The Chronicled World

Salanaha tried to keep a straight face as the Elven Supreme leader danced around, but her joyful mood was contagious and the Basnan relaxed more and more. Besides, the conversation was pleasant and they were making good progress.

It is intellectually virtuous and wise to remain neutral and not to engage oneself too deeply when one doesn't have all the information. Mistakes can happen so quickly, and can have such dire consequences. My heart however fills with concern for your people. This is a time of strife and danger. Aside from the Gods wrath, the return of the sun has led all nations in a frenzy. Before I left the Shesonate, a trireme carrying a diplomatic envoy from the Forged Born was seen traveling West. The Eldrin have not been seen out of their forest for the past two centuries, and one can only surmise it was heading to the Pale Harpies. Alliances are built, lines are drawn, and it might be terribly dangerous to be left neutral and alone.

The Basnan hoped he hadn't overstepped his welcome in speaking so bluntly. On the contrary, the Lady Nexxis moved on to the core reason he was personnally here: preaching the teachings of Tamatoa. And what an offer she made! Salanaha felt an excitement he hadn't felt since his Pond-mate had delivered her first batch of eggs, his stomach churning and his hearts pounding.

Supreme Lady Nexxis, you prove yourself to be a wise and fair leader, and your conditions are accepted with joy. Such missionaries have come with me, eager to discover your world and meet your people, and they will be happy to register as such and respect all your laws and traditions. Be certain that if any were to break this agreement you propose, he would incur the Shesonate's wrath as well as yours, and would find no support from our court.

Salanaha grew more serious together with the Elven leader. He had no idea what was the Sheson's position to the Harpies, but he was aware that gifts had been sent to all nations. His smile and hope fading, he bowed respectfully.

Supreme, if you allow me, I must return with haste to the Shesonate inform the Sheson Paralua of your terms. I cannot fathom what his decision will be, but I will support your cause and your people with all my heart. It is my belief that we would benefit greatly from a friendship and a bridging of our people.

@Iamtheecchiking

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Paralua nodded in understanding, drinking in all the information Voron was bringing him. The Great Crab was smiling on the Shesonate, and a sense of clarity filled him. He had misread the broken statuette. Broken on his way to the Forged Born, broken in three pieces. Yes, he had misread it.

I thank you for your openness and honesty, good Voron. We Basnans are a simple people and the direct truth is always welcomed. We should indeed speak more about this at a later stage. If you will forgive me, I must briefly attend affairs of state. Please enjoy the room that have been put at your disposition, and I will call for you shortly, I believe.

The Sheson lumbered away as quickly as he could, his legs too small for his large frame. The Eldrin were said to be approaching, and he had to be seen on the dais soon.

@Yogii

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Saloskan looked at the Forged Born with a mix of stunned surprise and disgust. These people had been warring against the orcs for centuries, had suffered their stench and corruption, and that man praised their skills? The statement made the Basnan wonder what were indeed the values of the Forged Borns. It seemed they valued skill at war above all else. Above the raiding, murder and plunder of the orcs, above the corruption they spread on this world, above their own people and their own Gods. This was most concerning. Continuing this line of thought, Saloskan wondered how the Forged Born saw the Basnans then. The Marjari were not brutish creatures like the orcs, didn't have the training of the Forged Born or the technology of the Dawn Elves. Were they then seen as the least worthy of these nations? The Basnan's tone was harsher now.

I do not know if he was a prisoner. He was an orc, from the Shesonate, giving his life to satisfy the Gods. There can be no greater purpose to an orc's life. We are not at war with the lands of Gundertog, and haven't fought them. But even if we did, their skill at war means little. They are abominations, their very existence an insult to the Gods.

The athletic Marjari forced a smile back on his face, his tendrils drooping around his mouth.

Let us forget about all this. I hear an Eldrin caravan has made its way through the Shesonate and arrives today in Tamalossa. The Sheson has put a magnificent dais in front of the Cathedral, and it promises to be a quite the parade.

@ChelonianCommander

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The Anarch Monua was looking over the ship's railing, feeling out the current and potential risks in the water ahead of them. They were doing smooth sailing and these were known waters, with little risks. He was taken out of his focus by the question of the Lady Tundra, and welcomed the distraction.

Aye, the Great Crab is interesting, that's for sure m'lady. I ain't a man of god, I spend my life on mah boat, but I know nuff. He's the one that brought us here, see? The ocean, it was filled with Krakens and monsters, and they devoured all vessels. Then Tamatoa, he came and killed the Krakens, throwing them corpses out of the water and in the trees. He put all us Basnans on his shiny back and whooop, he ferried us here. See, that's mighty generous, but we lot must now please him. That's only fair. And with the Branding Plague and all, things just ain't right. Lucky we got the Sheson to lead us, though I ain't sure about all these foreigners coming and going. No offense. But the Great Crab saved us, right? But heh, I dunno, the Sheson knows best.

@Horicabu
 
Tundra cocked her head as she listened to Monua. When he had finished, her tone changed. "Your god sounds quite generous." She said. "Our own city is built on the bones of Krakens. I find it interesting that if what you say is true, then this Tamatoa has not only blessed you, but us, as well. But this disease you call the Branding Plague troubles me. Whether it be from the Crab or something else, the fact that it stems from the Forged Born is disconcerting. I should commune with the Spirit. He may give answers to us." She ruffled her feathers, shaking off the sea spray, before perking up. "Have you heard of the Spirit in the Mountain?" She asked.

@Amdarh
 
@Amdarh

Azariah followed her host into the cathedral and eyed the architecture curiously. Her people dwelled in structures made of tree and vine twisted through magical means yet not severed from their roots. The idea of constructing inorganic structures was quite foreign to the Eldrin and for Azariah it was more than a little intimidating to enter the massive, white cathedral. With their thoughts linked via The Hive’s psychic connection there was no need for any communication between the members of the party. Qildor, feeling Azariah’s thoughts, moved towards the portal of the cathedral while the warriors and guardians remained at the foot of the dais, looking out over the crowd of fish people with increased interest. Qildor entered the cathedral but remained standing by the door out of earshot, just close enough to respond if needed. As leader of this party the Speaker’s safety was his primary concern thus he was not letting her out of his sight.

Azariah smiled pleasantly at the Sheson’s words. “You are most kind Sheson Paralua. This one does not wish to trouble Paralua for such pleasantries. The Glade is not far from Basnad and the trip was a short one.” The Sheson was an interesting figure that gave substance to the legends of the supposed northern fishmen. A potent scent permeated her sense of smell but the Eldrin were accustomed to the smell as fish made up a significant portion of their diet. “It is an honor for this one to finally meet the Basnan. We hope for a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship between our nations.”
 
The bulgy eyes of the Marjari seemed to pop out of the man's head.

For real, m'lady? Kraken bones? For sure, that's a mighty sign that Tamatoa favours you, if you ask me.


The Basnan scratched his tendrils and spat over board.

M'afraid I got nothing on that Mountain Spirit, m'lady, but as I said, I ain't no man of Gods. And I don't go to mountains much. To be honest, never seen one, m'lady. Is that your God, of some sort?

@Horicabu

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As soon as they were inside the Cathedral, Paralua gave a pat on the Eldrin's shoulder and removed his hand, stopping any undue informality. He walked in his familiar sanctuary, the large dome giving him a sense of fulfillment and reassurance. The White Cathedral was a huge construction for Basnan standards, and all made of stone, also something quite rare. His recent visit to the Forged Born had put his architectural pride into perspective, but he still loved Tamatoa's first temple. The inside was shaped like the inside of a crab's carapace, the roof arching in a vault, the rough stones brought together by some crude mortar. Torches were spread across the room, always burning, and ivory covered all the columns and traced patterns over the walls, in between tapestries narrating the Great Migration. The centre of the Cathedral held the ceremonial altar, with the faithful gathering in layers after layers around him during the daily prayers. From the main circular room, eight hallways led to various parts of the palace, such as the Sheson's private chambers, the Great and Smaller Hall, a dungeon, a kitchen... but all started from the Cathedral, the heart of the Shesonate. The Sheson Paralua had a hard time getting away from his reverie and shook his head to clear his mind.

Yes... Yes... We do need to knit closer ties in times as these where the earth shakes again, plagues run rampant and orcs freely defile their surroundings. So tell me, noble Azariah, what would be beneficial to your nation?

@Emory
 
It took Hysura three excruciating days to return home from the Death Mountains. She made sure to swear her party to secrecy; No one was to speak of this encounter, lest foreign bodies learn of their new friends. Arriving home in Kruumlok, She ordered the trade route to be set up to Mount Two-moons. It too was secret. She then had several hurdles to overcome: Morttin Rawl's xenophobia may pose a threat to her plan.

-----

Morttin Rawl was not pleased. Not at all. This Siren came to him, telling him she promised soldiers for him, to these foreigners. She then started explaining to him, as if he was some idiot, how this was necessary to there survival as a people. With a gesture, Rawl simultaneously silenced Hysura and showed his displeasure. "No, Guildmistress, your points do not address my gall with you." He said gritting his teeth, approaching her his a finger pointed. Unexpectedly, and perhaps she knew she was on 'thin ice' as it were, Her face softened and placed her hand on his shoulder, her arm brushing against his. "I know... I'm sorry, sir... I'm only trying to help." she soothed. It took a moment for it to click with Rawl what she was doing, and another moment for him to shake her hand off him. "Not. Acceptable."

"You seem intent on 'working' the problem away, so I have an idea. Provided you can convince them to follow you to slay your monster, You can have an estimated 10,000 hardened veterans trained in surviving harsh foreign landscape." Rawl smiled. Hysura's eyes lit up with confusion. "Go south to the realm of Valentinae, of the Forged Born..." he wrote something as he said this "Present 'The Immortals' with my edict to cease their military activity there and follow you on your mission. If they still swear loyalty to Gundertog, you may have them." Hysura had heard of these Immortals. Barbaric orcish followers of Clog the Immortal, once a mighty Gunthar of the first circle, and leader of a war effort against the Forged Born. Today his followers, though still 'Loyal' to Gundertog and counted as part of the militaries number, are more of mere barbarians aligned with Gundertog.

Hysura seemed disappointing at first, and a touch upset. "*Fine*. ...Also, these kobolds are- I mean - will they become public knowledge, 'sir'?" Rawl simply smiled: "What kobolds?" Hysura was greatly relieved, and left their secret meeting, to go to Valentinae...

-----

A party of well armed soldiers, all female and numbering nearly 7,000 strong, marched with mixed supplies and officers into Forged Born territory, and made camp along the northern border. They sent out scouting parties, careful not to get close to the city of Valentinae, to find something - or someone - hidden about the foot hills.

@ChelonianCommander
 
"The Spirit is our god, yes. His body was burned away before we ever found him, but in the distant past, our ancestors discovered his burial urn deep within a mountain. His ashes bled black, and united the Pale Ones. We used to be merely Harpies who preyed on men, you see. But this blood purified us, gave us the arcane arts we use today. The original five high priestesses made our race self sufficient. There were no male Harpies until their intervention." Tundra said. "We ruled our entire continent...until the Blight overtook our cities, and the Pale Ones migrated here."

@Amdarh
 
"Please do. The Shesonate's response is of great interest to us."

Nexxis said as she began to end this meeting.

"Let me give another bit of advice and a warning. You must know their are currently 2 other elven nation's besides Athea. Though we are all elves, believe in very different things, and the other nations do things that quite frankly disgust me, we are still elves. They have had similar atrocities committed against them by the harpies. They hold different worldviews, and may not be so forgiving to the harpies, as I am. They may even aim for war.

I cannot obviously speak for them, but if the Shesonate befriends the harpies, the Basnad may make enemies out of the other elven nations. At the least, they will not take kindly to it. So it would behoove the Shesonate to look at this with all things considered.

Would it benefit the Basnad people more, to have relations with the harpies and possibly make enemies out of the elves, or to cast the harpies aside, and be in good terms with the elves.

I do not envy the decisions your leader will have to make. I know it will not be an easy one, if he even has the desire to befriend the harpies.

I wish you and your people safe travels, and that Tamatoa provides the Shesonate with the wisdom and clarity to lead his people on. Your escorts are awaiting you. You do not have to leave immediately, but I do not suggest going out into the city. It would trouble me if you or your people were to come down with this plague. Hopefully, if the Shesonate's response is favorable, then you will be able to return and see Athea at that time if you wish."

Nexxis then made her way back up to the throne and sat down again. Making a facial expression of thought. The Basnad didn't expressly say it, but his response upon mentioning the terms with the harpies made it seem as if his people had something to do with the Harpies, or were at least planning to.

@Amdarh
 
Monua was listening attentively, more interested than he expected to be. It felt like a nice story to him, one that he could tell again around a campfire. Teryu wouldn't know that one, that was for sure! He was taking mental notes

What are arkainarts, m'lady? Is it like a tool, a spear or a bow?

The last part of the story reminded the Basnan a lot of their own Great Migration, but also of the comments of his Exarch, once.

No offense, m'lady, but why didn't your mountain spirit help you during your Blight?

@Horicabu

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Salanaha bowed deeply to the wise words of the Lady Nexxis and gave his goodbyes. He left behind the godly Basnans that had accompanied him with strict orders to fully respect the rules and wishes of the Elves, and to explain the Blessings of Tamatoa to any who cared to listen.

A mere hours after his arrival in Athea, the frail Basnan found himself on his ship again. Marjari were sea creatures, but Salanaha longed for the mild pool of his Pond and the comfort of his pillows. So many travels were beyond his age. Still, he worked for Tamatoa and the Sheson, and he wished to fail neither.

The return journey was swift, and the envoy used his and his guard's energy to facilitate currents and speed up their navigation. As they arrived in Tamalossa, the city had a fervour usually only reserved to the Holy Days. Salanaha soon learned the Eldrin had come out of their woods and were being received by the Sheson. The Basnan envoy hurried his steps and dove into the packed crowd to reach the White Cathedral and make his report to the Sheson.

@Iamtheecchiking
 
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@Amdarh

Spurius seems to have hit a nerve with Saloskan. The Basnad spoke with a harsher tone then before and seem to be a bit more hostile. What Saloskan said is common among the soldiers and common folk but it wasn't his fault. The orcs are savage and ruthless invaders, but he respected their skill in warfare. As any good leader would, in order to keep themselves from underestimating their opponent.

"I do not mean to offend you, if that is what I have done. Most of my kin find respect in duty, loyalty and the ability to perform both. Myself, and others of higher positions respect the Orc's skill however as their duty is war and their are skilled in such affairs." He tells Saloskan. Eventually the conversation turns to the Eldrin. Apparently they are having a parade within the city. A fine prospect and a possibly a how of the Eldrin's strength. He should take note of anything that might be of interest for his High King.
 
@Amdarh

Qildor perked up at the ever increasing attention that their meeting was drawing. Each and every muscle tensed in his lean body and his fingers began to twitch, ready to draw sword or bow in an instant if need be.

Azariah felt her counterpart’s angst and sent soothing thoughts into his mind. He may be itching for action but she trusted Qildor and doubted he’d do anything rash despite his headstrong nature. Turning her attention to her host she addressed his question as directly as possible. “We would appreciate any resources you have to spare in a mutual exchange of goods, however, we are more interested in securing our border than establishing trade. The Hive Queen believes allies can strengthen The Hive so that we may face the hardships of the post-earthrage world together. The Hive has never formed an alliance, but we believe now is the time for change in an ever-changing world. If Paralua wishes to ally with The Hive, Hive Queen Ythril bids this one to invite Paralua to Eldrinor, the heart of The Hive.” Her words trailed off and her silence indicated that she was finished speaking and she now awaited the Sheson’s response with unwavering patience.
 
Nexxis turned to the aide that had followed her and was standing next to the throne.

"Take this to The Council and have an official document written up. Inform them of the contents and have monitors set up for the religious emissaries. Give it to the Commander of the Special Evaluation Squadron. Let her decide how to go about it. If I'm needed, I'll be in my chambers."

Nexxis said as she quickly hopped up and trotted off to her private area of the Palace. Interesting things were beginning to happen in the world. She could feel it.
 
The Sheson Paralua nodded, his jawls trembling, and smiled to his guest.

The Hive Queen is wise! I myself consider that...

The door of the Cathedral burst open, the noise echoing in the large chamber. Who dared? Paralua had visions of blood and sacrifices, but calmed himself when he saw it was the faithful Salanaha. He wasn't supposed to be back so quickly, and he had an air or urgency uncommon for his usual serene mood. Something was amiss. The Sheson gave a brief apology to the Eldrin and approached his envoy.

What is the meaning of this, Exarch Salanaha? Why have you disturbed the peace of the Gods?

My most humble apologies, your Holiness! I have just returned from my mission to Athea, and bring news that might interest your discussions with the Eldrin. I came as fast as I could.

Salanaha made his report, summarising succinctly the personality of Lady Nexxis, her offers and warnings.

I see... you did well. Go back to the Athean, tell them we accept all their conditions. They can choose any piece of land in the Shesonate and build an embassy there. Spread the word of Tamatoa and make fast friends of these elves.

@Iamtheecchiking

The bulky Basnan left his man there. Salanaha had looked crestfallen at the news he had to return immediately to Athea, but he would do his duty. Paralua joined again Azariah.

My apologies, noble Azariah, matters of state...

He was reluctant to accept their offer. For one, his last trip had brought him shame and anger. For two, he knew nothing of these Eldrin and wasn't sure he could trust them. As always in such situations, he closed his eyes and prayed, opening his mind and soul to the wisdom of the Crab. These were dangerous times, and je couldn't afford to be meek. And if it was time for him to join Tamatoa, he could only go with a smile. Satisfied with his Illumination, he turned his attention back to the patient Eldrin.

I gratefully accept your invitation. The Hive Queen and I have much to discuss. We would be happy to trade as well as secure our borders through bonds of trust and friendship. If your major concern is the security of your borders, I worry about your Harpy neighbours. I hear their treatment of Elves is... of bad omen. But enough of my ramblings. Inform your Mistress that the Sheson Paralua will join her. Tell her also the Eldrin can choose any piece of land in the Shesonate and build an embassy there, so that we can learn more about each other.

@Emory

The Eldrin mission retreated respectfully and Paralua stormed to his Small Hall where the ashari Voron waited for him. Je walked to him in his usual friendly gait, arms wide open.

Noble Voron! I have pondered your words, and they rang true. The alliance of the Pale Harpies and the Forged Born is a concern for this world. They surround both our nations and threaten our security. I have deal extensively with the Forged Born recently, and have become convinced they believe themselves to be above all - above us, above the dawn elves, even above the Gods! They are complacent with the bane of civilization that are the orcs, and have massed legions at our border. Believe me, they are getting ready for an invasion.

Paralua took the tea cup that a servant had brought and toasted his guest.

The Shesonate will support Ashar against the Harpies, if you support against the Forged Born. We will provide you with what resources we have, such as crops and fish, in exchange for improved weapons to fight our common enemies. And to seal our agreement, the Great Alok can choose any land in the Shesonate and build an embassy on it.

The Sheson raised his cup to Voron with a large smile

Let's bring our nations together!

@Yogii
 
"The Arcane Arts?" Tundra said. "In layman's terms, its just a fancy name for magic. Our kind can bend flesh and bone. It's how we build our cities and fight our wars." She darkened at the second question. Questions of the Blight outside of religious banter were near taboo. "As for the Blight, it remains a mystery, though, some say it originated from the Spirit's urn itself. High Priests speak often of his great anger. Perhaps our ancestors somehow displeased him."
 
@Amdarh

As the Sheson broke off to speak to his envoy Azariah continued waiting in patience until his conversation was concluded and he returned with an apology. This formality was not necessary as she had all the time in the world to wait; Eldrin along with joiners of any species lived significantly extended lifespans due to their connection with the hive mind. Nevertheless, she offered a pleasant smile and listened attentively at his words.

“This one is glad to hear Paralua shares our common interests. This warning of the Pale Harpies is troubling, however, considering it only confirms our previous misgivings regarding their kind after our Eyes brought back word of their past atrocities. Nevertheless, this is more reason to join our nations together, should any future conflict arise.”
She paused for a brief moment considering her next words carefully. Because the Eldrin had never revealed themselves to any of the surrounding nations it was important to choose which pieces of information to share about themselves.

“It will not be necessary for this one to inform the Hive Queen,” she said plainly. “The Hive shares a collective mind made up of individuals who are connected by the Hive Queen’s magic, which is bolstered by the connection to Eldrinor, our heart-tree. Our thoughts may be our own, but we can share them with one another as well as our senses. Ythril is pleased with this development and bids you a quick and safe journey.” Azariah paused once more seemingly lost in her thoughts. “If Paralua is concerned of our intentions it should ease Paralua’s mind to know that it is impossible for an Eldrin to tell a lie. Because The Hive shares a mind it is difficult to discern one Eldrin’s thoughts, real or imagined, from another’s memory. For one to tell a lie would create unwanted confusion in The Hive’s mind, thus when this one says that Paralua will come under no harm in the Glade, this one speaks only in truth. If Paralua still wishes to bring guards Paralua may bring as many as desired.” There was no warmth to her features yet her words sounded genuine in their straightforwardness. “The Hive will dispatch a group of workers to construct an embassy here in Basnan so Paralua should keep an eye out for their arrival. We look forward to Paralua’s arrival in the Glade.” With that Azariah offered a bow of the head before gathering her security and setting off towards the Glade, satisfied with how negotiations had gone.
 
Voron waited patiently for the good king Paralua, as his servant prepared for his arrival with some tea, until out of nowhere the king himself barged in to the hall, sat down and began to exclaim about the alliance between the ashari and sheshonate. This surprised Voron, as he wondered in his head what could have happened to change his attitude about the situation so quickly, but he didn't waste any time and raised his cup towards the king as a testimonial to their new-found alliance. "Aye, the Sheshonate will have our support against the Forged Born cause, as will the Sheshonate against ours", Voron exclaimed. "I suppose then, a public international treaty between our nations is in order", Voron said as he pulled out a document from his silver pouch, which has the signature of king Alok. "This treaty will recognize our nations as allies from here on, and will solidify our communion. All you need is to sign it like our king has and the treaty will be made" Voron says as he places the treaty on the table awaiting the kings response.
@Amdarh
 
The plains and foothills near Valentinae were golden yellow that morning, as a lesser employee roused Hysura from her slumber, the rising sun shining through the tent flaps.

"Madame, our scouts have found them. We must hurry; we can't be slowed down by an encounter with the Forged Born military." said the worker. Hysura would spend that morning leading a caravan of soldiers and diplomats, goods and weapons, though treacherous crags and rocky fields. They were close to the mountains now, and the grass thinned and took on a gray, withered look. Even with fertile ash covering it, anything too close to the soil of the death mountains would succumb to it's curse.

And then their it was; A make-shift wall covered this passage. at it's base was stones, holding rods of iron and wood that kept the fence of hammered and reforged metal plates. Hysura thought grimly as to where they got these plates, but 'all's fair in war', as they say. Standing on the wall was a short, stout and hairy Orc with one crude javelin in his hand, and notably stark clothing. Some small leather covering, but even that kept painfully few secrets. "Well, How doe' it? Northernah? 'Ey! Jernk! Geddover 'ere! There 'ERE! da Derugn really did us some helpins'!!" His ...Posture grew scarily 'attracted' to Hysura as he noticed her out from the group "Imma thinkin' thar be the sword widows too! ...DANG IT JERNK LET 'IM IN ALREADY!!!"

The gates to the Immortal Citadel opened. Carcasses and bones, filth and trash laid strewn about the wide roads surrounding and metal dome-housing. A few head-pieces of Forged Born soldiers adorned the streets as proud trophies.

A old, fat Orc sat in front of the bonfire, who looked he had never shaved and smelled as though he had never bathed. Hysura approached this one and asked "Are you the Warchief in charge here?" much to the delight of the audience around her.

"Girl, I'mma be 'Son o' Clog' 'round 'ere and yazz gon' call me that. Not been a warchief fer da Immortals since we'z comin' over that mountain out back." He said sternly and slowly. "...What buzinuzz ya got? 'sides taking yer sword to da Ir'nhides, o'course..."

Considering for a moment telling this 'Son of Clog' how that was, infact, not why they were their, she instead decided to just present the edict papers, and explain to him the situation with the new Morttin replacing the Derugn. He took it as well as might be expected.

"Sea-witchlin'! Ya come to tell us- to spit on us- that this 'Rawl' fella gonna take us out?! After what we gave- AFTER WHAT... after what... after what..." At first, he raised his voice. then a blank look came over him, and he began repeating words mid-sentence. The 'son of clog' then collapsed; Promptly dying.

-----

Hysera had gotten lucky, as she would later learn that the old Son of Clog would likely have tried to kill them for the insult Rawl had her deliver, but with the unrest this caused, she easily maneuvered her own agenda out of the bright-eyed new leader and within the next five days the Immortals set out from their scattered villages to meet the sword widows at the site of the encounter with Madame Kilj. Hysura had just barely mustered her 17,000 strong army in two weeks. Midnight on the 14th day approached as the army made camp completely engulfing the tunnel where she met kilj, waiting, ready to go slay a monster...

@TheGreenerGrey
 
@Lazzamore

With all the hustle and bustle of a little over 50000 soldiers, a combined 10 legions, stationed at Valentianae to prepare for an immediate northern invasion. Tadia the builder struggles with the logistics of supplying and maintaining that many soldiers in case of a siege, and while the walls were able to hold that many warriors, she would need to plan a sufficient strategy to hold all walls in any situation. While Tadia and her Legates planned strategy, they were interrupted by a runner sends word from the northern Legionary Rangers scouting for enemy invaders. The Runner have Tadia the Builder a simple message. "My King, the Builder, we have spotted Orcs north of the city. Estimated numbers between 5000-9000. I, the watchful, recommend sending forces to either watch or remove this potential threat."

Tadia takes this into consideration and these orcs north of the border can set up a resupply camp and rally point for the Gundertog. With 10 legions at her disposial, Tadia the Builder made orders to send a single legion north to find these Orcs and watch them. If they prove to be a threat then they are to drive them off either through intimidation or force.
 
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Sounds like you need new Gods, if ye ask me...

The sailor shrugged and went back to his duties. Dismissing other people's Gods was usually bad business, even when they admitted they had abandoned them. Besides, they were now leaving Basnan waters and approaching the treacherous tip of the Silverglade. All his attention was needed.
The longboat continued its smooth sailing towards the Harpies' lair when they suddenly crossed a Harpy ship.

@Horicabu

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

Paralua read carefully the document presented by Voron then called for a scribe to look it over. Everything seemed to be in order and acceptable, the two nations promising each other help and support in case of war. The Sheson's tendrils shuddered in excitement, being recognised an ally by the Dawn Elves of Ashar was a great diplomatic victory that would improve the Shesonate's status, and forever dismiss the image of backward savages that still hung onto the Marjari. The ashari technology would also be very welcome to improve their weapons and techniques, and it was a welcome new market for their Holy Beer and crops. Overall, he couldn't have hoped for a better deal. He signed eagerly the treaty.

Here you are, Voron, bring news of this to your King! I will send with you a first delegation of merchants bringing crops, fish and Beer.

@Yogii

Paralua left the ashari delegate to prepare his journey to Eldrinor. Adrenalin coursed through his flabby body, excited and worried by this new, unknown and unexpected enterprise. The forests of the Eldrin had gained quite the mythical status with the Basnan and even the Sheson, a man of wisdom and knowledge, was eager to discover what lied beyond their borders. He took with him his usual retinue of messengers, scribes, courtiers and a small Prong of Redempters, mostly to help make way for the palanquin he was going to travel in.
As he was about to leave, he remembered an important detail and turned to the first messenger he saw.

Find Saloskan. Tell him to put the Forged Born under house arrest, still treated as honoured guests. All messages are to be intercepted, no news of what happens here should reach the United Kingdoms.

@ChelonianCommander

This formality done, he hurried to join Azariah as the Eldrin was preparing to leave for the Glade. The few words they had exchanged had highly intrigued the Sheson, and he looked forward to having a couple more days to learn everything he could of his neighbours. Besides, he didn't relish the idea of getting lost in the woods without a proper guide to finish as a porcupine because of bad communication - regardless of what Azariah said, that kind of mistake happened in every army!
Huffing and puffing, Paralua trotted down the Cathedral's stairs to the Eldrin caravan. His palmed hand resting on a soldier, he smiled happily at the prospect of new travels.

Allow me to join you, Azariah, the journey will be markedly improved in your company.

As they went on their way, the Sheson barking orders for the Basnans to hurry and display all the strength and effectivity of the Shesonate, Paralua turned to the Eldrin to try and learn some more.

What you have told me is astounding, and I thank you for the trust you have placed in me for sharing this information. I will not disappoint you and keep your secrets safe. If I understand correctly, the Lady Ythril can... sense... what I say as if she was here? To move our discussions forward, could you ask her what would be the terms she would require for our cooperation, and what is it she dreams of for her people?


@Emory

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

Salanaha was once more on a boat. His ass barely remembered what a proper pillow was, and his legs had taken the round arc of those spending too much time on a ship. He had taken to a game of dice and bones and passed the time playing with sailors. The crossing had already lost its magic and the Basnan felt bored just looking at the endless sea spreading over the horizon. That thought bothered him - this was the realm of Tamatoa, he should gaze upon it with wonder. But it only stifled a yawn. Certainly, Tamatoa's realm was under the waves, filled with wonders and excitement.
Never soon enough, they reached Athea and went through the same protocol they had endured the first time they had crossed the border. Salanaha was eventually let through and made his way to the Palace to meet the Lady Nexxis and deliver his message.

@Iamtheecchiking
 
@Amdarh

Azariah was pleased that the Sheson would be accompanying them back to the Glade although she made no effort to voice this pleasure. Despite the vagueness of this answer the Sheson seemed to grasp the general concept of The Hive’s collective mind.

“That is correct. The Hive shares a collective mind which allows us to think as individuals or as a group. This connection also extends to senses that one hive member can share with others.
The Hive Queen is currently paying close attention to this exchange. This one speaks for the collective hive during these talks, not for oneself.” Azariah continued walking with her guards in a loose formation around them, the shadow of the hulking guardians shrouding them from the midday sun. “The Hive seeks only one thing- growth. However, The Hive does not sanction the Swarming of any friendly nations so The Hive must grow in other ways.” At this point the Speaker turned to Paralua with a look of indifference. “Knowledge. We seek to spread and learn, evolving as we do so.”
 
full

As we enter into the late months of the year, and the air turns cold, a strange darkness fills the sky. Something in his gut tells the wise farmer anywhere north of the death mountains that this was going to be a terrible winter...

As summer turned to autumn and gave way to winter, it got cold in the Death Mountains and Northdawn. the Gundrish and even Candelebrans living too close to the surface would now feel the bitter sting of frost. It was a cold winter hersh-over, but in the north it snowed. And snowed. And snowed some more.

The swamps froze solid. Glacier-like constructs accumulated on the coasts. The ground was white, the farmsteads buried, the sky was a deep, aweful grey... The kind that promised no respite or warmth for a dangerously long time. This blizzard would be remembered for generations.

@TheGreenerGrey , (and Me, sadly)
((This one's a doozy! I rolled a 6 out of 6 for that events magnitude.))

full

The Blizzard in the north has posed an unique conundrum for the local wildlife. Not one that's hard to solve, just a new one: Migrate or freeze to death.

The Death mountains west proved too difficult for the passive and flightless Green Dragons to navigate, so they eventually escaped down the softer peaks east, to the land of the Forged Born and onward. This posed an issue for the smaller, less friendly Tiger Dragons that already called these nations home. Both species of dragon are animals that cannot be tamed, by all accounts, but their frightening power make the new struggle a dangerous thing, even if most people will still never encounter these rare beasts.

Even further south tales of 'sea crocodiles' - Yes, Gundertog's bracken-water crocs have as of now been spotted off the shores of Athea - have posed another new encounter for small coastal and river fishers.

@ChelonianCommander @Emory @Amdarh @Iamtheecchiking

But all is not falling apart, as it sometimes seems, with the harshly cold winter all the ticks have died and with them, the Shrill cough Plague, seemingly overnight, and the Blizzard have brought rains - however freezing - that ended the minor draught in the West - a place shielded from the blizzards and monsters conveniently because of the Death Mountain's height on the borders.

@Horicabu @Yogii
 
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