Vahastra: Black Gnosis [RP]

[TankM1A2 840]

KALOREIA VRACHATION

 

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It was another unsuspecting day on the Elraic Empire’s northern shores. From the cliff-steeped heights outside of Nova Karlovasi, one might gaze endlessly unto the horizon and claim to see Gerakunos from where they stand, on a clear day. Though this was just fantasy, the day proved resplendent as the clouds long parted for the Sun’s incandescent glow, whose light in turn shimmered against the water as the waves gently lapped against the white, sandy beaches. For this reason, the King often used this location as a retreat, founding here both estate and vineyard. Despite being so far away from his seat of governance, he’d often use this place to hear the concerns of council, citing clearer mind from the countryside.

 

And so, the various Vrachatian lords made their journeys across the virgin landscapes of the country, Vrachati having yet to meaningfully invest in it’s own infrastructure. His Majesty and a number of advisors, kin, commanders, and other attendants gathered themselves upon a cut stone semi-circular bench in the middle of the estate’s gardens. As the sound of trickling water from the fountain or the warbling of imported birds chirped lightly over their conversation, one might argue that better spots could be found to discuss matters of state. Though none would dare bring this up to King Gallaros. Among those gathered were figures such as Lord Hicesias Sideris, the Master of Ships, who was reluctant to leave his post, Lord Marcion Leos, the King’s surrogate father of sorts, and renowned commander and explorer Lord Praxiades Mandrapilias of Pelathousa. Some looked more tense than others, while others indulged in the luxuries provided for by the King and reclined.

 

“Gentlemen, I’m sure you’ve heard that the Anakhta has summoned His Imperial Council.” Gallaros declared, mulling over a glass of wine. He was met by a series of nods and various other guttural sounds which signaled agreement. “It pains me, though I must go to the Heartlands to answer this call.”

 

“Fret not, the realm is in good hands. I’ve never seen a more capable group of men.” beamed Lord Praxiades, raising his cup outwardly to the center of the congregation. He was met with a series of *ayes* and clinks as wine sloshed around it’s cups.

 

“That I am not afraid of not.” Gallaros chuckles, patting Lord Marcion on the shoulder as he engages in the toast. Though after another swig of wine, his countenance turns grim. “The Anakhta’s health diminishes, so the rumors tell. We must be prepared for the aftermath.”

 

“Quite so.” Lord Marcion chirps. “Vrachati finds herself surrounded by various strategoi-governorships, whose loyalty could be quite fickle, enduring beyond the tenure of their appointers.”

 

“They are honorable men, I’m sure.” stated Lord Hicesias. “They will respect the transition of power. We need not concern ourselves with them, and work towards ourselves.” This too was followed by a series of ayes and nods.

“Indeed.” Gallaros remarks. “While I’m gone, I’ve several tasks for you all, which I’m sure you’ll see done to your utmost ability. As my hand, naturally Lord Marcion will oversee governance and hold court in my absence.” he then turns to another, “Lord Praxiades, you too shall depart.”

 

Praxiades made a brow, though knew better than to interrupt.

“Yes, we immediately begin expanding our influence beyond our shores. I leave you the northern squadron, to probe the spiral and report back, for we shall see if the archipelago is suitable for settlement. This’ll greatly expand our reach of operations.”

 

“Count on it, Your Majesty.” Praxiades nods.

 

The king abruptly stands, “Let us not dawdle, gentlemen. For we will forge our path not through wealth nor force of arms, but through our piety and resolve.” he says, raising his cup of wine towards the Sun with an air of certainty. “Sehula bless this union.”

 

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ACTIONS

[44,000G, 10S] Lord Marcios Leos organizes for a cross-country infrastructure project, paving roads throughout the barren countryside to join the disparate Vrachatian cities. While he does this, he grants a municipal charter thus elevating a once unsuspecting town of Anavra to the status of City!

 

[Exploration] Lord Praxiades is sent to probe the mysterious pinwheel islands and determine viability for settlement! If he can, he should also establish diplomatic contact with the local governments of the region! Lord Praxiades sets sail with a fleet consisting of 10 Dromons and 1 Explorer Ship, as well as a company of two Solar adepts.

 

 

[17,000G, 4L] Constructing 2 Dromons with Sea Guard

[15,000G, 6L] Constructing 6 Hemiolias

[19,500G, 9I] Recruiting 1,500 Regular OH Heavy Infantry

[7,500G] Constructing Quarry!

370 gold to the treasury!

[Sneaky2 14]

Kingdom of Salarik. 

 

The crunch of the sand, scorching heat, dry wind and a parched throat was all the olive skinned man with raggedy black hair and torn clothing felt against his body as he marched through the expansive desert. In all honesty it is what all of his followers could feel, some had rationalized it to be better, and some were starting to wander if their life back among the warring tribes to the west was better as they followed this man mindlessly through the desert. Though he had promised them, preached to them of new lands. One envisioned him by a light skinned woman who glowed as the sun itself on the darkest nights, he would say that this was her promise for his undying devotion. Fertile lands where they could settle cities they had only heard of in stories. He only called her Sehula. None of them knew if she was real at first. She was a distant thought many who thought she was a figment of a dehydrated and delusional man. 

 

That was until one night, a group of tribal raiders attacked the roaming refugees camp. The group was terrified, defeated, hungry and just looking for an escape. Until the man stood in front taking charge of the negotiations as the moonlight captured the scene of the man walking down a steep sandy hill in front of the group of horse bound raiders upon him, preaching about this being a test of Sehula, and she would show herself the moment they believed in her abilities. How the malnourished and dehydrated man spoke to these men with a sword in hand, showing no fear as they demanded everything they had or he would meet his god in the afterlife. It was laughable, he was outnumbered and in no position to speak. He never wavered even after the horsemen drew their arms as a warning, showing an unbreakable spirit. That would soon be rewarded, as the cold desert night air switched to warmth. The peaceful and cool escape that the moon provided soon began to disappear, as he looked back at the horsemen. His eyes shined brighter, his voice shifted into a powerful booming voice as his messages began to echo against the sands. The voice was blended with that of a woman, it was something the party had not heard yet through their long travels. As the man spoke more and more about Sehula’s blessing and how they would not be impeded by petty thieves, the horses began to stir with fear from the powerful unseen presence that was emanating from the man. In a quick motion as he raised his sword it sparked to life engulfing the weapon with flames that covered from the tip of the sword to its hilt swallowing the man’s hand, yet he was seemingly unaffected by the heat of the blade nor the pain. With a smirk curling from his lips as his eyes were no longer present, in their place were eyes of light. The longer this went on the hotter the desert grew and the more the moon disappeared. Out of fear and anxiety for what was happening the horsemen struck out swinging his blade only for it to be met with an inferno as the man nearly possessed like began his attack, a laugh escaping his lips after he first one fell. The anger inside the man built, as he let out of a shout. The intensity of the voice grew louder, and so did the inferno that was building around him. The light grew powerful enough where the darkness had disappeared, as if the aurora of the sun was within this man’s very soul. Then he lashed out, his blade and body moving as one. Flames, and iron meeting each body, as the man attacked. The group behind watched in a mix of awe and fear as they watched him slice through a dozen or so men in a matter of minutes. As more and more began to believe in Sehula’s existence, they had seen the presence that was guiding the man. The one that was illuminating the desert, the womanly moved elegantly, yet with such power and strength. That no humanly figure could have. As the pair mindlessly cut through the remaining men, even as they turned to flee. Leaving nothing but fire and death in their path. Until it was over, and the man collapsed right into the woman’s arms. As she laid him down in the encased sands. His body was free of all injuries, as the flames around them died out and the woman disappeared. She had proven that was real to this group and her job had been completed for now. 

 

A voice cracked in, interrupting the immersion that had surrounded the group of children as they listened to her tell the story, “Alright children. We will continue the history of Salarik and the Omer Bloodline over the next week, but it is getting late. ” She flashed a bright white smile as she was met with some groans of disapproval from the children, all she could do was laugh,  as she adjusted her robes that carried the emblem of Sehula on the right breast pocket. “Now along you go, and may Sehula guide you safely.” She stood up, as she looked over into the doorway at the hooded figure who stood tall, with a smile barely being visible. As the children rushed out of the door around the man, waiting for every last one to get out before she spoke again. “King Omer, thank you for joining our session.” Her eyes had a worried look to them for a moment before they vanished, as he smiled. “You’re story telling gets better and better. Is the next tale of my grandfather going to be of him coming from the heaven’s guided by Sehula’s light to save him?” He tilted his head to her as he removed his hood, and motioned for him to follow him as he turned on his heels to walk out the doorway, “Come along we have Imperial Council business to attend to. Pirates are raiding the shores.” The pair headed off down the hallway out onto the steps of the Grand Temple of Sehula, the sun beaming brightly on the pair as they exited the grand open entrance way past the giant marble pillars. 

 

Statistics: 

 

Population: 3.15 Million 

Income: 106,350 (111,350 with +5,000 Gold From Ceremony) 

City Buildings: 

Manufactories: 13
Census Office: 2
Collegium: 1
Academy: 1

 
Province Buildings:
Mining Camp: 3
Stone Quarry: 2
Farm Estates: 11
 

Raw Resources:
Iron: 15

Stone: 4

Agricultural Goods: 22 (Capital State Province x2 production to Agricultural Goods) 

 

Actions: 

 

Tarek Omer III and Nadra Amir, set off towards the Imperial Capital to meet with the council on the issue of pirate raids. They are accompanied by 1x Unit of Medium Cav, and 1x Unit of Medium OH Infantry. 

 

Agricultural Trade between the Imperial Provinces and the Salarki Kingdom continues as normal, as all of the excess agricultural goods are shipped off along the secure roots of the empire. Trade continues as normal. (-22 Agricultural Goods.) 

 

With the increasing need of expansion of the forefront of everybody's minds. As the Provinces of the Kingdom are filling up. The large amount of money is pumped into the stone industry, as the basis for filling infrastructural needs and requirements. (8 Quarries x 7,500 Gold = 60,000 Gold).

With the increasing agricultural needs of the Empire, Omer commissions for more land to be acquired for farming estates in the capital province. (4 Estates x 5,000 Gold = 20,000 Gold and Four Stone). 

 

In addition to this, with the growing need for more able bodied men to join into the military. Another recruitment drive is held. (2x Units of Heavy Spearmen x 3 Iron x6000 Gold = 6 Iron and 12,000 Gold) 

 

During the yearly flock of people seeking the word of Sehula, money is donated in droves to the Temple as a gift and patorange to the goddess. This money is in return reinvested into the Temple itself, upgrading and refurbishing the beauty of the Temple.  (5,000 Gold) 

 

With the remaining funds, prospectors are hired to inspect the Kingdom’s territory for any resources that might have been missed. (8,000 Gold). 

Edited April 21, 2021 by Sneaky2