The Chronicled World

@Iamtheecchiking

The arrival of the dragons was less then fortunate. The sheep population recovers during the winter but as is such in this world, one problem is replaced by something worst as an infestation of Green Dragons rush into the United Kingdoms, possibly migrating due to the winter. The Tiger Dragons were easy enough to keep away as the Tiger Dragons were easily taken care of by a single squad of Legionary Rangers but the Green Dragons needed entire Artillery Cohorts to be driven off as their scales protects the beast from anything but the raw power of an artillery piece. This was a predicament as this kept the trade of wool and textiles down to a minimum. With the embargo set by the Atheans in place, the monthly income is still roughly 9%-11% lower then it could. Something must be done to remove the embargo, so High King Decius the King asks Lucia the Knight to send a Legate to establish diplomatic talks with the Atheans. As such she sent in her youngest, reletively speaking, Legate, Legate Tertulus the Tongue. The Legate has spent decades learning the languages of every nation, to speak to them in their own language with absolute fluidity. Taking 200 Praetorians and a Trireme, Legate Tertulus makes for Athea.

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@Amdarh

With 6 Legions in place within the southern border, the Basnads are now blocked off from entering the United Kingdoms. Any Basnad wishing to enter will be searched, interrogated and sent back. Any Basnad currently within the United Kingdoms will be hunted and taken prisoner. Those who resist will be killed then looted. Those who surrender will be searched, interrogated then imprisoned for a length of time before being killed. The Forged Born did not have the time nor interest to keep prisoners alive long term.

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@Horicabu

High King Decius have yet to receive any word from the Pale Harpies and he began to fear the worst. He sends another Trireme with some minor dignitaries to make sure everything was going alright.
 
Winter had arrived. While the weather down south was almost always more mild, this time it had gotten cold. Very cold. It had seemed the bitter cold had forced some of the world's crocodiles to migrate south. Fishers were reporting large crocodiles attacking and taking some of their catch. They were getting dangerously close to the coasts.

Nexxis, The Supreme of Athea, had come up with a solution. A tournament. She released a decree, stating that at 8 am tomorrow, a contest to see who could catch the most crocodiles would be held. A decent sum of currency would be awarded for the most crocodile meat that could be gathered in 1 week. A team could consist of 3 members. With another prize being awarded for the largest crocodile brought in. She had already struck a deal with quite a few dining establishments to buy the meat and sell it as a delicacy. The government would also buy some to be used as an export. The trade value, as well as the economic boost from the sale of crocodile, would easily recover the funds used for the contest prizes. However, that was not Nexxis's most pressing concern.

Her most pressing concern, was that it seemed both the Basnad diplomat, as well as a forged born vessel, were at the border. She awaited more communication via long range communication magic.

Commander Pahorn had received a com from the captain of one of the border patrol vessels. They had seen 2 ships approaching the border. The Commander called in reinforcements from the inner border patrol vessels, as was their duty. 10 Naval vessels closed in on the border where the ships were approaching, as well as the larger command vessel that Pahorn was aboard. The approaching Basnad and Forged Born vessels were right next to each other, Miles apart actually. The team would quickly check them, then clear them. She chanted the Long range communication magic mantra, and her face appeared to the Basnad first. She recognized him as the same diplomat.

"Welcome back to Athea. You know the procedure. The vessels at the border will be awaiting you. I am not able to greet you this time, as I have other business to attend to."

With that she ended the communication and proceeded to send another to the forged born vessel. The Basnad vessel was quickly checked, and then allowed to proceed with a vessel escorting them to the port.

Searching for what appeared to be the captain of the Forged Born vessel, she initiated magical contact. A faint view of her face and her voice could be seen and heard in front of the Forged Born captain.

"Forged Born vessel, you are approaching Athean waters. I am Commander Pahorn of the Athean Navy. Proceed to the blockade, then stand down and prepare to be boarded. Any action to attempt to avoid the blockade, or to proceed past the border will be considered an act of aggression and will be met with merciless force. Be prepared to state your intentions, as well as the contents of your vessel."

The communication was then ended as that was the limit of it's abilities. Unless the recipient could do the same com spell, the recipient could not respond. Nor could a communication last for very long. Like any magic, it was helpful, but had it's limits. The Athean vessels formed up in a U shape, that would allow the Forged Born to proceed into the blockade and be surrounded on 3 sides.

Pahorn was under orders to ascertain the reason the Forged Born we're approaching Athean, as they were currently in a trade embargo. Once the intentions and cargo of the vessel were known, she was to contact Nexxis directly. A decision would then be made at that point on how to proceed.

@Amdarh @ChelonianCommander
 
Saloskan walked up the main street, passing ramshackled dwellings with broken glasses and tags on the walls of 'Orcs Get Out', a common sight nowadays. There were still tens of thousands of orcs living in the Shesonate, with about half staying in the capital Tamalossa, and the Basnan population had grown increasingly hostile to the creatures. His Holyness Paralua had ordered a week ago that all orcs were banned from the city and to move their unpleasant asses out in the harsh winter. The looting had started soon after, and the few orcs that had remained in the city stayed in hiding. Between the hostile Basnans, the cold winter and the roaming dragons, Saloskan didn't like the chances of these orcs out there in the open.

The athletic commander of the Redempter Prong brushed the crowd aside and strode in the White Cathedral. Courtisans flocked around him, trying to get a word in or hear the latest news but he didn't have time for these fools today. When he approached Paralua, the Sheson seemed to stand a bit taller, a bit more firmly than before. The last years had taken a heavy toll on his weight and his overall physical condition, but the recent events and opportunities seemed to have given him a new life.

Your Holyness, I come with reports from the border. Basnan merchants have been hunted down, captured and eventually killed. Six legions are reportedly massed at the border.

As Paralua turned to him, he saw in his eyes the victorious gleem he knew he would find. The Sheson had worked a lot to arrive to this situation, and the Forged Born were giving him an uncalled for, unprovoked casus belli. Massing an army and attacking Basnans like that, what were they thinking? Paralua obviously gloated, the fat of his double chin jiggling.

Excellent, excellent. Call in a Primarch Council and prepare meetings with our the Ashari and Eldrin representatives. What are the other news of the countryside? Have the dragons be dealt with?

The winter is cold, but we have seen worse, and all regions were sufficiently prepared and stocked. A dozen or so Ponds have disappeared overnight probably due to the roaming dragons, but the Ponds have learnt to adapt. Tiger dragons are being hunted down wherever they are seen. The people have gotten to treat Green Dragons with the respect due to missionaries of Tamatoa. They leave them in peace, often bringing them gifts and offerings, and the dragons seem to let them be. For the moment.

Good. Good.

One more thing, Your Holyness. For all intents and purposes, the orcs have been moved out of Tamalossa, and are spreading in the countryside. If left unchecked, they might turn to banditry and cause mayhem and chaos.

Let them be. If they turn to querrulous, it will give us ample opportunity to further turn the populace's wrath against them.

Saloskan twitched at that. Hundreds of weaker Ponds would be vulnerable to such a mass of homeless orcs and Basnans would suffer, but it was not his place to discuss the Sheson's orders. He bowed and left Paralua to his own thoughts.

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

The dreary agony of boredom of Salanaha's trip was cut short when a Forged Born ship was spotted on the horizon. It soon became clear the two vessels were aiming for the same destination and engaged in a... friendly race to the border, only to be stopped brusquely by the border patrol. It was old news by now, but Salanaha was surprised to have the face of Commander Prahorn appear in front of him, apologising for not welcoming the Basnans himself. Once he got over his amazement at the spell, he bowed and started dismissing the apology as utterly unnecessary, but the face was already gone.

Hopefully, the Forged Born ship would be delayed by the inspections longer than them, and Salanaha could slip a few chosen words to the Supreme in time. He made his way as quickly as he could, his long legs aching in the dry cold southern streets as he reached the palace. The presence of the dwarves had kicked in his adrenal glands and he felt 15 years younger, eager to meet the Elf. When he was finally introduced to her, he bowed deeply and gave her all the signs of respect he had learned of these Elves.

Lady Nexxis, you look more ravishing every day, and it is always a honour to be in your presence. I have missed our conversations and look forward to hopefully spend more time in Athea for once.

He smiled warmly and allowed himself to come a tad closer to give some sense of secrecy and importance to his words.

I bear news of the mainland. The Sheson Paralua heartily agrees to all your requests. You are invited to pick any land you choose in the Shesonate and build an embassy there. Furthermore, the Sheson would like to strenghten our bond through an alliance. He took to heart your... dislike for the Harpies. It just so happens that the United Kingdoms of the Forged Born have developed an alliance with these creatures. For what purposes, we can only surmise, but they surround Elven and Basnan realms. This is no defensive alliance, and the Forged Born have already moved troops at their border with us. His Holyness Paralua, and the whole Shesonate, would sing a praise to Tamatoa the Great Crab if the Atheans joined us in our fight against our common ennemies, the Harpies and the Forged Born.

Salanaha took a step back and kept as neutral an expression as he could, observing the Lady Nexxis' reactions attentively. Hopefully, he wasn't too late.

@Iamtheecchiking

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One by one, the primarchs arrived from all over the Shesonate: fair Trania, old Gorna, powerful Yruna, wise Solmo, rash Trintare and meak Julen. When all of them had settled, they gathered in the Council Room, an underwater chamber they reached through swimming - Paralua and Gorna required a bit of help to reach it - where they could be in contact with the will of Tamatoa. The Council Room was also practical in the sense that nobody could discreetly bring weapons when they were naked, and no one could overhear the Council discussions under the sea. Paralua stood before the other lords and ladies of the Shesonate, water dripping from his naked, fat body.

Brothers and sisters, thank you for joining me on such short notice. I have gathered you today because...

Cut to the chase, Paralua, we don't need your speeches here, interrupted Trintare, a rather young Primarch who always wanted to show he deserved his spot on the Council. It could grow a bit tiring, but Paralua had to let it slide today.

Quite right, quite right. In a few words, as some of you might already know, the Forged Born have massed their armies on the border and have mistreated all Basnans they could lay their hands on.

A general grumble of outrage spread through the room, with Julen, who had taken Paralua's Primacy on the United Kingdom's border, sharing stories of the abuses inflicted by the mechanical dwarves.

This is what your political machinations get us, Paralua! The Basnans are not meant to go politicking, we are people of the sea, we raid and we feed the fishes with the bodies of our enemies! Gorna spitted. She had never gotten over Paralua being elected Sheson instead of her and held to more... outdated beliefs than him.

Peace, Gorna, peace, interjected Solmo. The Sheson has acted with Tamatoa's blessing - and ours. Turning to the Sheson, he added, Have your meetings with the foreigners been successful? Do we stand alone?

Yruna, always silent and watching, raised an eyebrow at the question and observed Paralua carefully. He knew she didn't approve of dealing so much with foreigners, but was also one of his staunchest supporter.

Undoubtedly. We are allied with the Eldrin and the Ashari. They will come. But we need to be ready. I ask of the Council to approve preparations for war. Muster your Prongs, sharpen your weapons, use the new alloys and weapons we received from our allies, and make ready. With your blessing, we will carry the banner of Tamatoa high on the battlefield.

The banner of Tamatoa, or yours? You had us all riled up against the orcs, and you are now making us go to war against the dwarves... sneered Gorna

The path to the orcish lands passes through the United Kingdom, Gorna. And besides, I am not the one launching the hostilities...

The debates went on like that for another couple of hours, but the result was soon obvious: Paralua had his majority, and his war. Trania, Yruna, Julen and Solmo were on his side, while Trintare made protests more for being heard than anything else.

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

Once he had the approval of the Council, Paralua met with the Ashari and Eldrin envoys. Putting them together in the same room might be a risky business, but he had no doubt they had plenty of opportunities to meet and discuss at any time in Tamalossa, both of them now having embassies in the capital.

Dear Voron, dear Azariah, welcome! Thank you for joining me. Have you met each other? Please, have a seat. I have received grave news. The United Kingdom is massing its armies on its borders and assaulting our merchants and citizens. Their intentions seem quite clear: unilateral aggression, leading to war. Our worst fears have come true: their alliance with the Pale Harpies was indeed a first step towards large scale conflicts. Their mechanical minds have gone wild with unchecked ambition and ego, and they have decided to impose their cold-hearted logic to the world.

He let the words sink in, savouring the moment.

Luckily, both of your nations have joined the Shesonate in a mutually beneficial alliance, and I believe it's time we all put it to use. If the Forged Born are acting so boldly, there's no doub the Harpies have started mustering their troops. We need to act quickly, on both fronts. Will the Ashari and the Eldrin join me in this crusade?

@Yogii @Emory
 
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((Just some monologue, I suppose. Just wanted you guys to know I'm still here!))

"Nine so far, M'lord." Said the officer, to Morttin Rawl. They sat closely to the warm fire in the middle of the otherwise chilled great hall, a huge octagonal room in Elder Brother Tower. The room was dark, not because it was nit, but because all exterior windows on the Ziggurat were covered in a foot of snow.

"Nine of our workers have fallen to the cold?! Of today's shift or the whole week??" gasped Rawl in a hushed tone "Today's, sir..." responded the officer. Rawl was left with a difficult choice; These workers were shoveling the snow out to try to clear out the streets, on it's face a good will effort. Of course, their true purpose was to clear the snow obstructing Kruumlok's north gate so Hysura's secret Trade Caravan could once again get to Two-moons Mountain, and return with the fine goods promised by Madame Kilj. The blizzard made this... Difficult. So Rawl's choice was to risk angering Kilj by not risking working lives to clear out the gates, or send thew Workers to there death by frostbite so a secret trade can continue to happen... Rawl could not risk losing a seemingly clairvoyant ally, he at least needed to say he tried.

"The workers are asking for a rest, sir? What shall I tell them?" asked the officer. "Tell them they may have half an hour. Then if they are not back to the walls-district at work I will dock their entire payroll." Hesitated Rawl. The officer was silent, and Rawl took a more aggressive stance. "y-yes sir..."

-----

Slaugh was displeased, to say the least. The Warchief of the west and Arch-master of the Hoards in Zogdire, was quite irked. Was it not enough that he muscled into the throne and took even more power from the disenfranchised?? Now he was working them to death. This was unacceptable.
Slaugh made his way that evening down the dark halls of Elder Brother Tower, where the Morttin 'graciously' granted him board, until he encountered Borba, the court Bard. She was dressed in a flowy, expensive outfit, that was lacking in class. A quality common among sword-widows, estimated Slaugh. Borba smiled warmly; the kind that gave Slaugh the impression she had ulterior motives for this encounter.

"Hello, Slaugh. Keeping warm?"

"Warm enough, Bard." Slaugh tried to ignore her, rathering that she not talk to him. He'd personally not like to see her with any sort of power at all, it even offended him that her influence rivaled his. Borba knew this. Why was she talking to him?

"Aw, don't be so cold to me, Slaugh. I only want to be friendly..." She placed a hand on his arm, which was quickly wrenched away. "I have places to be." He would respond.

The conversation went on like that for several minutes, before Slaugh slipped away from Borba.

------

"Pig-headed maggot..." Borba sneered. Hoarders were all the same: Belittling and Backwards. Still that conversation got what the Bard was looking for; Slaugh was definitely up to something. She went and found the Morttin resting on his sofa, covered by many furs and blankets. The bard reported back, all that she had learned.
 
@Amdarh @Yogii

As the Sheson spoke Azariah listened with a neutral expression, sitting straight-backed and making as little movement as possible.

“Paralua can count on the support of The Hive in facing these recent incursions. To this effect we will be sending troops momentarily to bolster the Basnad armies along with a military commander, Othorion the Exalted One, to provide tactical aid to our combined forces.”

It was rare for an Eldrin to carry a title due to the lack of value placed on individualism within The Hive, thus to possess one was of the highest honor. The title of Exalted One has been granted to Othorion by the Hive Queen herself due to his vast military experience which included the defeat of a splinter group which sought to upend the Queen’s hivemind. His deployment was a sure sign of respect for the nation of Basnad from the Eldrin point of view. With The Hive’s intentions made clear the Speaker now turned her attention to the Ashari envoy.

“This one is most fortunate to have found you here for it had been assigned of her to seek your nation out to engage in political talks. However, due to this recent development which has brought our three great nations together it would seem that such talks may have been rendered moot at this point. Nevertheless, we are uncertain of the Ashari intentions and wish to set up a meeting to the effect of establishing stronger relations in order to strengthen this alliance.”

After voicing her political goals regarding Ashar Azariah concluded her speech and awaited the response of the two leaders patiently.
 
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Lady Nexxis began to pace about the throne room. Things had certainly taken an interesting turn. Salanaha had brought back more than what Nexxis was expecting.

"Hmmmm.......Surely no doubt you have seen the Forged Born vessel approaching our borders then. We have yet to make contact, so I do not know their purpose for coming here. If it stands to reason, I would take a guess that it is to reestablish trade with them, as we placed an embargo when the plague struck. Though we Atheans tend to hate the cold, it seems that this rough winter has done us the favor of ending this plague.

Thank you for returning with such haste and for informing me of this. No disrespect, but if the Forged Born are here for diplomatic reasons, then I shall ascertain their side of this conflict. I cannot agree to your request for an Alliance on my own. Though I certainly have the authority, I take great care in making decisions which could potentially end the lives of my people. I will discuss it with the council, and even then more actions may need to be taken. You are welcome to stay here, though if I allow the Forged born into Athea, under no circumstances are you or any of your people that are not Athean citizens, to get into any scuffles with them.

I can however tell you this. Athea does not particularly like to intervene into the conflicts of others. If the Basnads want to go to war with the Forged Born, then so be it. It isn't any of my business, nor do I have any desire to send my people to fight in this large conflict. It does not suit us. Athea was just fine before we began this trade deal with your country, and we will just fine if it ends as well. We stand very little to gain by joining this conflict, but by my standards, we have much more to lose. Atheans are not suited for the winter. We do not see these types of conditions often. I can only imagine how it would be farther north. The majority of my people have probably never seen snow before. We have not trained for it. We are quite honestly, wholly unfit to fight in such conditions. If the seas begin to freeze, or we encounter ice masses beginning to drift South, then our fleets will be put into great peril.

If the Forged Born take a position similar to yours, when they hear about the plight that the Harpies have brought onto the elves, and break their alliance with them, then they will no longer have any reason to be considered an enemy, except by your request.

We are not warmongers. Do not worry though, we will take everything into account."

With that Nexxis strode back up to the throne and sat. Thinking ever more.

@Amdarh
 
@Iamtheecchiking

Legate Tertulus the Tongue walks to the front of his vessel to a hovering face of one of the Atheans. The commander seemed to be either too busy, or cared too little about their vessel to mee them in person. Whatever the reason Tertulus now have a clear destination. He orders his ship to head towards the Athean Blockade to hopefully meet wit this Commander Pahorn in person. When arriving Tertulus fine that there was also a Basnad ship at the blockade, seemingly here also to talk with the Atheans. A troubling thought, but it wasn't to be his concern for now. The Trireme rows up to the blockade where Tertulus speaks to the Atheans in their own language.

"Greetings, Antheans. I am Legate Tertulus the Tongue. I have come to speak if lifting this embargo between our two nations on behalf of my High King Decius the King." He told them.

-----

With the cold arriving, the sickness that plague the sheep have died off, or it would have. High King Decius and the other Kings have realized the dangers of a war on two fronts, the north and the south. The Gundertog to the north and the Basnad to the south are unlikely to forge an allience against the Forged Born, but at the same time that is a possibility that could draw in the United Kingdoms into a war that could at worst cripple the Nation and at worst scatter their people to the winds. They would need every advantages they could have and nature has provided the Forged Born with the perfect weapon against their enemies. Underneath the city of Almus, High King Decius the King and King Tiberius the Expensive have created storage rooms where they keep dozens upon dozens of expensive glass jars to store hundreds upon hundreds of ticks that carry the Shrill Cough within them, to be used against their enemies if the time comes.
 
I am glad to hear this, friend Azariah. I knew I could count on the Eldrin and I am honoured to have you at my side. Your capacity to communicate through distance will be invaluable to coordinate our efforts, and will ensure our success. I look forward to meeting this Othorion the Exalted One, and am sure he will make your nation proud.

Paralua flicked his fingers and a map was brought forth. He leaned heavily forward and traced his pudgy finger on the roads and borders highlighted on the paper.

They cannot hope to resist our combined efforts. Surely, we can muster 1.2 million men against them while keeping men to guard our own territories. When it comes to the Pale Harpies, I humbly suggest the Eldrin lead the assault with 300.000 men, supported by 200.000 men from Ashar, while a Basnad Primarch will lead 100.000 men to cut the Harpies from the sea. For the Forged Born, the Shesonate will lead the assault with 300.000 men, supported by 100.000 Eldrin. The United Kingdom fortress are strong and mighty, and I would ask the technological and magical help of the mighty Ashari to tear them down, along with 200.000 men. Would this division suit the both of you?

The Sheson leaned back in his seat with a satisfied sigh.

When all is said and done, I think Ashar and the Eldrin can split evenly the territories of the Harpies to expand, as it was your wish I believe dear Azariah? The United Kingdom doesn't need to be destroyed but humbled and taught a lesson. We can install a King that is in lign with our policies and launches an all-out war on the orcs.

He opened his arms and offered a wide smile, his tendrils flickering

What say you, friends?

@Yogii @Emory

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

Salanaha bowed again, controlling his face to remain perfectly neutral

Of course, Lady Nexxis, you must have all the information available to take your decision. If the Forged Born rescind their alliance with the Harpies and stop their war-mongering folly, there is indeed no need for war. If I may, I would like to point out three things before you meet this envoy. First, we would of course not attack during winter, but wait for the spring to launch any campaign. Second, you might well support us only or mainly against the Harpies and not the Forged Born, an alliance would still make sense. Finally, one never gains anything from staying neutral, for you risk raising suspicions on both side. This being said, I leave it to your wisdom and that of your counsel. Regardless of your decision, be sure you keep the Shesonate's friendship, and I will - with your permission - stay in Athea to deepen the trust between our people.

The Basnan put a smile on his face and left the queen alone. In times such as these, he hoped he would not fail Tamatoa and bring the Atheans in the fold of their great alliance.

@Iamtheecchiking
 
Along the border of the United Kingdom, a Trireme approached. It was not solitary. Through the morning fog, there came a second vessel that almost seemed to blend into the chilly mist. First came some unidentifiable beast, harnessed by thick cords to a barge-like vessel of bone and wood. Through the gates they came, and as the white boat passed by, it became apparent that for the first time in months, the Pale Harpies had made themselves known.

Three feathered beings, two females and one male, strode down the gangplank.

@ChelonianCommander
 
Azariah nodded with slow deliberation. She seemed to stare through the Sheson at some far away point with a glassy look in her eyes as she focused on the hive mind’s thoughts which were spurred into a frenzy by these politics developments.

“Paralua’s division suits us just fine and we look forward to taking the battlefield with the warriors of Basnad and Athea.”

Focusing on the final portion of the Sheson’s dialogue Azariah allowed a smile to form along her features.

“The prospect of obtaining new territories upon which our impending swarming can occur is considerably desirable to The Hive. Now, concerning the war effort The Hive, despite its lack of advanced technology, boasts approximately 2,500,000 warriors. Bearing this in mind we will be sending an additional 500,000 warriors to be garrisoned within Tamalossia, with the Sheson’s permission.”
 
Voron waited patiently, as he let the Eldrin diplomat speak, before making any of his own announcements. When finally they were finished speaking, all attention came to him, as both Azariah and the king anxiously awaited his response. "The Sheshonate can also count on the support of Ashar, in this military campaign against both the Pale Harpies, Forged Born, and the United Kingdom. Now, in terms of the overall war effort, we can muster enough forces for around 3,500,000 Ashari warriors, as of now, but with your permission, we have the resources to muster around an extra 2,ooo,000 troops as slaves. Finally, we will also send commander and general Arlong, to aide in your conquests, he should arrive soon near the embassy. In the end, all of this is expendable, and depends greatly on how much our king Alok responds to the situation, and if he deems it necessary to utilize more of our military resources towards the campaign, however this much I can promise you".

@Amdarh @Emory
 
@Horicabu

The Trireme come to a stop when the Pale Harpies came to greet the Forged Born. The dignitaries walk up to their honored hosts with the High King's Message. "Greetings Fellow Allies. I, the Diplomat, am Varro the Speaker. The High King, the King, Decius the King wishes to know the status of the allience between our two nations. Spurius the Strong, the Strong have not returned in a season. He, the King, is beginning to wonder if everything is alright and sent us to help with diplomatic talks, if needed." Said Varro.
 
The Sheson Paralua started with big, cavernous laugh shaking his body, his hand giving a hard slap on his scaled leg.

Excellent, excellent! Those are very generous contributions, and our enemies will pale when they see our armies! For the sake of appropriate sharing of the burden, I suggest to keep the aforementioned proportionate spread, keeping a fifth of your troops home. One never knows, with treacherous orcs lurking about...

The large Basnan strained himself up to his feet.

Now, I believe we all have much to do. I suggest we start the... defensive invasion when the winter relents, the snow melts and the roads are open again. This should give us plenty of time to make the necessary preparations. Gentlement, give my best regards to the Hive Queen and to King Alok.

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

The Primarch Yruna was waiting for him in the Cathedral pools, the scales of her naked form shimmering under the water. Paralua undressed and joined her, letting a satisfied sigh out as the tepid water carried his weight and relieved his joints.

So? Have they agreed?


Yes. I told you they would.

Good. The other Primarchs grumble, you know? This better turn out the way you planned.

Let them grumble. They are weak and cowardly. You are on my side aren't you?

Yruna took a second too long to answer. The Sheson sighed, much less happily this time.

Do not fret, you will have the command of the army. You will lead the invasion against the United Kingdom, alongside the Eldrin Othorion the Exalted One - don't ask - and the Ashari Arlong. I will send Solmo to fight the Pale Harpies.

A small smile played shortly on the Primarch's face before being hidden away

Solmo? He's old and unenergetic.

Maybe, but he's trustworthy. I don't want anyone to mess things up with our allies so far from me.


Paralua turned in the pool, sending a small wave crash on Yruna

Keep this in mind though: the Forged Born are not our enemies, they need only be subdued. Have their High King bend the knee and pledge to fight the orcs, and move on. Another thing. Saloskan informed me some Forged Born have become mercenaries, and of a group in particular. Find the Tinker's Hammer artillery band and recruit them to our cause. Tell them they'll have plenty of target practice. Their knowledge of Forged Born fortresses and their expertise in blowing things up will be very handy, I think.

@ChelonianCommander
 
The Basnad vessel left the blockade before the Forged Born had arrived. Commander Pahorn, a very beautiful Naval officer that oozed authority and leadership was standing on the bow of the command vessel in the blockade as the Forged Born entered. Marines we're lined up along the ships on both sides. In groups. Some standing with bows ready, but not drawn. The others equipped with weapons for close quarters combat, ready to board the vessel.

The Commander heard the proclamation of the diplomat. They wished to end the embargo.

"A noble thing. I shall contact the Supreme and inform her of your desire. It is up to her, to decide on whether to let you proceed into Athea. In the meantime, what cargo is your ship carrying, and how many hands are aboard?"

The commander replied. Once an answer was given, the Marines would board the vessel and conduct their search, verifying the truth of what would be stated.

@ChelonianCommander
 
Madam Kilj shivered in the cold of the tunnels, the harsh outside winter permeating through the thick wall of stone and dirt that made up where she was. It was a far cry from where her people had been living for the past two weeks, a long abadoned Candeleb city underneath the local volcano. While it provided great warmth and access to a large a,ount of materials, it had been abandoned once the orcs had gotten too close and began to encroach with their messy mining tactics, provoking enough fear that they would disrupt the natural process that the residents left.

The city had maintained a good condition, as expected of their architects, and it hadn't taken much to settle in. From there, her people has simply rested and re-lit the old forges. It had taken a bit to find the closest available source of Corruption, but once they had they worked fast. Each troop willing was augmented and weapons made for the upcoming raid upon Candeleb.

At the end of the two weeks, her people had set out once again just as the chill of the winter really began to take hold. All around her kobolds surged like a wave, scampering and skittering as claws and padded feet impact the hewn stone, rushing towards the place they would meet their orcish reinforcements.

Once arrived, her people did not bother to hide. They could not, as they were. The sea of dark bodies was interrupted by the bright green glow of their weaponry, reflecting in the eyes of the kobolds and looking like stars against an ink black background.

With a wave of her hand, Madame Kilj signals for her men to open the door, staring out at the orcish army. She had been... pleased, at the numbers she had found out Hysura had brought. Granted, it was nothing next to the sheer quantity of hers, but every kobold was aware of just how weak they were compared to most of the surface races. They would do fine.

Striding forward, flanked by her two most experienced guards who seemed more metal than flesh, Kilj addressed the orcs. "Come. We have been here for a very short time, but reports from my men are worrying. The other races are beginning to truely move now, and if you wish for our aid we must retake the capital."
 
Eldrinor hummed with activity as Ythril melded her mind with the magical connection of the massive tree. From her throne of interlaced vines she touched her hand to a vine and felt the tree’s power emanating within her. It filled her with wonder and, more importantly, power as she bolstered her connection with the hive mind. She reached out and felt the thoughts and feelings of her people, both joiners and brood alike, sensing through their eyes and ears rather than her own.

With the Eldrin mobilizing their forces food would be strained. The workers would have to double their efforts, but a more deliberate solution would have to be decided. There was also the issue of the dragons emigrating from the north into the Glade and surrounding regions. These beasts were known to destroy crops and harass members of The Hive which presented an unwanted distraction from the looming war ahead of them. Ythril reached out again, this time with more specificity, targeting Aeven the Master of Warfare. Her thoughts flowed forth conveying the idea that Aeven should assemble hunting teams to combat the massing dragon population. Almost immediately came a responsive thought in the affirmative before the connection faded and broadened back to The Hive as a whole.

Next she reached out to Thalanil the Master of Agriculture and bid him to increase productivity and received another affirmative just as quickly as the first one came. Finally, she touched the mind of Haryk, the Hive King who was currently overseeing the most recent brood. These ones, of course, were no ordinary brood, but rather something quite special- princes and princesses. These Eldrin were specifically bred for the purpose of carrying out a swarming and the Hive Queen knew that time was drawing near for the next one. However, she made no effort to reach out to Haryk, merely observing the brood through the king’s senses. Ythril needed to see the brood in person and decided to make her way to the breeding chamber located in the catacombs below Eldrinor.
***
Hive Queen Ythril strode into the breeding chamber taking long strides and eyeing her brood. Each had a host of workers around him or her and were being waited on for all their needs as was the way of raising princes and princess because their safety was too important to risk and incorporating them with the rest of The Hive might raise issues regarding disputes between princesses and threaten the structure of The Hive.

“Haryk, this one believes it is time to initiate the swarming. How have the brood developed?”

Haryk looked up from the brood and spoke with a hint of excitement in his tone.

“The brood are strong and healthy, ready to swarm at your command.”

“Very well,” she said, sauntering to the far end of the room and eyeing a separate series of brood that towered above her. These guardians, hulking masses of bark and elf, were bred to safeguard the princesses during the swarming. She idly stroked the side of one of these creatures and turned her attention back to Haryk. “Begin the swarming.”
 
@Iamtheecchiking

"Me vessel only have parts and supplies to maintain my vessel and crew. There is only 361 of us, 160 sailors and my 200 Praetorians. There is nothing else. If you wish to inspect, then feel free. You shall see we have nothing to hide." Said Tertulus.

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@Amdarh

The 6 Legions, a combined 30000 warriors notices that the Basnad to the south seem to have began to mobilize. They were stationed to keep the Basnad out and to keep a close tab to on any activity that the Basnad might be up to. If the Basnad wished to attack from the south, then they would first need to get through the forts that the Legions had erected to slow and prevent a Basnad southern invasion.

With the message sent to them from the Basnad, the Leader of Tinker's Hammer replied with a message. "How many you, the buyer, wish to buy? We have 4 powerful Bolt Throwers available at a rate of 185lb of gold per Piece with an extra 40lbs for every month of service."
 
Rawl was outraged- No, furious- No, blood-boilingly enraged at the situation. Stooges they were! Every one of them, but even more so was that wretched insect Slaugh, who essentially refused the larger picture, who'd burn his people to bare earth for meager political clout... that sorry, traitorous piece of - Rawl's thoughts were interrupted by one of his advisors. "It could be months, boss, before the snow melts. M'lord, we need to put the fear o' Khaj into 'em! Banish this notion of 'strikes' like the treason it is."

Slaugh, of course, was not as stupid as Rawl would like to believe. He knew this political upheaval was planned, not spontaneous, and Rawl's dire deadlines and harsh conditions for the workers clearing the snowed in gate was merely the opportunity Slaugh was searching for, for the next step on his agenda.

"We will do no such thing." said the Morttin to his advisor "These people... They need to see Slaugh wrong in his assertions. To kill or imprison these troubling workers would only prove Slaugh right." he spat, his jaw clenched. the talks went back and forth for a while.

"You've sacrificed a lot to bring us in line with our secret friends, Hysura." Adviser Minog pulled Hysura aside in private. Minog the military aid was the only adviser to know about the Candelebrans.

"Yes, M'lord, I have. Their monster killed 900 of my best, and almost 2,000 immortals... But the Candelebrans" she said in a hushed tone "they're an invaluable ally!"

"Now's your chance to prove it. Slaugh is preparing a coup. Tell Kilj we're ready to call in a well-earned favor - solve this problem: find something and help us silence Slaugh."

There was a silence. "Consider it done." and Hysura left.

@TheGreenerGrey
 
@TheGreenerGrey @Lazzamore

Jozeline watches over the newest Crusadeing force, the 1192nd crusade gathered together in order to prepare for another assault into Hive Territory. She stands watching her army with an Inquisitor of the Church of the Titans standing beside her reading the Book of Titans. Her face has an arrogant grin as her men march in a line formation, the earth rumbling slightly as hundreds of thousands of feet marches at the beck and call of their general.

"The earth rumbles as the great beast strides. It has no equal as thunder itself is muffled in its presence. All who encounter must move aside or be crushed by its majesty and be left to rot, forgotten and flat. The beast cares not as it leads its people to glory." Recited Jozeline and the Inquisitor sighs and speaks in a tired tone.

"It'll take more then a verse from the good book to impress the church Queen Jozeline." He tells her.

"But isn't this not grandest army the world will witness Inquisitor Dufay? Over a hundred thousand men and beasts, ready to bring the Hive finally to its knees." She replied and the inquisitor looks over the army. The men-at-arms dragged their feet, their eyes stuck towards the ground. It was clear that the people were starting to lose faith in the crusades.

"The men seem...less enthusiastic then the last Crusade. Perhaps punishments should be in order?" Dufay suggested.

"We've been fighting the Hive for over three millennia Inquisitor. There hasn't been a victory in the past century, and the people's wills are beginning to waver. But you'll see. Another victory and they'll be racing to reach the bugs in the next Crusade." the queen replies and the inquisitor rolls his eyes at the young queen's eagerness for Hive Blood.

"We'll see." Soon the two hear the line stop as the Crusade began to make camp for the night. The inquisitor closes his book and began to leave Jozeline. "I must go check on the church's forces. Go do your speech. Perhaps you'll monoloughe better then you recite verses." He teases her and Jozeline frowns.

"Damn Inquisitor..." she mutters before going off do make her speech. She climbs onto a War Shrine Diplodocus and spoke loudly and clearly to the entire force. There was no noise, only her voice. "Men-At-Arms, Yeomen and Nobles alike! Listen to me and hear your objectives! We have begun to embark towards the land of the Hive and onward towards victory! Some of you might be having doubts about our continued fight against our eternal foe, but doubt no longer!" Jozeline raises a rolled up map that is worn and slightly torn. "In my hands is knowledge of the old world! Knowledge that will allow us to eradicate the Hive once and for all!" The men soon began to listen when Jozeline mentioned that they could destroy the Hive. "This map reveals many secrets, and among them the location a great ancient being, with more power then any weapon every created! This being can destroy entire cities, entire nations when roused! The beast lies dormant in the Hive's lands but if we were to capture the creature, we will not only be able to destroy the Hive, but take control of the world! Some of you might believe this may be an impossible task, but I assure you we are Dalizon! We are the followers of the great Beasts and through our shared dedication and might we can break through the Hive and secure our destiny!" She ends and the crusade erupts into cheers. Jozeline smiles at herself. She did a good job, hopefully enough to secure the church's hope in her abilities as a leader.
 
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Kilj listened as the messenger told her of the Orc's... plight. Someone or other was trying to pivk a fight, and was willing to do anything to win, apparently. Now, what did that remind her of? The leader of the Kobolds, now the only leader after Greenslash's actions and the fact that the few who had escaped had met with some... unfortunate accidents, leant back in her seat (see: Throne) and narrowed her eyes.

"Would your people be opposed to this Slaugh simply being killed? It would be quite easy for us, but I understand you may not wish for a potential Martyr." She asks Hysura, the magical window in front of her transferring her message through time and space to reach the Siren. This window had long been the key to Kilj's success, allowing her to relay orders and gather information at a rate none of her previous competitors could keep up.

"If you're okay with the Orc simply dying, I can have it done within the day. Come nightfall, my men cna slit his throat and be done with it."

—————————————
'So... you have returned...' Rumbles a voice, the very thought sending distant, echoing shrieks into the air, just in range of the Crusade's hearing. Skittering feet dashed through the muck and mud of churned earth as wings beat through the putrid air, slavering jaws unhinging as the horde begins to rumble.

Deep below the earth of the bog, the Hive-Shaper watches this newest 'Crusade'. It had been many a year since the last one, and the orcs never lived for long. Must be a new leader of theirs, oh so eager to 'defeat the hive'. Fools. As long as the Shaper lived, the Hive would remain. Although, it was fortunate for them to send a snack.

The bog and surrounding area steadily began to resound with the piercing shrieks of the Hive, the amalgamations of flesh and bone converging en masse within the forest of dead trees, the shadows hiding glinting eyes and jagged fangs. Far above, the twisted Harpies rose, small enough to seem like birds were it not for the warbling and jagged calls. Tails flashed and feet scrabbled as the more advanced troops began to rise, dashing along the dead tree pathways and crushing anything within their way, as others galloped beside them, leaving gauges in the dirt.

And in the very distance, Titan began to awake.
 
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