Zanderaw

The Carnelian Sultanate 1886 (Probably can’t post much this week. Might add RP later but likely not.) -------------- Foreign Policy [Perzah] - Deflecting requests to vacate the territory, the Sultanate offers to lease the eastern end of the island from Perzah for the sum of 2,000 Carnelian Shekels annually. No significant numbers of troops have garrisoned the base at this time. [Kingdom of Baresh] - The Carnelian embassy in this southern kingdom is significantly expanded, and Carnelian diplomats are transparent in their desire to secure the south against the eastern colossus. Representatives from the Sultanate make overtures exploring the possibility of a new railroad between Baresh and the Carnelian Coast. -------------- Expenditure [140,200 Shekels] [21 Civilian Industry; 105,000 Shekels] - The marketplace continues its boom, and is on track to finally return to pre-war levels in a couple years. [1 Air Shipyard; 10,000 Shekels] - Ships! More ships! [1 Destroyer; 2 ASP/3,000 Shekels] - Armed convoy Albacore is in need of some armament. [10,000 Light Infantry; 2 AP/12,000 Shekels] - Kezim Orbay has finally had his request for a proper airborne division granted. No doubt they will perform admirably. [KESTREL; 3,000 Shekels] [Kesun Line upgrades; 7,000 Shekels] - In addition to the 10,000 invested last year, the Carnelian army invests significant effort into fortifying the Kesun Line. Initiatives focus on defense in depth in key areas, with defensible tunnel networks, additional trenches and killing fields, and large ammunition stockpiles under the line’s citadels. [3200 Shekels saved.] Science 1. Scarab Type 83 Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) The FFAR nears completion, and Carnelian fighter pilots eagerly await their new toys. [1887 Estimate] 2. Type 79 80mm AA Cannon Development on the Type 79 is nearly complete, almost ten years after it began. [1887 estimate] 3. Akar Steelworks - MORE development Mustafa Akar has certainly made a splash in the Carnelian industrial market, but he’s not satisfied. Far from it! His competitors have already adopted most of his reforms, and soon they’ll be undercutting him! The company needs a competitive advantage, so he does everything in his power to foster cooperation and creativity among his engineers. Akar will be the best! [Make me a forgemaster pls]

The Carnelian Sultanate 1885 In the gardens behind his palace, Abdul sat quietly on the edge of a duck pond. In flowing calligraphy that he was quite proud of, he slowly wrote poetry that would most likely make him sick the following morning. One never became a master in a day, but he would get there. He always did, eventually. The horrible poetry was interrupted, however, as the sound of nearby footsteps grew louder. Right on schedule. Abdul set down his pen, and turned to watch a man being led to him under guard. Orhan Tejiz, long-serving grand judge. Abdul had never liked him much. Tejiz bowed as he reached the Sultan, a large jewel sparkling in his turban. “Your Majesty,” he said, “Have you had a chance to peruse the new-” “Spare me, please.” Abdul stared unblinking at his minister. “I want to know why the investigation into the murder of my family has been closed.” “It is generally customary to do so when the culprits have been punished, Majesty.” Orhan looked annoyed. “The saboteur went down with the ship, and her…associates are no more. Frankly I would have thought you’d be pleased, they were caught most efficie-” “You’ve executed them?” Abdul interrupted again, looking astonished. “Of course.” “Then how do you expect to stop this happening again? Who gave them the bombs? What did they expect to gain? It doesn’t make sense, minister.” “Majesty, the communist mind is fundamentally unsound. One cannot expect them to act sensibly. The only remedy is to put them down, before they can spread their affliction.” The Sultan was speechless for several moments. “The saboteur was not a communist.” “...so we think, Majesty.” “She broke up a labor strike during the war!” “That...is true, Your Majesty.” “Then please, minister.” Abdul glowered. “Please inform me how such an ardent anti-communist, a representative of this very government, ended up falling in with a gang of revolutionaries?” The grand judge hesitated. “Your Majesty, we could not find…” “It’s hard to find anything when all you have are dead suspects and a closed investigation.” Tejiz bowed again. “My apologies, lord. I can reopen the case until we find enough answers to satisfy you.” “That won’t be necessary.” Abdul sighed. “You’ll resign by the end of the day, or you’ll be fired.” The minister opened his mouth to speak, but withered under the Sultan’s gaze. “Enjoy your retirement, minister.” -------------- Actions [113,750 Shekels] [15 Civilian Industry; 75,000 Shekels] - The marketplace continues its boom, as a tentative peace settles over the south. [1 Town and 1 Outpost; 5500 + 2500 Shekels]With a great deal of war materiel going between the Carnelian heartland and the Kesun line, one major town has sprung up along the rail line. (Red dot.) Meanwhile, the military has established a large base on a nearby island for unknown reasons. (Blue Dot.) [1 Air Shipyard; 10,000 Shekels] - Ships! More ships! [2 Corvettes; 1 ASP/2,000 Shekels] - Armed convoy Albacore is in need of some armament. [25 Howitzers; 2 AP/8,000 Shekels] - The newly formed II CORPS finally receives its big guns. Its soldiers promise not to lose them. [Kesun Upgrades; 10,000 Shekels]To complement the arriving guns, the Kesun Line receives a series of upgrades: parallel rail lines to move howitzers up and down the line, refurbished battery fortifications, and a command center linked directly to every section of the defense by telegraph line. [KESTREL - 3,000 Shekels] [250 Shekels saved.] Science 1. Scarab Type 83 Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) Failures in development don’t seem to halt Scarab’s enthusiasm over their new idea. The arms manufacturer’s CEO issues an encouraging press release, and orders his engineers to no longer conduct tests with live explosives until the rocket is otherwise fully functional. [1887 Estimate] 2. Type 79 80mm AA Cannon Development on the Type 79, whose name is now a source of embarrassment due to both the year and the government nomenclature, stubbornly continues. Managers at Hossani-Bradford must continually fight to keep the project funded, citing various markets and variants they can apply the design to. [1887 estimate] 3. Akar Steelworks - MORE development Mustafa Akar has certainly made a splash in the Carnelian industrial market, but he’s not satisfied. Far from it! His competitors have already adopted most of his reforms, and soon they’ll be undercutting him! The company needs a competitive advantage, so he does everything in his power to foster cooperation and creativity among his engineers. Akar will be the best! [YET MORE steel development, improvement by any metric]

Silence, Devlet

The Carnelian Sultanate “Hey, kid. You wanna buy a ship?” “What?” “Saw you down by the docks, kid. I ain’t wrong, am I? Whaddya want a ship for?” “There’s a, uh...there’s a race. Thought I’d enter.” “You? You think you’re gonna...never mind. I’ve got what you need, kid. The Sidewinder. Best freighter you’ll ever see. Saw you lookin’ at her earlier. Sidewinder’s been through a lot of ****, made a lot of people a whole lot of money. I’ll be sad to see her go, but sometimes you just gotta move on, you know? What’s your name, kid?” “...Omar. Omar Bradford.” “I’ll tell you what, Omar. I got no need for this ship anymore. Since I like you, I’ll give it to you for fr...for the price of these here drinks tonight. Yeah that’s right, you pick up my tab and one more for the road, and the Sidewinder’s all yours. That sound good?” “Uh…” “She’s a good ship, Omar. I ain’t lyin’ here. Best damn freighter this side of Valdek. But it’s time for me to move on, you know? Just take the damn deal.” “...sure, I guess. It’s fast?” “Best in class, Omar. Best in class. Just sign this here bill of sale, and….she’s yours! My friend, you won’t regret this. Another round! Ah, on second thought I should go. A word of advice, friend. Don’t buy the cheap Vitraium, don’t cruise her around war zones, and if some guy called Ben-Gal asks you where you bought it, you keep your fuckin’ mouth shut.” “Wait, who’s…” “Got to go! Good luck with that race o’ yours!” -------------- Stats Actions [11 Civilian Industry; 55,000 Shekels] - The marketplace starts to pick up! [2 Trade Depot; 20,000 Shekels] - As the country heals, commerce returns to more cities. [1 Steel Mill; 2,500 Shekels] - The nation is in ruins, and something will be needed to rebuild it. [10,000 Regular T3 Infantry; 1 AP, 10,000 Shekels with captured equipment] - As I CORPS is split into two, new soldiers are recruited to fill the gap in manpower. [3 Freighters; 1 ASP/1,000 Shekels] - The first step to air power is air transport. [Air race entrance fee; 1,000 Shekels] [800 Shekels saved.] Science 1. Scarab Type 83 Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) Failures in development don’t seem to halt Scarab’s enthusiasm over their new idea. The arms manufacturer’s CEO issues an encouraging press release, and orders his engineers to no longer conduct tests with live explosives until the rocket is otherwise fully functional. [Continued Research] 2. Type 79 80mm AA Cannon Development continues on the Type 79, now with far more purpose than in the early days of the project. [1887 estimate] 3. Akar Steelworks - Continued development Akar steelworks continues its expansion in the city of Pazar. By now rivals have begun to spring up, but the young newcomer’s effect on the industry is already pronounced, and many other foundries have had no choice but to adopt his methods. The future is bright for this enterprise! [Reforms complete in 1885]

The Carnelian Sultanate In the city of Sard, there was a palace. Surrounded by broad gardens, guarded by veteran warriors, surrounded by citizens eager to see their monarch, the house was home to the Carnelian sultans and had been for centuries, even before they came to power. The house was an architectural masterpiece: imposing to all who looked at it, comfortable to all who entered. The rooms of the house were all exquisitely-appointed, and everyone who stayed in the house was served the finest food with ingredients brought from all over the world. But it had never been a house that Abdul wanted to live in. The young prince had never been happier than when the Great War arrived, when the family had to relocate to the countryside. It was quiet there, quiet and uncomplicated. While their father directed new offensives, Abdul and his brother had been free to explore the hills, to hunt and swim along the creeks, to wander without the need for constant bodyguards. But Mehmet was not Abdul, and Abdul could never be Mehmet. The two walked different roads as they aged, and the crown prince was insatiable - as he grew older, he threw himself into preparing for his birthright. Abdul watched as his best friend grew distant, how the prodigy was soon swarmed by courtiers even at the country estate. They were false men with false smiles, and Abdul wanted nothing to do with them. When the war ended, he stayed in the country against his father’s wishes, wanting to escape politics entirely. Maybe it was foolish to think he could avoid it, but Mehmet had seemed so sure of himself at the time, and his letters made it sound like things were going well. Apparently not. Abdul’s brother was dead, and now he was on his way to the one house he had resolved never to set foot in again. As the young prince’s car passed through the gates, he stared sullenly at the crowd of citizens gathered for the coronation. Most didn’t look much happier. “Understandable,” he thought. He wasn’t the Sultan he’d been expecting either. Soldiers saluted as he approached the palace steps, until at last he was in view of the men standing there. He recognized most of them: his father’s ministers, waiting for his arrival with welcoming expressions. False men, with false smiles. Abdul had never had a reason to go into politics. He lacked the patriotism of his brother, and he thought his father’s ambition misguided. But looking at these men, he couldn’t stop thinking of the face of the only friend he had ever had, and something else awoke inside him. And as the band struck up the anthem and he stepped out to take the crown that should never have been his, he felt it in every fiber of his being: turgid, white-hot rage. Abdul was not Mehmet. But soon, the murderers in this house would wish he were. -------------- Statistics Actions [2 Civilian Industry; 10,000 Shekels] - The marketplace starts to pick up! [3 Trade Depot; 30,000 Shekels] - As the country heals, commerce returns to more cities. [1 Steel Mill; 2,500 Shekels] - The nation is in ruins, and something will be needed to rebuild it. [1 Heavy Industry; 7,500 Shekels] - If there’s going to be a war, we’re going to need guns. [1 Air Shipyard; 10,000 Shekels] - At last, the first step to making up the shame of Kelkit will be taken. The Coast will rule the skies again. [5,000 Regular T3 Infantry; 1 AP, 5,000 Shekels with captured equipment] - The battle at Kesun was not without its losses, and one would be a fool to think the Klendari weak. They will be back, and these men will be ready for them. [Klendari tribute; 2,000 Shekels] - A measly payment is sent to the Klendari sultanate, with platitudes of humility and bootlicking. [Railroad to Kesun line; 5,000 Shekels] - The Carnelians intend to hold the line, but they’ll need reinforcements to do it. Funding is immediately procured to begin building a rail line between Sard and the front. [850 Shekels saved.] Science 1. Scarab Type 83 Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) Scarab arms, maker of the ScaF-10 air superiority fighter amongst other things, has for most of its history been owned by the Carnelian royal family. It has always been a profitable enterprise, though by virtue of sending its profits directly to the Sultan there was never much pressure to actually compete. Finally unable to reconcile the potential for corruption with his desire for a quality military, Mehmet III formally divested himself from the company in 1860, and since then Scarab has operated as a publicly-traded corporation. Now, following the extensive use of ScaF-10s at the recent battle of Kesun, Scarab sees an opportunity to make their vehicles even more useful. Engineers have proposed small high explosive rockets to be carried under the wings, to be fired at targets which can currently only be strafed. They believe the rockets could offer several advantages over bombs: particularly with the rise of large airships on the modern battlefield. [NEW RESEARCH.] 2. Type 79 80mm AA Cannon Development on the Type 79, whose name is now a source of embarrassment due to both the year and the government nomenclature, stubbornly continues. Managers at Hossani-Bradford must continually fight to keep the project funded, citing various markets and variants they can apply the design to. [1890 estimate??] 3. Akar Steelworks - Continued development Akar steelworks continues its expansion in the city of Pazar. By now rivals have begun to spring up, but the young newcomer’s effect on the industry is already pronounced, and many other foundries have had no choice but to adopt his methods. The future is bright for this enterprise! [Reforms complete in 1885]

The Carnelian Sultanate Mehmet, crown prince of the Carnelian Sultanate, minister of reconstruction and governor of Sard, paced the length of his father’s cabin. In his hand was the fateful dispatch, news from the east that nearly guaranteed war. “If we can just take the lines before they do...maybe we can hold them.” “We’ve done all we can for today. Calm down.” The Sultan was an elderly and rotund figure, lounging at his desk at the far end of the room. “Esina is many things, but not invincible. We beat him once, we’ll do it again.” Young Mehmet tossed the dispatch aside. “I’d be a lot calmer if I was there. You really expect Pashik to do the job?” “I do. I trust him, and you can’t be everywhere at once.” The elder Mehmet grinned. The prince frowned. “Abdul can take over Sard. Send me where I can do some good, for God’s sake.” He looked at his father expectantly, barely flinching when the airship shuddered. “I would sooner appoint a donkey than your brother. A donkey might actually do some work.” The Sultan laughed. “Do you trust me, Mehmet? Then trust the plan. Esina’s as predictable as they come; did you really think I hadn’t considered this could happen?” Young Mehmet grumbled, clearly unsatisfied. “I’ve been thinking about this a long time, and it’s not as bad as it looks. As long as we’re both around, everything is going to be just fine....” There was a knock at the door. The prince moved to open it, and no sooner did he see the figure standing on the other side than his eyes widened in surprised recognition. “Mehmet!” The short figure recoiled. “I didn’t realize...you’re supposed to be…” The visitor trailed off. “Too late now. It ain’t exactly how I pictured it, but maybe it’s for the best…” The prince opened his mouth to respond, but as if on cue, the ship shuddered again. And again, this time with a sickening crunch, and then a fiery boom, and then he was falling. There were glimpses of twisted metal, sand below, the clouds in the sky, but the wind whipped ever faster past his ears and he was spinning in the air too quickly to react. And then, finally, there was nothing. -------------- Actions [Diplomacy] - Carnelian embassies present offers of free trade to their points of contact in the following nations: The Karakhwa, the Commonwealth of Valdek, the Grand Principality of Cumberland, the Gwangnan Dominion, the Grand Duchy of Praha, the United Socialist Pact, Tierra Roja, the Hasan Tribes, the Free Provinces, and the Pozharin Tsardom. [Diplomacy] - Carnelian ambassadors also bring offers of free trade to the following nations: [2 Civilian Industry; 10,000 Shekels] - Despite mounting tensions to the east, the Carnelian market continues at a steady level…even if it isn’t exactly growing. [1 Trade Depot; 10,000 Shekels] - Anticipating growing commerce in the future, Port Carnelian significantly expands its damaged infrastructure. [1 Steel Mill; 2,500 Shekels] - The nation is in ruins, and something will be needed to rebuild it. [Vitramite Mine; 5,000 Shekels] - The resource of the future… [Vitraium Refinery; 5,000 Shekels] - The refined resource of the future…. [1 Heavy Industry; 7,500 Shekels] - If there’s going to be a war, we’re going to need guns. [20,000 T3 Irregulars; 6,000 Shekels] - With a looming threat to the east, conscription begins once again in earnest. Though the people are tired of war, they are far less willing to lie down and be tread on by the vile Klendari tyrants. They are given the best equipment that can be quickly found, and prepare to march. [1,000 Shekels saved.] Science 1. Hossani-Bradford HB-?? HMG Hossani-Bradford is a venerable and recognizable company, known for producing quality arms for the Carnelian government and foreign investors alike. At the request of Major General Pashik, they have recently been looking into improving their well-known HB-75 heavy machine gun. New iterations continue to feature a water-cooled barrel, but development has focused on improving the rate of fire. [1 R] Carnelian recruits train with the HB-76. 2. Type 79 80mm AA Cannon A collaboration between Hossani-Bradford and the Sultanate’s army, the Type 79 has had a troubled history. Conceived as a sudden necessity after the defeat at Kelkit, government funding for the project suddenly dried up when the war ended. Hossani-Bradford elected to continue pursuing the weapon nevertheless, though they immediately sought permission to sell the product overseas, which was granted. [1 R] 3. Akar Steelworks - Continued development At the end of the war, the once-great industrial city of Pazar was left a smoking ruin. But out of devastation comes new opportunities. A young man by the name of Mustafa Akar, seeking a place to invest his large inheritance, saw the void left by war and decided to fill it. In 1881, Akar Steelworks became the first factory to reopen in Pazar, and a year later it is still miles ahead of the competition. While not a scientist or an engineer, Mustafa Akar has proven to be a good judge of those who are, and already the company has made several small improvements to the old processes which dominated the city. In the workshops of Akar Steelworks, the best minds of Pazar have set themselves to finding superior materials…. [1 R into superior alloys, by any metric]

Name of Nation: The Carnelian Sultanate Type of Government: Constitutional monarchy, with most power concentrated in the monarch. The Sultan is advised by various ministers who reach their positions via multiple processes. His level of control over these appointments varies. History/Culture: The Carnelian Coast takes its name from the stones which have been produced and traded there since antiquity, and though today they are too common to be worth much, the name remains. In times past, merchants have thrived here: the Sultans of the region have always had a taste for wealth, and as long as the taxes flowed through their gates they were more than willing to leave the population to itself. In recent decades, the Coast has been unified by a single line of particularly enlightened Sultans, who have seen to education and modernization of the country. While there is still much work to be done, an atmosphere of optimism pervades the country. Such optimism may be surprising given the utter destruction the Carnelians faced in the great war: the year 1882 finds the Sultanate with almost no industry left to speak of, and many roads and railways have been bombed to the point of uselessness. Nevertheless, despite appearances the Sultan is perhaps in a stronger position than he has held for some time. Though territory in the southern desert has been relinquished, the nation finally annexed the foreign colony of Port Carnelian at the end of the war, and eliminated many of the petty emirs that contributed to local inefficiency in the past. Thus the Sultanate is a smaller nation than it was at the start of the war, but it is finally a truly united one. A king could not ask for a firmer foundation. The Carnelians are an accepting people, a result of many years of exposure to all the cultures of the old world. Renowned for their ambition and drive, Carnelians strive for excellence, even if they have yet to achieve it. They demand this same excellence from their leaders, and each recent Sultan has been under constant scrutiny and pressure from his populace. One underestimates them at one’s peril... Starting Points: Size: 6 – The Carnelian Coast has long been a densely-populated area. Army: 5 – Sultan Mehmet III undertook a massive modernization campaign in the first half of the 19th century, and his goals were completed just in time for the great war. Though the massive armies of that time have largely been disbanded, a reliable officer corps remains, and enough of a force to respond to unexpected attacks. Aerial: 0 – The greatest humiliation of the Great War! At the battle of Kelkit, the famed Carnelian fleet met utter destruction in 1879. This was soon followed by a swift reversal in the campaign, and it was only through the valiant efforts of the Sultan’s allies that the nation escaped total destruction. Now that peace has returned, the Sultanate has once again started to build its navy, but there is a long way to go. Industry: 0 – The city of Pazar, the greatest Carnelian industrial center, was bombed to ashes soon after the defeat at Kelkit. But this was only the start of the campaign, as enemy fleets ravaged town after town without mercy. The nation’s capacity for war production at this time is pathetic. Economy: 10 – One thing the Carnelians have always been good at is making money. Perhaps it should come as no surprise then how quickly the civilian economy bounced back after the war. While military production still stagnates, consumer goods are being produced at record volumes, and many companies have begun pressuring the Sultan to open free trade agreements with the world. Education: 6 – The Coast is reasonably worldly, and there exists a strong middle class with money to spend on quality education. The government is also quite willing to subsidize these schools. Development: 3 – Demolished by the Great War, Carnelian infrastructure has only somewhat recovered. There are short rail lines linking some cities, and passable roads, but large scale movements are still difficult. Notable Characters: Sultan Mehmet IV: Now nearing twenty years on the throne, Mehmet IV was Sultan for the majority of the Great War. An experienced leader, the Sultan has so far kept his nation prosperous and regularly updates his people on his less-secret plans. While by no means a flawless man, Mehmet has learned from his mistakes and aims to remain in power until his work is done. Crown Prince Mehmet: The dutiful son and protege of the current monarch. Having served honorably in the war, he is now learning the art of statecraft with some success. Prince Mehmet is a thoughtful and quiet man, and when he speaks he is usually listened to. Prince Abdul: The second son of the Sultan. Abdul avoids responsibility when he can, and this has worked out well so far. After all, his older brother is as ambitious as they come, and always has an appetite for more duties. As is so often the case with idle men however, he has become something of an embarrassment to the family... National Idea: Free Haven: +0.1% growth for each trade partner. Unique Units: Heaven’s Hammer: A single massive flagship, a battlecarrier dwarfing even dreadnoughts under its glory. When researched, entire fleets will crumble before it. (All three uniques for something ridiculously big!) Map Position: Proof you’ve read the intro and the rules: Ireland is the best country in the world at starving to death

The Hith On the edge of the jungle there sits a coldblooded and arrogant people, a nation with ancient roots and alien culture. The northerners, those who fear and despise them, call them the Hith Cities. Some instead call them the Hith Empire, and their tones range everywhere from disgust to hatred. To the Hith themselves, the nation is merely called the Sarthke-Thalnok, for kingdoms and empires mean nothing to them. Sarl Thalnok has been anointed by the ancestors themselves, and under his leadership the other sarthkes are gone, reduced to wandering bands or absorbed into the new single state. Not since the days of Sarl Kithar have the Hith been so unified. From the city of the gods he rules, and for the first time in centuries the Hith look outward from their lands as one. Hundreds of slaves attend him in the Ruby Palace; thousands of guards protect him. Red-tattooed priestesses advise him, and his four silver-scaled vassals carry out his will. Thalnok, Sarl of all Hith! Hear his name and know that our people are rising. The mighty Sla’alk legions are on the march. The common Klaslan settle deeper in the jungle. Great ships set out from jungle ports. Outside the forest, the world is changing, and the Hith have no intention of being left behind. The Ritual of Plenty Ancestors, hear our pleas! A thousand elven slaves are brought to Sthlakna-Klolot, City of the Gods. To the beat of drums, their beating hearts are carved from their chests and their blood burned on great bonfires. Their skin is tanned and turned to leather, their ears pickled and eaten, their life force sacrificed to the gods. As is tradition, the high priestess herself performs the first sacrifice, and turns her reptilian eyes to the heavens. May the ancestors bless our harvest! May our people grow strong and plentiful, that the world might learn its place at our feet. The First Voyage It has been ten years since Thalnok united the disparate Hith people, and as if to mark the occasion, the great slave ships set sail for the first time in decades. Five massive fortress-carracks, dwarfing anything else on the seas, take to the waves each bearing (however many they can take with some cargo space left) Sla’alk warriors. Their destination is the Shatterlands, where the weaker races wait, ready to be subjugated and brought home in chains. Should the island enemy appear weak, the Sla’alk hope to stay where they land for some time, and subsequent trips will transport more warriors to the islands and bring back more slaves. This land could be quite a useful conquest… The New Frontier No longer are there other Hith sarthkes to fight, and so many in the new empire begin to look to their borders. Great Sarl Thalnok finally endorses the decision, and dispatches 5,000 Sla’alk and 5,000 rangers to the southwest, under his favored thilsassi Kthlati. They will destroy any threats in the lake country, and aid the Klaslan as they establish new settlements. The Wisdom of the Priestesses A sect of priestess healers turns their attention to war, for their knowledge of toxins is equally great as medicine. Taking inspiration from the deadly thorns of a jungle flower, they set about trying to isolate and purify a legendary poison, one which tranquilizes a victim, slowing their metabolism and breathing down to a crawl without killing them. After all, dragging a captive through the water is hardly useful if they drown on the way!

Civilisation (Name): Outsiders call them the Hith Cities, though what they call themselves is a more complicated question. Capital (Name): Sthlakna-Klolot, the City of the Gods Government (Empire, Republic, etc, you may go into details): The area ruled from Sthlakna-Klolot resembles a tribal kingdom, though Hith culture makes no distinction between vast empires and wandering bands. They call it the Sarthke-Thalnok, Thalnok’s dominion. He and his four grey-scaled vassals rule the land, as mandated by ancient tradition.  Racial Distribution (Primary Race, probably minorities?): The Hith are one race, though roughly 8% of them (one in six males) are born as greyscaled Sla’alk, the larger warrior caste. 10% of the population is made up of slaves from various foreign races, kept as servants or as cattle to be sacrificed. Racial traits (as needed): There are two distinct varieties of Hith, but they all share some common characteristics. All Hith, for instance, are amphibious: their long, flat tails power them quickly through rivers and lakes, keeping water flowing over the gills located at the top of their necks. (These gills close up and are not generally visible when on land.) Air in their lungs can provide bursts of energy in oxygen-poor water or in an aquatic fight. The remarkable ability to breath in water, however, does not extend to the ocean: a Hith’s gills cannot properly filter oxygen from water with too many solutes, and although they are still capable swimmers, they must come up to breath often. All Hith also have excellent eyesight in low-light conditions, so that even the dimmest of lights in an otherwise pitch black room will often illuminate the entire area to them. This light sensitivity does not come without a downside: even with their pupils fully contracted, Hith can be effectively blinded by too much light. If they are awake during the brightest days, they tend to stay inside, and will wear veils if they must work in the sun. The more common variety of Hith have scales that range in color among various shades of brown and green, with darker scales scattered throughout, offering decent camouflage in their native habitats. These are the klaslan, and their average height is around 5.75 feet tall. These Hith have light, relatively weak builds, similar to thin humans. They are relatively ill-suited to melee combat, but can use most ranged weapons without trouble if called upon. One out of every six male Hith, however, is born larger. (One out of twelve total.) These are the sla’alk. Almost all adult sla’alk tower over 7 feet tall, and the tallest can reach heights well over 8 feet. In addition, they naturally gain muscle mass easily and so can be far more intimidating than their klaslan siblings up close. Sla’alk are also known as Greyscales, but their coloration ranges from a light silver through grey to nearly black.  Religion (Whatever you prefer, you may be creative): Hith mythology does not place so much emphasis on the creation on the world as it does on the creation of the Hith race. According to the most widespread of Hith epic poems, the Klolot-Shas, the primordial dragon god Aksarith raised the first Hith as foot soldiers to fight the other gods in a great war over who would shape the continents of the world. In the end, Aksarith was defeated by a coalition of other divine entities, and as his blood rained down to earth, jungles and other warm, wet places sprang up. But in his death throes, Aksarith’s will reached out to the Hith, and his consciousness morphed into a background energy surrounding his children. With this last act, he blessed the Hith’s souls with eternal existence, so that they may watch over their descendents and aid them through whatever trials they face. The Hith thus believe that they are being watched over by ancestor-gods who wish nothing more than to guide them and smite their enemies. But the ancestors cannot work wonders in the living world unless given energy from that world. It is the duty of living Hith to seek out and secure this energy -- through the blood of living beings. There is some debate among groups of priestesses over whether blood can be used to work magic long after the death of its source. What is not in contention is that the actual sacrifice, the killing and harvesting of a being’s blood, must be done ceremonially. This usually involves several priestesses.. The ancestors’ aid is called for by spilling the harvested blood on an open fire whilst making the request, most often done directly after the harvest. All blood is not equal for these sacrifices. Although all creatures have life force that can be harnessed by the Hith ancestors, some have more than others. Small animals must generally be killed in significant numbers for any major ceremony, but the largest herbivores have so much raw power that they are considered quite decent individually. Apex predators are considered better, especially when asking for the power to attack. But no beast can come close to the power offered by the mind of a sentient being. Thinking races are by far the most effective sacrifices, and because it is forbidden to sacrifice a Hith, they are very much sought after. The need for these sacrifices has caused many negotiations between Hith and non-Hith to break down long before finding any sort of common ground. Technology & Arcana (that is notable; have you pursued magic? Be fair and remember to do tradeoffs): Hith technology is fairly standard: nondescript steel weaponry and simple bows, suited for warfare in the dense jungles of the south. The priestesses are well-versed in both healing and poisons, and it is not uncommon for Hith arrows to come tipped with exotic toxins. As mentioned above, Hith priestesses cast sacrificial blood onto their ceremonial fires, calling for boons from their ancestors. In most cases, this involves a simple request: a fertile harvest, a favorable wind. But the results are unpredictable, for the Hith are calling on beings beyond their power. Only the most gifted priestesses can actively communicate with the beings who respond, striking more intricate deals to change the course of history... Description (Culture, history, politics etc): Despite outward appearances, the Hith actually form very orderly societies. The basic independent entity in the Hith culture is the sarhthke, which is usually translated as “dominion.” There is no distinction in the Hith language between differently-sized nations, as there is in English: a wandering tribe of fifty Hith is called a sarhthke, just the same as a continent-spanning empire. Most follow the same general structure, made up of three castes. The sla’alk The greyscales are the ruling soldier caste of the Hith, and they follow a rigid, almost feudal, hierarchy. From birth to age sixteen, they are raised as a group, trained in the principles of good governance and, later, in the basics of fighting. At the age of sixteen, they are declared adults, and each sla’alk must swear loyalty to another older sla’alk. This loyalty is declared in the form of a surname: in fact Sla’alk are the only Hith to have surnames. (These are in the form of es [given name of lord.] For example, Sarl Thalnok was known as Thalnok es Neslith before his lord died.) The number of vassals that a single greyscale Hith can have is not limited, (except in one case,) but it is the duty of the senior warrior to spend a significant amount of time educating his vassals in everything he knows, so it is generally frowned upon to accept more than two. This number is often exceeded naturally in any case: when a sla’alk dies, his vassals are transferred to his former lord. At the top of the pyramid is the Sarl, the highest ranking sla’alk and the ruler of the sarhthke. He is allowed four vassals, known as thilsassis, but no more. This tradition means that upon the death or promotion of a thilsassi, only one of his vassals may succeed him, and the rest then swear loyalty to that vassal. Which vassal is promoted is decided by the Sarl. The sla’alk derive their authority to rule from the Hith religion, which entrusts them with fostering the well-being of the klaslan through defense and expansion, as well as wise leadership at home. Over time, their zealous pride in this duty has given rise to a unique philosophy toward all outsiders, even Hith belonging to a different sarhthke: all are enemies. This philosophy has by now been largely adopted amongst the other castes as well, though it is most strongly visible amongst the warriors. The Hith concept of an enemy does not bear the same connotations as it does in English, however. While a Hith is obligated by duty to seek the downfall of all outsiders in order to further the aims of his sarhthke, this does not come with an emotional hatred of the enemy, or even a dislike. To the contrary, it is often said among sla’alk that a friend may disappoint you, while an enemy can always be counted on to act as an enemy. Those who act with honor in battle and keep their word can expect Hith generals to keep theirs, and if a greater threat emerges to both parties in the midst of a conflict, the Hith will generally not be averse to working together. Those who make temporary alliances with the Hith should beware though -- nothing can change an outsider’s status as an enemy, and as soon as the deal has expired, the Hith are likely to go right back to the original war. Priestesses The priestesses are the spiritual leaders of the sarhthke. They are selected from female klaslan, and the only hard requirement, beyond the high priestess’ discretion, is that the new recruit be a virgin. During each priestess’ initiation, she is tattooed on her face and chest using red ink, symbolizing the blood that duty commands she relay to the ancestors. This, along with higher-quality clothing, make them easy to identify. Priestesses also have a tradition of skinning their sacrifices after ceremonies, and wearing them as cowls -- a practice that makes for beautiful clothing when the sacrifice is a leopard, but a gruesome status symbol when it is a human. The priestesses are responsible for carrying out all sacrifices and religious ceremonies, as well as divining the will of the ancestors and providing medical services to the populace. They are by far the most learned of Hith, with wide-ranging knowledge, and are often valued advisors to the sla’alk. They serve as a valuable balance against the greyscales: the priestesses typically pay close attention to whether individual sla’alk are properly devoted to their duty of working in the best interests of the klaslan, and often manipulate the warriors to correct such behavior. If a particular sla’alk outright breaches his duty, they can use their religious authority to have him disgraced, which usually leads to the death of the sla’alk in question. The priestesses are also responsible for choosing a new Sarl when one dies. Each of nine senior priestesses spends a day in meditation communing with the ancestors, after which they meet, discuss their thoughts and visions, and finally vote on the successor. Klaslan The average Makers are the Hith. They are the substance and soul of the sarhthke, and everything that a proper sla’alk or priestess is supposed to do is geared toward their betterment. There exist all kinds of professions, and all kinds of philosophy amongst the klaslan, and they have no rigid code of duty. In many ways they are the most similar to other races of Hazleo. There are no family units among the Hith, as eggs are hatched together in nurseries, but these more common Hith are at least raised separately from the sla’alk. Geography & location (As detailed as you wish, with a note on the map below as to where your realm would be in existence): Size (Tying in with racial distribution, as well as geographic location. Be just, the map is only that big): Detailed Description: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WEN93T62dHiL8nJu4OZhpwCjXTCXSKQW3Bupakvdokw/edit?usp=sharing

CORRUPTOR DOMINION A drone. Uninteresting on its own, certainly not true life. But drones do not make themselves. There is life nearby, advanced life, useful life. Unfortunate life. Whoever it is cannot possibly comprehend the horror in store for them, as the Corrupted Fleet gathers in the system of interest. There they listen, quietly waiting for radio transmissions, or another ship, anything to track down the enemy. The swarm will soon be on the move, and where they go death will follow. Statistics +2 T - Decommissioning Frigates - Frigates are deemed to be a waste of resources and the two which serve the Corruptors are done away with. 6 M - Destroyer - A new destroyer replaces the pathetic frigates. 9 M 3 A - Support Carrier - A new support carrier is commissioned. 4 M - 2 FS - Fighter squadrons are of course recruited to serve on the new carrier. 14R [42 Total] - Tier 2 CI- Through brutal, cruel policing, the Corruptors forge a more functional society, and reap the benefits. 50,000 C - 5 CI districts - Vile Corruptoids settle on the new colonies! 8,000 C - 1 MC District - Military expansion awaits!

CORRUPTOR DOMINION Corruption soon.™ Statistics 6 M - Assault Ship - A second assault ship! 1 M 1 S - A new unit of regular infantry, to pack a greater punch in the next invasion. 8 M - Colony Ship - A new colony ship. No expenditure - Colony - A new colony is established in empty space. 13R [28 Total] - Tier 2 CI- Through brutal, cruel policing, the Corruptors forge a more functional society, and reap the benefits. 50,000 C - 5 CI districts - Vile Corruptoids settle on the new colonies! 8,000 C - 1 MC District - Military expansion awaits!

CORRUPTOR DOMINION Primitives. Nothing but primitives, and the horde remains stuck in the stone age. The witch-queen’s happiness at these conquests is tempered by what she knows about the galaxy at large. Even with such size and strength, there are bigger fish in the sea of stars. A real war is coming, and the Corruptoids must be ready. Ships take flight above old Yuguo, and though they are slow and weak they will go forth into battle fearlessly. Two species have fallen. Who will be next? Statistics FREE SHIPS - 9 Destroyers - Quickly replacing their losses, the horde repurposes old merchant ships into brutal, ugly fighting machines. They will make a fine addition to the witch-queen’s collection. 13 M, 3 A - Support Carrier and 2 FS - The latest invasion of an insignificant world clearly showed the need for greater air support without having to risk precious warships. 8 M - Colony Ship - A new colony ship. No expenditure - Colony - A new colony is established south of the new conquest, and millions of colonists infest the new world. 5R [25 Total] - Tier 1 CI Complete - Through brutal, cruel policing, the Corruptors forge a more functional society, and reap the benefits. 5R [5 Total] - Tier 2 CI - Same kind of stuff. Well oiled machine and all that. 40,000 C - 4 CI districts - Vile Corruptoids settle on the new colonies!

CORRUPTOR DOMINION The news of a colonized system reaches Corruptor space, and everything changes. In a moment, the infighting is replaced by a quiet hunger. Prey is nearby, and no disdain for a Corruptor’s peers can override the instinctual need to spread the plague. There will be no more waiting. The fleet gathers, the best warriors are selected. The hunters leave for the west, for there is blood in the water and no point in waiting. Statistics NO EXPENDITURE - The Corruptors know their target now. The entire fleet moves to attack the strange world, their slow drives propelling them to the enemy. The chittering screeches of excited spiderlings are heard all across the dominion: all eyes are on the new war. (UNHOLY WAR declared upon contact, sending 4 LC, 11 Destroyers, 1 Frigate, 1 AS, 1 Regular Infantry) 10R [20 Total] - Tier 2 CI - Through brutal, cruel policing, the Corruptors forge a more functional society, and reap the benefits. 30,000 C - 3 CI districts - Vile Corruptoids settle on the new colonies!

Surya 1528 No RP this turn, as my encounters are all pending and I legitimately have zero idea what’s happening in 1528! --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (492,150 Gold) Still, the Suryans take no aggressive action against Xian. However suspicious their neighbors may be, the Mirrored City prides itself on seeking out the good in people. Nevertheless, the ships of Surya and Hilmedhi are gathered in the harbor of Seringapatna, just in case. [Action] The newly built Suryan ulan caravel is sent on an expedition east. Revar’s gulf is well-mapped by the Suryan government, but contact has not been established with most nations of the east. Trade must be established! [Expedition; 1,000 gold.] Routine farm expansion. [7 Farms; 35,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [12 Factories; 90,000 gold] More land, for the superior Suryan race. [5 Settlements; 25,000 gold] Kishangola, Koljad, and Sasaram become towns. [0 gold] Ashta, Pandhurna, and Kaptai all grow into full cities. [3 City upgrades; 45,000 gold.] Serawa, Mokal, Harda and Hamira experience prosperity! [4 guilds; 36,000 gold] Surada, Surat, Bunda, Adawad, and Varanasi all receive full ports. [5 ports; 67,500 gold] Barracks rise in Chittor, Gawilghur and Bomkata [6 Barracks; 30,000 gold] More Sunclad are on the march, ready to serve as the frontline in Surya’s wars. [2,000 Veteran T3 Heavy Infantry; 56,000 gold] Chittor continues its contribution, sending more lancers to the front. [1000 T3 light cavalry; 10,000 gold.] The greatest fighters among the lawless Tamas are recruited from port cities. Perhaps their talents will be useful….on the high seas! [250 Veteran T3 Light Infantry; 4,000 gold.] A galley made totally of Ulan wood is delivered to Surya, to carry its envoys far from home. [Galley; 2500 gold.] 500 Surati Bowmen are recruited to serve in the Suryan navy. [500 T3 Medium Archers; 4500 gold.] 500 Corsairs are also recruited to serve. [500 T3 Light Infantry; 3000 gold.] A Carrack arrives from the Hilmedhi coast, outfitted with the latest armament. At its bow is a state-of-the-art Hilmedhi flamethrower. [Carrack with flamer; 10,500 gold] Gold is sent to the Hilmedhi kingdom to fund their efforts for the alliance. [Gift; 20,000 gold.] A new temple rises, devoted to the worship of almighty Mihir. [Temple in Varchas; 15,000 gold] Fort Dawn has been rebuilt, larger and stronger. It needs defenses, and defenses it will have. [2 flamers, 4 mangonels, 12 ballistae; 24,000 gold.] Newfangled crossbows from distant shores have been resisted as an innovation for some time, but the Suryans finally decide it’s time to figure out how to use them. [Crossbow research; 9,000 gold.] [4,150 gold remaining] ---------- Population 26,571,435

In her palace of basalt, Sylvaniel sat, dreaming. It was often said in the Dominions that the eyes of the queen were everywhere, yet few knew the true extent of her presence. The Sylvan Magistrates, powerful sorcerers bound willingly to her service, roamed the earth dispensing her will. It was through them that the queen spoke, though perhaps more directly than most people would think. Through the eyes of a Venandi, she saw walls of hewn rock, and the corpses of dozens of soldiers. In the cavern, there lay a young Khepri matriarch, backed into a corner and missing several limbs. She would be weak forever, should she live. The edges of her vision swam, warped by displeasure, and she could feel the Magistrate’s body wince. A young Nyrnen saluted, himself nursing a wound. “Lord, the caravan wants to know if we need more time with the prisoner. They’re anxious to get her to the pyramid, before...” ”The Queen has no use for the weak. She wishes this one killed.” The magistrate gave no further explanation. ”You will rejoin your unit, commander. Our task is not yet complete.” At her urging, Sylvaniel watched as her Venandi servant approached the wounded queen to finish her off. But she never saw the final blow, for the dream was suddenly different. The sun cast dappled light through a canopy of leaves. Gurgling water flowed nearby, and the sounds of wildlife echoed through trees. The vision was flawless, vivid, and she wondered at the strange familiarity of it all for a moment, before she realized – this was the forest of Adamant. Not Adamant as it was now, but as it was ten thousand years ago, before cities were built, before she unlocked the tree and left forever. This was the Adamant of her childhood. ”Beloved Sylvaniel.” The voice, too, was familiar, so surprisingly familiar that she would have jerked awake in any normal dream. Instead she turned, and saw the trees fill with mist, saw a single shadowy figure standing just within. ”Did you think I would raise you up only to let you fade away?” Wol-Kot enveloped the clearing, his silvery fog obscuring the forest’s beauty. Sylvaniel stepped toward his silhouette, but it simply disappeared, and in another moment the shape was behind her. ”We still have so much to do. The gods have awoken.” The Witch Queen wanted to yell, or cry, or both. Five thousand years, she had sat waiting. For five thousand years she had watched the world for a sign. Now her god expected her to simply speak to him like nothing had happened, like they had parted just yesterday. But she did neither. She looked into the mist, and asked: “What is your wish?” A happy chuckle responded from all around her. “You are strong, Sylvaniel. You do not fade easily. You shall see what I wish for this world, in time.” The mist parted, and she was floating above the World-Sphere, the great continent of Venandar below. ”Kaha-Nu-Buhu is dead. Her slumber shall be without end. Yet her curses linger on the children of Exitius. They are weak, all of them. And you...you are strong.” ”Send your servants to the so-called god king, Sylvaniel,” Wol-Kot continued. ”Offer to crush his enemies, if he will but accept you as his friend. Give him power, success, all that he desires. Gain his trust, my queen, until his will is gone entirely and all Venandar lies at our feet.” The idea was appealing, although it was not as if she had not considered it before. ”And what if the pup refuses?” She spoke derisively. The Venandi were skilled warriors, but servile by nature, in her view. Their minds broke in her presence nearly as fast as a Khepri drone. ”Then I shall very much enjoy seeing how you smash his empire to pieces. It is about time, wouldn’t you say?” Wol-Kot laughed. ”We shall speak again soon.” And with that, the dream was over. Sylvaniel’s eyes fluttered open onto a cavernous throne room of black stone. And for the first time in millennia, she smiled. [Command GT: 1 AP] – Wol-Kot delivers a vision to his chosen after five thousand years of silence. She is to offer the assistance of her vast realm in subjugating the remaining servants of Kaha, but the Venandi god-king must be brought into the fold. Through magical and conventional trickery, Venandar’s new “allies” will transform him into Sylvaniel’s B I T C H. If he refuses friendship or is otherwise incorruptible, she is to use any means at her disposal to bring about the collapse of the Venandi empire. [5 AP stored]

Surya 1527 War or no war, the twin isles have never been so prosperous. From the busy waters of Seringapatna to the steamy Surukai jungle, from Varchas to Surada, the countryside is awash with new wealth. Traders sail to the Sea of Surya from across its realm, from foreign lands, from the colony on Aros. And all of it passes through the greatest city in the world. Perhaps it is time to spread Mihir’s light to the world. Too long have the Suryans lived as a mythical people on the edge of the world, and now that their rebirth has come, they have a responsibility to guide the Tamas. Ships shall be built. New countries will be found, new luxuries to experience, and the state of the world shall at last come into focus. For the Mirrored City is a city of duty, and only when the world is known can they free it from darkness... --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (437,450 Gold) The Xian Kingdom continues to behave erratically, and the Maharajas are annoyed to say the least at the amount of troops that are being kept in the south in case of an attack. They petition the Sattva to take aggressive action, but the priests will hear nothing of it. Surya’s neighbor has done nothing wrong! Rather, they insist that the army be sent north. Scindia must not fight unsupported. [Action] New helmets are issued to Suryan officers! I wonder why.... [Action] Routine farm expansion. [7 Farms; 35,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [11 Factories; 82,500 gold] More land, for the superior Suryan race. [3 Settlements; 15,000 gold] Kaptai, Sundarban, Chara, and Barguna become towns. [0 gold] Serawa, Mokal, Hamira, and Harda all grow into full cities. [4 City upgrades; 60,000 gold.] Amua, Ramu and Ravibad experience prosperity! [3 guilds; 27,000 gold] Manasur, Bomkata and Mangaluru all receive full ports. [3 ports; 40,500 gold] More Sunclad are on the march, ready to serve as the frontline in Surya’s wars. [2,000 Veteran T3 Heavy Infantry; 56,000 gold] Chittor continues its contribution, sending more lancers to the front. [1000 T3 light cavalry; 10,000 gold.] The greatest fighters among the lawless Tamas are recruited from port cities. Perhaps their talents will be useful….on the high seas! [250 Veteran T3 Light Infantry; 4,000 gold.] A caravel made totally of Ulan wood is delivered to Surya, to carry its envoys far from home. [Caravel; 4000 gold.] Untrained screamers flock to Aros ready to swarm the foolish foes of Surya. [3,000 T1 Light Infantry; 6,000 gold.] A set of low stone walls are built around the city of Chittor. [T2 Walls; 10,000 gold.] Barracks are built in Ratnagiri, Manasur, and Waroor. [3 Barracks; 15,000 gold.] The House of the Sun at the center of Surya rises into the air like a mountain. Its terraced courtyards and cavernous halls hold every function of law, government and religion. Priests bustle through its well-lit gardens and chapels. At last, the complex’s refurbishment is nearly complete. Like a miniature sun, a massive bonfire glows at its highest level, reflected in every direction. [Cathedral; 45,000 gold.] Gold is sent to the Hilmedhi kingdom to fund their efforts for the alliance. [Gift; 21,000 gold.] A trade company is started to handle trade with the strange, frog-eating foreigners who have started showing up on Suryan land. [Trade Company; 6300 gold] [150 gold remaining] ---------- Population 24,775,231

CORRUPTOR DOMINION In some ways, the swarm is dormant. There has been no new contact, after all, and nothing to galvanize the many spider-creatures which now exist to action. But to an observer, “dormant” could hardly seem an accurate description. On the worlds where Corruptors live, violence and chaos reign, constantly searching for a target to lash out at. Woe to he that stumbles into that role... Statistics NO EXPENDITURE - The Corruptor frigate once more leaves their space, drifting on a slow, slow course to the south. It listens, and watches for prey. 10R [10 Total] - Tier 2 CI - Through brutal, cruel policing, the Corruptors forge a more functional society, and reap the benefits. 50,000 C - 5 CI districts - Vile Corruptoids settle on the new colonies! 8M - Colony Ship - A colony ship.

CORRUPTOR DOMINION The witch-queen is ever watchful, for there are stronger races among the stars than those primitives. How has the galaxy changed since she last traveled the void? What has become of her weak people, who could not even best their own superior creations? For now, none of it matters, for the species on which the new swarm has been built is pathetic indeed. They know nothing, they drift through space on ramshackle things that barely count as warships, they cannot even speak to each other except through primitive means! But all that will change in time, if not this year or even next. Statistics NO EXPENDITURE - The Corruptor frigate once more leaves their space, drifting on a slow, slow course to the west. It listens, and watches for prey. 10R + 5 [35 Total] - Interstellar Communications - Work continues trying to find some way to communicate between worlds. It is difficult to arrive at any insights though, as the former scientists spend much of their effort falsifying data and sabotaging each other’s work. NO EXPENDITURE - 2 Colonies - Corruptors are sent out to the north and northeast, where they establish themselves on any planets they find there.

Surya 1526 Warm rain pattered on canvas sails, and Sarkar watched the Hilmedhi coast draw near. The ship was not alone - after years of alliance and with an ongoing war, the sea route between here and Surya was perhaps the busiest stretch of water this side of Minolek. Ships from the twin isles thronged the sea, bringing spices, gems and gold, and they returned with mastercrafted metal, strange contraptions that few understood, weapons beyond compare. The dwarves knew their work well, and their squat towns lined the shore, the picture of industrious order. Sarkar briefly considered asking Mihir for clear skies, but thought better of it when he saw the docks ahead. No, there’d be no chance to finish his letter, rain or no rain. He rolled up his parchment and let the water wet his hair. It was pleasant. “It’s impressive,” came a voice from behind him. “Clearly the Tamas aren’t entirely incapable.” The Mahasattva had changed even since they’d left Surya. The constant warmth, the faint glow, the veins that glowed like marble - all that he had gotten used to. What still made him uncomfortable was a girl young enough to be his granddaughter talking to him as if he was a child. She listened to few, and obeyed none. Arrogance, some would call it, but Sarkar didn’t dare say such a thing to someone with a god’s power in her very blood. “Imagine what they could accomplish under Mihir’s light,” Padma continued, leaning on the gunwale. “Ever consider becoming a Maharajas?” The old Rajas sputtered an objection, and she laughed. “It’s a joke, Sarkar. Obviously. There are things out here far more offensive to Him than a few stunted gnomes digging holes in the ground.” “Please don’t call them that.” “Of course I won’t. Not to their faces, anyway.” Raindrops sizzled when they hit Padma’s skin. “We’ll spend two weeks here, at most. I want to head north.” Sarkar winced. “There isn’t a rush, Mahasattva. The Swine are still in retreat.” “It’s not the Swine I want to see. Not yet.” She paused, the air around her cooling for a mere moment. “Mihir’s children are spread far and wide, and they sound...disappointing.” “The Sattva seemed to agree.” Sarkar nodded. He knew of whom she spoke. “I will withhold judgement until I see for myself,” said Padma, though her tone was not optimistic. There was silence for a while, and the coast drew closer, the squat figures on the docks now clearly visible. On another ship, a large tubed machine was being loaded, the end carved into the mouth of a serpent. Heavily-armed guards made it obvious that the thing was a weapon. “Why do you think they give up their creations so freely?” Padma nodded to the dwarves. “Money, mostly. I suppose an oath of friendship from Surya is worth something, too.” “They obviously haven’t heard what happened to Chittor. We were ‘friends’ with them too, as I recall.” “You weren’t there, Padma.” At that, the girl stared at him with narrowed eyes, as if daring him to continue. “It was us or Varchas. Since independence was out of the question, we just helped them make the right decision. Sometimes that’s what friends do. All it took was to put on the right show.” The ship was nearly at the docks now. A crowd of dwarves stood there, watching the glowing woman approach with interest. She watched them for a moment, thinking, then snorted in amusement. “Alright then. Let’s give our hosts a show.” With that she looked to the heavens, and suddenly the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun blazed over the ship as it reached the Hilmedhi kingdom. --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (419,200 Gold with Modgift) The obvious Xian spies might be able to get a good look at Suryan defenses, but they find no massive military buildup, beyond token garrisons at nearby fortifications. For the Suryans, precautions are one thing, but actually expecting an attack from a neutral country is another. The defensive army is well to the east. [No gold] Routine farm expansion. [6 Farms; 30,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [11 Factories; 82,500 gold] Now that the treacherous Ravi Singh is no more, expansion to the east becomes more viable. Nevertheless, the wild Surukai jungle is in most places an impenetrable wilderness, not suitable for civilized life. Suryan settlements here hug the coast, battling for a life based on trade and adventure. The Surukai themselves are treated as friends, and Suryans generally do not trespass on their areas of the forest. [4 Settlements; 20,000 gold] Harda, Ashta and Pandhurna become towns. [0 gold] Amua and Ramu grow into full cities, as does the infamous Ravibad now that it has fallen back in line. Perhaps peace has finally come to the twin isles. [3 City upgrades; 45,000 gold.] Kurnool, Lingampet, and Aurad experience prosperity! [3 guilds; 27,000 gold] Chittor, Ratnagiri and Varchas all receive full ports. [3 ports; 40,500 gold] Barracks rise across the realm in Chittor, Varchas, and Seringapatna. [3 Barracks; 15,000 gold.] As obvious Xian spies cover the border, a new set of walls rises in Mattara. [Tall stone walls; 12,500 gold] Surya’s walls grow taller and stronger, dissuading all enemies from even thinking of an attack. [Quality High Walls; 17,500 gold] More Suryan regulars march to Aros, ready to act as the main defense for the shining new realm. [2,000 Veteran T3 Heavy Infantry; 56,000 gold.] Chittor continues to make valuable contributions of horses and men, under the leadership of Kunwar Viswan.[1,000 T3 Light Cavalry; 10,000 gold] Now that effective ammunition has been developed, the Suryans can finally start incorporating field artillery into their armies. Ballistae are built to travel with the forces in Aros. [12 ballistae; 9,000 gold] The tenth regiment of Varchaasi spears leaves the Surukai jungle more experienced, but fewer in number. They soon rejoin their Mahasattva. [+100 elite varchassi, -250 veteran; 2,000 gold] Temples rise to Mihir, carrying His light to the cities of Ratnagiri and Jawar. [2 temples; 30,000 gold.] More funds for dwarven smiths. [Gift to Hilmedhi; 15,000 gold] [7,200 gold remaining] ---------- Population 23,100,448

CORRUPTOR DOMINION A particularly massive Corruptor stood at a spaceport, lording over throngs of spiderlings. Some screeched at it in complaint. Others tried to run, and it slapped them down. In the life before, it had never amounted to anything. It lived its life in the shadows, always in poverty, always shunned by “civilized,” “law abiding” citizens. That man took what he could through brute strength, but was always on the run, a menace to society, never recognized for his true superiority. But now…. The spider growled at the crowd passing by. This one had been a banker. That one was a lawyer. And that one, the creature thought, must have been a politician. Look at them now. So weak. So helpless. So useless. These pathetic beings would never corrupt anything, they couldn’t - that task would fall to higher forms of life, whose glory had been revealed in their new forms much like the big Corruptor. The great creature let out a screeching laugh, and pushed one of the weaklings forward toward the shuttle bay, where the destination screen read “ALLOY PRODUCTION FACILITY #1.” If it didn’t die soon, it would at least suffer horrible injuries. A fitting punishment for the crime of being so pathetic. Perhaps these wretched creatures would take comfort in the knowledge that their meager labor supported the ambitions of superior beings. The big Corruptor doubted it. But it didn’t care. Statistics NO EXPENDITURE - The Corruptor frigate once more leaves their space, drifting on a slow, slow course to the east. It listens, and watches for prey. 10R [20 Total] - Interstellar Communications - Work continues trying to find some way to communicate between worlds. The couriers currently forced to take messages grow restless, for they would much rather be fighting than fulfilling this menial task. 100,000 C - Full stack CI - In the colony directly west of the capital, Corruptor society flourishes, such that it is. At any rate, essential roles needed to keep the creatures alive have been filled. 30,000 C - 2x HI - In the colony directly east of the capital, speciality alloys begin to be forged. Perhaps they’ll be needed soon… 18M - 2 Light cruisers - More ships.... 16M - 2 Colony Ships - Expansion awaits!

Surya 1525 Ravibad burns. Justice is done. The sun shines on Surya, warmer and brighter than ever, and the Sattva are jubilant for their Mahasattva has risen. It is in the summer of 1525 that she returns, her eyes blazing with light. She drags the beaten and burnt Ravi Singh behind her, and though he is twice her size she throws him to the temple steps and slays him herself. Gone is the girl who left Surya, drowned in the righteous light of Mihir, and the being who returns speaks Mihir’s judgement. For a month, the sun does not set. The bonfires are not lit, for no night comes, and the Mahasattva calls it a vision of things to come. Surya will know eternal light, but only when it has fulfilled its purpose, and the world can share in its joy. Every Suryan has a duty, for the earth was once bright and beautiful, and it can be again - but only through the efforts of man. So says Padma Viswan, her blade still stained with the blood of the traitor. Long has the Mirrored City weathered the night, but it has done this so that the whole world might one day be cleansed of evil. Until that day, Surya will endure as it always has: watching the same night as the Tamas, protected only by its own dedication and work, a living monument to the one true god. And as she promises, the long day ends, and the bonfires are lit once more, and the mirrors shine with dancing flames. The Sattva kneel before her, asking her guidance, but she has said all she will. She cannot stay in the city while her Rajas are on the march, so the Sattva must rule as they always have. There is much work to be done on the outside…. --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (388,950 Gold) Tax loss. [48,000 gold] Routine farm expansion. [6 Farms; 30,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [10 Factories; 75,000 gold] Nothing particularly new. Suryans like to expand. [3 Settlements; 15,000 gold] Kurnool, Lingampet, and Aurad all grow larger.[3 city upgrades; 45,000 gold] Sivakasi, Sinna, and Urirchar all experience economic booms! [3 guilds; 27,000 gold] In the Mirrored City itself, a new harbor has been dug out, just outside the main walls. Truly this should make Surya the greatest city in the world. [1 port; 13,500 gold] Chittori Lancers, famed and feared! [500 T3 Light Cavalry; 5,000 gold] Sunclad, steady and strong! [2,000 Veteran T3 Heavy Infantry; 49,000 gold] If I end up still holding this mountain, enough money is allocated for a mighty fortress on the north side, supplied through Eslem. The Swine have caused enough trouble for one lifetime.[Citadel to be completed at a reasonable pace; 40,000 gold] (If I end up still in control after this encounter) Surya gets some more barracks before the laws of nature change! [3 Barracks; 15,000 gold] Heaping chests of gold are shipped east, to aid military development. [Gift to Hilmedhi; 25,000 gold] [1,450 gold remaining] ---------- Population 21,538,879

Surya 1524 “Welcome home.” Ravi Singh, huge and smiling, offered a hand and nearly lifted Padma out of the boat himself. “I was starting to worry.” Padma stepped onto a creaking dock, but was silent. Amber eyes stared up at the man, a man who was kind to her but brutal to everyone else. A man who slaughtered faithful peasants by the hundreds, but seemed to know more than the entire city of Surya. Having come all this way, she was at a loss for words. “There’s something different about you,” he said, laying a mighty hand on her shoulder. “I can see it. Like a glow.” “The sword.” She finally managed to speak. “The sword you gave me, it worked. It...feels right.” The girl touched the hilt for emphasis, and little flames licked at the blade’s edges. “I knew it.” Ravi smiled. “You came just in time.” He beckoned for her to follow, and walked back up the dock. Ravibad sat at the very mouth of the Surukai river, and so here the murky water stretched farther across than anywhere else in the jungle. The town itself was modest at best: a gathering of shacks and repurposed ships, hauled onto the shore as a settlement. It had a wooden palisade for defense, but in such dense forest Padma doubted if it’d be much use. As she walked through its muddy streets, though, it became obvious that the wall wasn’t needed: everyone here was armed. “My men have made some major breakthroughs lately!” Ravi declared as they strolled along the waterfront. “While Kunwar’s been wasting his time getting jungle rot, I think I may have found you a way forward.” “You have?” The girl’s voice was breathless, credulous. “In a bit, Padma.” The big man greeted nearly everyone they passed by, as if they were family, and he introduced her. “What did you tell your father, anyway?” “Nothing,” she shrugged. “I just left.” “Without a word?” “There wasn’t a moment for it. Besides, I didn’t want him to…” She trailed off. “Stop you? You?” Ravi raised an eyebrow, grinning at her disarmingly. “No, no,” Padma giggled. “I suppose I just didn’t want him to be angry.” Ravi nodded. “When we’re done, I can promise you he will not only not be angry, he will be thanking you.” “Small chance of that. You should hear the things he says about you.” “I can imagine. This is where you’ll stay.” The pair had come to one of the larger houses, a well-kept shack of jungle hardwood, resting on the very edge of the river. Ravi chuckled. “As long as you’re here, anyway. I don’t expect we’ll need to stay here much longer.” “We won’t?” “Young Mahasattva, with you at our side we will be in Surya this time next year! Just think: the masses liberated, the city’s chains broken, and the Sattva cast down.” He smiled, looking out over the river. “The Sattva cast down?” Padma seemed uncomfortable. “Of course.” Again Ravi’s strong hand rested on her shoulder. “With the Mahasattva reborn, what need have we for them?” He laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there to help.” For a moment Padma was worried, but the man’s total confidence gave her strength. She smiled with him, and watched the setting sun. ---------- That evening, she could no longer contain her eagerness, and asked Ravi what exactly he’d found to help her. After insisting that she wait until after dinner, he eventually relented. The black suns finally knew how to awaken whatever it was she had inside her, and they were ready to do it. “The Mahasattva is like a huge pile of tinder, you see. Potential beyond what most of us can ever imagine. But it needs a spark.” “A spark?” “A spark of power. From, say, a magi of the Chosen? Not an easy thing to get, but I did it.” As they walked to the outskirts of town, Padma saw the he was leading her to a tiny shack with a lock on the door. “Don’t have the chance to see him much. He tries to kill every one of my men he sees.” He unlocked the house. The door swung open and there, on a small bed, was an old man. He’d aged since Padma had seen him last, but still the man was unmistakable: it was Rajas Sarkar, veteran of the Varchaasi wars, Magi of the Chosen, and the man who had been her tutor in Surya. Now they were meeting again, and the older man was staring at her in utter shock. “I believe you already know each other?” But before she could respond, a stream of words was flooding angrily out of Sarkar’s mouth. “Of all the people I had hoped to see in this forsaken place, you are the last. And not even in chains! What’s become of you, that you’d walk freely with murderers like this?” Ravi flashed his intoxicating smile. “Well, I think you two should get along wonderfully. He won’t say no, Padma. Come see me when he’s done.” The huge man stepped out, and closed the door. Sarkar glared at his old student as if she’d shoved a sword in his belly. “I hope this is some kind of trick.” “I’m here because here is where I’ll be useful. The ‘murderer’ said he’d find a way to help me. Now it seems like you’ve had that way the whole time.” Her voice was nearly as suspicious as his. “A recent development.” The man’s voice mocked her stupidity. “I would have told you myself, if you hadn’t disappeared before these savages caught me. I suppose now I know why. Do you realize this man is a criminal?” “I know who Ravi Singh is. Everyone does.” “Then you know what he’s done to our people. You can’t honestly be planning to follow this scum.” She shrugged. “I might.” Sarkar had no words. He stared at her with his mouth gaping, disbelief and horror evident on his face. “Everything he’s tried has worked! His ideas work, Sarkar, and the Sattva exiled him. He wasn’t a criminal before then! Maybe if Surya listened a bit, things would be better.” “Maybe if they listened to you! You are the Mahasattva, not him! Don’t you see, he does this with everyone he meets. You of all people can’t be fooled. Everything depends on you.” “You always say that. You told me over and over when I was little. Do you know how unhelpful that is?” “It’s the truth.” The aging Rajas was glaring at her, incredulous at what he was hearing. “I’m not a leader, Sarkar. I never have been. You always used to tell me to think about my decisions, about the lives that would be lost if I chose wrong. But there’s nothing special about my decisions. I don’t want people to die because they think I’m something I’m not.” “Is that what this is about?” Sarkar’s disgust was obvious. “Do you think Arjun was perfect, all those years ago? Did he not abandon his people in their hour of need? Who sent him back? Who gave him the power to fight?” Padma stared petulantly at her old teacher, hesitant. “...Mihir,” she finally said. “None of us are flawless. No man or woman can be. You think we put our hopes and dreams on an infant because we expected a baby to be wiser than us?” He scoffed. “You are no different than the rest of us, Padma. But you will be more. When Mihir lives inside you, you will be more.” There was silence in the house, and the sounds of the jungle bled in from outside. Somewhere a bird was startled from its nest, and its cries carried through the air. “If I will be more…” Padma said slowly, “...then why will you not help me?” Sarkar seemed taken aback, and there was a long pause. Then he shook his head with a resigned smile. “You misunderstand me. I was never going to say no to you. But maybe I should just stop talking.” The old soldier laid his hands on the two armbands Padma carried with her, and slipped them loosely over her wrists. “Are you ready?” She nodded. “Bright Mihir, cast your gaze to us, and lay your blessing upon your child….” Immediately, as if they were alive, the gold bands tightened over Padma’s forearms, and glowed red hot, then white, digging into her skin like fire. Her mouth dropped open, but no scream emerged. The bands were a blinding supernova before her, a searing pain which obliterated her senses until she was forced to close her eyes, and she was alone with the pain. But not alone. There was another with her, sharing her feelings as no other truly could. And as the presence washed over her and through her she understood that darkness would no longer trouble her soul, and she felt a new pain, the pain of millions who would never know this joy, and she mourned for them as a mother mourns for children she has failed to protect. She saw her own mother, with a heart blazing with righteous fury. She saw her body burned in the House of the Moon, her face turned to the heavens. She saw her father in grief, saw him alone in an empty field, saw him turn his eyes to the sun and curse its name for choosing his beloved to bear the Chosen. She saw the world as few could hope to, for she was its light and its warmth. Those who praised her and those who feared her were the same, for they all depended on her alike. Nations rose, cities fell, mountains were ground to dust, but she burned on, casting bright glory into the night. She saw the passing of ages, the collapse of civilizations she neither knew nor would remember, and she saw the Mirrored City sequestered on its isle for years. She saw its people set out into the world with fearful steps, scattering their villages across the jungles. And she saw those villagers slaughtered, their eyes looking pleadingly up to her as they lay before a huge man with darkness growing incurable in his heart. His face stepped into her light, and she could see the unmistakable smile of Ravi Singh. And at last, a voice spoke, as clear and bright as a cloudless sky: “Duty, Padma.” --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (337,500 Gold) Routine farm expansion. [6 Farms; 30,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [9 Factories; 67,500 gold] Three new settlements spring up, one on the edge of the Boiling Sea itself, where at least they will be able to cook their rice! [3 Settlements; 15,000 gold] Sivakasi, Sinna and Urarchir all get walls. [3 city upgrades; 45,000 gold] More of the Chittori Champions make their way to Aros, to prove themselves on the fields of battle. [2,000 Veteran T3 Medium Cav; 72,000 gold] Thousands of screamers join the army, ready to catch arrows for the real soldiers. [6,000 T1 Light Infantry, 12,000 gold] Barracks. [3 barracks; 15,000 gold] At last the glorious new walls are complete, full of carvings, hazed with incense. The first sight of the Mirrored City is something no one ever forgets. [T4 Magic; 44,800 gold; 100,000 total.] [Gift to Hilmedhi; 6,000 gold.] [30,200 gold remaining] ---------- Population 20,082,871

CORRUPTOR DOMINION One planet has become two. Two will soon become four. Four will become more, and more, until the entire galaxy falls. Somewhere out there, the life forms of the Milky Way go about their lives unaware. Here, the Corruptors grow impatient. They must expand. Statistics NO RESOURCES - 2 Colonies, east & west - The colony ships built last year head out, carrying the Corruptor plague to two new sectors. Chaos follows with them, for without prey the spider-creatures turn on each other. Life among the Corruptors is nasty, brutal and short. 10R [10 Total] - Interstellar Communications - With the stain of their existence on two worlds already, keeping the superlatively unruly spider-creatures in line becomes a challenge. Some system of instant communication needs to be devised, so the most devious of the Corruptors go to work. Perhaps signals could be sent through an alternate route… 18M - 2 Light Cruisers - More prey will be found nearby soon, and it may not be as easy as the last. Only with a proper fleet can the spider tide be truly unstoppable.

Surya 1523 The bands of Arjun slid over Padma’s wrists, falling to the ground without even a hint of resistance. Not that she had expected anything else - the armbands had never fit, and perhaps they never would. For nearly seven years she hadn’t felt the presence of her god, and few around here called her Mahasattva anymore. She accepted it, enjoyed it even. Certainly it made it easier to talk to people. Yet there was still one item which reminded her who she was. An old sword, undecorated, which nonetheless called to her with otherworldly power. A sword which suffused her with glowing warmth and flickered with fire when she held it. A sword given to her by the enemy, Ravi Singh. “What are you doing awake?” Padma turned, and saw captain Chakravarmi pushing his way through the bushes toward her. She smiled back. “Thinking about leaving,” she replied honestly, but hastily elaborated. “Back to Surya.” “Oh.” The young captain seemed taken aback, and looked at her questioningly, leaning against a banana tree. The buzzing sound of the jungle night was all around them. “The Sattva keep asking about it,” she continued, running a finger on the sword’s pommel. “And what are we really accomplishing here? We aren’t catching anyone, Salah.” “We’re getting closer.” The captain was less than certain, but his men hadn’t lost hope yet and orders were orders. “Wherever this Ravibad place is, we’ll find it soon enough.” Eager as always. Padma couldn’t help but like him, and the lies hurt as they fell from her lips. “Maybe. But I’m almost of age, now. A Rajas leads, and I can’t lead without a commission.” She gestured at the darkness. “I don’t see any commissions around here.” “Your father won’t be happy.” “You can tell me all about how he reacted when you see me again.” She chuckled. “I can tell...you can tell him yourself! When exactly were you planning on leaving?” “Well...now. But I had to tell someone.” Padma got to her feet, pulling a bag of equipment with her. “I’m sorry. You know my father, he’d have watched me like a hawk if I’d mentioned anything.” “And he’ll take it personally if you don’t.” Salah stood too, obviously unhappy, but she shrugged. It wasn’t like her relationship with her father had ever been unstrained. “You’re being dramatic. He won’t stop you.” “Are you going to stop me?” “Of course not, but…” “Then tell the Maharajas Viswan that his daughter loves him, but didn’t want valuable soldiers wasted escorting her home. I’ll be back soon.” “Padma, don’t be stupid.” Her golden eyes looked up at the captain impassively. Maybe she was being stupid. Quite likely, actually. But in seven years she hadn’t taken a risk, and where had it brought her? “If all goes well, I will be much different when you see me again.” Then she stepped into the underbrush, into the darkness where Salah could not see. She heard him call her name, but did not listen. The moon was her compass, the sound of running water her guide. She left the camp, but as she walked through dense underbrush she did not turn west to Surya, but east. To Ravibad. --------- Current Statistics Expenditure (309,000 Gold) Routine farm expansion. [5 Farms; 25,000 gold] Routine industrial expansion. [8 Factories; 60,000 gold] Like a blessed brown tide, Suryan settlers wash up on the beaches of Aros, claiming more coastline in their city’s name. [3 Settlements; 15,000 gold] Mattara, Arugam, and Thanjavur all grow and fortify themselves. [3 city upgrades with guilds; 72,000 gold] Arriving on the shores of Aros from Surya itself, two more of Mihir’s great warbeasts prepare to fight. [2 Elite T3 Enchanted Elephants; 18,000 gold.] Sunclad also join the army, recruited from across the land. [1,750 Veteran T3 Sunclad; 49,000 gold.] The Chosen of Mihir work on Surya’s walls like never before. Intricate carvings and mirrored temple-towers turn the city’s defenses into as much a work of art as a fortress. [Work on T4 Magic; 45,000 gold; 55,200 total.] Along the coast in Karnawad, a stout fortification rises. One can never be too careful, particularly when one is at war far away.[Fortress; 25,000 gold.] [0 gold remaining] ---------- Population 18,725,288

CORRUPTOR DOMINION Creepy Corruptors crawl close to cattle-creatures creating chaos Statistics 12 M - 2 Colony Ships - It is time to spread, and since there are no obvious targets within range, the Corruptors will find less dramatic ways to expand. 10R [25 Total] - Itoron Extraction - The Corruptors’ methods may not be conducive to the free exchange of ideas, but it’s all they know. They screech and scream at each other until one thinks of something.