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K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE In the face of an overwhelming concentration of the forces of the profane Amarantic Dominion and their resurrected allies from Ralok Mus, the Choranic army in Lacunas withdraws with their Ishikawan allies. This unforeseen turn of events had completely brought the nascent momentum of their campaign to a standstill, and threatened to envelop their army. So soon after a succession of bloody engagements, Lacunas is abandoned. This blow naturally disturbed and angered the Šāhan Šāh – a great many men had been spent taking that city, and now they had no choice but to render their deaths in vain. But it cemented a realisation in the King of Kings’ mind – the Kūraušahr would have to consolidate it’s positions. And that would have to start with Orev. The Šāhan Šāh had extended his help to Clade Rellin, who he had supported as Emperor of Orev, several years ago, and the campaign had been successful but slow. Tolz, the Orevian Imperial capital, had been recaptured by Clade and the Choranic army led by Spāhbed Marduniya, and then successfully defended it against Oros Rellin, his pretender little brother. But it had been costly to the already small force. What had started as 6,000 Veterans was now just over 3,000 thoroughly seasoned troops. Their position was secure, and Marduniya has wisely had them assist Orev with the repairing of the largely damaged city and assisting the citizens return and rebuild. But if the Empire was going to be reconquering for Clade, they would need greater numbers. The troops from the Amarantic front are therefore shipped from Shishima to the Fydoric coast of Clade Rellin’s eastern holdings. They will spend half the year recuperating in his secure lands, and assisting and familiarising themselves with the locals. Then, with reinforcements of nearly 3,000 veteran troops and a newly anointed Dastur, they would march to join Marduniya’s army in Tolz. The King of Kings’ ally would have his rightful Empire restored to him. Meanwhile, as expected, the development of Kūrahan stalls. Only the necessary farmlands to keep the populace of the Empire happy and healthy are constructed this year around the growing settlement of Pharozeh. A slightly greater sum of money is spent on the employment of the blacksmith hired by the Shogun of Ishikawa, seeking to combine his peerless skill with the natural properties of the material he is given – Meterite. He is to produce 25 sets of equipment using the gold-silver metal, armour and weapons that would be of a quality leagues beyond any yet seen. Eleven sets of this equipment would be kept by the Ishikawans, who fund the endeavour, and fourteen taken for the King of Kings. They would be sent to the Mobads and Dasturi of the Kūraušahr to make use of the energy-storing capabilities of the Meterite, and one set each would be provided to the Šāhan Šāh himself and to Marduniya. The final set would be gifted to Clade Rellin. -=☀=- K A S S A N D A N E [9 Charisma, 3 Leadership, 1 Martial] Meanwhile, in the lands of Orev, Kassandane had been at her wits’ end. Her attempts over the years since her arrival to familiarise herself to the ruling class of Clade’s Orev had been met with disinterest, likely owing to her unsightly visage and foreignness. However, with the recapture of the Imperial capital last year, a new opportunity presented itself to the Choranic noblewoman. The beleaguered city was being rebuilt, but by no means was it a working capital for Clade and his court – yet. *Her plan was as follows – using a loan of a great sum of money from her wealthy family back in Kūrahan, she would purchase the deeds to ruined houses in the prime locations of Tolz for a discounted price, and then pay to rebuild and renovate them to the standard of the Orevian nobles and influential merchants. Then, she would sell these townhouses to members of Clade’s court and his noble supporters so that they could take up a relatively luxurious property in the immediate proximity to their Emperor’s court. In addition to hopefully making a tidy sum from flipping the houses, she aims to ingratiate herself to Clade’s courtiers and hopefully make her entry into the circles of Orev’s rich and well-born. -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 1 Farm in Pharozeh [5,000 Gold] 1,250 Veteran Šemšar Mihr (T4) [10AP, 70,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Medium Infantry (T4) [2AP, 20,000 Gold] 500 Merdan Jengul (T4) [9,500 Gold] 6,000 Veteran Light Infantry (T4) [96,000 Gold] 1 Mage [35,000 Gold] Producing 25 Sets of Meterite (T7) Equipment by the Ishikawan Blacksmith [6,000 Gold] 6,000 Gold spent by Kassandane [See Above *] 1,500 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Spell Research: [Magic 10] Purity: Ahura’s Gaze [T3, NEW] In the face of darkness, a Mobad will pray for the burning gaze of Ahura Mihr to cast itself towards a source or area of black magicks. His radiant power is channelled through the user would that they purge and purify, and restore His light. Light: Solar Flare [T2, 881]

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE When news arrived of the combined Choranic-Ishikawan force’s defeat outside the Amarantic city of Lacunas, the Šāhan Šāh was naturally incensed. “Katsumi didn’t notice a city wall? And this is what has cost us the lives of nearly one thousand swords of the Ahura? What has placed their bodies in dark hands, doubtless to be defiled? An invisible city wall? The death-witches will be crushed, and then there will be questions that will be answered.” Seeking a swift end to the debacle on the Amarantic coast, the King of Kings devotes the entirety of imperial expenditure for the year to the training of many veteran troops to be sent to finish the job. With almost 1,000 Šemšar Mihr lost outside the death-worshippers’ city, a great amount of money is poured into replacing them. In addition, some 500 Choranic infantry and 1,000 Merdan Jengul are trained and outfitted to a fine standard. With the Kūraušahr’s cavalry tied in the blasted siege of the Orevian capital, another 1,000 are recruited to join the men going to the fight with the Dominion. And with reports of formidable black magicks being utilised by it, the magical arsenal of the empire is more than doubled with the recruitment of another mage and four adepts. At home, only a single farm on Kishem is built by the King of Kings to support the town named for the island. The empire’s economy was strong enough, and greater threats than a lack of coin were abound. -=☀=- S U M M A R Y +33,000 Gold from the Ishikawa Shogunate 1 Farm in Kishem [5,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Šemšar Mihr (T4) [8AP, 56,000 Gold] 500 Veteran Medium Infantry [1AP, 10,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Merdan Jengul [19,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Medium Cavalry (T4) [2AP, 21,000 Gold] 1 Mage [35,000 Gold] 4 Adepts [32,000 Gold] 1,900 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light: Solar Flare [T2, 881] Health: Hand of Mihr [T4, 880]

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 2 Farms in Mehrkarta [10,000 Gold] 1 Town South of Mehrkarta [15,000 Gold] 3 Mines and Heavy Industry in Sebkehan [37,500 Gold] 2 Hvar Khsaeton [40,000 Gold, 4AP] 500 Veteran Šemšar Mihr (T4) [28,000 Gold, 4AP] 1 Adept [8,000 Gold] 3,650 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light: Solar Flare [T3, NEW] The Mage casts an orb of light into the air, releasing a long-lasting burst of illumination. The power of this can be controlled, from simple lighting of a room to creating an orb of blinding, disorientating intensity. Health: Hand of Mihr [T4, 880]

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 1 Farm in Kishem [5,000 Gold] Commerical District in Sebzegal [10,000 Gold] Trade Depot in Sebzegal [10,000 Gold] Olk-Wood Mill in Ardašir-Khwarrah [12,500] 3 Civilian Industry in Mehrkarta [22,500 Gold] 2 Civilian Industry each in Sebkehan, Bandar Šapur, Alekešah, and Sebzegal [60,000 Gold] Trade Outpost and Castle on West Coast of the Verdant Gulf [6AP, 35,000 Gold] 2,250 Gold Left -=☀=- Spell Research: [Magic 10] Purity: Heavenly Ward [T3, STARTED LAST TURN] Health: Hand of Mihr [T4, NEW] With a great burst of holy power, the Mage using this spell is able to heal the wounds of hundreds of people over an area at once and re-energise their body and spirit.

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 6 Farms [30,000 Gold] Upgrading Sebzegal to City [35,000 Gold] Building New Town: Ardašir-Khwarrah [15,000 Gold] Olk-Wood Mill in Kishem [12,500 Gold] Mine and Heavy Industry in Sebkehan [12,500 Gold] Sending Army and 2 Adepts to Clade Rellin 625 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Spell Research [Magic 10] Purity: Bedguva Kenad [T2, 875] Purity: Heavenly Ward [T3, NEW] A sincere prayer to Ahura Mihr is uttered, beseeching Him for providence. The resulting ward offers substantial protection to both people and objects in an area, from attacks both magical and mundane.

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE -=☀=- S U M M A R Y Town on Kishem [15,000 Gold] 3 Farms [15,000 Gold] Gifts to the Tribesmen from the King of Kings [1,883 Gold, MOD] Approaching Clade Rellin [MOD] 4 Galleys [16,000 Gold, 8SP] Upgrading 7,900 Troops’ Equipment (T4) [48,000 Gold] 500 Veteran Šemšar Mihr (T4) [28,000 Gold] 500 Regular Medium Infantry (T4) [9,000 Gold] -=☀=- Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light / Purity: Šahâdat az Mihr [T4, 874] Purity: Bedguva Kenad [T2, 875]

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE The cogs and wheels that drive Kūraušahr continue to turn this year, though with a considerable shift in focus towards its seaborne capabilities. The Ishikawans, with their penchant for the sea, had grown to be seen as a natural ally in the court of the very much land-based Empire against the many obstacles to Artaxes’ ambitions. The King of Kings had therefore sought to establish a formal alliance with the Shogunate, and they happily accepted – the Mehrkarta Pact is signed by the King of Kings and the Shogun this year, 872. With the signing of the treaty, the shipyards and drydocks across the entire Shogunate are leased to the Empire for the year. In these, eight carracks and a transport ship are constructed and put to sea by the end of the year – more than doubling the amount of vessels in the Empire’s quickly growing navy. Though not the year’s priority, the army is by no means ignored, with the first contingent of cavalry joining Imperial ranks. The 1,000 horsemen are trained to the highest standard, and provided with the finest horses the Empire can muster. Most of the foundries and smithies of the Empire commit to fulfilling a large commission for military equipment from the Kastovians of the Midlands. The quickly growing military – and population – of Kūraušahr also provoke the King of Kings into continuing the land reclamation in the Olk-Wood, with fields being plowed and irrigation trenches dug in the hinterlands of the blossoming forest town of Sebzegal. Meanwhile, with the diplomatic muscles being flexed, primarily Enjili nobles are sent out as diplomats to the tribes of the Olk-Wood and the coastal prairies on its borders. For now, they come as permanent envoys, here to liaise with and counsel (if they would have it) the chiefs and petty kings on behalf of the King of Kings. -=☀=- S U M M A R Y Alliance with the Ishikawa Shogunate formalised Ishikawan Shipyard Use [28,000 Gold, +16SP] 8 Carracks [56,000 Gold] 1 Cog [3,000 Gold] Producing Equipment for Kastovia [+6,000 Gold, -3AP] 1,000 Veteran Medium Cavalry (T3) [19,000 Gold] 2 Farms in Sebzegal [10,000 Gold] Approaching the Olk-Wood and coastal tribes [Read Above] 1,000 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Technology Research [Tech 0] Heavy Infantry [873, 18,000 Invested] Spell Research [Magic 10] Šahâdat az Mihr [T4, 874] Bedguva Kenad [T2, NEW] Using their natural sense for holy energy, the Magi searches for its vacuums. Towards beacons of dark and blood magic’s profane power, they pray to the almighty Ahura Mihr for guidance that they may root it out.

K Ū R A U Š A H R THE CHORANIC EMPIRE -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 1 Farm in Sebzegal [-5,000 Gold] 1 Civilian Manufactory in Mehrkarta [-7,500 Gold] Keep and Trade Outpost [3AP, -25,000 Gold] (Blue is TO, Green is Keep) 3 Carracks [9SP, -21,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Medium Infantry (T3) [2AP, -18,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran Merdan (T3) [-17,000 Gold] 1 Adept [-8,000 Gold] 800 Gold for Olk-Wood Investigation Sending troops to the Crimson Order 4,575 Gold Remaining -=☀=- Tech Research: [Technology 0] Heavy Infantry [873, 18,000 Gold Invested] Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light: Nova Bolt [T3, 872] Light / Purity: Šahâdat az Mihr [T4, 874]

K Ū R A U Š A H R The Choranic Empire -=☀=- Ardašir, Šāhān Šāh, listened eagerly as his chamberlain read out the report from the northern expedition. Gaumâta and Marduniya’s travels had taken them beyond the source of the Olk-Vein, into a land that the natives referred to as the Graveyard of Stars. There, at it’s periphery, they had uncovered a place of great interest. The King of Kings’ brow furrowed as the chamberlain finished. “Is that all?” he asked. ”It is indeed, Šāhān Šāh,” the servant replied. “They say they did not continue, fearing a fruitless endeavour that would cost more lives of good men. He has written a petition to the rest of the Magi that they work on his proposed solution, but for now expresses his wish to wait until that is complete.” ”That is probably for the best,” the King of Kings conceded. “Thank you, you are dismissed.” Ardašir lent back in the chair of his chamber as the chamberlain diligently bowed and left, ruminating on the words he had heard. Gaumâta’s findings were truly unnerving and deeply heretical, but their distance made them a matter of interest rather than an object of his immediate concern. More worrying were the many reports of Enjili tribesmen and other hunters seeing some strange happenings in the forest. Normally these things could be dismissed as a peasant eating a mushroom he shouldn’t have, but their number and shared descriptions made them worthy of investigation. It would have to be dealt with, but so did an uncountable number of other matters. He sighed, then began writing his decrees for the matter. The men most suited for a journey into the forest were those born in it, so five hundred veteran Merdan Jengul are deployed to meet with the woodsmen who reported the problems and see if they could identify them in person. He rang his bell, and the chamberlain swiftly re-entered the room. Ardašir stamped the decree with the imperial seal, then handed it to the manservant, who again swiftly departed by his master’s will. The door shut quietly, and the King of Kings slumped in his chair slightly. The crown weighed heavy on Ardašir’s head, but by the Ahura’s will would he bear it. -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 2 Carracks [6AP, -14,000 Gold] 2 Shipyards and 2 Mines in Mehrkarta [-30,000 Gold] 1 Shipyard and 1 Mine in Sebkehan [-15,000 Gold] 1,000 Veteran T3 Medium Infantry [2AP, -18,000 Gold] Farm in Alekešah [-5,000 Gold] Olk-Wood Mill in Sebzegal [-12,500 Gold] Heavy Infantry Research [-9,000 Gold] Deploying 500 Veteran Merdan Jengul to meet hunters and investigate Olk-Wood incident -=☀=- Tech Research: [Technology 0] Heavy Infantry [876, +9,000 Gold, 18,000 Total] Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light: Nova Bolt [T3, 872] Light / Purity: Šahâdat az Mihr [T4, 874] Kūraušahr Information

K Ū R A U Š A H R The Choranic Empire -stat posting for now, add RP later- -=☀=- S U M M A R Y 4 Shipyards and Mines [-60k Gold] 1x Cog [-3k Gold, 1SP] 1 New Town: Sebzegal (on last turn’s TO) [-15k Gold] 3x Farms [-10k Gold] Veteran Training for 1,000 Merdan Jengul [-4k Gold] T3 Equipment for 1,000 Merdan Jengul [-4k Gold] -1SP, +3k Gold -=☀=- Tech Research: [Technology 0] Heavy Infantry [-9,000 Gold, NEW] Spell Research: [Magic 10] Light: Nova Bolt [T3, 872] Šahâdat az Mihr [T4, NEW] :neet: Kūraušahr Information

K Ū R A U Š A H R The Choranic Empire “A thing of beauty, is it not General?” “Certainly, though I worry what it means for our journey,” Marduniya responded. The two stood outside their neighbouring tents, marvelling at the meteor blazing through the night sky overhead. “I would not,” counselled Gaumâta, High Maguš and leader of the expedition. “A streak of glorious light? I do not need to be a priest to see this is the blessing of the Ahura on our journey.” “I put my faith in your wisdom, Gaumâta, as do we all,” the General conceded. They may have both been held in the same regard by the Šāhān Šāh, but the leader of the Choranic priests was better placed to know about such things. Marduniya’s gaze returned to earth and across the camp which had been set up for the winter. They had come to rest at the base of some hills just beyond the edge of the far-side of the Olk-Wood – further afield than any Choranic general had taken troops before. The men slept for now, but the many carts of the expedition had been loaded with their supplies. “I eagerly await the resumption of the expedition,” Marduniya said to a still star-gazing Gaumâta, breaking the momentary silence. “I have sensed a restlessness among the men for some time.” “As do I. But there is no cause to rush – accuracy and safety are paramount. We have been wise to wait til spring.” Despite his veiled complaint, Marduniya did agree. Crossing the unknown hills and mountains that stood before them in the midst on winter would have brought death and disarray. Now that it was getting warmer, they were to head north in the morning, continuing along the Olkvein and then crossing the hills. “What do you believe we may find out here?” “I could not say, though this omen gives me faith that we are bound to find something of significance. Even if not, we are here to chart the lands beyond the Olk-Wood – the expedition will still remain successful,” the Maguš affirmed. “Assuredly,” Marduniya agreed. “For now though, I had better retire to my tent. Tomorrow will doubtless bring challenges I will need sleep for.” “Rest well then, general,” Gaumâta bade as the general passed through the flap. After checking the general was settled, he knelt down on the grass, and breathed deeply. As he started by muttering a prayer, his eyes briefly glowed white before they closed, and Gaumâta felt the heavens begin to flow through him. -=☀=- As the expedition up the Olkvein and beyond resumed, the Šāhān Šāh’s focus diversified significantly. Expansion north continued, with a trade outpost established at the confluence of the Olkvein with the river that flowed south into it through the Olk-Wood itself. A keep is also established between the present Choranic borders and the outpost in order to secure the route to it. With this, the empire’s trade both internally along the Olkvein and with the tribesmen deeper within the forest would be secured and bolstered. Back down south in the coastal cities, industrial expansion continued. In the capital, commercial workshops are constructed to boost production of wares that the merchants of Kūrahan would be able to peddle in foreign ports. Mines were established in the hills north of Bandar Šapur, for the purpose of supplying the new shipyards being built simultaneously in the city’s ports. With war in the sea raging nearby, Ardašir saw great need to establish a navy. For similar reasons, the Imperial army also begins training some new recruits and producing their equipment. A thousand Serkhedar and Enjili tribesmen are drawn up as Merdan Jengul, their hunting skills to be put to use against any enemies of the Empire. Furthermore, five hundred men begin training as steadfast infantry. And in between their duties, the priestly Magi caste continues with their ruminations and experiments with the blessings of Ahura Mihr. -=☀=- S U M M A R Y Expedition Continues, Channel the Heavens Cast Trade Outpost and Keep [-25,000 Gold, 3AP] 2 Mines and 2 Shipyards in Bandar Šapur [-30,000 Gold] 3 Civilian Manufacturing in Mehrkarta [-22,500 Gold] 1 Unit Medium Infantry [-8,000 Gold, (Reg L3) 1AP] 2 Units Merdan Jengul [-9,000 Gold] 2,800 Gold Remaining Spell Research: Purity: Divine Inspiration [T3, 869] Light: Nova Bolt [T3, NEW] The mage produces a large, ballista-like bolt made of light, before firing it forth. Upon activation by the caster, the bolt then bursts into a blast of brilliant light and explosive force. Kūraušahr Information

K Ū R A U Š A H R The Choranic Empire As the Empire’s industry sluggishly rouses from the post-Atem hibernation, it begins to flex its expansionary muscles. An expeditionary force is sent along the Olkvein to chart its source, consisting of 500 Imperial Infantry and numerous scholars and cartographers, including one of the venerated Magi. They are followed by a large convoy of supplies, though not for long. They begin construction of a keep a few leagues north of Choranic control in order to claim the area and its natural resources for the Šāhān Šāh. S U M M A R Y Commercial Districts in Sebkehan, Bandar Šapur, and Alekešah [-30,000 Gold] Olk-Wood Mills in Sebkehan and Bandar Šapur [-25,000 Gold] Keep on the Olkvein [-10,000 Gold, 2AP] Farms in Alekešah [-10,000 Gold] Exploration up the Olkvein 1,800 Gold Remaining Spell Research: Purity: Divine Inspiration [T3, 3rd Turn] The Light of Ahura Mihr fills the hearts and minds of the targets, rallying and boosting their morale. Channel the Heavens [T1 to T2, 3rd Turn] Kūraušahr Information

K Ū R A U Š A H R The Choranic Empire The Choranic Empire was not a particularly ancient polity, but its people were. Long had the Choranic peoples sat on and between the edges of the central Olk-Wood and the Sea of Fydor, and long had they thrived here independently. The numerous tribes and kingdoms that inhabited Kūrahan all descended from the same stock and had long feuded, but was largely ignored by the world at large as something of a backwater. The Serkhedar fought the Enjili for the forest, the Aderan fought the Resweb for the hills, and the Deshet fought the Asetpe for the coastal prairies and plains – this was the way it had always been among these peoples, and little both within and without their corner of the world interfered with it. The first, last, and only time that foreigners have played a great role in the lives came with the arrival of Atem’s legions. Disorganised, backwards, and divided, the Choranic peoples were quickly subsumed. Rule under Atem brought many things to Kūrahan – technology, civics, bureacracy, and so on. But chief among them was brought not by Atem’s knowledge and benevolence, but its ignorance and repression – Choranic unity. As Atem cracked, the old feuds were forgotten in place of the mutually held dream of independence, and people of all the Choranic kingdoms fought together to realise it. The great empire’s implosion birthed 6 Choranic kingdoms of varying sizes. The one-time unity quickly faded back into the ancient enmity, but the idea of a shared destiny for Kūrahan remained. This time, they fought not for blood feuds but to be the leader of the Choranic peoples. Asetpe, centred around the mouth of the Olkvein (known as Alekeregu in the Choranic tongue), quickly emerged at the head. Lead by the legendary King Šapur, the campaign to take sovereignty of all Choranic peoples was long, hard, but decisive. In a few short decades, the Choranic peoples were united and Šapur declared himself “Šāhān Šāh” – King of Kings. While the enmity did not fade for many, the final realisation of Kūrahan’s unification and its endorsement by the Magi of Ahura Mihr meant most accepted or even embraced new imperial rule. Years and kings passed, and the Empire found itself enjoying prosperity. It’s borders had expanded up the Olkvein and beyond the eastern hills, into the lands of some of the many Choranic tribesmen who did not form true kingdoms. The Magi had developed a keen aptitude for honing and expanding the abilities of those blessed by Ahura Mihr with magical prowess. Šāhān Šāh Ardašir, known as Artaxes in the Atemic tongue, now sought to continue the work of his predecessors, and expand the spiritual and temporal dominion of the Choranic Empire far beyond what they could have dreamt. 865 Artaxes, seeing the need for a sizable foundation of gold from which to springboard his plans, begins a period of mercantile expansion. The ground for trade depots to be built in the capital of Mehrkarta, the nearby port city of Bandar Šapur, and the inland city of Alekešah is laid, with the hope of expanding trade between the towns and cities of Kūrahan and those beyond its borders. [-30,000 Gold, +3 Trade Depots] The King of Kings also demands half of the Empire’s infantry go through rigorous training in the western hills, forming a suitable vanguard for his needs. [-4,000 Gold, Veterancy on 2 units medium infantry] Trade offers are made and accepted with various nations. 100 Gold Remaining 866 Continuing with the project of bolstering trade within and without, Artaxes funds a final trade depot in Sebkehan. With the other cities completing their own depots, and the capacity for trade in them increased, the King of Kings funds the construction of a commercial district in the capital to take advantage of it. [-10,000, + 1 Trade Depot] [-10,000, +1 Commercial District] Gold alone would not be enough to kickstart the Empire’s expansion – troops and the industry needed to support them were also a keystone. The vast, ancient forests of the Olk-Wood contained enough fuel for the fires of industry to keep the furnaces lit for millenia – in the hinterlands of Mehrkarta and Alekešah, great number of lumber mills are constructed to begin the gathering of this. Food was also necessary, and so irrigation ditches are dug further and fields tilled longer, also in the hinterlands of the capital. [-25,000, +2 Olk-Wood Mills] [-10,000 Gold, +2 Farms] 4,800 Gold Remaining Kūraušahr Information

Discord Name: nope Nation Name: Kūraušahr (Choranic Empire) Government Type: Imperial Monarchy Magic Type: Light Leader: Šāhān Šāh Ardašir (Artaxes, King of Kings) Culture: The peoples of the Choranic empire are a collection of various related ethnic groups with a largely common religion. Most are native to the coastline on the edge of the Olk-Wood, though a few name their home within the vast forest. This religion consists predominantly of worship for an entity they refer to as Ahura Mihr (Oromires), a god of creation and light who protects the Choranic peoples and guides them towards good deeds. This is reflected in their exclusive acceptance of light magic, which they see as a blessing from Oromires. History: -skipped for now- Groups or places of interest: Key Figures (3 people with points): Artaxes (Ruler) 6 Leadership 3 Martial Skill 4 Charisma 0 Arcane 0 Agility will do rest later Point Distribution: 10 Size 10 Magical Knowledge 6 Military 5 Loyalty Starting Spells: will choose later Nat Idea: will choose later Unique Units (3): will choose later Starting Location: u have it What is my Favorite color?: huwhite

Nation Name: Federation of Lekrid Race: Ka’Cezh Background: Dominion had been the natural state of affairs on Lekrid for as long as the Ka’Cezh records extended . Empires rose and grew, then collapsed and were replaced again. Some greater than others, but none had matched the empire established by the nation of Evgeni. Evgeni’s rise followed shortly after the advent of the nuclear age on Lekrid, in no small part because their scientists were at the forefront of the technological revolution. After their apocalyptic weaponry had been unveiled to the world, many of their neighbours simply submitted to Evgeni whether friendly or hostile. Dominion was the natural state of affairs for the Ka’Cezh, and they chose what to become part of another rising empire doomed to fall and bide their time than face up to thermonuclear annihilation. Their rise was meteoric. Even those that weren’t cowed by the threat of nuclear arms were quickly overpowered by the incredible might of an empire without precedent, and soon Evgeni’s sovereignty spanned most of the globe without ever once actually dropping the bomb in anger. However, the rise did not continue without end. In the year 2097, the nation of Kos Antin tested their first nuclear weapon. In 2104, they were joined by Fodorsk. These two, while certainly not a match for Evgeni, were empires in their own right and now had the power to resist the ascendant regime. And the final obstacle dropped in front of further Evgen expansion came in 2110, when they and the rest of the independent nations signed the Vol Khev Accords, vowing non-aggression and mutual defence. With a pen stroke, the death knell of Evgeni had been rang, thought not obviously at first. Initially, it was just increased unrest and protest from the many, many subdued peoples under their empire. But this, as it always had, grew into riots and armed uprisings. Subsumed nations declared independence in quick succession, and as Evgen forces swept in to quell these upstarts, the nations of the Vol Khev Accord joined the rebels’ fight. Evgeni was strong, but even it could not stand in the way of a global wave of rebellious fervour. It was only a few short years before the cycle was completed and Evgeni’s empire was completely dismantled. A new order was proclaimed at the so-called Last Treaty – all peoples of the world were to be united in the Federation of Lekrid, with equal representation in a federal, republican Assembly of Peers. Even the defeat Evgen were given their fair share of the representation, and a clause declared all national claims and grudges beyond their borders null and void. No more would a Ka’Cezh nation hold dominion over another. Global economic and technological co-operation, which had already been swiftly growing, now sky-rocketed. In only a few short decades after the Federation formed, they had expanded their reach across the solar system, and another few decades after that they had reached and established permanent presences around other stars. In the year 2200, the Ka’Cezh have reached the true golden age of their history, and none doubt it will grow greater still. Starting Points: Economy: 10 Technology: 10 Space: 5

T H E M O R N I N G K I N G D O M S U M M A R Y New Outpost [5,000 Gold] [Tip of Peninsula] New Town – Nanhei Hermitage in Liangjing [50,000 Gold] Upgrading Heifeng, Zaoshangfeng, Richuguo, and Shiwo to cities [15,000 x 4 Gold] 1 Unit Mangonels [3,000 Gold] 1 Unit Ballistae [1,500 Gold] Morning Kingdom Statistics

Forum Name: got it Skype: got it God Name: Kthonos, Entropic Horizon God of the Clandestine, Crime, and Disorder Appearance: Humanoid clad in black robes and a red sash. Face appears only as a flame, with facial features constantly just out of perception. Black particulate halo, formed of burnt dirt and ash above the head. Agenda: Seek to influence mortals towards intrigue, rebellion, and secrets. Would oppose order, truth, authority and attempts towards influencing mortals to such ends Description: Kthonos is a god who’s nature focuses on mortals, and much less on the natural or general world. He despises authority and those who try to impose it, and takes pleasure from watching mortals plot and scheme. For him, there is no greater joy than a mortal planing to betray their closest friends or family for ephemeral, meaningless gains. His ideal world is one where every mortal being distrusts every other, where survival can only come through scheming, and where kings and masters are just distant memories. Sample Creation: Iad Tarkis, City without Masters A vast underground city where crime is ubiquitous and law is nonexistent, settled in an inscrutable network of caverns and tunnels. Untold numbers of smugglers, thieves, gangs, and syndicates make Iad Tarkis their home, constantly vying for survival and dominance. Organisations exist, but all are criminal and all seemingly collapse from in-fighting before they can grow to control more than a small portion of the city. Trust is a weakness which only the weak and dim engage in, often to the benefit of the malfeasant. The only thing shared is their god, Kthonos, to whom the only temples are dimly lit back rooms, blood-slicked alleyways, and the smouldering ruins of riots.

U N I O N T H U L È E N E With the deterioration of the Rontan situation, the Federal Executive Commission had been rather disturbed. Few Rontans understood the Thuleans’ offer, and fewer still had been willing to accept it. Even after the kings and emperors of the Rontan world were disposed of, they stubbornly refused to accept their own liberation, and now their societies were in anarchy. A new plan had been formulated. While some urged for a direct invasion of Rontan civilisations to topple their slave-state regimes, the majority of the FEC and the Thulean populace had no desire to inflict massive casualties on those they were trying to save. Instead, it was decided that the Thuleans would establish a colony on the Rontan world, and have that bulwark of egalitarianism, progress, and freedom serve as a beacon for Rontans to come willingly. Naturally, a military presence would be required to protect the colony from the likelihood of Rontan reactionaries, but no military action against the cities would take place. With that decided, a colony ship begins construction in the shipyard above Thule San Entrave. Meanwhile, the FEC continues the economic development of the newly colonised systems. Yet more infrastructure is constructed across the two worlds of Céruléen Inébranlable and Bijou San Fins, serving to provide yet more federal support to the many cantons’ communes and co-operatives. The majority of the program is once again focused on the former world, though the regional governments of Bijou San Fins are assured that funding will be available next year to maximise planetary productivity and efficiency as it will have been with Céruléen Inébranlable. On Thule San Entrave, the Institut Fédéral de Physique et Astroingénierie continues research into the Warp Drive. Both they and the FEC were expected a breakthrough last year, but it did not come, and as such the majority of the Union’s federal research assets are directed as seeking such a breakthrough. The research on faster-than-light communication continues as it has been doing, with progress slow but sure. Meanwhile, the two research vessels continue their assigned task, though this time they go further than any have gone from the core worlds. S U M M A R Y Céruléen Inébranlable: 3 Civilian Infrastructure [30k Credits] Bijou San Fins: 2 Civilian Infrastructure [20k Credits] Research: Warp Drive [10R, 50 Total] FTL Communications [4R, 14 Total] Shipyard: Colony Ship [8M] Actions: Mission: Standard Exploratory Operations Neuf et Dix Objectives: Deploy Exploration Vessel Conscience to Sector [1 South, 3 East] Of Capital Deploy Exploration Vessel Éclaircissement to Sector [1 South, 3 West] of Capital R E S O U R C E S 57,500 [-50,000] Credits 5 Labour 35 [-8] Materials 17 Supplies 0 Alloys 14 Research 15 Troops Thulean Union Statistics

T H E M O R N I N G K I N G D O M The Morning Kingdom was rather busy this year. The emergence of two new cities on the other side of the Black Brume meant a rush of business and trade for the Western Territories. The Morning King elects to capitalise on this with the construction of numerous trade buildings in them, including Merchants Guilds and Trade Ports in both, and a Manufactory in Xian Shanguo. Anticipating a sharp rise in the Kingdom’s production and therefore goods, the Morning King also charters yet another trade company based in Yonghai, this time for the purpose of trading with the remnants of the Symon Empire. Futhermore, two new towns crop up, one in the Orbita Basin, and another in the eastern sections of the Black Brume. They are granted their charters, the former named Richuguo, the latter named Shiwo. Expansion continues further, with settlers arriving en masse in the last stretch of unclaimed territory in the range to establish an outpost – territory bordering the Throats. Regardless, the Morning King orders the construction of 3 new areas of farmland to support the quickly growing population and settlements of the Kingdom. Growing tired of the disappearances near Cairn, and the rumours and unrest accompanying them, the King also begins the training of troops specifically to handle this nuisance. 500 heavy infantry are drawn from the many of the Kingdom’s strongest unenlisted young men, trained with great intensity, and outfitted with steel arms and armour. S U M M A R Y 2 New Towns New Outpost [5,000 Gold] Merchant’s Guild in Xian Shanguo and Fuxiao [18,000 Gold] Ports in Xian Shanguo and Fuxiao [27,000 Gold] Manufactory in Xian Shanguo [7,500 Gold] Trading Company in Yonghai [7,000 Gold] Trade offer to Symon 3 Farms [15,000 Gold] 2 Units T3 Elite Medium Infantry [12,000 Gold] Morning Kingdom Statistics

K O N U N G D Ó M R T A N M A R K A R [LAST TURN] S U M M A R Y: 3 Markets in Áross [22,500 Gold] 1,450 Gold Remaining --- [THIS TURN] Kaupmannahǫfn, the old capital, was once again in Danish hands. After a year-long siege, the combined forces of Sweden and Denmark had finally pressured the remaining defenders into surrender. Through caution and sound strategy, the loss of life for both the coalition and the citizenry was minimal, and King Hardeknud had entered what was now a town triumphantly. In the coming year, he set about returning the old capital to its former status. The King’s court and his retainers were brought over to Sjaelland, save for Jarl Einarr who’s sound governance was entrusted with Áross. The King immediately sets about rejuvenating the capital, as he had promised to the citizens throughout the siege. The town already boasted a small market, but was lacking if it was to be the centre of a capital’s economy. As such, a large quantity of gold is spent on expanding the market and improving opportunities to attract new merchants and bolster long-standing ones. Still, not all efforts are centred on the renovation of Kaupmannahǫfn. Just across the narrow strait between Fyn and Sjaelland, the hinterlands of Oðinnsvé see considerable investment. With more troops and more settlements came more mouths to feed, and so the expansion of farms was vital. Meanwhile, the war with Norway was not yet concluded – not while the traitor king still sat on the throne in Oslo. The King sets about further military expansion, recruiting another 1,000 of the infamous Víkingr to bolster the ranks of the future invasion force. Another transport is constructed for the same purpose. S U M M A R Y Moving Capital to Kaupmannahǫfn Market in Kaupmannahǫfn [7,500 Gold] Farmland in Oðinnsvé [5,000 Gold] 2 Units Regular T3 Víkingr [16,000 Gold] 1 Transport [200 Gold] 125 Gold Remaining Kingdom of Denmark Statistics

Thulean Union [Quick Post, Away from PC, Will Edit] 4 Civilian Industry [40k Credits] 4 Freighters [12M] 1 Unit Tanks [4M, 2S] Research: Warp Drive [8R, 40 Total] FTL Comms [6R, 10 Total] T1 Research Facilities [5R, 5 Total]

K O N U N G D Ó M R T A N M A R K A R [LAST TURN] S U M M A R Y 2 Units T3 Regular Vikingar [16,000 Gold] 4 Ballistae [4,000 Gold] 1 Battering Ram [1,000 Gold] Farmland in Oðinnsvé [5,000 Gold] 575 Gold Remaining Kingdom of Denmark Statistics

-snip- T H E M O R N I N G K I N G D O M A sharp exhalation ended this session of Fa Xian’s meditation. He had, for the past few years, been in self-imposed exile in Heifeng. Fa had found the people of the Black Brume to be a cheery and welcoming folk, suprisingly enough. But he soon realised that between the distance from the Throats and being on the forefront of a great and righteous endeavour, there was much to be happy about here. Indeed, that is why Heifeng had become his resting place. It had been a good few years since Fa had committed to a duty much too dark and deathly for him. The whispers still licked hungrily at the edges of his perception from time to time, but meditation had helped them to abate. As had staying in Heifeng. He rose to his feet, the pine planks beneath his well-worn mat voicing a creaky protest. The young priest collected his fur coat – necessary at such elevation – and pulled it over his orange robes. The mountain air rushed into his lungs as he opened the door, a small pleasure he took every morning. ‘A ritualised day brings one to an ordered life – an ordered life brings one to the Mother and the Father’. These words of Fa’s prophet had provided much guidance, and he stepped out to begin the daily rota they had inspired. In the morning, when the mist was thickest, he would venture out into the hinterlands of Heifeng to collect water and herbs, flowers, and roots. The obscurity the fog brought was a small regular test for himself, and Fa relied mostly on his faith and his memory to navigate and find what he needed. Once satisfied, the young priest would return to the town and prepare the gatherings into various salves and brews. Fa would then go round Heifeng, using his finds to tend to the elderly and the sick of the isolated town. Being in the mountains, Heifeng lacked the doctors of the more cosmopolitan core of the Kingdom, and so his was a much-needed service. The young priest was more than capable of healing without going to such effort, but needlessly using one’s abilities was a terrible vice of his faith, and he did thoroughly enjoy the structure this scenic route took. After a few hours of doing so, Fa would end the day by leading a sermon for the town’s faithful in front of a small shrine at the peak of the hill on which the town was situated. Usually, he would then return to his lodge, meditate for some time, and then rest until the next day. This day ended somewhat differently, however. A man stood at the back of the day’s sermon, one who was not a resident of the town. His perfectly clean and smooth red outfit distinguished and identified him – a bureaucrat from the Kingdom’s heartland, Liangjing. The young priest ignored the newcomer until his sermon ended. After exchanging small tales and wishing farewells to the last of the attendees, the man in red approached him. ”You are Fa Xian, Priest of the Mother – yes?” he asked, in an almost robotic voice that was typical of the capital’s mandarins. Fa remained calm and cordial, as ever, in the face of the sudden and imposing question. ”I am, my friend. And you have been sent from the capital.” “The Morning King has directly requested you return to Liangjing,” the bureaucrat flatly stated. For a statement delivered so plainly, Fa was briefly shocked before he was able to recompose his internal monologue. “I...see,” Fa responded, somewhat lost for words. He did not bear to think about the last time he was asked for by the Morning King. “Did the Morning King inform you as to why I am requested?” ”You are going to Yonghai. I know nothing more,” the man in red said, still not a hint of emotion. Typical, Fa thought. It was rare for the mandarins to be told a single word more than they needed to know. ”I understand, and am honoured to have been invited into the Morning King’s presence.” ”Indeed. You will return with me in the morning. I have arranged for a horse to transport you.” ”Well, I thank you for doing so. For now though I must say good night, good envoy. I have meditation to undertake.” The envoy immediately and wordlessly gave a bow to Fa, who returned it. The man in red then swiftly departed from the shrine, as silently and as woodenly as he had come. The young priest sighed heavily, then finished packing his scripts. He returned home troubled, and more in need of his nightly ritual than he had been for some time. === The Morning King had, this year, set out an ambitious program of domestic investment. As was becoming increasingly common, the Kingdom’s frontier was expanded further both into and beyond the Black Brume, with two new outposts constructed this year. More farmlands were set aside to provide the necessary surplus food for such an expansion, with land grants used to facilitate the filling out of both the farms and the new settlements. More notably, though, was that for the first time since Guan Yu still ruled the Kingdom, new city charters were granted. The stream of pioneers making their way to the frontier towns was more than had been expected, but was welcomed by the Morning King. The main benefactors of this migration had been the towns of Xian Zhanguo and Fuxiao – the former for its foremost position on the far side on the Black Brume, and the latter for the proximity to the Librarians, who attracted much interest from many scholars and minor traders and so forth. Their population boom had been so great that the Morning King had felt confident in awarding them city status, and new governors were sent to each of them. Meanwhile, numerous constructions were taking place in the already existing city’s, at the Morning King’s behest. Two new trade companies are set up in the capital, and the principal port – Yonghai. The prospect of trading with the recently changed Kingdom of Danwent had emerged, and the Librarians had finally agreed to a proper trade agreement with the Kingdom. Furthermore, the walls of the border city, Luoyang, receive a drastic refurbishment and reinforcement, as many years of Throat acid from sporadic raids had begun to wear them down. Yonghai also sees its walls upgraded, with its key role in the Kingdom’s trade necessitating greater security of the city. in the Capital, further monuments to the Mother and Father are erected, as a city-monastery is constructed for the recruitment, education, and ordination of yet more priests, as well as the training of the adept chosen from among them. S U M M A R Y 2 Outposts [10,000 Gold] Farm [5,000 Gold] Upgrading Xian Zhanguo to city [15,000 Gold] Upgrading Fuxiao to city [15,000 Gold] Trade Company in Liangjing [6,300 Gold] Trade Company in Yonghai [6,300 Gold] Tall Stone Walls in Luoyang [12,500 Gold] Low Stone Walls in Yonghai [10,000 Gold] Trade with the Fortress Libraries Trade with Kingdom of Danwent Church in Liangjing [25,000 Gold] Morning Kingdom Statistics

U N I O N T H U L È E N E Frustrations were visible among many of the members of the Federal Executive Commission. The mission to the world of the Rontans had been met with little success, their technological superiority apparently so great that the most of the Rontans the teams encountered either fled or curled up into defensive balls. The teams felt especially awkward at the occasional hailing as gods, and quickly tried to explain the contrary, but that was only met with more confusion, or fear otherwise. Liberation and enlightenment was difficult when you were millenia beyond the oppressed. A solution would have to be devised, but in the meantime the FEC gave their consent to distribution of medical and food aid by the assigned physicians where it was possible, and for starting sociological study of the various Rontan peoples so as to better understand the object of their mission. The latter would of course be done through surveillance from both the ships’ scanners, and the sociologists on the ground’s direct observations. They do not concentrate on this frustration for too long, however. The FEC’s attention quickly turns to the joy of having claimed two new worlds for the Thulean people - both beautiful, oceanic planets. They decide in both cases, natural beauty should be preserved and untainted by industry, and as such the NEC allocates resources specifically for civilian infrastructure to the newly established planetary governments of Céruléen Inébranlable and Bijou San Fins, with slightly more heading to the former. In the Union’s Institut Fédéral de Physique et Astroingénierie, research and testing continues for the creation of a prototype of the currently theoretical warp drive. Progress may be slow, but the FEC is satisfied with the institute’s estimation of a working warp drive within the next couple years. As such they provide further funding to a new project the Institute is championing – the ability to communicate faster than light. Mission control for the exploration vessels Conscience and Éclaircissement continue enacting their planned operations for the year, the lack of any finds for the last two years beyond those already observed or predicted not dampening the joy of humanity’s further reaches into the cosmos. S U M M A R Y Céruléen Inébranlable: 5 Civilian Infrastructure [50,000 Credits] Bijou San Fins: 4 Civilian Infrastructure [40,000 Credits] Research: Warp Drive [10R, 32 Total] FTL Communications [4R, 4 Total] Actions: Mission: Operation Jupiter Centumpeda Objectives: Continue Attempts to Communicate with Rontans, especially Ruling Castes Provide Medical and Food Aid Where Possible Begin Sociological Study through Hidden Surveillance Mission: Standard Exploratory Operations Sept et Huit Objectives: Deploy Exploration Vessel Conscience to Sector [1 South, 2 East] of Capital Deploy Exploration Vessel Éclaircissement to Sector [1 South, 2 West] of Capital R E S O U R C E S 91,500 [-90,000] Credits 5 Labour 35 Materials 17 Supplies 0 Alloys 14 Research 17 Troops Thulean Union Statistics

T H E M O R N I N G K I N G D O M A peaceful year in the Morning Kingdom. The Morning King, Guan Liang, renews focus on the prosperity of the realm, and improving mercantile infrastructure. New ports are constructed in Yonghai and Luoyang, allowing for a greater volume of goods to flow into and out of the Kingdom. Furthermore, the Morning King gives royal charters to three new trade companies in each of the Kingdom’s cities, hoping to bring in traders from further afield. A trading expedition is sent up north to the House of Blackmarrow, in hopes of improving relations between the brothers in faith through closer economic co-operation. The Morning King also funds the construction of a new shrine in the capital, hoping to further bolster the zealousness of the people’s faith. Markedly more clandestine actions occur in a small prison camp out in the Virid Brume, as 2 adepts are dispatched to the fog-ridden forest. S U M M A R Y Ports in Yonghai and Luoyang [27,000 Gold] Trade Companies in Liangjing, Yonghai, and Luoyang [18,900 Gold] Trade Offer sent to Blackmarrow Shrine in Liangjing [20,000 Gold] Spoopy Actions Morning Kingdom Statistics