears of divinity lurking in these depths we may retrieve for our coming battles. Do tell, what answers do you hold for me?" Triton asked as his escort began readying the objects found for transport back to the merdwarf home at the underwater base of the daunting cliffs. The fauna itself would momentarily be planted in the vicinity of the chamber carved out of stone in a secluded area until more was known of their respective biology and use to his people.

 

[Beckoncall]

Shireling :

STOUT WORK:

As seemed to be the case these days, the Stouts found steady success in endeavors.

Being friends with the Firebeards, over some ale they learned of a coal deposit under the Standish claim the Firebeards weren't digging near and made it their own... and they would need it, for the hungry forges of metalwork to come. (Colony has plenty coal, but Stoutmen have independent source outside of market)

Plenty of iron and some other metals could be gleaned from simply sifting the waste-stone the firebeards contstantly poured out of their tunnels, giving a head start to the standish mining operations as they turned what dwarfs considered tiny deposits of iron into grand piles. The Zebani also brought a great cube of Iron (three wagons worth) from "the tunnel of clean lines" as a gift of their new endeavor. The Zebani were a private culture, and respected the stout for being the same.

Though weapons were produced by many factions, the rustic and individual tradecraft brought to stout weaponry made it attractive in it's own way. It generated greatest access to market, but they were still a niche in the great weaponshops and armories of the Platz.

______________________________

Using some leftover steel and stoutmen knowhow the stoutmen of standish made their water pump on the bank of the river near the stoutman claim. Water for farming and their animals would become even easier than simple irrigation and the use of wells... but did they have greater plans for it?

______________________________

The stoutmen found difficulty building their VERY OWN dry dock with so much ship construction area belonging collectively to the colony or existing to more established factions, but build the dry-dock they did amidst some shipwrecks on the beach within stones throw of exile sharking enterprise. There was slight friction between the proud exiles and the standoffish stouts... but nothing amiss had become of it thus far. Stoutmen access to lumber was high and it was easy to drop the wood from the waterfalls into reach of the first small vessels to build larger ones... but there was no denying that work would go faster and more efficiently if they did not feel the need to complete these tasks, especially this one, so independently... as much better and more established facilities already existed and were granted access through market.

___________________________________________________

EVENT: The great Earth Serpent.

It was one normal uneventful morning when there was an encounter at the railway bridge that spanned across the river -- for coiled as high as a three story house, was the Great earth serpent -- rumors of which had spread it was the last vestige of the creatures that served the now defeated "horned one" -- the Earth serpent generally stayed coiled around the throne and treasure heap of the horned one and had until recently plenty of food stemming from the corpses and worm masses that died in the wars against the mud elves... but this time, it appeared hungry, and addressed the stouts... albeit carefully...

The great serpent cocked it's head and seemed to wave it's nostrils at the stouts it encountered...

"I am the great earth serpent of the east, and I have run out of carrion in the recent seasons, so I am ranging further and further for adequate prey. I do not wish to eat humanoids as they have a tendency to.... retaliate. I offer treasure for livestock. If you are not interested let the rest of the colony know. I can rest for a long time on an empty stomach, but I must dine heartily before winter... it would be a shame if commerce failed and I had to seek prey where humanoids would rather I not. Consider my offer, and propagate it."

And with that the great marble colored snake uncoiled and quickly slithered back to the eastern ruins of the mud elves.

 

[Beckoncall]

Pat :

The living cave opened it's eyes momentarily -- the constant grooming of the automunuli kept it in a state of almost perpetual bliss...

"I do not treat with other titans, so I cannot guide you to such additional allies to face the Drakhainia. However, I do know the "Safe ones" have at least one tear they have harvested from these waters -- the "safe ones" are older locustas that have ensured their immortality by living inside the husks of the oldest locustas ever living -- they believe doing so protects them from the calamity that strips these waters of life periodically... which reminds me -- you should not be here when spring comes, the locusta have surely by now told you of their "egg time" -- it is a time of a great hive-titan, no ally for you to make I assure you, to scour the locality of all if not almost all of most forms of life. Swim far beyond the barrier or far to the north or south... this entire region is within their hunting grounds, which seem to grow every so often in fact."

"Of the Tashoth, they leave me alone, and if you stay in the seaweed they will leave you alone too. The Tasoth grow in great numbers and in my experience have seen the coming of the calamity as an opportunity to test their strength and winnow down their numbers so they do not overcrowd. This bespakes ill of what Tasoth fear -- fear does not come naturally to them. Their strength is in their speed and numbers... you may wish to hide from them, or you may wish, coming from environments they do not tend to roam, open dialogue with them... they claim the steppes as their own, but will not enter the Kelp forest nor go so close to the surface as to reach your caves at the foot of daunting cliffs."

 

[Beckoncall]

EVENT:

The 30 surviving mud elves, the last of their kind after the war with the horned one, are finally awakening from their season-long coma... presently restrained for the public safety, they understand little of what has happened and are in disbelief that their god could have been slain.

Faction members are welcome to address the mud elves and should ponder what their likely fate is... some wish to attempt suicide, some wish to extract revenge, others seem as if awakened from a deep and powerful compulsion...

The colony can't keep them tied up forever though... something must be done...

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Ouroboros

While the Platz was busy with the Fetch... Caelis heard word. The Earth Serpent had stirred and it hungered. With that knowledge, it was clear that the snake was likely in a weakened state... perhaps one of aestivation where its metabolism slowed to conserve energy and to survive the heat during difficult summers. The last vestige of the Horned One that remained a threat to the Colony began to finally stir once more. It had to be dealt with. Caelis donned his armor and rallied the remains of his soldiers and mages not occupied. They would march east to meet the Earth Snake.

As the men marched, Jav whispered over to Tomaz.

"Did you hear, Tomaz? The Snake actually came to the bridge!"

"Yea... surprising that it went that far and didn't attack anyone... then again it seemed pretty lazy last time we saw it. If it could sit... errrr lay down all day and eat, then I think it would be happy. Hell, that's what I hope to do when I can finally retire."

"I hope so... I don't think fighting against a giant snake would end too well for us..." Jav muttered as he peeked behind him to see the Attolian field cannon being brought with them."

"Got to be ready for anything out around here..." Tomaz grimly replied as a giant shadow provided some shade to the marching soldiers.

And thus, the Attolians continued to march east, hoping to peacefully talk with the Earth Serpent, but in the event that diplomacy failed... they would have to rely on steel, gunpowder, and magic once more. Caelis personally hoped that they could convince the Earth Serpent to serve and help the Colony like it did with the Olm and the Sphinx. After all... it seemed... aimless. As if it sought something to really do after years of servitude under the Horned One. Perhaps, Caelis could convince the Serpent that helping the Colony was one such opportunity that could be fulfilling and rewarding as well.

---

Labor Day

Seeing the hard work that a lot of the workers have been doing, Caelis called for a period of respite and celebration to allow the Attolians and allies some personal time to tend to their own personal matters whether they be family, relationships, personal businesses, education, hobbies, rest and etc.

---

Taking Stock

With the newly established Stock Exchange, the Attolian Castellan went to work to drum up support for the institution. After all, it would boost the economy of the Colony to new levels and encourage private businesses to flourish and compete with these major public projects that a lot of faction leaders were leading. On the agenda of drumming up support clearly had to be educating the Colonists on how stocks worked and how they were equivalents to a portion of a company. By buying stocks, they were buying into a part of a company and helping to fund that company. It was also a way to mitigate risk among a bunch of people. One lone merchant would likely be worried about losing a ship if he bought one and began to export goods to the Old World, but if he had 4 other partners, all contributing money to such a project, then the venture seems a lot less risky to the individual merchant since it would be spread across all investors. After all, even if the ship were to sink... it wouldn't be the merchant's entire life savings sinking with the ship.

Thus, the Castellan set off to begin educating people and trying to convince them to partake in the Stock Exchange. It was a smart way to help private ventures continue to grow by giving tiny companies a way to get funding, and help spread risk from one person to a group of partners.

---

Rude Awakening

The awakening of the comatose Mud Elves was a long awaited day, but one that would certainly prove to be challenging to deal with. The Attolians sent several experts to help and educate the Mud Elves acclimate to their new reality and keep an eye on them to make sure that they don't do something that they would regret or was irreparable. Not to mention that they would have to learn each others languages to communicate properly...

Orders:

1. Caelis leads an expedition to meet the last remnants of the Horned One, the Earth Serpent
Caelis, Cassandra, Blood Scourge, Beast Mage Rex, Metal Mage, 10 Halberdiers, 30 Attolian Swarm Infantry, 2 Sundered Kings, 3 Augmented Stone Constructs, Sphinx, Talion the Constructor, 80 Skeletons, Attolian Field Cannon

2. Drumming up support and educating people about the Stock Exchange
Castellan, Writer, Lawyer, Printing Press, 4 Influence

3. Initial exchanges with the Mud Elves
Linguist, Diplomat, Sheriff, Dr. Flemming, Pantheon Priest, 1 Influence

4. Free Personal Time for everyone else to tend to relationships, business, education, and etc.

5. Underdark Expedition
Lothar, 30 Kriegan Banner Infantry, 20 Skeleton, Gnome Chemist, Continual Lights, Explorer, Geologist

 

[Shireling]

The Stoutmen Reply

While some of the Stouts who were taking lunch on the bank ran in fear at the Great Serpent, a seasoned workman amongst them calmed the crowd and they heard the creature's demand. A runner was sent to New Harmony and returned with Captain Gardver, who heard the request of the Serpent and considered it. Gardver offered the Serpent the elephants that they had captured during the animals' escape from the menagerie as supplication, and promised other livestock from the Stout holdings. They wished to verily appease the ancient creature, and to prevent his ranging in civilized areas. Moreover, they desired to keep to themselves whatever treasure this creature was offering. They awaited the response.​

Beckoncall

 

[Beckoncall]

Shireling :

THE SERPENT RESPONDED:

"You shall have one treasure of your choice from the throne of the Horned One for every two elephants you offer me... come, come to the east and see what there is to offer." With that the snake slithered away... in the distance, they caught wind that the attolians had heard of the panic the snake had caused and were sending their own forces to talk with the beast...

 

[Pat]

"I believe the Tasoth would be a valuable ally, or, if it comes to violence, a tool, in our assault of the wailing isle. How many of their warriors do you believe you can fell without sustaining serious injury to yourself, should you be moved to action? If it comes to a war which you fully intend to support, I propose you find an isolated group of warriors to safely electrically incapacitate, which you would then seemingly swallow whole only for my hidden automatons within your mouth to in short order bind them securely inside your body as you bring them to our hold at the base of the cliffs for their interrogation and eventually conversion into loyal subjects. Shortly afterwards, their fellows would undoubtedly venture beyond their lands in a pitiful attempt to slay you with the strongest few or alternatively with a great number of the weakest of their horde, unknowing of merdwarf protectors watching over you as you feign sleep. I know for certainty they would not prevail over such unexpected resistance, a night my men and I will acquaint them with the explosive power of gunpowder that will send them screaming to the afterlife." Triton spoke, gesturing to his assembled merdwarf marines at attention before him.

"The locusta, in the scenario they too join forces with us to pacify the Tasoth people, would as we repel and cut down the invaders themselves launch a lightning raid that if initially favorable would turn into an all-out-assault on the resultantly weakened defenses of the enemy's home front." Triton said.

 

[Prince Vaethorion]

The nimble Highborn mage gathered up the fallen Tears, by bringing it to himself. "For safe keeping, for the Mage Lab" he said out loud behind a Phalanx of Elite Highborn Troops. Many felt relief once the Tears of Divinity were secured.

The Fetch in the building had been looming over the Colony since day one. The mysterious building itself was intriguing to the colony and the source of many rumors. The Factions had discussed the inaccessible building till now and much speculation over it had been made. Multiple factions on their own and with others, plotted, discussed, surmised, debated and plain wondered what to do about the Fetch in the building. The Rat Kin and the Highborn had been in discussions regarding the Building, the Tyren, the Attolians, the Exiles, Dwarves and others made efforts to reach out to the Governor who sequestered himself in the building.

The Highborn Prince whose adrenaline was still elevated from his recent battle, very subtly gave a signal, a slight movement of fingers, a wink of an eye, a thought was it, and the signal for heavy reinforcements were sent for, but they were to be discrete in taking their positions and as quiet as Highborn can be. The Highborn Tactician had drilled the Highborn troops during their multiple daily training sessions how to respond to such contingencies. The Archers were already in position, when the order was given, not many would be standing after the first volley the Prince estimated. The Prince reminded himself that the Attolians do not mean to be dishonorable, it's not their nature, even as unwitting servants of the Muurdan. One cannot teach a snake not to slither, the Highborn had a saying.

The Highborn Prince nonetheless was disgusted by this act of deception, the Prince did not care for dishonorable acts, even if Human Mortals were expected to be dishonorable. Their lives so short that the deception they lead could not be accounted for in such a short time, they often lived a a life of dishonor and deception. The Attolians had in the past demonstrated an overall a desire to be honorable and lawful, so perhaps this was all a misunderstanding and it could be resolved amicably, and without blood shed. The Attolians and Highborn were allies after all, and bedrocks of the Colony.

The Prince steadied his anger, he looked around, he surveyed Lothar, who was familiar to him from seeing him around at the Colony. They were not friends, as they were not equals, but they had never a bad word with each other. The Highborn Spy master when reading the dossier on Lothar mentioned some anger issues and the need to be right all the time or was that Caelis? or both? The Prince could not recall. The Prince however, decided to appeal to the Attolian obsession on law and fairness.

"Lothar, "Clearly there was a misunderstanding in our tactics and approach of this matter. Governor Scarpiant complied because we have made a pact with him to allow his self exile, imprisonment in Tartarus. This is why we did not have violence and why you and others are not a pile of ash right now. Governor Scarpiant has been in talks with us since we arrived. His leadership is among the best I have seen in the Muurdan empire. A lighter touch of leadership there never was. It's because of his non interference that we have thrived as a colony thus far. He has done us no harm. He has been in agony and suffering since he arrived, wasting away here with his only desire to not suffer. We have offered him that opportunity. Governor Scarpiant was sent by the High Council to Govern, and the, Tears of Divinity and Barrier nearly destroyed him. We, as a Colony have prospered. We have overcome much adversity together. Now, we have an opportunity to return the favor to Scarpiant and to offer Phelot freedom from the agony of this world as well. Phelot can also leave if he so desires. We have found a path to the Tartarus. We have the means, our knowledge of the Ways. I assure you this is safe, and also legal. Governor Scarpiant, Governor Phelot have authority to allow for this. The Colony collectively have authority. We have a mandate. This pleases enough Houses to make it legal in the Muurdan empire.

Legal mandate aside, I assure you that we with our Highborn means, we can bind the Fetches to agree to not disturb anything in Tartarus. This is a win win for everyone.

I have also have given my word, and am honor bound. This is a sacred vow for the Highborn. Where is your Brother, is he still under the suggestions of the Demon or has he shaken that, and come to?"

(Depending on the Attolian action and in mind with orders given, The Fetch is freed when and only when and after the tears are secured. The Highborn are in a Precarious situation as well, because they are more likely to defend the Attolians against the Housemen then attack. However, there is honor at Stake. However, the Fetches if they desire, will be aided back to Tartarus. The Highborn Prince has Elite travelers of the Way at his disposal for this very purpose. This plan is coming from the very Top. Not just from the Highborn High Command back home, but from the Major and powerful house of Xyphon. The Prince wants to see Phelot gone. The Prince and the Highborn are hoping that no more Fetches will come attempt to govern the Colony. If need be, or when the moment is right, if the Fetches agree, once Scarpiant is freed they will teleport into the way. The imprison spell will be dispelled and the Fetches will be brought into the way enroute to Tartarus.


The Highborn spend 10 influence or more if need be to make this move,politically and legally acceptable and popular.

 

[Beckoncall]

THE FATE OF FETCHES:

The Attolians and Highborn had both spoken their peace -- even as Phelot held the colony on the brink of war. The highborn presented a daunting force strength surrounding the assembled company... and bid for the fate of the fetch to be: Imprisonment in Tartarus.

The mad and wild eyed Scaripant cackled with glee at the notion, the Governor Phelot was silent, likely beside himself with whatever approximation to joy a fetch could express. They stared at one another for a mere second, before they would both be placed in the crystal and banished to the Prison of the Gods by the powerful highborn archmage -- we first geased them (a special spell which bound them to terms they had to submit to) -- that they would not attempt to return from tartarus, nor would they free any of the Titans or otherwise use them against the world they leave behind.

...The fetch accepted these terms anxiously, jealously even -- their freedom from this world was at hand, even if it was to a hellish dimension where even the gods could not see...

Scaripant held up his hand for a brief moment before the The highborn banished them into the ways irretrievably towards tartarus -- the waywalkers would make sure the fetch made it and could never return --

"In the absence of a Governor..." Scaripant declared...

"We choose Caelis of Attolia as Governor in terim" Phelot finished.

"We select the Arch-Lawyer Fendarvin of the Fennec Faction as de facto leader of all Muurdaan housemen in the colony." They said in unison... 18 of these super-heavy infantry were now in the hands of the fennec. They saluted, unquestioningly.

And then they were on their way... gone.

The highborn Prince would not understand for the life of him the decisions the Fetch made before he freed them... It was almost as if the highborn had been punished for it...

(Fennec gain +2 Influence! Attolians gain +4 influence!)

Word of the fetch escaping from this world would spread by ship back to the old world, and there it would surely cause a serious conundrum -- The fetch were the Muurdain's cherished slaves... but now that there was a means to free them, were they not obligated to honor their centuries old promise?

Time would tell of the implications of this strange day, a pivotal event indeed, perhaps in history...

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

Lothar muttered a curse as the Fetch vanished. They had left with a nasty political move... loyal servants till the end he supposed... or spiteful abominations. Regardless, what was done was done. However, there were clear consequences to the Fetches' actions. One was by making Caelis Governor... he was be under heavy scrutiny by everyone with a vested interest in the Colony. It also reaffirmed the Empire's authority on the Colony and on Caelis himself. Not to mention now the Fennec ALSO had control of 18 Housemen. This separation of political and military power sent a strong message at least to Lothar. There were effectively now two Imperial representatives in the Colony and both were also to keep the other in check. It was a headache to think of all the political implications with the departing gifts of the Fetch.

Lothar released himself from the thoughts that he had. He still had to finish what he came to do. Thus, he ordered his men to clear out the Statehouse. Gods knew what the Mad Fetch had stored in there and Lothar was not inclined to let it just sit there lest a pair of furry Fennec paws swipe it. Lothar approached the Highborn Prince and said "Pray tell, Elf Lord. If you had been in direct contact with the Mad Fetch, then how is it that none of us were informed before? Why is it that when the Attolians seek to move, that we are expected to wait for the Highborn and the Colony, and yet when the Highborn arrive they take decisive action promising things without the consultation of others? It is hard to trust a friend who keeps such secrets... not to mention the recent discovery of the Eastern Canal. It was shocking to hear from the Highborn that we keep such a discovery a secret from the rest of the Colony. The Highborn are wise, but such apathy and lack of consideration for others is exactly why the Highborn are often seen as arrogant and haughty. Nay, patronizing. We will always come to your aid in the event of emergency or war, but cooperation with the Highborn proves to be increasingly difficult with such a lop sided arrangement. If you do consider our alliance to be valuable and have the Colony's interest at heart, then I highly suggest that measures be taken to maintain friendly relations rather then using deceit and patronizing actions."

Lothar sighed and said "That said. Now that the building is free. I understand that the topic of a Colonial Treasury be established has long been around. I personally see this building as an appropriate location where we may hold our communal resources such as those two tears of Scaripant or other treasures that we obtained, but are not in use, to be available to the Colony if needed. Divines know that the loss of the Victorians and their treasures were a huge loss. I pray that this will allow us to preserve the history of these mysterous lands."