Will (TauFirewarrior)

NATION NAME: KINGDOM OF CAVALON RACE: HUMAN (80%), HALF-ELF (15%), ELF (5%) MAGIC / SORCERY: CULT OF ST RALEK BRIEF DESCRIPTION / HISTORY: The founding of Cavalon is intrinsically tied to the creation of the Anduvian Empire itself, the progenitor of the Kingdom was Myolthor one of the Blades of St.Ralek, the entire realm was given to him as his estate but the companion of the Hero-Emperor decided to leave it to a son so that he could remain as St.Raleks Sworn Shield. He did this bestowing the responsibility and philosophy that the Kingdom itself is a tool to maintain and protect the Empire. To this end the first King of the Myolth Dynasty created their Paladins of Integrity interpreting their progenitors words and will in creating more heroes like him for the Empire, seeing the quality of the Anduvian Empire coming from remarkable individual heroes leading men as opposed to just numbers. The lands themselves were inhabited by humans and elves, though the latter in the minority and the nobility and gentry themselves are largely dominated by humans while Half-Elves are able to find some success in becoming Knights. The pure blooded of the Elves here are largely craftspeople, smiths and artisans and focused on these arts becoming great teachers to many apprentices. Due to the relationship between the Knights and the Artisans of the Realm it has kept any racial tensions to a minimum with thus far no recorded pogroms in any settlement of the realm. The vast majority of the peasantry in the countryside are humans. The culture of the Gentry and Nobility is centered around the dedication of these classes to the Cult of St.Ralek which holds significant sway in Cavalon, lower nobility such as Knights are highly valued members of society as the general culture of the nobility is creating more heroes for the Empire for its many wars defensive or otherwise. Myolthor as well is revered by the Knights and Paladins of Cavalon as many wish to emulate what the people of the Kingdom perceive as his dutiful nature and his chivalry. The truth of the matter being despite Myolthor being alive and well there is scarcely anyone in the realm who has ever met him yet alone asked his personal opinions on philosophy. LEADER / NOTABLE CHARACTERS: KING ARZHUR MYOLTH, THE KNIGHT KING (LOOKS, 5); The current reigning monarch of Cavalon, one of two sons of the late King but the eldest by a significant margin. They command the Knights and Paladins at the Kingdoms command and are devoted to the Empire and the Cult of St.Ralek. They maintain a personal oath of chastity and have declared their mind, body and soul are tools for the Empire and as such forgoes personal relationships and will not take a wife and as such it leaves their younger brother the Crown Prince Bedwyr. PRINCE BEDWYR MYOLTH, CROWN PRINCE AND PALADIN (LOOKS 10); The younger brother by a full fifteen years of Arzhur and the declared heir of the realm, all Knights and Lords have sworn fealty to him in this regard. Unlike the King the Prince intends to take no vows of chastity and at present entertains marriage proposals not just within the Kingdom but in the greater Empire itself. As a Paladin of the realm he is equipped with the finest relics and armour making him a formidable fighter and a Knight so dashing that it is as if he came out of a book of tales. MAP LOCATION (ONLY WITHIN OR NEAR TO ANDUVIA): UNIQUE UNIT: GRIFFON KNIGHTS (SUPER HEAVY CAV); POINT OF INTEREST: ROYAL GRIFFON ROOST; One of the first construction projects of the Myolth Dynasty was creating a Griffons Roost that acts as a hatchery and stables to increase the presence of Imperial Griffon Knights across the empire. It stands as the tallest structure in the entire Kingdom and one of the largest in the wider Empire. [Access to B Resource]

League of Serra -Year 2- With the disloyal Captain of Porta Serra deposed though still alive, business was able to return to a state of normalcy, but the Orsi Family now knew the merchant neighbors were seeking to put their hands in his pocket without the courtesy of even asking. Such a flagrant act of disrespect could not go unanswered but the Don had yet to decide how to respond and how any response should take form. Though it seems that the Serran’s were not alone in the region as the fiercely independent people of North Camadacia sought to be within the friendship of the Orsi Patriarch and respect was duly given. Though the news that they brought from the North was quite troubling, raids of barbarity from the Kingdom of Camadacia itself and fear mongering that they intend to conquer the entire region to establish a new Empire. The Don as a fatherly figure to the people of Serra most certainly sympathizes with the wishes of the peoples of North Camadacia and their free settlements as it was a sentiment shared with his own people. With threats to his West and to his East the Don sought to consolidate the vulnerable areas of the Republics, to do this he would send emissaries north to the villages and town. Actions Two small squadrons of the Black Stripes would be sent into the Rurviche Syndicate, disguised as traders and given appropriate documentation to make their story seem believable. Their orders are to attempt to locate the disloyal former Capo of the Orsi Family. [Mod] Emissaries are sent to the Northern Villages and Towns that are not yet under the fold of any nation, they are offered the Don’s protection and the rights afforded to the Serran’s. [Mod] A Mine is constructed.

League of Serra -Year 1- The aged patriarch of the Orsi, the famed leader of the Black Hand sits in his country villa as the finest musicians in Serra play for him, for the Don it was an afternoon of leisure and rest that he did not wish to be spoiled. One of his advisers approaches him and whispers in his ear, informing of the situation developing in Porta Serra. He knows to send his top enforcer, Antonio Blundetto to resolve the issue one way or the other, his leisure had been disturbed by a Captain who had betrayed him and the family itself. Actions Two units of Black Stripes would be sent to infiltrate the town of Porta Serra where the disloyal Captain was, led by Antonio Blundetto the top enforcer of the Orsi Family. They would seek to trickle into the port and eventually organize to capture the disloyal Captain for questioning. [Mod] A Market is constructed.

Nation Name: League of Serra Nation Government/Leader Rank: Oligarchic Republican League (De-Jure), Syndicate-Despotism (De-Jure), Gonfaloniere of Justice Description of National/Provincial History & Culture: The peoples of Serra settled the peninsula during the demise of the second age, escaping the warmongering of the Goran and the destruction that they had wrought. As one of many displaced peoples they found luck that the land they settled was not only fertile but was naturally defended by rivers to its north and south, the seas to the west and mountains to its east. It allowed the Serrans to flourish and establish a new civilisation in the years leading up to the third age, leading to large farmsteads and villas being constructed in the rural countryside. River trade formed two towns along the riverfront along with villages that benefited from the trade that flowed up the river and the fertile lands to grow their crops. In time this led to a landowning aristocracy forming and dominating the main product of the League and as such the income that comes with it, but it also led to conflicts between the various families that rose in petty power games between hectares of land and the ownership of it. This in turn led to bands of Condottiero rising across the peninsula working as hired muscle for the aristocrats in their petty wars, often incredibly small scale with battles being barely in the hundreds. Blood kept the lands of Serra very fertile for decades and soldiers well seasoned even in their small skirmishes. Eventually from this rose Corrado Orsi, a Condottiero from a modest background as a freeholder until he himself was extorted and pushed out of his holding by the aristocrats that coveted to paint the map more in their own colours. He took to the hinterlands of Serra and gathered others disenfranchised to his own banner and formed the Black Hand mercenary band, seeming to have become like the very men who worked for those who took the lands he once held. As time passed Corrado made connections in the urban towns and across the rural countryside, working for many of the aristocrats and earning himself quite a tribute in the process, investing his wealth into various businesses in the towns of Serra including the titular capital itself. He also stoked tensions between the aristocrats and other condottiero. All this eventually culminated in two factions of aristocrats hiring the same mercenary company to kill each other, not the Black Hand but another company goaded by Orsi that he would share the spoils. Instead after the rogue Condottiero killed the two factions, the Black Hand and their veteran Black Stripes veterans swooped in to kill them for breaking their contract and killing many of the leaders of the League. With little remaining of the old power structure in the League and with public opinion in favor of Corrado Orsi, he won an overwhelming vote of the remaining eligible electorate to become the Gonfaloniere and de-facto leader. It has been decades since this election and between the time of his ascension and his current rule the structure of the League has been remolded with former officers of the Black Hand becoming ‘Captains’ ruling over districts of the towns and collecting fees from merchants and landholders. Corrado while his title of office might be the Gonfaloniere he is known to the people as Don Orsi. Taxes are not in official existence or policy in the League, instead the Orsi and by extension the Black Hand get a cut of all business that go on in the borders of Serra extracting one fifth of all income from merchants and produce from farmers thus sustaining the soldiers that maintain the Black Hand’s control over the country. The new aristocrats are the Captains of various districts who have taken up residence in villas and farmsteads using the workforce as the old aristocrats once did, though the power games and skirmishes between Condottiere are now a thing of the past as Don Orsi values peace and prosperity as its good for his business. The Port Town of Serra itself is a free port, any and all goods might pass through the harbor and flow into the League and upriver though no tariff officially exists the Black Hand still expects a cut in return for protection. Notable Characters: Don Corrado Orsi, the Gonfaloniere of Justice, Patriarch of the Orsi and Condottiere of the Black Hand; the now aged ‘father of the republic’ and leader of what is little more these days than an extortion syndicate that replaced the aristocrats of old. Portraying himself as a fatherly or in some cases grandfatherly fashion, a man of honor to foreign dignitaries especially those from his North and a gentleman. To his people he is seen as generous, often giving out generous gifts of food to the poor all to uphold his image as a benevolent overlord. Behind the scenes he is ruthless, willing to dispose of anyone who betrays him and betrayal has something of a low bar in Serra. His background is both modest enough for the peasantry who see him as coming from their own and the aristocrats who see him as a landholder from birth, though in truth he is further from both but he has maintained an image and few of relevance are alive from when he first rose to power. Furio Orsi, Mayor of Porta Serra, District Captain of the Black Hand; the heir apparent to the Orsi legacy within the Republican League but not necessarily the next leader as dynastic rule has not been cemented by the Don, nor agreed by the other Captains in Serra. Nevertheless Furio is a capable enforcer for his father, leading his own unit of the Black Hand elites in order to make collections in his district and keep the revenues from the ports growing. Antonio Blundetto, Assemblyman of Serra, District Captain of the Black Hand; a man only slightly younger than the Don himself, he was the squire of Corrado during their days as Condottiere and the age of the aristocrats. Now he is one of the more powerful Captains of the Black Hand, responsible for protecting the countryside and collecting their cut from the landowners and dealing out punishments for those who refuse the protection of the Orsi. Unique Military Units (One): The Black Stripes (Hybrid Medium Spears/Crossbow); an elite hybrid infantry unit known for the black stripes upon their tabard and armor, they are a unit that excels in use of the spear and shield but also masterful use of the crossbow. Famed in the days of the aristocrats for their formations of crossbows firing off volleys before disappearing behind the guarded shields of their comrades. Dealing ranged damage against stationary opponents and shock against those who would charge at them. Off the battlefield they are expert trackers and work well in small units should they be required for infiltration or other missions. If Don Corrado wishes to send a message he will send the Black Stripes. National Idea (nothing strictly mechanical): The Marionette; the Don in his long career as the leader of the Serran League has made connections, traded favors or otherwise taken ownership of individuals, nobles, officers and other individuals in his neighboring provinces. Giving him a network of information and the ability to acquire secrets, this network has allowed him to engage in cordial relations with those around him and build his desired image to foreign dignitaries. Player POI; Mace of Serra; a ceremonial mace that is used as part of the official regalia for the head of state within the league. It is an artifact from the second age that in close proximity gives its user the ability to influence minds.

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,429 Overview and Story [STATPOST] Expenditure NONE

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,428 Overview and Story Continued efforts of construction are made in aid of the great reclamation of the galactic core, destroyers must be rebuilt, cruisers must be launched and lives must be spent in good measure. Expenditure Twenty Five Destroyers are laid down to replenish losses incurred from repelling the mindbenders forces! [100NP, 50M, 250,000 ] Efforts are made to find a suitable tutor for many of the new psychics in the realm of Alamar, with attention to be given to the psychic second son of the Grand Duke. [30I] Alamars security services are put to work to counter any infiltration. [30I]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,427 Overview and Story Alamar was in mourning, one of its most prominent sons had fallen in battle the patriarch of the noble Folau family had fallen in his efforts to fight back against the Irik and its genocidal admiral. Born on Alamar as the Folau family finds its origins in the Grand Duchy it had hit many of the nobility and common folk hard. The Dryden family is in particular wearing naught but black in this time and as the new flagship of the Alamarii Navy arrives in system it fires off a gun salute in respect for the fallen Lord Regent. Similarly respect and ceremonies are given for Grand Admiral Sorin but more in line with traditional Imperial Culture rather than Alamarii Customs and religion. Expenditure Four Reclamator Class Heavy Cruisers would be laid down [240,000, 36M, 8A, 8T]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,425 Overview and Story “People of the Empire, today we detect for the first time in history Xenos ships entering the Alamarii systems attacking the Northern Military District of Paruru. I will not abandon you, I will stay on the homeworld until we prevail or fight to the last. We will leave their ships burning in orbit, we will leave their many limbs rotting in our streets, we will make them choke on our blood from high born to low. We do this for the Empire and if we fall we do it in hopes that what we do aid our allies in the great restoration, House Dryden stands for the Empire and in the end we believe it will stand for us.” -Grand Duke Albert, broadcast on the event of the Irik Invasion The Invasion had finally come to Alamarii Space, the Northern Military District for the last fifty years had been expecting at some point an Irik incursion and had prepared for the event as best as a single system could. But still the planned interdictor was not completed in time and stands to not be completed until the following year thus allowing the Irik to drift over the fortified world and delve deep into the Alamarii space. Regardless it would take more than a year to destroy the Grand Duchy, Albert had time in a year he could trap the Irik Armada and his fast fleet could pick off its supplies and stragglers. Sadly the world of Paruru did not hold out as long as the Grand Duke had wished, surviving for only a quarter of the year leaving the hyperlanes open to Alamar and his seat. At the start of the year Knight-Commander Rekai was sent to take command of the singular Alamarii Legion on the world of Paruru, selected among the Knights due to his lack of any real meaningful ties in the main systems, he and command knowing it was likely a suicide mission to simply try and hold the Irik for several months so that the Loyalist allies might be able to build a combined force to meet the genocidal monsters that now banged at the proverbial gates of the Grand Duchy. A few diary entries were able to be broadcasted offworld before darkness fell on the Alamarii 1st Legion. Siege of Paruru, 1st Month Log “It is the start of the year, by Kaumai standards at the very least. It is cold in Paruru. I believe it is in the middle of winter, I wake up every morning to see frost covering the dirt outside my quarters. I was informed by my subordinates that the Xenos Fleet had entered the system and was burning towards us. The fears and perhaps hopes of some of the men here were that he would pass us by but I suppose we were too juicy bait for this warlord. We are going to stand and fight, some officers put our estimates of fighting as low as in the single digits of weeks, the lowest estimate was two weeks.” Siege of Paruru, 2nd Month, Week 1 Log “The Xenos fleet reached the range of the Orbital Defense Station, I ordered it mostly evacuated and operating on a volunteer skeleton crew, it was destroyed in quick order and we do not know if it ever hit any targets. The Fleet then backed off from the planet before they could get in range of our own batteries, whoever is laying this siege might have it out for us but they’re not a fool. We have seen a few scouting parties begin to descend down, we have shot down a few transports but this is a prelude to the invasion.” Siege of Paruru, 2nd Month, Week 2 Log “The invasion has commenced in earnest, we have divided our forces to defend key facilities, shields, batteries and the sensor arrays. We’re stretched thin but we have good positions even though the regulars are able to perform well under these conditions, the Celestial Gods have blessed them to at least not be on the offensive if the conditions were reversed. My Knights are performing well, the issue we are now finding is we are simply being overrun, no matter if we’re getting a good kill rate, the simple truth of the matter is they have the numbers and we do not.” Siege of Paruru, 3rd Month, Week 1 Log “The Batteries have fallen, it took a while but it was inevitable and we have begun to fight off raids at the headquarters. It is hard to sleep now, the enemy fleet bombards our shields like a drum and it can be heard from even the lowest level of our bunkers. They have begun to ground assault the shield generators, most are still holding but outside of headquarters they are quickly running out of ammo and regular infantry is not suited to engage Irik in close quarters. I pray we can hold out for another month, but I am beginning to have my doubts.” Siege of Paruru, 4th Month, Week 4 Log, Final Entry “We are out of food, most of our guns no longer fire either through no more ammunition or simply breaking due to overuse, the perimeter of headquarters has been breached and the bunker will fall. I am gathering what remains of the Knights and Infantry under my command and arming them with whatever we have left. We will use a secret exit and assault the Irik forward encampment that acts as its headquarters for the siege of our own. I swear by the House of Dryden we will take some of their leaders with us and make them choke on our blood.” Expenditure More Alamarii Knights are called into service, three hundred thousand in total. They are trained and equipped to Imperial Standards [300,000, 90M, 18A, 24T. 42AP] Four Million Infantry are recruited in the coming year. Trained and equipped to Imperial Standard [200,000, 48M, 48AP] Twenty Thousand Imperial Artillery are produced. [60,000, 16M, 6A, 20AP]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,425 Overview and Story “Ran-ji’s cousin huh? Fifty years since he’s been seen? The Gods have a wicked sense of humour, I must wonder if they just want to make things harder for Albert” - Lucas Dryden The Whiskey Distillery owned by the House of Dryden would be working overtime with news from Grand Admiral Sorin’s own space. Despite a supposed member of the Imperial House revealing themselves Albert dedicates himself to the Hui Ariki and his belief in the Noble Empire and states to the delegates of the Legislator how he believes the Hui Ariki should not accept an Emperor until the throne moon is once more in IMPERIAL hands, that anyone who declared themselves Emperor before they have even sat on the Starcast Throne is a pretender until the Capital is restored. Elsewhere the Dryden Fleet continues its reconstruction, with a new flagship well underway along with more heavy cruisers. While there is some relative peace now was the time to bring the Dryden Fleet back to effectiveness. Expenditure Three Reclamator Heavy Cruisers are laid down [180,000, 27M, 6A, 6T]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,424 Overview and Story “All we do is for the good of the Empire and its people, however I really do detest taxation.” - Grand Duke Albert The State of Emergency in the capital of the pact remained in place, forces stood at the ready and once again all resources were put into the war effort! However there are grumblings from the Ducal Throneworld of Alamar, the Imperial Taxation had once more returned and it was causing the many bureaucrats and accountants to work overtime to move the money around so that Alamar met its obligations. It is known the Grand Duke curses the day he let himself get talked into paying taxes again, it is however as some consolation he gets some say in how they are spent. Expenditure Three Light Cruisers are laid down [90,000, 18M, 60NP] An agreed upon contract to the Stellarch Rakena to utilise the driveyards and build a brand new flagship for the Alamarii Navy is agreed upon. [350,000, 20M, 5A, 10T]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,423 Overview and Story The invasion of loyalist space had begun, there was no time to be lost and a state of emergency was declared within the Grand Duchy and all resources were dedicated to military production. That which was lost in the Labyrinth had to be replaced and pushed to the frontlines posthaste. The Grand Duke and his siblings had no time for politics or leisure, it was all work. Expenditure Five Reclamator Heavy Cruisers are laid down [300,000C, 125NP] Two Light Cruisers are laid down [60,000C, 40NP] Influence is spent to smooze the warlords Rakena and Kanu, along with gifts for the loyalist warlords[60I, 30 to each, 50,000C to each] The Merchant men holding onto the Drive Yards would be contacted and the Alamarii would attempt to smooze them in order to order a new flagship laid down [30I]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,422 Overview and Story “They are filthy unworthy life in our galaxy . . . but they scream like us. I’m putting in for a transfer.” - Private Kai of of the 24th Penal Guard, Xenos Menial Extermination Platoon Admiral Ngata would stand in the orbital defence platforms over the newly acquired military world that the Alamarii had inherited from the failed Stellarchy that once bordered it, now dangerously bordering the starbreaker himself. Overseeing the planned defences and fleet expansion to hopefully repel an attack should it come, an attack not led by the mindbender at the very least. Retrieving his data tablet he would cycle through various reports of the utilisation of xenos labour, then prompt execution of the subjects in the effort to fortify the world. He’d turn to his agitant “I believe the Stellarchy is going to receive a rude awakening, perhaps sooner rather than later.” he’d tell him with a sigh as he’d continue the work. Meanwhile on Alamar…. Albert would sit in the throne room of the great chamber in the ducal palace on Alamar, he’d listen to the various petitioners of his system seeking his favour, seeking relief or simply seeking funds from the Alamarii treasury for some schemes that they claim can restore the empire. While he listened his military advisers who would be silent hand him documents, data tablets so that he may monitor the economic and military situation in the Stellarchy as well as various other activities that only he was privy to. “Enough.” he’d say out loud “Court is over today, send your petitions to the chamberlain.” the Grand Duke commands. The Grand Duke retreats into a study along with his brother Lucas and other advisers, he’d address them “We border the Starbreaker now, Alamar is now closer to the frontlines than it ever was in the last fifty years! Tell me how could this happen, how could you let this happen? How did we not know the Northern March would fall within a year!” He barked at his subordinates, most of them continuing to stand at attention, none seeking to answer what they thought was a rhetorical question. “Never mind that, we are the provisional capital of the Empire as it stands. Tell Ngata that I expect results from him now more than ever, if the Starbreaker chooses to invade he better die in the system than retreat.” Lucas would step forth and speak up to his elder brother “It might be wise to begin stockpiling certain resources, we may need to cause another increase in food prices. It might hurt the wider galaxy but we need the funds to fortify the border worlds.” he says addressing all around him including the officers who advised the Duke, hoping his voice may calm his brother.“Perhaps, but this year is not the year, our allies are suffering due to the increased prices. I will bring it to the next session of the Hui Araki, see if we can’t get a measure of support there.” Albert responds “I can’t believe Teniert is now further from the border than us now, the tables can turn rather quickly these days. See that he gets another case of the whiskey, we will need to butter him up as we might need his support if his fleets survive the campaign against the imbecile in the labyrinth.” “I’ll make sure the Tenierts are taken care of, as for your nephew I will speak to him concerning help with border security, he thinks the world of you our Lord Regent so we might as well see if he values family as much as the others.” Lucas says to Albert, the Grand Duke nodding to Lucas before turning once more to his advisers “As for the rest of you, bend every rule, search every nook and get us the credits we need to expand the fleet and legions. I’ll turn the frontline into another Buath but in our favour if I have to.” Expenditure Twenty three destroyers are laid down this turn. [230,000 C, 94NP] Thirty freighters are laid down this turn [7,500 C, 6NP] [REDACTED 10I]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Year: 10,421 Overview and Story “Is it true that Outer-Rim women bathe but once every three lunar cycles?” -unknown enlisted soldier of the Almarii 1st Legion Albert would stand to his office window contemplating his situation, his place in the galaxy as shattered as it was. It was winter on Alamar and the snows had already begun, outside his ducal palace he could see his homeworld, the homeworld of his family at peace as if there were nothing in the galaxy that could disturb it. Though his world was experiencing bliss as if the Empire had never collapsed and perhaps was even benefiting due to the galaxies need for the wheat and grain produced on Alamars sister worlds, Albert himself seemed irritable, he had developed tinnitus during his time in the civil war, his hearing damaged and requiring discrete and subtle cybernetics to maintain at the cost of him hearing a constant buzzing. A sudden knock would cause the Grand Dukes attention to refocus and return to the now, “Come in.” he’d speak, turning to his desk and seating himself before his visitor had opened the door, the visitor in question being Rear Admiral Noha Ngata who would promptly salute his monarch in the Navies fashion and be seated at the Grand Duke’s gesture. “With my brother leaving the service to join the Courts the Navy needs a new Commander, I would like that to be you, if you accept you’ll be promoted to Vice Admiral and should the Navy get big enough, full Admiral with all benefits. Do you accept?” the Duke asks. “I would not turn down the opportunity to serve the Sector, I accept.” the now Vice Admiral would retort, the Grand Duke sliding a data tablet over to the newly promoted man “Plans for the Navy, my brother was increasing the size of our navy by two heavy cruisers a year. Exceed it and exceed him and I will ensure you remain in your position, consider this your blank cheque.” Albert explains. Noha would nod to his monarch and begin looking at the tablet before his eyes widening “M-my lord….is this how much money we make?” he’d say with a surprised stutter of someone evidently not born with the wealth of a stellarch “I make” he’d say correcting the admiral “and its but a portion of it, double the cruiser count of my brother, my resources will help but you will need to source material and private shipyards. I’m counting on you to be able to do more than just command, you’re now more than a tactician, you're a logistician.” Later that day…. “Do you trust the Tenierts?” Lucas asks his lord brother “If I trusted them I wouldn’t have to agree to tie our families together, they trust us about the same.” Albert says, toking on a thin cigar as he spends some leisure time with his brother, his most trusted confidant. “They definitely have high opinions of themselves…despite losing half a Stellarchy.” says the younger Dryden with something of arrogance in his tone “It was a mixture of bad choices and bad stellar geography, but yes they do think highly of themselves, perhaps a bit too highly. I doubt their ambitions stop at reclaiming their lands from Sorin. But we’re short on allies outside the family right now, we will just have to prepare for the outcomes, I’ll be sending Adrien a case of 16 year old single malt from our distillery on Kuria, we have to keep this alliance as sweet as possible for now. On other business that to be honest is more relevant to you and what our current needs are the replacement for you inthe Navy, are you sure he’s right?” the elder Dryden asks his younger brother. “He’s a little introverted when it comes to interacting with the nobility, he’s from the lower gentry after all, but he’s a hard worker and most importantly he owes everything to the Drydens, with you pushing down on him he ought to be able to source more ships for the fleet.” Lucas finishes, putting out his own cigar in an ashtray “I hope you’re right, in any case keep an eye on the whole Adjudicator situation, you’re my man in the Courts. Make sure the law bends our way.” Expenditure Two Reclamator Class Heavy Cruisers are laid down this turn. [120,000 C, 50NP] Two Light Cruisers are laid down this year [60,000 C, 40NP] A network in the Stellarchy of Veras would be set up [5 I]

Grand Duchy of Alamar Overview and Story The Civil War and Irik invasions of the core had left humanity in utter shambles, but through it all Alamar had stood strong and firm against the tides of chaos. The Knights of Alamar had been a bulwark against the Irik, republican or any other foe that would challenge the Drydens control over their space. Now the Alamarii had what could be considered the honour of being the provisional capital of the Empire, or at least in their minds since they had not quite gotten over the results of the civil war, believing themselves a legitimate continuation of the Empire and its legal government. They once more found themselves allied with the Tenierts of Orteau but had uplifted and strengthened the Folau’s who were formerly of Alamar and are now Stellarchs in their own right. The Tenierts hosted constant galas, balls and other parties and celebrations on Alamar, much to their own delight but less so to any of their neighbours who had to put up with it. The Hui Ariki, the House of Lords of the Empire now would host its sessions in Dryden Space and with the Aristocracy of the Near-Core finally beginning to unite the Drydens began to stretch the economic muscles of their wealthy sector to rebuild what was lost, to rebuild Reclamation. Albert Dryden had one vision and that was to rebuild the leadership of the Empire through the aristocracy, that leaders must become noble and act so to remain leaders. He would employ the vast propaganda networks that Senator Joseph Folau had set up during the civil war to emphasise this, as well as to promote individuals of exception and keep the people on side and loyal to the Drydens, to the Aristocracy and to the Empire itself. All the while quietly cracking down on any form of dissent that would seek to weaken the position of House Dryden or its allies. Perhaps it was Alberts own inflated ego influencing him, perhaps he truly believed it was his and his fathers leadership that kept Alamar safe instead of the simple fact of galactic geography, regardless of the real truth the Alamarii were preparing for war. Expenditure Two Reclamator Class Heavy Cruisers are laid down this turn. [120,000 C, 50NP]

Nation Name: Grand Duchy of Alamar A brief description of National/Provincial History & Culture: Closely tied to the Imperial Core and its people, the people of the Alamari Systems have enjoyed a close relationship with the Empires of yore. As a gateway into what was formerly the Capital systems of the Empire, wealth has travelled through Alamar and its prominent families have risen through the ranks of the former Imperial Military and Government. Most noteworthy of these are the House of Dryden, the ruler of the localised nobility for millennia. While only in recent centuries the Drydens have exercised direct executive control over the Alamari Systems they have been behind the systems of power that built the surrounding sector of space. ~Noblesse Oblige~ The Nobility of the Alamari Systems adhere to this doctrine that as nobility they have a specific role in society and exist in that they may serve the people they rule over. This grants rewards, hereditary titles, wealth and estates, however they are taught not to take this for granted or feel entitled to it simply because they are nobles. Above all the Nobles of Alamar must act Noble to maintain their status, as such while they have luxuries that are seen as normal for their class they are still more austere in their attitudes and lifestyles than some of their contemporaries and allies even. As of the time of chaos the galaxy finds itself in, service and societal contribution for the nobility means military service and that means noble scions be them the sons or daughters find themselves in officers academies so that they may study and serve their Grand Duke well in the wars to come. The system itself historically has been subject to the black market and criminal elements however during the civil war the military authorities severely cracked down on it as the war economy required utter obedience to the Grand Duke. As such Alamar can be considered one of the most secure areas of space in the galaxy compared to the chaos that roams not too far from its own borders. In more recent history the Stellarchy of Alamar was one of the closest territories of the Loyalist Faction in the Civil War to remain unscathed from the war and which the Aristocratic elements of the Empire gathered around after the death of the Emperor and sack of the capital. Now the House of Dryden and its allies seek to regroup and push forward the goals of the Aristocracy and attempt to restore order, their vision of order. Since the end of the Civil War leadership has passed from Severus Dryden to his firstborn son Albert, assuming the mantle of Grand Duke and Stellarch of Alamar. Notable Characters: Albert Dryden (Grand Duke, Stellarch, Warlord): The former Senator of the Alamari Stellarchy who once represented his fief in the heart of the Empire, in his youth he fell victim to traps of intrigue that have embittered him to politics and those he views as lesser humans due to their corruption and greed. He believes in noblesse oblige fundamentally, believing the aristocracy is not an entitlement but a duty to protect and fulfill the social responsibility of leaders. Thus he is not opposed to seeing new blood in the aristocracy as he believes one can be born noble but to be noble they must act it, regardless of bloodline. Alexandra Dryden (Duchess Consort): The Consort of Alamar and also half niece of Grand Duke Albert, born into the Teniert family the marriage was offered to maintain the bond between the two Stellarchys even if the bloodlines were becoming a little too close. Nonetheless she has been a faithful spouse and embraced her mothers home system as if it were her own. Lucas Dryden (Half Sibling, Admiral): Younger brother of the reigning Grand Duke, he is often relied upon to lead Military Campaigns on behalf of the Stellarchy, seemingly satisfied with his role as the younger brother ensuring his elder sibling can focus on ruling from his capital. Unique Military Units (Two): Knights of Alamar, Reclamation Crusaders (Heavy Infantry): Soldiers trained from an incredibly young age, largely made up of war orphans, refugees and other less fortunate souls who have no families and are effectively wards of the Alamari State. As squires they are conditioned physiologically to be fanatical concerning the House of Dryden and are unwavering in their loyalty to the family and the Stellarchy which it rules over. The ethics of brainwashing youths into the cause of aristocrats can be questioned by many but those within Alamar and those who are its allies see these Knights as a necessity and regard them as heroes to the cause. Cybernetically enhanced as they are trained and as they grow, once they have graduated from being squires they become full Knights of Alamar. They wield Arc-Spears, Swords, Shields and carry an all purpose battle rifle that has two modes of fire, one for humans and one for Irik the latter being a 30mm shell. Their role on the battlefield is that of a vanguard, they are either a hammer smashing down a wall of enemy infantry or are the wall itself holding against the tides of chaos. Attributes and abilities Advanced-Cybernetics: As those who squire to become Alamari Knights grow, they are periodically given cybernetic enhancements to improve their senses, strength and dexterity. Early Brainwashing: As youths they are wards of the Alamari State, information for them is tightly controlled and they are taught what the Grand Duke wishes them to be. They are conditioned for absolute loyalty and obedience to the House of Dryden. Reclamator Armour: Suits of armour which designs are drawn up from the techno-vaults of the Dryden Estates that are state of the art and designed to shrug off small arms and be effective for close combat. Shield Formations: The shields the Knights carry are more than just sheets of metal, they are technologically advanced and with formations are able to share power to form shields around formations of the Knights giving them protection. Battle-born: They are trained for battle, they are trained to win battles. Simply, they are adept in close quarters fighting and satisfactory with ranged weapons when they need to be, their shortcomings in the latter are made up with the advanced technologies they use in the former to give them an edge above their competition. Reclamator Class Heavy Cruiser: A design of vessel drawn from the vast databanks and technology vaults of the Alamari as something fit for purpose in the now divided Empire and chaotic galaxy. Without proper access to Drive Yards the Alamari sought to create a vessel armoured enough to stand up in a fight, with firepower and speed to match. With an edge over many standard classes of Heavy Cruisers due to more advanced designs in its frame, engines and firepower it is one of proudest developments to come out of Alamari Space. Becoming something of a more frequent sight in the aristocratic fleets of the Alamari Mandate due to the class having to make up for the lack of many capital ships and having to take a role as command ships in order to maintain influence in various parts of space. Despite its widespread use and obvious shortcomings compared to a true capital ship it is seen as a point of pride to command one of these cruisers due to it being the backbone of the Alamari Fleet. Attributes and abilities Streamline Construction: With the schematics known to the Alamari Shipwrights they are easily constructed and can be done so quickly and efficiently. Improved Engines: The Reclamator Class is faster than other cruisers in its make without having to sacrifice its armour or armament to do so, allowing it to almost compete with battlecruisers on both fronts. National Idea (nothing strictly mechanical): ~Noblesse Oblige~ The fundamental ideology behind the local aristocracy of the Stellarchy of Alamar that Nobles have a role to play in society, that those who claim to be noble must act noble in turn. That they must rule society and do so generously to the people. It is believed that they are divinely ordained to do so, but that those who were born common may become noble through their actions. Bloodlines while they play important roles in Alamari Society can fall and new ones can rise in turn to replace them allowing for a certain level of fluidity. More importantly the ideology is something that the House of Drydens have made as a doctrine or pamphlet that details their ideal form of leadership. With the Alamari people relative untouched by the Civil War and their own space having not suffered invasion or losses, it helps back up the ideology that in fact the House of Dryden represent ideal rulers. It advocates public service at all levels of society, as service is a pathway to nobility and reward should it be deemed worthy enough, it is not seen as a bad thing in Alamar for someone to rise in the ranks, so long as there are indeed ranks to rise through and that order, loyalty and nobility are upheld through meritocratic service. It is an ideological movement the Drydens have spread throughout their aristocracy, officer corps and the people having it taught as a matter of public policy and propaganda. Outside the obvious ideas on leadership is of course the advocacy of xenocide, that the Alien has fundamentally proven itself to be unsuitable to be a subject or slave. A letter: W

Yashida Bakufu Overview Stat Post this week Expenses and Actions 20,000 is spent for Westervald to build railways across the Yashida territory, excluding forbidden mountain ranges.

Yashida Bakufu Overview Peace, thought in the mind of the Hidden, perhaps the Daimyo received omens from the spirits that guided him to seek it. He was somewhat confused given the mood he felt in the Jizuru City, either way the Daimyo’s life was not to be taken for the time being and Tanuki could now be recalled. But it would not be long before he would be sent out on new missions to protect the interests of the nation and to acquire knowledge of the outside world, Tanuki knew in his heart the Shogun would send him and maybe other of the Hidden outside of the world of the Yashida and Jizuru, into something more unknown and especially dangerous for someone like him. But his people owed their loyalty and lives to the Yashida Clan, so long as the Shogun protected them from the outside world he and those chosen with abilities would serve. Expenses and Actions Nine Shipyards are constructed (9,000, 9M) Three thousand Shogunate Guard Infantry are raised (7,500, 9AP, 9S) A Hidden is summoned (2,000, 2AP) Two Transports are constructed (3,500, 2SP) Research is undertaken into railways, the Shogun feeling his country may be behind its neighbours soon. Aid in this endeavor is requested from their Westervald seeing as they were the pioneers. It is requested as a measure of goodwill between the two countries. (Mod)

Yashida Bakufu Overview Winter having set in over the siege of the Jizuru, the Shogunate Army surrounding the settlement, shivering and suffering some attrition while those in the town were warm and ate. Tanuki would watch over the enemy town during the nights watching the people and their habits as an army surrounds their homes. He admired them for their bravery and faith in their leader, wondering what it took for the trust between the people and their Lord to grow to such a degree that none were worried despite being outnumbered and under siege with finite supplies. Shivering slightly Tanuki would watch as he could see his breath even with himself wrapped up warmly the man would traverse the City watching the people, the soldiers and listening to their words as he blended in and to most seemed just like any other citizen. He would return to the duties his own Lord had trusted him with, wondering if the trust between the people of his village and the Shogun were as strong as Jizuru. In the Siege Camps outside the City the second in command Saito Hiroto would be doing his rounds inspecting the troops he was personally responsible for, hearing the whispers of discontent about ‘Old General Slaughter’ lamenting the potential of being thrown once more at the enemy once the spring came. Two soldiers would salute him as he entered his tent, the General sitting at his desk and looking over the vast amounts of paperwork that Gorou had left him to do. Requisition orders for equipment and reinforcements, letters of condolences to families back home. He was given a thankless job by a superior many disliked, but he would do it as he must follow his orders. His rising popularity and prominence with the army and court officials back home didn't matter what work he did, Gorou represented the Samurai Old Guard, while he was the new and the future and he knew the Shogun would favour him when the time came. Expenses and Actions Two thousand Shogunate Guards are raised and trained to meet the demands of the army. (5,000, 6AP, 6S) Five Manufactories are constructed across the realm to increase revenues. (5,000, 5M) A Foundry would be constructed (2,750, 2M) Two Shipyards are constructed (2,000, 2M)

Yashida Bakufu Overview With the victory of the autumn the Yashida were now bouncing back from their previous defeat, they would advance into the Jizuru’s territory now that they had largely broken the enemy army. Though they would not assume they’d be unopposed, skirmishers and cavalry would act as scouts for the army itself to ensure that any remnant of the Jizuru Army doesn’t get the chance of ambush against Gorou and Saito. The war itself was a learning process for the Shogunate, their first attempt at fighting an enemy of similar strength had most certainly had mixed results and it has somewhat caused Gorou’s reputation to suffer somewhat. In the Capital fresh troops and more money into industrial efforts would be undertaken, along with planning to build more factories around the country to overall increase the tax revenue and getting the people to work productively and support the economy to allow for a quick and speedy recovery and growth of the army itself. Expenses and Actions Four factories are built across the country. (4,000, 4M) Two thousand Shogunate Guard are raised and trained to meet the demands of the army. (5,000, 6AP, 6S) The Yashida Army continues its advance into Jizuru territory, though messengers are sent out offering to open up talks, but not before the Yashida Army is firmly within Jizuru Borders as to give pressure. (Mod)

Yashida Bakufu Overview The Yashida were bloodied but not broken, they would redouble their efforts. Expenses and Actions Four Gunsmiths are built [4,000, 4M] A Unit of Medium Infantry is recruited [2,000, 2AP, 2S, 1MP] Two Towns are settled within the Yashida territory.[5,000, 2M] The Army is reorganised and three screw frigates from the Navy are sent to shadow the army and assist them with coastal activities.

Yashida Bakufu Overview Yashida Shinzo would sit within the garden of his Castle reminiscing over years past, a man well into his sixties he was born into a feudal society. He could see creeping over the walls of his vast estate, the smoke billowing from the factories below his family's great citadel. It was he who from his youthful days sought to reform the aging Kingdom of which his Clan rules over and having fought political games with the various Samurai, Aristocratic and Royal Officials who feared the loss of their power the now elderly Shogun sighed reliving the memories of the political games of the past. From the corner of his eye he spied his Commissioner for War, Kazuma Gorou a man easily identifiable from his traditional Samurai mask which he wore due to severe disfigurement from his time putting down reactionary uprisings during the first stages of modernisation which his liege undertook. “My Lord, the Jizuru have begun to shut their borders, the Daimyo hides behind his walls.” the General would say after bowing to the Shogun. “He continues to deny the reality of the times, refusing to adapt, he believes he can keep his land trapped in the past.” the Shogun retorts with a scoff, rising from his seated position before turning his gaze and full attention to Kazuma Gorou “Begin training the Army in the North, I want you to oversee the situation yourself carefully. I will provide you with more information and orders later.” he simply commanded, the Commissioner quickly bowing and turning leaving his liege’s garden. Seeing the smoke billowing over in the distance he sighed, it was an ugly sight which he could see from his otherwise beautiful garden. This was progress and this was what would keep Yamatai and her people safe from the influence from the foreigners. Expenses and Actions An additional two powder mills would be constructed to allow for gunpowder stocks and production to rise. [3,000, 2M] A Hidden is summoned to the Capital [2,000, 2AP] Three Manufactories are constructed [3,000, 3M] An Army is sent towards the North of the most Easterly Province of the Bakufu and begins performing training exercises close to the border. [Troops moved near to F4 Province] Diplomats are sent to Westerveld and the Jizuru in regards to opening up talks for trade, non aggression etc. Though the Government does not expect any progress with the Jizuru. [Mod]

Discord: (I’m in it) Nation Name: Yashida Bakufu (Yashida Shogunate, Kingdom of Yamatai) Flag: Culture: The Culture of the Country itself is defined by its social stratification and the recent development from a feudal society to a centralised nation state with the Shogun and the Bakufu at its head. Behind the Militaristic Government is a Monarchy that serves as a religious symbol that unifies the nation and maintains the cultural balance between the State and the people it governs over. The Shogunate Governs through use of three Commissioners that are typically hereditary but the Clans heading each Commission may find themselves removed from their power if they prove to be incompetent. The people of the nation can be described as militaristic, patriotic and highly superstitious in nature leading to some xenophobia in more isolated communities and a general mistrust of outsiders. Modernisation of the Country has been made difficult due to this nature, the Bakufu were forced to put down reactionary revolts seeking to halt the progress in industrialisation and modernisation of aspects of the Bakufu and Kingdom itself. Feudal Lords were replaced with centrally appointed Governors and Administrators, the Aristocracy while still existent have found their powers and influence diminish. The people themselves find themselves toiling in whatever profession their class best suits them for, but some have found opportunity in joining the newly centralised Military, positions that were previously closed off to all but the Samurai who now largely serve as officers or have become civil servants instead of warriors. The Monarchy and Sena Commission ensure the people are served with religious ceremonies and festivals in order to keep up morale, maintain the faith and keep the people feeling tied to the land their gods have protected and allowed them to prosper even in these dark days. History: The Kingdom of Yamatai was not always lead by the Yashida Bakufu, its Monarchy is ancient and according to local myth descends from one of the Gods before they left this world thousands of years ago leaving a King to maintain order and look out for the wellbeing of the people who remained behind. So it was to be for centuries as the Monarchy of Yamatai would consolidate and secure its power in the Peninsula though this required the establishment of the Samurai Class, warrior servants who would do the bidding of Kings and Queens. As the Monarchs dominion expanded, so did the responsibilities of the Samurai, they became administrators and started gaining large swathes of land for farms, mining, fishing and even establishing new settlements and protecting them when the forces of the Central Government could not. Eventually due to administrative needs, court machinations and various palace coups between Pro-Samurai and Pro-Aristocrat forces in the Capital of Yamatai, the Bakufu was established to protect the dignity of the Throne from those who would seek to harm it with the Yashida Clan establishing its power through its powerful Samurai Army and Ashigaru Levy. Purging Aristocrats and Samurai Lords who sought to oppose them through use of force and utilising the Hidden Clans from the Mountains and their expert assassins and spies. For centuries the Yashida have now ruled in the Capital maintaining a close relation with the Monarchy but ensuring the latter does not manage to utilise its influence to gain any real power. Urbanisation, modernisation and industrialisation have began to take hold within the Kingdom and it is spearheaded by the Bakufu who fear that being behind in the times could lead the people of Yamatai being taken advantage of by foreign powers, they fear still their own Samurai and Military turning on them in favour of a restored Monarchy. Yashida Shinzo the current Clan Head and Shogun of the Bakufu has throughout his long reign played a balancing act between traditionalist sentiment and modernisation, this has seen reactionary revolt but it was crushed thanks to the new Army. Ultimately the result of his modernisation efforts has seen a blend of the traditional and modern going forward, allowing the people of Yamatai to maintain their cultural and national identity, unique from the rest of the world while also modernising enough so that it won’t become a second rate or colonial puppet of another nation. Characters (Up to 3): Shogun, Yashida Shinzo: The leader of the nation but well into his 60s and beginning to wind down his activities of statecraft and preparing his son and grandchildren to take power within the next few years due to his advancing age. Largely responsible for the modernisation and subsequent social upheaval in his Country, he had to put down a reactionary revolt from peasants and samurai alike who saw their livelihoods at risk due to the industrialisation the urban centres of the Bakufu were seeing. Queen, Jingu: The current Monarch who serves as a religious, cultural and unifying figure for the Country. The Monarchy of Yamatai having long been out of power with the Yashida Clan taking over the responsibilities of governance, she remains an important figure which in these times of upheaval and ruin the Shogunate is careful to maintain favour with. The people see her as their leader in spirit if not in practise and a word from her and those who preceded her have seen more than a handful of Shoguns abdicating. The Sena Commission led by the Sena Clan maintains the relations between the Bakufu and the Old Monarchy. Commissioner for War, Kazuma Gorou: Commissioner Gorou is the man currently in charge of the Military as the nominal Chief of Staff for the Army and Navy responsible for the bureaucracy and to an extent leadership on the field. The Kazuma Clan itself have stood with the Yashida in putting down the reactionary and regressive elements in the Country and seek an aggressive foreign policy. Location (Pick 3 Provinces): F1, F2, F3 Unique Units: The Hidden: ????? (Will think up another later)

IN THE NAME OF GOD 1741 FVC Harvest EVENTS As the Winter passed and summer came and went throughout the year the many Nobles of the Empire decided now was the time to begin drawing faction lines for the upcoming Sejm as the Harvest season would approach. The two largest forces in the Empire have come to be known as the Unionists those who put the Empire first and wish to be united in the face of adversity and Cipriates who follow Mikhail the Bold of Valcea who wish to expand the influence of the Radulescu Dynasty and is named after the Emperor of that dynasty. The Unionists are nominally loyal to the Dusza Dynasty as they sit the throne and have many supporters among the establishment electors, while the Cipriates have support from more sidelined nobility. There are still those in the Sejm who would rather support neither, the Commonwealth of Vsezprem formed a faction around Joszefism. Regardless, the lines despite the Vsezprem to turn the political tide sectarian in nature have largely become more secular and dynasty based. Both of the main factions have their share of Joszefites and Vaseric nobles. Now all that was left was the upcoming Sejm as the harvest was being sown in the many fiefs of the Empire. Outside of the internal politics and squabbling between the nobility and other representatives in the Empire those who would steal or otherwise seek to harm the nobility. Karl Nilsson has grown more bold and is seemingly getting close with the Trazmiri, Faolan seeing his demands of tribute rejected has begun to mobilise his forces into several armies and despite this the Trazmiri border has become more quiet on the Imperial side, though it seems the Black Scorpion has taken to raiding his own Countrymen. ----------------------------- PLAYERS County of Chrósty With Witold largely being in the Capital the County is seemingly quiet but remains well defended, its Count having to organise the mess that is the Imperial Military that is directly commanded by the throne. [Imperial Military Stats incoming] County of Budivel The border with the Glittering Woods quietens this year as the truce between the County and the Changelings holds, even the Company of the Azure Wolves lead by the outlaw Faolan leaves Budivel alone due to this truce. He would be approached by the Unionist, Cipriate and Joszefite faction of the Sejm for potential support in the upcoming session all wishing to express their viewpoints. The Unionists wishing to strengthen the establishment of the Empire, the Cipriates wishing to push Valcea’s influence and the Joszefites wanting to spread their power and actualise it into law. Holy March of Mis [Post Actions in Discord] County of Balcescu In Balcescu County word quickly spreads around and outside the territory that the Count is spending vast and lavish amounts of money. The Vaseric Patriarch fully accepts the Counts offer to finance the construction of more defences in the Holy City as it stands at the knife's edge between the faithful and the Radulescu Joszefite fiefs of the Empire. Some news on the Dragon front for the Counts Agents as they begin to travel Northward into Arscea and the Mountainous region that makes up the borderlands between the Empire and the Giants as a temporary bazaar has been set up. [Discord] Clan Siurdan Information is gathered and meetings are arranged between the men of Clan Siurdan and their prospective allies. [Discord] March of Bihar In Bihar it has been a busy winter with the Knights of the March chasing the forces loyal to the brigand the Black Scorpion being chased back across the border and killing many of them and the attempted parley between the marcher lords of Trazmir concerning the brigand. [Discord interaction] Other than that the business in the March continues without hindrance and the lands are safer than they were during the last season due to the heightened military response from the Margrave. Kateline is invited to the Court of the Grand Duchy of Arscea concerning the Dragoner Korp request, as she is in line to the succession of a Margravate she can squire under a Guest Knight of the Order, the Guest Knight in question being the Grand Duke himself. Engineers from the Magitechnical Guild are dispatched from the Capital to begin studying the archeological site at the Citadel and are very excited to do so as they’ve not been previously fully invited to study the entirety of the Ancients site in Bihar. The Commonwealth [Post Actions in Discord] County of Przeworsk With Pirate hunting efforts ramped up a conflict with Karl Nilsson and elements of his fleet is imminent, the sailors of the County are preparing for battle. [Discord] County of Zadnesti [Post Actions in Discord] March of Kosono The Imperial Bureaucracy was still a mess from the chaos that ensued after the death of the late Emperor, nevertheless the Margrave is doing his utmost as Lord Treasurer to sort out the treasuries finance. [Sorting out this for you] Business in his own holding continues without hindrance and construction of walls and mills intensifies and is completed by the end of the season. County of Karancanay [Post Actions in Discord] -----------------------------

IN THE NAME OF GOD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PayUu_Ffjn8 1741 FVC Winter EVENTS As the initial shock of losing their Emperor along with a sizable portion of their fighting strength had begun to subside in time, those who would seek opportunity in the chaos of what came afterward begin to crawl out from the dens from which they hide in during the more orderly times of an Imperials reign. Outlaws, ambitious mercenaries, pirates and Lords who simply want more land have decided now was the time to strike out and make use of the current chaos and apparent weakness of the Empire. In the Eastern Marches the Trazmiri Outlaw known to most as the ‘Black Scorpion’ begins to stir up trouble on the border with Bihar and all the way up to Arscea with little in the way of hindrance from his nominal liege lord who act as the Marcher Lords for the Trazmir. Crossing the border to raid caravans and villages far enough away from the patrols that he can slip back across the border before an adequate response can be formed. Out West several bands flying the banner of the Azure Wolf, Faolan have been spotted raiding across the countryside as it appears his company's ranks swelled to such a degree that the Changeling Outlaw is able to operate in several regions. He is quick to demand tribute of food, money and other valuable resources before raiding a territory giving the Lord in question a chance to avoid his ire. His exact location and numbers are still unknown to even the most cunning of spy rings in the Empire. The Southern Oceans begin to tremble with the wrath of the Free Sail and Pirate, Karl Nilsson a native of Estergaard and opportunistic scoundrel having bounties placed on his head in both Estergaard and the Empire. His fleet begins to descend upon shipping but also begins acting as protection for Slavers who prey upon stretches of undefended coast. However this draws the attention of his rival the self titled corsair prince Sorrin. However despite this the first Sejm managed to elect key positions in the Empire so that it might heal from the wounds inflicted at Kwarwy Pass, a new Marshal, a Treasurer and a Chancellor all found themselves ascendant. It was up to them how or even if the central Government would react to the issues that began cropping up across the Empire. ----------------------------- PLAYERS County of Chrósty With the election of Count Witold to the position of Imperial Marshal, along with the overwhelming forces from the County itself the bandits are quickly routed or otherwise destroyed. Local Commanders hanging many and making many of them littered with hanging brigands. As such the commerce, production and taxation in the County is not disrupted due to the effectiveness of the Count and his forces. County of Budivel Despite the unfortunate affairs during his attempt to be elected to the Chancellery of the Empire the Count proved himself to be quick witted and formulated good arguments only failing in his election due to paranoia about Joszefites. Many other noblemen in the Empire would pay their respects to the Count during his stay in the Capital, many of them Vaserics. Holy March of Mis The Masked Margrave stirred up quite the storm in the Capital earning the respect of his more encouraged Joszefite peers. Nevertheless it was time to return to his March as the Giants were potentially troublesome. Not to mention many less than friendly neighbours nearby to him, he would know he was being carefully watched as to others he appeared unstable. County of Balcescu County Dragomir would prove once more to be a generous and kind lord, offering many passing deserters amnesty as they come into his County but also utilising his forces to wipe out brigands and outlaws who refuse to lay down their arms. The Bastards would accept the Counts' offer for the time being as they were very happy to winter in their homeland, while also assisting the state's soldiers. Clan Siurdan The Men of Clan Siurdan find themselves in the midst of two sides that are hostile to them, in the Wold they see the Clan as traitors and lapdogs to the Empire, Mac Cabas and Valcea see them as heathens. But they find fast friends with the Ua Tomnhair who quickly respond to an offer of marriage and offer a daughter and accept a pact of mutual defence. While the Count of Bartkow would also generally feel warm to the men of Siurdan, happy to host them in his halls. March of Bihar Brigands and Bandits in the interior of Bihar would find themselves quickly wiped off the face of the Empire, foolish of them to assume the Lion’s fangs were dulled by the Trazmir. However as the Lion was away, his den would be raided by the Trazmiri Border Outlaw known as the Black Scorpion as Bihar’s forces were focused on the interior and not the border due to the current truce. The Commonwealth A supposed bastion of equality and Joszefitism the so called ‘Diggers’ find themselves somewhat isolated due to this even among other Joszefites since they value the structure of nobility. Because of this many outlaws from the Company of the Azure Wolf are simply ‘guided’ one way or the other to raid the Commonwealth's borders. Peasants petition and plead to Stanislaw to fight back or do anything really to stop the Changeling led Company from doing any damage to their paradise. Faolan himself demands tribute from the Commonwealth and its Diggers. County of Przeworsk The might and renown of the sailors and ships from the County manage to scare off Karl Nilsson for the most part, his pirate fleet seeking to avoid engagements with the fine ships of Przeworsk allowing for much of the commerce in the South to go unimpeded. The Counts personal wants while in the Capital as the new Chancellor of State to find a Magitech Engineer to help him find a way to properly sort out his leg, he is in luck as in close proximity is Rufus Bartel who agrees to meet with the Count to discuss potential remedies. Free City of Krupp In the Free City it is an odd place even by current Imperial standards, ruled by a family from a fairly obscure and unknown culture that is largely absent from the rest of the Empire. However their culture has begun to trickle down at least in Engineering circles, since the family have a love for invention and innovation from both magitech and the mundane. Joszefism is particularly unwelcome in this City as they’re seen as luddites by the citizens and the nobles and this reputation is not helped with the radical sects of Joszefism that have sprung up in recent years. County of Zadnesti Centred in one of the Joszefite Strongholds in the Empire it is in an uneasy location due to its proximity to the Holy City of the Vaseric Church, this has presented some issues as the borderlands of the County seem to find itself more populated by Vaserics than Joszefites as the poor are more able to receive alms from the organised Church of the Vaserics. However despite this it is surrounded by potential friends in this sectarian world as it has Joszefites for all its neighbours in the North and its West. March of Kosono Sigismund of Kosono had made is proper debut in the first Sejm of the reign of the boy Emperor and he had done incredibly well to avoid the typical Sectarian traps many of his peers on both sides have fallen in before. He was now the Treasurer of the Empire and has repeatedly shown his intention to put the Empire before anything, he had won many friends both Vaseric and Joszefite who would all pay their respects to him during his stay in the Capital. County of Karancanay Some see the men of Karancanay as similar if not the same as the Dzikny in the West, however in the East they are respected among the Marchers as defenders against Trazmir. Oddly and publically Joszefite but are not involved in any Sectarian disputes. The Black Scorpion of Trazmir opted to avoid the Karancanay because of the fear of its Cavalry and its quick response time; it is among the stable Marcher States in the Empire. -----------------------------