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Post by Rationalgoblin on May 27, 2010 5:26:05 GMT 1
Cerrak to Hood Hood, I don't know if you've been in contact with X'Yogg'Thoth, there is no harm in warning you. The master of Azog has been in contact with quite a few major powers, and judging from his rude dismissal of my words of friendship, it doesn't take a wise man to know that's he's been spreading honeyed poison into the ears of many, o master of death.
Do not believe him, I beseech you. He is a liar, fit only for his domain of the Howling Pits. He seeks to turn the mighty ones of this world against me, including you. We've gotten a good deal hammered out between each other, and helping him defeat me would be folly.
Nonetheless, I will share with you any useful magic spells that I discover; particularly those that death with murder. I don't want to lose one of the most powerful allies I have.
Cerrak to Nazhedria I suppose the mad dead (no offense) fool in the Howling Pits has contacted you about our deal? And he claims that I'll throw you aside after I've dealt with him? He is a petty little godling. So long as you do not fight against Umberto for as long as I have a friendship with the High Marshal, I will ensure that Nazhedria will survive; survive and prosper. To offer proof of my goodwill, I will arm your undead legions free of charge, if you do not bend to the will of the deceitful one.
If I am to ascend over all the others, then I do have a high place in my perfect order for the undead of Nazhedria, but for now, I value your nation as a mighty ally.
Cerrak to X'Yogg'Thoth I am the fool? I AM the FOOL? Ha, you amuse you me, being of chaos. You are more the fool for thinking that I would betray ANY of my allies.
I have enough pull on Umberto that I can stop him short of actually assaulting those who are bound to me. The lies you spread are weak and ineffective. It's a shame, really. I would have spared you, once. But now I hold no pity for one who has drawn his believers against me.
I suppose you have put spies within my ranks? It's what I would do, if I was a weak, pretending god. And you seek to turn my allies against me? How very predictable and... orderly. I approve. Nonetheless, let us show whose philosophy is greater on the field of battle!
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Post by Sayn on May 27, 2010 11:57:23 GMT 1
The HoodI am quite aware of the treachery and lies that they are spreading. An abomination such as X'Yogg'Thoth should not be allowed to exist. Sooner or later we will see if even things such as that one can die.
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Post by sinistral on May 27, 2010 19:40:17 GMT 1
@cerrakYou're pathetic. We would cut of communication with you, but you're impotent threats are extremely amusing. If you want to destroy us, do it yourself. We’ve noticed that despite spewing condemnations and threats, your military hasn’t done anything. Instead, you use others to do your dirty work. We don’t know if this is cowardice, or merely conserving your troops while the rest world wears itself down. Either way, you’re still pathetic.
We eagerly await your bloated and pompous response about your quixotic campaign against the agents of ‘chaos.’ @hoodNo doubt Cerrak has contacted you about our ‘honeyed poison.’ What he hasn’t told you is he made overtures of peace to us, all the while urging the undead necromancers of Nazhderia to attack us. You cannot trust him, he will stab you in the back eventually. If you don’t believe us, ask him why he hasn’t mobilized his army, despite getting many other nations in his ‘alliance’ to attack those who he perceives as threats. @joppunWe are interested in an alliance with you. We offer to send mages to your nation to teach you some of our magical techniques, in exchange for the service of your best Oni warriors. The world fears and hates both our nations, and with this exchange we can both make ourselves stronger. odinMy forces in and around Azog begin the process of preparing for a siege, shoring up the defenses and stocking up on food. My mages begin summoning more creatures from the underside, as well as setting magical ‘traps’ on the outskirts of the Howling Pits. If Joppun accepts my offer, my mages secretly study the weakened veil there.
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Post by Sayn on May 27, 2010 19:48:32 GMT 1
The HoodAnd you preach that you are more trustworthy than him? Hah. I trust no one, and he's no exception. Neither are you. A little distrust is healthy as far as I'm concerned.
Cerrak has made us an offer. If you want us to listen to you, then make one of your own. Then I'll consider who to support.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 27, 2010 21:16:07 GMT 1
C'tis to Nazhedria The C'tis delegates' jaws drop in a saurian display of surprise, unused to being treated so curtly.
After gaining their composer, the envoys bow and scrape before hastily leaving the audience chamber. On the way out one of the High C'tis delegates whispers to another. "Once a pink skin, always a pink skin." The other nods sagely. @sayn Got it. @goblin Okay. Since gathering, equipping and training new recruits is going to take time, you won't get to use them until next turn. Did you still want to send the troops you have to the assault on the Howling Pits? Umberto to Cerrak
That is, interesting news. Not to put to fine a point on it but you do know that we are supposed to be putting down Pretenders not making friends with them right?
No matter.
The Pretender of Hoburg needs to be dealt with but like the Hag of Shona woods, he doesn't seem to have much in the way of territorial ambitions. There are more immediate threats that need to be dealt with. The Shappers in the north and the abomination of the Howling pits in the south both need more immediate action.
Umberto to The Wanderer Sorry about the orphaned ooc, I'll see if I can't find it's parents.
ooc: Umberto doesn't have daddy issues so much as abandonment issues. When the Pankrator always around he had a clear moral compass, but now that there aren't any orders from on high he has lost a great deal of his moral clarity. Along with a nagging feeling that he could have done more to keep the Pankrator around and that his failure to return is a sign of his own personal failure. Jouppon to X'Yogg'Thoth Such a trade seems equitable. I'll organize a force and send them immediately. They should arrive in the next few months depending on the winds.
I'll warn you though. We Oni are a violent type, and not suited to guard detail. While they never fail to answer a call to arms, if their bloodlust isn't sated, they often call themselves to arms, if you get my meaning. sinistral Remind me every once in a while, and I'll update you with their findings.
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Post by Sayn on May 27, 2010 21:54:07 GMT 1
The HoodGreetings. I have heard that you desire manufactured goods, which we can sell you. In exchange perhaps you could trade us timber? If anything this would strengthen both our economies and improve relations.
Hood also wishes to discuss something with the Great Hag over a slightly more secure line of communication, if she should choose to accept the offer. Greetings. I have heard that you desire manufactured goods, which we can sell you. In exchange perhaps you could trade us food? If anything this would strengthen both our economies and improve relations.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 29, 2010 14:57:46 GMT 1
Shona Hag to The Hood Any goods you bring us will be exchanged fairly. You may however have difficulty getting your goods across the open territory to your own nation. Not sharing a border makes easy trade difficult.
Business keeps the Great Hag here in the woods, but if you come peacefully you're more then welcome to visit the Shona Woods. We can send Sufe the hag, if you want a more direct line and cannot appear in person.
Hoburg to The Hood No one should go hungry so long, even in this dark time. There is no reason we cannot share.
So far Umberto has allowed our merchants to travel freely, but if he should change his mind there is little we can do to keep a trade route open.
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Post by Sayn on May 29, 2010 15:04:16 GMT 1
The HoodExcellent. I am certain Umberto won't close down the trade routes just yet. Perfect. While it may be a bit of a distance between us, any trade is a good start to a relationship.
If you would please send Sufe to us. While Hood would like to visit the woods some time, he currently feels the need to stay and protect his own realm.
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odin
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Post by odin on May 29, 2010 16:08:27 GMT 1
Shona to The Hood A few days after The Hood's last message Sufe arrives. Despite having a growing number of encounters with Pretenders, having and audience with The Hood still shakes her nerves.
After just a few steps into the audience chamber, Sufe convulses and regains her composure. The sense of trepidation is gone, replaced by the iron will of the Great Hag.
She waits patiently for The Hood to make the first move.
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Post by Sayn on May 29, 2010 16:51:21 GMT 1
The HoodHood watches Sufe for a few moment before speaking.
"Greetings. First I must thank you for deciding to speak with me. I wish to ask, do you know what is happening to the Shade Lands?"
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Post by Rationalgoblin on May 29, 2010 18:58:54 GMT 1
odin No, leave the troops I'm training in Cerra. I have a feeling that with all the hostile messages we've sent to each other, Xyggy (his name is far too long) is prepared for my attack. Imagine his surprise when I don't do a thing to fight him.
Also, train some of the blacksmiths in earth magic. By next turn, I want powerful earth mage-smiths. It'd be awesome if I could get that "Earth Pillars" spell taught to them as well.
Cerrak to Umberto Ah, but the Hag claims that you would helpful to restore order to the Pankrator's world. If the two of you united, even for a short while, and allowed me to help, no enemy could stand before us. Especially the Council Theologica's newfound... cooperation with you, if you get what I'm saying.
Oh, and the fool in the Howling Pits is warned of our hostility towards him. He's going to be prepared. So I propose choosing a different target. Perhaps the lich, or the territory of Kyreis.
I have an agreement with Ferra, so attacking 'her' wouldn't be useful to our cause for now.
I am your strongest supporter in the north, so we should focus on smashing the northern pretenders.
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Post by dargon on May 30, 2010 2:28:51 GMT 1
Hoburg Kristialin lands a short distance outside the village and slowly walks in making sure to avoid hurting or damaging anything. Walking up to the Behemoth, Kristialin stops outside of its reach and lays down. After several hours of staring at the Behemoth he says "Are the rumors true of what you are?"
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odin
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Post by odin on Jun 2, 2010 2:36:56 GMT 1
Summer, Year 0 of the Ascension Wars. Umberto's Chambers
In his chambers, Umberto sits in silence, staring intently at the last motes of dust left by the exit of The Wanderer.
Outside the chamber door, O'Brein clears his throat, snapping Umberto's attention back to the present. He nods to the paymaster, "How long where you standing there?"
"Long enough, I think."
"And?"
"Well, I think we can safely The Wander and the southern provinces in the realm of, 'Immediate action not necessary."
"Hhumpf. Any other news?"
"Yes." O'Brein hesitates, unsure how to continue.
Smiling wryly, "I take it it's not good then?" O"Brein shakes his head. "It never is."
"I think you should see this for yourself."
O'Brein leads the Marshal out to the courtyard. A wounded soldier lies in a cot surrounded by physicians and a handful of officers. As the two approach, they see the twisted holes that now riddle the soldier's body, winding through both flesh and bone.
The commander's salute when Umberto enters. The soldier tries to do the same but can barely lift his hand. O'Brien approaches the cot. "At ease soldier. Do you think you could show The Marshal what you showed me?"
A physician interjects. "I don't think that's wise, the stress might be to much."
The soldier manages to shake his head. "I'll be fine, I just need a hand up."
After a few painful grimace filled seconds the soldier is standing on his feet, supported on both sides. The wind begins to whistle through the cavities. replaying a message.
"Oh, come now, are you really able to disparage me for causing death? YOU? You were the thug who breaks the back of those reticent with their pay-offs, a petty despot clinging to your patrons coattails for legitimacy. Where does that leave you now? Besides, if I extinguish a life, surely it simply goes to its final destination, do you have that little faith in your masters legacy? Well I suppose I'll just have to prove..."
The message cuts out, replaced by a loud cracking sound. The soldier shrieks in agony and slumps to the ground as dozens of bones snap, unable to take the stress a second longer. The screaming intensifies as the pain becomes unbearable echoing through the marble corridors of The Marshal's palace. As the gathered crowd stares on in horror the soldier screams "Mmemmeerccy!" eyes pleading.
Umberto steps forward, sword already drawn and quickly severs the suffering trooper's throat, ending the screams. As the rest of the group stares on in shocked silence, Umberto kneels down and closes the soldier's eyes, uttering a quiet prayer to the Pankrator.
Umberto hands O'Brein his sword, and addresses the gathered commanders. "As the Pankrator as my witness, that sword will go unsheathed until I finally bury it in the chest of the abomination responsible for this."
He nods to the body. "Make sure he's buried in a hero's plot."
Without another word he strides out of the courtyard.
Elsewhere in the capital. The throng gathered in the square outside the Primarch's Residence is even larger then it has been in recent weeks. People await the arrival of the heretic. In side allies, men place bets on whether the dragon man will repent in earnest or be killed messily on the Residence's steps.
Tetra smiles out at the crowd from atop the adhoc pulpit placed atop the steps. He whispers to an assistant, "Are the guards in place?"
"Yes, your holiness."
The Primarch's smile grows, "Good, when the thrice damn heretics attempt to save that abomination, we'll end this city's Kristialin cult problem permanently."
He bellows out to the crowd in a rich tenor. "The Church would like to present TJ a repentant heretic. He used to worship the false god Kristialin, but has returned to the path of righteousness. He's here to proclaim his faith publicly." He makes a sweeping gesture and TJ is brought out still tied in the ropes he wore in front of the Counsel Theologica.
The crowd hisses, throwing refuse at TJ. The majority misses, hitting his hapless guards. Some even begin to pry paving stones from the square to chuck. Tetra raises his hand for silence. "Let him speak!"
TJ rights himself and addresses the mob. "It's true, I have seen the light and the truth. The truth is Kristialin..."
The roar of the crowd resumes, drowning out TJ's oratory. Tetra gestures to pike wielding guards. TJ shrugs off his bindings as the first of the guards approaches. Despite physical superiority, superior numbers, and weaponry quickly takes it's toll and TJ is brought down by the guards.
With a huge wave of displaced air Kristialin appears over the crowd. As the crowd looks up in surprise there's a bright flash blinding onlookers. The minority who still have sight see the great Dragon swoop over the crowd, releasing great gouts of multicolored fire, knocking bystanders unconscious and leaving glowing runes on their foreheads.
A few stray arrows, bolts and spells are thrown at Kristialin, but they bonce harmlessly of his scaly hide. An Imperial Army Captain shouts for balista but they're to far away.
Kristialin swoops again, picking up TJ's bleeding form and climbing skyward.
At the same time a legion of Fallen, resplendent in battle armor takes to the sky, intent on slaying the dragon. Before the angels can kill the Pretender, he makes good his escape and vanishes from the skies.
As the chaos begins to settle down, the bodies of Primarch Tetra along with a hand full of members of the Counsel Theologica are found all killed by a single stab wound.
In the north Iurt's forces surge forward. Caught off guard, garrison after garrison surrenders of falls in battle. The savant-priests manage to bypass the magical protections on the walls of the few towns that manage to put up a major resistance, and quickly create holes to allow their forces in. Umberto declares marshal law in the Imperial City, in order to quiet the disorder following Kristialin's appearance, the death of Tetra and the arrival of the Fallen. Cerrak begins raising an army and hiring mercenaries with gold and promises of glory. He's also begun offering high pay to mages willing to join his service, so far there have been few takers. Forces from the Necromancer States march on The Howling Pits. The undead and their allies push closer to the pits but have yet to win a major victory. In the east the Warring states continue to fight fierce battles. Alliances are made and broken as a dozen pretenders vie for supremacy. In Jouppon the Oni Lord announces that the last holdouts in Jouppon have been conquered and that he is now the soul master of the islands. Raiders on the mainland are carrying off wood along with their normal spoils and capturing boats and ships as well. The followers of The Wanderer begin a full scale war against the slavers of the southern desert. Thousands of slave are released many of whom join their liberators. The slave trade in the area has been devastated but isn't yet gone. The lure of the lizardmen's gold makes many risk the journey despite the odds. In response to constant raids, caravans join together for protection, often carrying little more then the absolute necessities for a fast dash to the swamps of C'tis. Deep in the heart of the swamps of C'tis, their project moves forward despite the loss of labor. The cult of the Hood begins a campaign to soften their mysterious lords' image. Orphans and street urchins are taken in by the cult and given a home. Sermons are given emphasizing the Hood's ability to preserve balance and the promoting the quest for knowledge.
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Post by Sayn on Jun 2, 2010 12:14:59 GMT 1
Can I assume that the assassins managed to snare the souls of those they killed? And also, could we please continue our Hood/Shona Hag conversation?
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Post by Rationalgoblin on Jun 3, 2010 16:12:33 GMT 1
Cerrak to Hood Would you mind helping my forces against X'Yogg'Thoth? I would be willing to provide death-empowered weaponry if you. Or, if you made use of the deaths of the Council Theologica, I could empower whatever you created from that event.
Additionally, I thank you for removing those fools. Now, with the deaths of those who decry us as "pretenders", you and I can move more solidly. Umberto must deal with us to keep the old Pankrator's empire under control.
Cerrak to Nazhedria Thank you for providing your assistance against the fool of the Howling Pits. I will make sure that you are greatly rewarded.
odin Promise massive amounts of magical riches to any halfway powerful mage who agrees to go mercenary for Cerrak. Teach them whatever I've learned from researching earth-based battle magic.
Similarly, contact any particular mercenary bands that operate between Cerra and the Howling Pits. Offer them Cerrakite equipment, free of charge, and a hefty prize in gold if they help Cerrak.
If there's any strong rebel states (without a pretender) offer them immunity from Umberto if they provide forces for the fight against X'Yogg'Thoth.
Finally, I'll grab a +'s worth of Military from Cerra and the surrounding areas.
My armies will march against the Howling Pits, "liberating" any pockets of resistance (only non-Pretender ones, of course) against Umberto's rule.
If the Firbolgs know a quick route to the Howling Pits (since they seem to be the Shona Hag's agents outside the Woods), take it. If not, use them to help my army live off the land until it gets to the Howling Pits.
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