Samoblivion

The Fortress Libraries 1523 At the front, the Librarian army continues to make camp outside the new walls of Mud Creek. Theodor Kryze makes sure enough shipments from the homelibraries reach this place, for the Ashvali people are taxed enough without having to feed and shelter an army of over twelve thousand men. Among these shipments are carpenters and supplies for the crafting of a long-thought-out new form of field artillery. Whilst the traditional ballista has its use, it is of little consequence against a horde of infantry. The new Repeating Ballista, is a fascinating contraption of levers, pulleys and folding mechanisms, a lighter-weight design that (although sacrificing overall punching power compared to its traditional cousin) can fire numerous heavy bolts a minute over long range. Furthermore, its design is incorporated onto a wheeled cart, braced while firing, but allowing it to be packed and redeployed elsewhere far easier than a dedicated siege weapon. Six of these weapons are constructed outside Mud Creek and field tested on target dummies – the sight of such targets being accurately skewered from long-range brings a cheer from the war-weary soldiers and civilians. Following good negotiations with King Eonir of the Fey, the Librarians take residence in a site prepared for them as an Enclave. Their adjustments to the plot of land are minimal, merely the addition of more buildings, and underground areas. As per their agreement, and their own sense of self-preservation, the newly resident scholars and diplomats never dwell into the wilderness without the protection of a Fey Adept. Similarly, an enclave is constructed in the Symon capital, to facilitate relations with the Empire, regulate trade and investigate the heartlands of Ancient Symon. In the mountains, good construction work continues in the new settlements of Skypeak and Highhold. Food is sourced, as is timber, and scouts work with farmers to wrangle together herds of local grazers for food and clothing. Much of their supplies are still imported from the wider lands of the Fortress Libraries, especially the nearby Bastion, with transport facilitated by the construction of new roads into the highlands. Sentries remain on watch for incursions by the Bloated Throats, whose hunting grounds in Ashval border these mountains, but with no citizens or military personnel heading that way from the new towns they hope that they avoid their attention. With that prospect, the scouts and sentries are also alert for bands of refugees in Ashval eeking out a living in this hardy terrain. Any found are invited to join the new settlements, or settle villages for themselves under the mantle of Librarian rule. Meanwhile, an entirely new outpost is constructed in the far north. Since the first years of the Emergence, shipments of goods and librarian personnel had trekked north from the Stinkswamp to the shore of the Frozen Bay, as it is known to the Ulyadi. There, on a semi-permanent landing site, they swap goods with Ulyadi traders and take the ships of the hardy northerners to the port of Ulya. Now, High-Quartermaster Vane has decreed that the site, in unclaimed territory, should be made into a permanent outpost of the Librarians – to better facilitate trade, and Librarian interests in the northern seas. The House of Blackmarrow are of course informed of the developments and assured that it is not an infringement on their territory – despite bordering their claims. The new outpost is constructed with swiftness and care, for the bay is known to be subject to frequent ash storms coming off the nearby Stitches. It is likely that most of the eventual city will be covered, or built underground, to save the lungs of the settlers, and their chilled bones in the harsh snows this far north. Nevertheless, the cause of the Libraries is just and hardships must be endured for the eventual good of the whole. The new settlement is named Ashenport. --- Total Funds: 83,700 Actions: 500 T3 Heavy Infantry. [6000] 6 Repeating Ballistae constructed. Built in Ashval, no need to move them from the Libraries to the front. [5000] New settlement constructed on the bay between Blackmarrow and Ulyadar. Ashenport. [5000] Skypeak and Highhold upgraded to Towns. Symon Enclave. [10,000] Fyr-Darrick Enclave. [10,000] Farmland. [5000] Manufactory x 2 [15,000] Barracks x 3 [15,000] Work continues on a Monastery at the Bastion. [10,000] (30k total of 100k) 2,700 saved

The Fortress Libraries 1522 gettin’ ma **** out before the deadline. AGAIN --- --- Total Funds: 77,700 Actions: The remainder of the Librarian army is marched into Ashval, to join the forces barracked at Mud Creek. The encamped Librarians construct a stone keep and stone settlement walls for Mud Creek, out of their own funds. It is immediately handed over to the care of the Ashval state. [9k] (10% tech discount) 1500 T3 Medium Infantry [12,000] 1000 T3 Heavy Infantry [12,000] Farmland [5000] Manufactory x 2 [15,000] Work continues on a Monastery at the Bastion. [10,000] (20k total of 100k) Fyr-Darrick contacted for the construction of an Enclave to facilitate diplomatic, cultural and scholarly ties. ^ the above for Symon Empire as well. Blackmarrow congratulated for the performance of their men in combat. More men requested. All sides in ALL current conflicts reminded of Librarian neutrality, and the harsh penalties for harming librarian personnel and enclaves. TWO new settlements south-west and south-east of the Bastion, in the mountains between the Libraries, Symon and Ashval. They are named Highhold and Skypeak. (Don’t have time to edit a map, you decide where). [10,000] At the request of Ulyadar and Duke Bruce, the Great Corpus is scoured for any reference to the “Mindfull One”. 4700 saved

Talarak Clan 2208 Preparations are made. ((rp to come)) Stats and Economy 19M 28S 0A 4R 52kC Available Currency: 52k Actions - The exploration ship zooms through the alien system. Paying little to no heed to hails or other craft, it travels to the moon colonies and their homeworld, scanning as it goes. Any information gathered is good. Biological data, useful intelligence on politics, defensive capabilities... and things worth LOOTING. - A frigate is dispatched to capture one of the alien satellites for analysis back on Na-Khadiim. Hopefully it will better indicate the level of technology the aliens possess. - With little heed for if they are seen or not, Na-Khadiim and the civilian fleet move to carry out their usual actions in a system. Mining asteroids for supplies etc. They make no aggressive move toward the aliens, but are comfortably “making themselves at home” in the aliens’ home system. - 50,000 Regulars recruited. Warriors, born into the clan or who joined it as outcasts, make ready to seize some booty. As is the right of the strong and ambitious. (1M 1S) - Assault Ship constructed. Much of the vessel’s “hull” is actually hundreds of dropships bound to a skeletal frame. When all its raider dropships are released it resembles a half eaten sea-beast with its rips exposed and belly missing.(6M) - Light Cruiser constructed. The largest vessel yet in the dedicated military fleet of the Clan, but still massively dwarfed by Na-Khadiim. (9M) - Continued research into Ship Stealth (4R) (14R saved) Saved: 3M 27S 0A 4R 52kC

The Fortress Libraries 1521 gettin’ ma **** out before the deadline yo --- --- Total Funds: 73,700 Actions: Intermediaries are paid to contact the Numerian Loremasters, discretely. Surely they would wish to be part of the Libraries rather than be chattels for whichever empire wins control of their crumbling country. Agents are paid to contact any who may wish to defect. [2000] 200 T3 Librarian Knights. [16,000] Research into poisons... surely there’s some nasty stuff in the Stinkswamp! [10,000] Medical research resumes! [5000] (35k total) (10% School Bonus + Ed 7) Merchant Guild at Endeavour. [10,000] Farmland [5000] Manufactory x 2 [15,000] Foundational work begins on a Monastery at the Bastion. [10,000] 700 saved

Talarak Clan 2207 Few now remember how the Alduu’uuraneans came to the space, and fewer still their world of birth. In their mythology they are those who chased the great star serpent Na-Khadiim as it rested on a high mountain and snuck upon its back. Those hunters sought to best the mighty beast, to prove their courage and their honour, their tact and their ambition. But Na-Khadiim was beyond such concerns, beyond the bite of mortal spears, and the hunters were beyond its attention as it moved to continue its eternal voyage. Those upon its back were carried forth into the Sea of Stars, to voyage there for all eternity, like great Na-Khadiim itself. Such is legend and myth, but the clans of the Alduu’uuraneans have been spacefarers for many generations. They are of no single nation, no great empire enthroned on a mighty homeworld, for none in living memory have been able to bring all to heel under one banner. The clans roam the galaxy, offering their skills as warriors to all who would pay in coin or resources. They are mercenaries, but hold to ancient traditions and codes of honour. Theirs is a society of strictures and hierarchies, where those who disobey or do not conform are shunned and cast out on pain of death. Their word for this state of outlawry is “Talarak”. For generations, this word has been one purely of shame. Those declared Talarak have lived short, lonely lives, far from their birth-clans, on the fringes of society. It is a slow sentence of death, a life bereft of companionship, for their crimes – whatever they may be – are of the kind unforgivable to their kindred. So it was, until the time of Djakai of the Halgai Clan. Djakai’s crime and life before exile are obscured in rumour and time, but what is known is that he has always been a man of singular ambition and ruthless pragmatism. Tradition without reason is useless, a shackle to those with the will to take what should be theirs. Strength was his scripture, not the whims of elders and mystics. So it was that Halgai Djakai cast off his clan name, as his clan had cast him off. He wore what was meant to be dishonour as an unshakable armour of conviction. He, and his followers, formed the clan of the Talarak, a home for outcasts, and those willing to free themselves from shame and petty moralities. In the decades since, the Talarak have grown strong in the shadows. From materials stolen, bought or mined, they have crafted a mighty vessel – a home from which their clan will range across the universe. They call this mothership “Na-Khadiim”, for like the great serpent, it will carry the ambitious and worthy hunters of the Talarak across the Sea of Stars, to glory and fortune. A year has passed since all of Na-Khadiim’s systems have been brought online. Ships have been constructed, thinkers put to work on shielding their vessels from prying eyes. Such was the necessity of secrecy, that the mothership was constructed far from the space of civilised races, and sensors and comms have long been shut off for fear of attracting unwanted attention before the time was right. Now, with ships capable of putting up a decent fight – of supporting Na-Khadiim in any potential engagement – the piratical Alduu’uuraneans strike forth into the great unknown! Stats and Economy 16M 24S 0A 4R Available Currency: 94k Actions - The mothership and pirate fleet warps to explore a nearby sector! - Exploration Ship (1M) - Mothership upgrade to SL2 (50k C) - Continued research into Ship Stealth (4R) (10R saved) Saved: 15M 24S 0A 0R 44kC

Talarak Clan 2206 – Quick post pre-MP -- ((Will do government in post 2)) Stats and Economy STARTING RESOURCES: 20M 20S 10R 85kC Currency Income: 17k Available Currency: 85k Actions - 2 Frigates (8M) - 2 Corvettes (4M) - Research into Stealth (10R) Saved: 12M 20S 85K

Username: Samoblivion Discord: You got it, bossman Nation Name: The Talarak Clan Race: Alduu’uuranean History: Pirates, yar! ((ALREADY POSTED BUT IT DELETED IT FOR SOME REASON. WILL PUT IN FIRST POST.)) Map location: Anywhere, surprise me. Starting Sectors: 1

The Fortress Libraries 1520 STATS SAVED --- --- Total Funds: 74,700 Actions: Endeavour becomes a fortress library. [15,000] Cathedral at the Bastion. [45,000] Manufactory. [7500] Farmland. [5000] 2200.

The Fortress Libraries 1519 - Common work song of the civilian rates, recorded in the Deep-Forges of the Bastion, 1518. --- --- Total Funds: 65,700 Actions: The combined expeditionary force of the Libraries, Danwent, Volarucio and Blackmarrow head out to the aid of Lusta Kanve. The High-Magus, still quartered in the Trident Enclave, offers an audience to the shady man seeking answers. Endeavour becomes a town. 1000 T3 Medium Infantry [8000] 1000 T3 Heavy Infantry [12,000] 50 T3 Librarian Knights [4000] 3000 T1 Light Infantry [6000] Volarucio enclave! [10,000] Farmland! [5000] Keep at Fort Vane [9,000] (librarian tech – 10% of fortifications) Manufactory [7500] 4200 saved

The Fortress Libraries 1518 Across the world known to the Librarians, hurried messengers pound the roads of foreign lands to bring the decree of the Triumvirs to their ambassadors. The news will surely have reached all by now – Bleeding Hill. A colossal and bloody defeat at the hands of a ravenous, chaotic horde of Bloated Throats. For once, the circumspect Librarians do not hoard this knowledge but spread it far and wide. From the frozen lands of Ulyadar and Blackmarrow, to the basking summer lands of the Antigonid King and Symon Emperor, emissaries attend the courts of rulers friendly to the Librarian cause. They paint a dire picture – a tide of mindless bloodshed, hunger and death bubbling forth from the rotting meat of sundered Ashval, roiling out to devour the world and plunge civilisation into endless chaos. Those accompanied by adepts show the horrified suzeraines of the foreign lands illusions of the enemy. The vicious, souless eyes. The broken, chipped teeth. The mix of blood and acid running down their disfigured throats. The message of the Librarians is clear. They ask for aid for the beleagured Ashvali, and indeed all good peoples of this world, in smothering this existential threat before it can grow more powerful. Some pledge support immediately, and send troops to rally with the Librarians. Others guard their answers closely. Only time will tell if they will join the army of civilisation being rallied in the lands of the Fortress Libraries for a great crusade against the merciless hordes in the far east. --- Total Funds: 71,700 Actions: CALL TO ARMS: Duchy of Ulyadar CALL TO ARMS: House Blackmarrow CALL TO ARMS: Princedom of Volarucio CALL TO ARMS: Republic of Danwent CALL TO ARMS: Symon Empire CALL TO ARMS: Antigonid Dynasty 1000 T3 Medium Infantry [8000] 1000 T4 Light Archers [10,000] 1500 T1 Light Infantry [3000] Antigonid enclave! [10,000] Three Barracks, one in each city! [15,000] Heavy infantry research! [15,000] (10% School Bonus + Ed 7) Outpost! [5000] Farmland! [5000] 700

The Fortress Libraries 1517 Under the supervision of the High-Quartermaster Maria Vane, the town of Hardshore has flourished into a true fortress library. Once a simple outpost on a rocky promentory on an eponymously hard shore, the settlement now is more of a city. A grand central structure stands on the great rock, soaring into the sky, and delving even further downward into the stone. Work still continues, and at breakneck pace. Walls and a keep are constructed around the outer town and its buildings, and the natural harbour of the shoreline is further excavated and dredged to create sufficient berths for ships. Intended to by the Fortress Libraries’ link to the wider world via the sea, and surely a hub of trade, a new merchant guildhall is constructed to regulate and see that the Great Endeavour and its custodians receive their due. Elsewhere, life continues as normal. Foreign dignitaries are met and knowledge is exchanged, notably with the neighbouring Volarucians and the distant Fey. More farmland is cultivated in the homelands, reclaimed from the vile Stinkswamp or in new fishfarms copied from Ulyadi designs. Yes, life continues, but word is eagerly awaited from their brothers and sisters, sons and daughters in Ashval, where the wolves are baying ever closer at the door. Fresh troops are recruited in preparation for a longer campaign against the chaotic horde, but surely the good men of the Kryze Expedition are enough to smite such barbarians. Surely. --- Total Funds: 54,700 Actions: Keep constructed at Hardshore. [9000] (tech: 10% discount on fortification) Merchant Guild constructed at Hardshore. [10,000] Port constructed at Hardshore. [15000] Trade offer from the Fey accepted. Medical research! [5000] (30k total) (10% School Bonus + Ed 7) Farmland. [5000] 1000 T3 Medium Infantry. [8000] 2700

The Fortress Libraries 1516 --- You’ve been visited by the N O R P G A N G !!! --- --- Total Funds: 48,500 Actions: Trading Company at Fort Vane. [6300] (Human discount on commercial) Trade offer from Volarucio accepted, with the previous investment increasing trade limit^ Work completed on the Bastion’s Hermitage. [16000] (50k/50k) Hardshore becomes a city FORTRESS LIBRARY. [15,000] YET MORE medical research! Not as much as last time, but hey. [5000] (25k total) (10% School Bonus + Ed 7) Farmland. [5000] 1200

The Fortress Libraries 1515 --- ((Posting now to save the stats)) --- Points and Basic Stats: Population: 2,511,016 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane, Hardshore Buildings: Merchant Guild x 2, Temple, Church, Shrine, School, Trading Company x 5, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 10 (+4%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Sehmon, Danwent, Trident, Ashval Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Danwent, Trident, Ashval Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T3 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 500 T4 Light Archers 500 T3 Medium Cavalry 7 Adepts 1 Magi Economy: Saved: 0 Base: 3000 New Towns/Cities: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 7500 Trade: 8000 Merchant Guild: 6000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Enclaves: 12,000 Danwent Games Prize: 4550 Upkeep: -1000 --- Total Funds: 54,050 Actions: The Librarians send an embassy to Sehmon. They carry a diplomatic gift of gold to apologise for their tardiness in starting formal relations earlier. [1050] An Adept is dispatched by ship from the Danwent enclave to the Galaharian League to investigate their “incident” at sea. The Trident Enclave is instructed to investigate “the Conspiracy”. Using all manners of bribery, chicanery, coercion and flattery, Librarian agents in the city-state are tasked with investigating the activities of a group of men with black clothing and gold-trim. [2000] Work continues on the Hermitage at the Bastion. [15,000] (34k/50k) Hardshore becomes a town. Medical research. [10,000] (20k total) (10% School Bonus + Ed 7) 1000 T2 Light Cavalry. [8000] 1000 T4 Light Archers. [10,000] 1000 T3 Medium Infantry [8000]

The Fortress Libraries 1514 “It is as described, honoured kindred. I believe our blessed sister Serena speaks the truth. All reports are in concurrence, all scrying reveals no deception – only the trace of the divine. A miracle occured within the ruins of Salthand, a miracle that defies our conventional understanding of the sacred magics. In his mutable glory, Myriad the Changing God saw fit to Change the rules of her own blessings to bestow knowledge upon Adept Viscanti. Truly this portends the Omniscient’s favour upon the Great Endeavour. We shall go forth into the world renewed in purpose and convinction – our path is just, our cause noble. Let all Orders and Rates rejoice, and worship the Changing God through our respective labours and studies. May his blessings be forthcoming, and Myriad.” - Address of High-Magus Allidar Varchus to the Triumvirate regarding the Salthand Revelation, 1514. Points and Basic Stats: Population: 2,346,744 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane, Hardshore Buildings: Merchant Guild x 2, Temple, Church, Shrine, School, Trading Company x 5, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 9 (+2%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Sehmon, Danwent, Trident, Ashval Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Danwent, Trident Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T3 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 500 T4 Light Archers 7 Adepts 1 Magi Economy: Saved: 0 Base: 3000 New Towns/Cities: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 6000 Trade: 8000 Merchant Guild: 6000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Bog Silk traded to Galahar: 6000 Enclaves: 10,000 Upkeep: -1000 --- Total Funds: 52,000 Actions: Ashval enclave. [10,000] The entire Librarian army is marched into Ashval to defend their border. This includes a magus and four adepts. Work begins on a Hermitage at the Bastion [19,000] Archivists search the Great Corpus for reference to the “Sunlit Empire of Mora”. Farmland [5000] 500 T3 Medium Cavalry [8000] The libraries invest heavily in the field of medicine, hoping to improve battlefield survivability and general health. [10,000] (Ed 7) (10% School Bonus) The three adepts remaining in the homelands use CLAIRVOYANCE to aid the above research.

The Fortress Libraries 1513 ------ S O O N ------ Points and Basic Stats: Population: 2,193,219 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane, Hardshore Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company x 5, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 9 (+4%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Sehmon, Danwent, Trident, Ashval Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, , Danwent Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T3 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 4000 Base: 3000 New Towns/Cities: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 6000 Trade: 8000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Enclaves: 8,000 --- Total Funds: 46,000 Actions: Trident Enclave [10,000] Fort Vane merchant’s guild [9,000] (human discount on commercial) Church constructed, the Bastion. [20,000] 500 Light Archers – T4 BOG SILK EQUIPMENT. [5000] High-Guardian Theodor Kryze, Triumvir and Commander-in-Chief, dispatched to Ashval’s largest settlement to assist in the training of Ashvali troops. 300 Librarian Knight honour guard/trainers sent with High-Guardian Kryze, and 1 Adept. Weapons, armour and equipment for Ashval. [2000]

The Fortress Libraries 1512 With an almighty groan, the great gates of the mountain stronghold were opened to the gathered Triumvirs, and the other dignitary councils of the Libraries. For years, the combined rates of the Changing God’s people had toiled to recreate their ancient Bastion in the south at the site of Fort Vane, and now their toil has been rewarded. Colonists from the deeps have walked proudly into the light of the open sky to forge a new home for the Great Corpus, taming the harsh lands at the Stinkswamp’s northern edge. In the shadow of a tall mountain, an outpost was founded and grew outward, and under the oversight of the High-Quartermaster Maria Vane, the surveyor rate had prospected and excavated. Now, all could see their triumph. A sturdy complex now existed within the mountain, ready to be safely expanded above and below the surface. Fort Vane’s surface architecture had expanded toward the mountain, creating an outer town around the new great gates. The town would remain... but now all effort would be put into the expansion of the city to come. A new Fortress Library was soon to be born. Now would come the work of creating cavernous archives, scholarly research halls, and sanctums of devotion for the Changing God. His Manifold Glory is praised in jubilant processions and illusory displays of symbols of the faith in the skies above the town. The offerings to the God of Change are generous and joyful – many are her gifts, and many are the thanks that he is given. Many faced, fractal statues are erected in the honour of the omni-gendered, omni-scient, omni-present deity, gilded, draped with symbols of the Fortress Libraries, and annointed with oils. In this time of greatest Change in 700 years of seclusion, now is the time to seek the blessings of their patron – in an uncertain world, the god of uncertainty is one to keep on your side. Points and Basic Stats: Population: 2,049,737 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company x 3, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 9 (+4%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Ischyros, Sehmon, Danwent Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Ischyros, Danwent Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T1 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 2400 Base: 3000 New Towns/Cities: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 6000 Trade: 7000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Enclaves: 10,000 --- Total Funds: 45,400 Actions: Fort Vane becomes a city – nay, a true Fortress Library! [15,000] Prayers and offerings are given, and auspicies and augurs cast in the name of the Changing God to bless and sanctify the new Fortress Library. May his wisdom and many faces smile upon the Great Endeavour! [4800] Two trading companies constructed. [12,600] Ashval approached for trade, and permission for the construction of an Enclave. The Trident approached for trade, and permission for the construction of an Enclave. Outpost of Hardshore constructed on the east coast. [5000] An Adept and a unit of Librarian knights dispatched to Danwent to investigate the ruined Sun Temple there. They depart on the fastest riverboat available! 2 cohorts of Medium Infantry receive T3 gear. [4000] 4000 saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1511 jajajajajajajajaja Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,915,642 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company x 3, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 6 (+2%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Ischyros, Sehmon, Danwent Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T1 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 3900 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 7000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Enclaves: 6000 --- Total Funds: 38,400 Actions: Librarian Enclave constructed in Ischyros. [10,000] Librarian Enclave constructed in Danwent. [10,000] Three fish farms in the Stinkswamp. [15,000] CLAIRVOYANCE on the source of the disease and foul air in the south-east. Expedition to the POI west of the Library lands, south of Knauledge and north of Ischyros, near the Trident. [1000] 2400 saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1510 The Triumvirate are most pleased with the progression of events thus far. New lands have been claimed for the dissemination of the Great Corpus, and even more lands have been explored – including the old imperial heartlands. As would be expected from that great cradle of empire, many civilised nations have arisen, and the age old story of internecine border conflicts is well underway. Could one of these nations be the foreseen Empire-To-Come? Improbable, but worth investigation. Their task complete, the emissaries sent southward begin to return home, having contacted many nations of interest to the Librarians. Administrative complexes are expanded at the Bastion to prepare for trade contact, and the Republic of Danwent and the Sehmonians are sent requests for such endeavours. The Librarians consolidate their gains in the north and prepare to inveigle their way into the south. Finding their work on the exploitation of Bog Silk having provided dividends, the researchers and artisans are given a new task. From explorations west and the apparent dominance of river travel in the flow of trade from north to south Naros, the Librarians begin to find their own methods of travel wholly... inadequate. A vast network of rivers links the open plains of the west, and continues southward through the lands of Ischyros, Sehmon, Numeria and Danwent. Surely Librarian traders, dignitaries and expeditions could travel around the region much faster if they didn’t have to slog their way over land or use cobbled together or purchased river transports – not to mention easier navigation of the treacherous Stinkswamp. Researchers and designers invest considerable time in the development of fast, shallow hulled craft for easy river travel, taking full advantage of the web of rivers they find themselves on. As one expedition returns from the southern mountains, another is sent off far to the east. The last scouts sent eastward encountered the Stitches, and promptly decided the east was something best avoided. Further south, however, beneath the snowline, the Stitches seem to end. It is high time, the High-Guardian decides, in his capacity as master of scouts, that the east deserves another look. A survey team of librarian knights and civilians is dispatched into the expanse of grassland beyond the Stinkswamp toward the distant mountains and the seas beyond. There they will survey the region for resources, safe harbours, and the development of a possible third Fortress Library... one can never have enough homes for the Great Corpus, after all. Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,824,642 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 5 (+2%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Ischyros Enclaves: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar Army: 500 T1 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 T1 Medium Infantry 1000 T1 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 0 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 5000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 Enclaves: 6000 --- Total Funds: 32,500 Actions: Two Trading Companies at the Bastion, making possible the next two trade requests. [12,600] Sehmon approached for trade^. Danwent approached for trade^. Ischyros is asked for permission to construct a Librarian Enclave in their city. Expedition of Librarian Knights dispatched eastward, to survey the lands from the Libraries territory to the mountains to the east, all the way through to the sea beyond. [1000] Development of a fast shallow-hulled boat capable of river transport, more advanced than anything currently used by default as river transport.[10,000] (Education 7 + 10% SCHOOL bonus to research) The 3 Adepts use CLAIRVOYANCE to aid the boat research and development. Farmland. [5000] If at all possible without offending the natives, the Librarians in the Blackmarrow Enclave attempt to gather information on the two Places of Interest rumoured to exist within the House’s borders. One is next to the capital, so at least that one should be easy to get information on. 3900 saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1508 WHO NEEDS RP WHEN YOU HAVE BOG SILK!? Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,737,754 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 5 (+2%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar, Ischyros Army: 500 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 Medium Infantry 1000 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 4000 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 5000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 Bog Silk: 3000 --- Total Funds: 30,500 Actions: The southern expedition continue onward, this time west to make contact with the rulers of Danwent. A fresh expedition of two librarian knight units is sent to fully survey the mountain chain south and south-west of the Bastion, or as much as can be surveyed and scouted for the meagre sum alotted in the yearly budget. [500]. Blackmarrow Enclave [10,000] Tykirfell Enclave [10,000] Chapel of Knauledge Enclave [10,000] ^mechanically paying for the previously established enclaves due to new national idea. 0 saved.

Game ended due to GM burnout. Might make another god game at some point, or do something completely different. Thanks for playing everyone, it was fun while it lasted. I know we’ve had a couple of lurkers as well, so I hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as we have.

The Fortress Libraries 1508 The embassies of the Librarians are constructed and swiftly staffed in the cities of Blackmarrow, Ulyadar and Knauledge. They are as microcosms of a Fortress Library proper, enclaves of scholars and diplomats whose missions are myriad. The diplomats maintain continued dialogue with the local rulership, assuring them of the benign intentions of the visiting scholars and smoothing over any “misunderstandings” with over-eager researchers, as well as regulating and promoting the commercial relationship between the host state and the Librarian territories. Most of the scholarly work involves investigations of the local culture, creating dossiers on local politics, observations of local culture, and compendia of local myths and legends. Perhaps some locals would view the robed, pale strangers with suspicion, but those who wished for a basic education would be accepted within their walls to be enlightened. But a fraction of the embassies are open to outsiders however, and the watchful eyes of Librarian security guards are sure to fuel conspiracies amongst primitive minds. Back at home, the Bastion continues its expansions within and without, the once sombre halls buzzing with activity as resources and personnel flow to and fro from building projects and the northern colony of Fort Vane. Maria Vane herself continues to oversee the project, splitting her time between the administration of the effort to cultivate the Bog Silk worms and excavate the beginnings of a new fortress library in the adjacent mountain. The Silk farming hits a major stumbling block as the Librarians fail to properly harvest the worms’ silk or find an efficient way of making a useable product from it. Researchers at Fort Vane begin experimentation with various industrial processes and silk fabric designs, while at the Bastion archivists delve into the Great Corpus for anything mentioning the uses of worm silk or its manufacturing. Keen to see the profit from the endeavour, the High-Magus authorises the use of magics to aid in the research effort before he sets off on a several month long trip to the Chapel of Knauledge. It results in a rather strange sight – three hooded adepts hunched and chanting over a box of rather unimpressed bog worms for several weeks. Further afield, the emissaries heading southward prepare for another season of exploration now that winter has passed and the fighting near Ischyros has apparently died down. Before the expedition departs the city, they make sure to extend an offer of trade between the Librarians and the Ischyroi to the rulers there. Adequately provisioned and on alert for any war-related skirmishing and brigandry in their way, the emissaries continue south. Deep in the labyrinthine audience chambers, offices and sub-archives of the Bastion rests the noble quarters of the esteemed Council of Geneology. Within its central chamber lies an auditorium in which well over a hundred elders from the scholarly, military and civilian branches of the Fortress Libraries meet to decide the very stuff of life. They are, in spirit and in truth, the grandmothers and grandfathers of the nation, experts in psychology, sociology, population statistics, medicine and family history. Quite simply, this firm but fair senate of Librarian elders decides the future of the entire nation. Love has never been discouraged by the Librarians. It is merely seen as a concept entirely capable of being separated from the concept of reproducing. Centuries in a confined, closed environment necessitated strict control on numbers. Initially, the Bastion could only support a spare few thousand, mandating abstinence or even celibacy, with harsh penalties for those who produced a child that could not be supported by the collective’s resources – especially in the long centuries before the discovery of the cavern system that permitted less limited agriculture. Equally dangerous would be too low a population, for many hands and minds were required for the maintenance of the Great Corpus. For this reason, when mandated by higher authorities, having children was compulsory for some. A whole other dimension was added to the issue 450 years ago, when it became apparent that so limited a pool of bloodlines was having disastrous effects on the children produced – stunted spawns and slobbering imbeciles as weak in mind as they were in chin. It was slowly clear that reproduction was a matter best left to committee. Careful management of the Library’s human stock and bloodlines was necessary for the health of the community, like a gardener tending to a fine tree (they imagined, for trees were somewhat mythical to them). Regardless of personal entanglement, if a Librarian was mandated to mate with another, it was a matter of duty, a sacred and not altogether unpleasant act that was necessary to maintain the Great Purpose. This sounds quite clinical and inhumane to an outside perspective, but Librarians do not love their children any less than others. A baby is raised by its mother, duties permitting, but has an extended family spanning thousands. Children of necessity are loved as much as children born from lust. This was understood by most all in their society, even after the strictest controls were relaxed after the rejuvenating infusion of fresh stock by the “reluctant converts” of the Raids of Bloodline Diversification. Indeed, in preparation for Great Emergence there was great laxity on the part of the Geneologists, for many bodies and souls would be needed once the doors to the outside opened. And here we find ourselves today. Many children are indeed born outside of geneological scrutiny, but the system is far from obsolete. The best and brightest are bred like a Symonian noble would breed race horses, lineages cultivated in the hope of maximum result. The Libraries are of course a meritocracy, but it never hurts to hedge bets with a little selective breeding. And so the track of debate came to the Great Emergence, and the vast geneological potential of this new world. Finally, the issues of inbreeding could be put comfortably to bed, with such a wealth of new stock. With the “damage control” element of the Geneological Council on the back-burner, their attention now turned to “innovation”. “Cultivation” of successful future citizens from good home stock would continue, of course, but the possibilities of exotic new human and humagi breeds out in the world was intriguing. And so, orders were put in place – well, more like friendly recommendations from a pushy parent – that those amongst the new peoples of the world shouldn’t be afraid to, ahem, “miscegenate”. In short, female Librarians based in the newly established embassies are told that it would not be the worst thing in the world if they were to become pregnant while on diplomatic or scholarly assignment. These things will likely happen anyway, as a somewhat over-eager, menopausal member of the committee giddily notes that “These foreign men are SO dreamy!”, to the disapproval of the more serious members. Best to rubber-stamp such things NOW, and get ahead of the issue. This plan is approved by the Triumvirate heading the nation as a whole, fitting into a wider plan for the Libraries’ integration into the new world. Intermarriage has always been a strong part of political alliances – as it was in the old empire, so it is with the new states. Should a Librarian find themselves a member of a foreign ruling family, why that could only be profitable for both sides of the equation! Perhaps a step too far for now. Best that such “experiments in compatibility” are kept quiet. Instead, the Geneological Council sees that each embassy has private areas assigned for months of seclusion away from foreign eyes, should nature take its course... Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,655,004 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company, Manufactory x 2, Farmland x 2 (+1%), Bog Silk Market Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar Army: 500 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 Medium Infantry 1000 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 3000 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 4000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactories: 2000 --- Total Funds: 25,500 Actions: Librarian Knight unit dispatched to thoroughly scout and survey the land between the Libraries and the lands of Knauledge. They are provided additional resources to ensure success. [1000G] The explorers at Ischyros continue southward after wintering in the city-state, heeding concerns about the war in these lands and trying to avoid the conflict. Ischyros is approached with a trade agreement. The Kingdom of Bulgar is approached with an offer for a permanent embassy. This would be, like all others, a mixed diplomatic and scholarly enclave of several hundred Librarians. Research into the refinement and applications of Bog Silk. Experiments are conducted with gathered samples at Fort Vane, and the Great Corpus is consulted at the Bastion for any mention of Bog Silk and its uses in the imperial scholarship. [5500G] (SCHOOL bonus + Education 7) Librarian adepts attempt to use CLAIRVOYANCE to aid in the research of Bog Silk. Farmland x 3 [15000G] 4000G saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1507 The mission to Ulyadar’s Blood Forge yields more questions than answers. A ruin of seemingly impossible age, founded long, long before the Old Empire. Of what they discovered there, the Librarians have their suspicions, and plan accordingly. In the meantime, they seek to cement their good relations with the Ulyadi by establishing a permanent embassy in their capital. Half diplomatic post, half scholarly institute, the embassy is planned to be the ideal cultural bridging point between the Librarians and the Ulyadi. Similar offers are sent to other neighbouring powers, namely Blackmarrow and their fellow knowledge seekers in the Chapel of Knauledge. All three requests are sent with the appropriate gifts. Meanwhile, the explorers sent southward the previous year are thoroughly debriefed from their sadly harrowing and hungry ordeal. It appears that a great deal of resources will be needed to travel into the old Imperial heartlands to see what has become of them. This year, a new expedition is prepared, well provisioned and well endowed with gold to speed their journey. The Quest for Knowledge must continue! The new outpost in the far north of the Stinkswamp, now known as Fort Vane in honour of the High-Quartermaster, sees a steady stream of colonists from the Bastion. They are shepherded northward upriver to the settlement, constructed out of what wood there is available, and local stone quarried from the mountain adjacent to the Fort. That same mountain is undergoing heavy surveying for suitability to build a new Fortress Library, with much of the stonework in the outpost built from probing tunnels into its depths. Overseen by Maria Vane, the civilian orders begin efforts to farm the local bog silk worms and develop methods of industrial refinement of their prized silk. Meanwhile, development of farmlands continues near the Bastion, and the manufactory caverns are expanded. A great expansion requires great resources. Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,591,350 Humans Cities: The Bastion, Fort Vane Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School, Trading Company, Manufactory, Farm Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar, Bulgar Army: 500 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 Medium Infantry 1000 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 6200 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 4000 Merchant Guild: 3000 Manufactory: 1000 Payment from Ulyadar: 2000 --- Total Funds: 29,700 Actions: The scouts and emissaries are redispatched southward, given ample provisions and money to buy more. Should they have a surplus of money, they also generously compensate local guides and scholars for information on the lands they pass through... as well as lavish gifts to local nobility. Their expedition moves south along the main artery of trade that runs from Blackmarrow to the soon-to-be-discovered southern Narosi nations. [5700G] Librarian diplomats seek to establish a permanent embassy in the lands of Ulyadar. This embassy doubles as a school for willing students. They offer a generous diplomatic gift in return. [2000G] ^ that but for Knauledge. [2000G] ^ that but for Blackmarrow. [2000G] A market is built at Fort Vane for the Bog Silk. [7500G] Colonists are moved out of the Bastion and shepherded to Fort Vane, hoping to grow the outpost into a town in the coming years. Farmland. [5000G] Manufactory. [7500G] 3000G saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1506 Much and more has been revealed in the second year of Emergence. The children of the Bastion reach out eagerly to consume the new knowledge available and to discover all there is to know in their immediate vicinity. Of great interest are their neighbours on all sides, in particular the servants of the God of Magic to the west – possessing a similarly advanced library to their own - and the Blood God worshipping Ulyadi to the north-east. Though clearly barbarous and squallid in nature, their nature as humagi was intriguing. Even more intriguing was the offer the Ulyadi emissaries came with. They spoke at length of a great ruin, an ancient centre of the Blood God’s worship, its nature and power far beyond their ability to divine – and so they came to the Librarians, whose prowess in the fields of ancient wisdom has already spread far and wide. The Ulyadi name it “the Blood Forge” a name swiftly researched within the annals of the Great Corpus. To their surprise, the records are incomplete... imperial scholars knew of this place as a locus of vast power and favour for the maligned god, but knew not its location. This is indeed a great opportunity! To expand upon knowledge, to explore the TRUE unknown BEYOND the bounds of their cavernous archives. The mission is swiftly approved. A detachment of Librarian Knights, themselves gifted scholar-explorers, are sent with a newly minted Adept of the Changing God on expedition with the Ulyadi back to their homeland. There, in the freezing north, the Librarians go to unearth secrets long buried... Expansions and investments continue along divised pathways, overseen by the erstwhile High-Quartermaster. Under her direction, an external enclave – ABOVE the ground! – is added to the bastion, for use as a hub of trade to better service the new influx of foreign traffic and commerce into the nation. This trading company, though largely involved with the acquisition of foreign materials, is soon fed by the creation of vast underground manufactories. These forges and workshops are home to the hardworking men and women of the civilian orders, their artisans working to produce items of prestige and exotic calibre from ancient blueprints from the Great Corpus, generating knickknacks and basic household items of ancient imperial styles to trade with the outside world. A great chimney now juts out of the Bastion’s mountain, funneling out the fumes and smog of the industry within. As well as her efforts within the bounds of Librarian territory, High-Quartermaster heads north with a small army of builders and pioneers to construct the first expansion of the order’s territory. Intrigued by the prospect of utilising the resilient silk of the native bog worms, and creating a more easily traversible route through the Stinkswamp, Maria Vane and her expedition travel north up a more reliable waterway of the fetid marshes. They reach the foothills of the mountain range that shields the territory of Blackmarrow from the rest of the continent, and with it the source of the river. Surveyors swiftly get to work assessing the mountain formation furthest south for excavation. It has always been the intention of the Librarians to have more than one Fortress Library. To put all of ones eggs in one basket, so to speak, is foolhardy. The Great Corpus must be copied and interred faithfully in many repositories across the world, so that should one suffer and unspeakable calamity, the world of generations and the knowledge of a lost empire will not be snuffed out. An outpost is built, and settled sparsely, its colonists preparing to begin exploitation of the worms, and the surveyors begin the long task of assessing the local geology for the digging of a new Fortress Library. ((IGNORE WHITE CIRCLE. NORTH RED CIRCLE IS THE NEW OUTPOST)) Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,545,000 Humans Cities: The Bastion Buildings: Merchant Guild, Temple, Shrine, School Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Trade Partners: Blackmarrow, Knauledge, Ulyadar Army: 500 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 Medium Infantry 1000 Light Infantry 3 Adepts Economy: Saved: 10500 Base: 3000 Econ Points: 6000 Pop: 4500 Trade: 3000 Merchant Guild: 3000 --- Total Funds: 30k Actions: 50 Librarian Knights and 1 Adept are sent home with the Ulyadi envoys to study the Blood Forge (Discord, with Ulyadar). Emissaries dispatched to Bulgar. Their mission is familiar. Introductions, cultural evaluation, technological scrutiny and trade request. ^ that, but for the Herzaka. With a new trading company constructed, there is a trade slot available. Emissaries sent south into the lands of the Southern Naros Trade Zone, along the gold route from Blackmarrow, to discover the strange lands and peoples spoken of there... and to pry into the old Imperial heartlands. The two adepts left at the Bastion pool their CLAIRVOYANCE power for signs on how to proceed. Any insight from the God of Change is appreciated. --- Trading Company constructed in the Bastion. (6.3k) (Human discount on Commercial) Manufactory in the Bastion. (7.5k) Farmlands. (5k) Outpost near bog silk worm node. (5k) 6200G saved.

The Fortress Libraries 1505 The first year of the Great Emergence proved to be one of both wonders and tribulations for the Librarians. For the first time in 750 years, the vault-dwelling scholars of the Bastion have left their underground archives en masse, to explore, to catalogue, to interact with others for the first time in centuries. That last was not strictly true, but the Raids of Bloodline Diversification are considered a distasteful chapter in the storied history of the Librarians and though many are descended from the “reluctant converts”, none in living memory had ever seen the sky before. Indeed, such was thought dangerous by the original scholars of the Librarians. Who would choose a life of dank seclusion in preservation of an empire’s lost knowledge, when they could roam the world and watch a sunrise? A mass exodus would surely attract the attention of barbarous marauders, and such a loss of breeding stock would spell doom for the Great Endeavour’s long term success. Many a schism and skirmish was generated by the problematic existence of the outside world, and the intensification of librarian religiousity was in part in order to give sacred purpose to their admittedly limited lives. One day, their toil and confinement would give way to a rebirth of knowledge and enrich the Empire-To-Come, albeit many generations ahead of them. But as one is often reminded by the simple fact of the Libraries’ existence, a life is fleeting, a library is eternal. To be a Librarian, even a lowly serf unskilled of arms or wit, is to be part of something greater. And now, the faith of generations has been rewarded. The Librarian Knights, those who have mastered the art of both the warrior and the scholar, are prepared for their duty. The Emergence’s date was pre-ordained, and training for the role of exploration and recovery of knowledge lost to the Library in the collapse began many decades before. After a few days getting used to the idea of a vast open sky above their heads, and a constant bright light source existing for half the day, a number of the Knights are dispatched on missions by the master of their order, the High-Guardian Theodor Kryze. Long have they read of the outside world, and prepared for its eccentricities. Now is the time to put theory into practice. They head off on scouting assignments or as diplomatic emissaries of the newly emerged order. Their charge is to explore, to discover, to evaluate. They carry with them the hopes of uncounted generations, and the blessing of the God of Change. As their advanced scouts move out into the world, preparations are made for more extensive departures from the deeps, and more intensive interactions with the outside. New chambers are excavated and constructed in the upper reaches of the Bastion. The High-Quartermaster Maria Vane directs the construction efforts with fervour and passion, the finest talent of her generation of civilian workers. As the High-Magus Allidar Varchus consecrates new sanctums of the Changing God’s power, he also oversees the intensification of research into the glacial mass that is the Great Corpus – the thousands upon thousands of tomes stored and preserved within the Bastion and its satellite vaults. No longer can the Librarians be content with simply conserving the books – they had to read them, in earnest, and understand them. Theory must be put to practice, as with the Librarian Knights. Some elders mutter about how their forefathers who put down the Rebellion of the Editorialists would react to such things, but most accept this change in doctrine as a necessary one. For Change is their God. His gifts are sought in this uncertain time in new and pre-existing shrines and magical sanctums. Is this new world any better than the anarchy that has existed for 750 years? Does it deserve the gifts that the Librarians can bestow upon it? Or should the gates of the Bastion be closed once more, in anticipation of a better future. Questions indeed to ponder. Points and Basic Stats: Population: 1,500,000 Humans Cities: The Bastion Economy: 6 Education: 7 Size: 2 Military: 2 Mysticism: 4 Army: 500 Librarian Knights (50 men per unit) 1000 Medium Infantry 1000 Light Infantry Economy: Starting Funds: 45k Late Start Bonus: 10k Pop: 4.5k --- Total Funds: 59.5k Actions: Librarian Knight unit dispatched to scout the Stinkswamp for any useful or unusual features. Identification of local villages and tribes would be nice. Librarian Knight unit dispatched to scout the local mountains around the Bastion. Locations for possible settlement are also considered. Librarian Knight unit dispatched south, through the mountains and into the large forest. This area is evaluated as above. Librarian Knight unit dispatched to Ulyadar. Friendly introductions are made... and its culture and technology quietly evaluated. Trade is also sought. Librarian Knight unit dispatched to House Blackmarrow. Mission the same as previous. Librarian Knight unit dispatched to the Chapel of True Knauledge. Ditto. On a side note, the envoys are ordered not to make fun of the spelling mistake. --- Merchant Guild constructed in the Bastion. (9k) (Human discount for Commercial) Temple constructed in the Bastion. (10k) School constructed in the Bastion. (10k) Shrine constructed in the Bastion. (20k) 10500G saved for next turn.

Yo Gaius, long time no see. No idea if you remember me, but nice to see you’re still alive. How are you occupying yourself these days?