Alfonso X el Sabio

HOUSE OF ARRYN As High as Honour -A funeral is held for the late Lysa Arryn at the Gates of the Moon as her death will be mourned by many, and her life as a protective mother, and a steadfast, persistent ruler will live on in the memories of many Valemen. -Petyr Baelish begins to sponsor the military training of Robert Arryn under the hands of many different warrior-lords across the Vale, he seeks to bring together the military skills and talents of the entire vale into the future king, Robert Arryn! -As winter begins the well prepared grain stocks of the vale begin to feed the people of the Vale for the long winter. -Existing forts are given charters and orders to commence expansion, and two new castles are built on the road from Gulltown to the Eyrie. Defenses are also increased at the city of Eyrie, an important part of the Vales economy and prestige. Protection of it is neccessary!

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR As the morning fog casts a blanket-like mist over the placid seas, the Ulyadaran ship trudges on slowly, the oars hovering above the water as the rowers were on the deck, stretching their sore arms, quitely leaning upon the sides of the creaking ships above snoring warriors sleeping on mats. They had been on the water for roughly two days now, leaving the frozen icy waters near the Ulya and entering into much more temperate waters. It made no difference to the Ulya however, they don't know what cold is, they have never experienced it, yet they live surrounded by it. The Ulya seldom leave the cold waters, preferring to stay within its frozen domain in search of whales and other creatures with thick layers of profitable fat and blubber on them. In a previous, more peaceful time, the Ulya left the port of Yakur as meer fishermen, battling the waves and its profitable fruits frollicking underneath. Now, this time, the Ulya leave the port of Yakur as warriors, as raiders to distant lands in search of foreign blood, and foreign wealth. The 3 ships carrying the raiders are arranged in a triangle formation, with the lead ship, the Kraka, at the behest of the leader of this expedition. Blood Warrior Gnupa was the Chief of the expedition. Gunpa, has made great strides in his career lately, starting out as meer frontiersmen who was put at the head of a colonisation effort, and was now granted his first inks on his arm, a ritually important aspect of the elite aristocracy. He stood at the tip of the Bow, his gargantuan body looking into the sea, commanding courses for his ship, named Kraka, and the two ships accompanying him, named Brea Jarl, and Geirr. He was a reserved by successful commander, remaining calm and cool. Periodically he would pull out from the inside of his furs a folded piece of parchment, littered with unintelligible scribbles and eye it over, before jamming it back into his furs and continuing to everlasting gaze into the never ending abyss that is the open sea. The faint orange cap of the sun was rising in the east, and some of the warriors had already started on their daily tasks. Life on the fleet was repetitive at times, and the sheet of fog cast over the waves was ordinary now. These types of mornings have been seen countless times, but yet it was different still. Everyone, on all three ships, was on edge. A couple hours ago they had witnessed a white seabird dash across the bow of one of the ships, and zip away in the direction of their destination. They were close, and they could almost feel it. After a couple hours of trudging through the waves, the rhythmic grunts made in unison by hundreds of men ceased when Gnupa peered at his map for one last time and stashing it securely on his belt this time. He would reach for a hatchet that lay on the ground next to his other belongings, and walk heavily to a rope attached to the side of the ship. Effortlessly he strikes the rope, and sinks the axe several inches into the wood, the rope flailing across the ship until the lamp which was secured onto it dropped over the side of the ship and into the seas, the rope resting limp on the deck. Everyone in the crew knew what this meant. It was time to prepare for blood. Silently, but with an almost rehearsed efficiency, all three ships sprung to life. Oars were lifted out of the waves and jammed back into the hull, and shields were placed on the openings from which the oars sat on before. By the time they completed this, the warriors which were resting on the deck were awake by now, kneeling in their respective positions near the bow or the stern of the ship, depending on whether or not they were archers or infantry. They already had their swords and axes in their hand, and their shields placed above their heads, ready for battle. Ladders were already thrown overboard by the time the rowers emerged from below, and took their positions next to their brothers-in-arms, shields raised above their heads. These actions were all achieved in a matter of minutes, and soon the entire collection of ships were dead silent, with only the waves and the ruffles of the sails guiding the ships being heard by the anxious warriors. From a distance, it seemed like the ships were unmanned, as there were no bodies to be seen from the eyes of the early morning farmer, who curiously looked on as he saw the figure of three large ships enter the harbour of the village. He had just finished pouring the last of the feed into the wooden crate from behind the fence, much to the joy of the feasting hogs which gluttonously devoured it in moments. He brushed his hands on his shorts, and approached the beach, looking on as the ghost-ships edged on closer and closer into the harbor. At first glance, the poor farmer innocently thought that the crew had all suffered some horrible fate at sea, which was all too common these days. Bravely, he approached the ships, his worked feet powering their way through the tides until the three ships stopped abruptly, beaching themselves. Immediately, from seemingly the heavens above, a giant individual leaped down from the deck, splashing into the water below. The farmer lets out a light yell in fright, which is immediately silenced as his skull is split into two by a small, red hatchet, his lifeless body tumbling into the bay with a splash, staining the surrounding waters red. Gnupa drew first blood, which is immediately consecrated to Tykir in a quick ceremony, as has always been done in battle.The ritual is a private one, and by the time Gnupa finishes, the screams of the villagers begin to litter the air as the warriors of Ulya descend upon their homes, pillaging the peasants and reaping the rewards. Such a fate would not be limited to this one settlement, as the convoy moves from village to village, make sure their hulls are filled with gold before they return to home. NATION INFO RED:CITIES BLACK:SETTLEMENTS BLUE:TOWNS CITIES: Star: Ulya(Capitol) Circle South :Yakur Circle Northwest: Alost (Port) Circle east, on small lake:Tykirfell TOWNS: SETTLEMENTS: Circle on big lake, Odeilia Circle north, next to glacier:Rypapa East on peninsula: Elirkuta POPULATION:3,807,333+5%=3,997,670 ARMY: 2 units medium infantry, 1 unit light infantry ARMY UPKEEP: 0K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+12.5K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+12K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+7k(MANUFACTORY)+6K(TOWN BONUS)+500(Bulgar trading thing)=52K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:50K TRADING PARTNERS: Chapel of True Knauledge, Fortress Libraries, Kingdom of Bulgar, The Order, Herzaka BUILDINGS FARMS:14 MERCHANT COMPANY:4 CATHEDRAL:1 MANUFACTORY:7 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:3 TOWNS:0 CITIES:4 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -Two fish farms are constructed on the coast of the new settlement Elirkuta, near the eastern coast of the peninsula.(-10k, 2 farms) -The Duchies leading treasurers and merchants have all petitioned the king for the expansion of the Duchies trading partners, as a result of the rise of several new nations all in close proximity to the state. Its current trading companies are all strained to the max and cannot fit anymore merchant fleets. 2 new companies are built as a result. (-14k, two trading companies) -Tancred, the Oracle of the Blood Forge, and his new partner, Ludin, Oracle of the Assirbanakh, combine their heightened powers and abilities to attune themselves to the ancient megalith of Assirbanakh found in the Northwestern corner of the peninsula. This monument has always had a ominous presence among the Ulyadar, and now its secrets are unlocked. -Tancred spends long amounts of time studying next to the altar, meditating in his room, and reviewing old archives, and dedicating a large amount of time to researching the type of magic that allows you to infuse the blood of sacrifices into weapons. Slaves and prisoners captured from raids are used as test sacrifices, and the Duke, eager to expand upon the power of the Blood God, grants Tancred a lot of funds to assist him in his research.(-10k) -The Duke, eager to bring in more revenue to the people, begins to fund raiding parties to raid isolated communities for gold, slaves, and other riches. 3 Carracks depart from the city of Yakur, accompanied by 2 units of medium infantry and 1 unit of light infantry to raid various nations along the eastern coast of Naros, and bring back many riches, slaves, and tales for the people of Ulya to boast. Such an expedition is given the finest weapons, funding from the Duke, and even blessings from Tykir as a multitude of different animals, including 5 criminals, are slaughtered to gain the Blood God’s favour in battle.(-6k) -Ships packed to the brink with settlers head scurt along the coast, past the creaking ice of the northern glaciers to establish two settlements on the north western coast of the peninsula on favourable terrain, guarded by the alps on their backs.(-10k)

OUTER RIM TRADING COMPANY Damien Townsend, Earl of Shrewsbury, was a man with a meticulous routine. He woke up promptly at 8 am GMT, put on his silk robe and bathed in his black-marble shower with natural spring water imported from East Anglia. After he showers, he dresses himself and heads up to the penthouse, where a hot brew of Chamomile tea in his white, ‘GOD SAVE THE QUEEN’ mug with the trademarked symbol of the crown in place of the word Queen awaits him. He would not have his tea right away though, as he would wait normally 16 minutes for the tea to cool down to an adequate temperature, where he would slowly sip it for hours whilst reviewing his agenda, answering messages, and setting his daily plans into motion. This is his routine he has been doing every day for over 13 years, which is how long his tenure as Director of the Outer Rim Trading Company has lasted. His long tenure can only be attributed to the high level of success the company has seen under his stay, and his character. Overall, Townsend was a quiet, but amicable guy, but he had one rule, one rule which no soul ought to break less he wishes to be cast into the farthest corner of the lower levels, don't disturb him until 10:30 am, which is when he finishes drinking his tea and preparing his mind for the strenuous affairs of managing the outer rim. To all new staff that is hired to the palace, they are always given the same message. Don't disturb the director until 10:30, unless its for a dire emergency. So strict was Townsend on this rule, that it is rumored amongst the staff that Townsend once banished 3 custodians ,who lost track of time and knocked on his door accidentally, to the lower levels for life. There was almost a collective heart attack amongst all the staff when a communication from the Empress arrived for the Director, which, according to protocol, has to be delivered by hand by one of 20 people, 20 extreme confidants of Townsend and other high ranking officials. The communication was received at 9:41 am, and the message was marked urgent. A decision had to be made, someone has to take the message up. So, professionally, straws were used to decide who is cursed enough to have to deliver the message, and deliver himself to the depths of poverty and certain torture for the rest of his life. Gasps of sighs and reliefs were collectively let out when the majority of those gathered opened their sweaty palms, revealing a complete white plastic straw. One however, was in utter silence and disbelief. A black man by the name of Edward Ovuve held in his thick hands half of a tea straw, which meant he was chosen, by chance or by god, to deliver the message. He solemnly dropped the stick on the ground, and began balling. The lad had to be consoled by his partners, as they all anticipate the worst consequences for such a grievous sin. He was given one last call to his wife and 4 children before he was given the transmission, and was pushed and shoved unto the lift, which took him to the 80th floor. Edward had to pass through 100 metres of hallway which seemed like a mile. Lining the walls were paintings of previous directors, his gaze kept jumping back and forth from left to right, left to right, until he finally reached the door, and his vision ended on the last painting, a depiction of the smiling face of Townsend. The oak wooden door taken from the Buckingham palace itself seemed like the gates to hell itself as Edwards shakey knuckles rasped the old wood thrice. The door automatically opened, at which Edward was greeted with the peering eyes of Damien, who, not even removing his gaze from the contents of his desks, simply asked him, “What is it at this ungodly hour?”. He spoke in a posh accent, with a slight midland drawl on certain pronunciations. Edward, still a nervous wreck, said quietly, and half mumbled, “A letter from the Queen, Sir.” Townsends eyes immediately lifted themselves to meet the extended hand of Edward. Townsend reclined himself in his chair after snatching the letter quickly, and opening the seal, his brown eyes darting across the parchment as he reads the letter, leaving the poor Edward looking on, awaiting his punishment. After a couple moments of silence, Townsend sets the letter down, and returns his gaze to Edward, staring him down in his pair of black eyes, until the Earl pronounces, “You can leave lad, and get yourself a cuppa on the way out you look like a wreck.” At this, Edward was taken aback at first. Was that all? Was he not going to sentence me to the lower levels? His thoughts were interrupted by the confused stare of the Director, which causes Edward to quickly realize his mistake and shift his feet out the penthouse, shutting the oak wood doors and virtually running down the hall, his eyes tearing up of joy at the fact that he was spared from the supposed wrath of the Outer Rim Company. -Officials at New Albion order for the colonization procedures of Neptune to wrap up, sending 4 squadrons to establish colonial settlements at the 4 remaining moons of Hippocamp, Sao, Laomedeia, and Psamethe. -In light of recent terror attacks, a new statue of Oliver Cromwell is commissioned, nearly as large as the statue of liberty herself and made out of pure diamond. -The previous, outdated, Minotaur class cruiser is slowly phased out in light of the newer, and better, Unicorn class. 150 Unicorn class carriers are ordered to be built in the shipyards across the system. -Scientists research a form of telescope that can provide on demand, clear photos of objects out of the system, and inside the system. It is hoped that this telescope is so accurate it can provide us with accurate, clear images of the ground, including infrared images of the ground, from millions of millions of light years away.

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR The pits of the Grumblers grumbled through this year. Tykir is urging his people for blood, and his people are preparing to deliver his wishes to him. If Blood he wants, blood he shall receive. Next year is the year of Snaithor, the Sacrificer, in the Ulyadar calendar. It is on this year that, according to tradition, the blood god demands sacrifices from the Ulyadi in the form of tribute, or bloodshed. Maps of the known world have been reviewed and discussed, and large cogs begin to prepare themselves at the harbor in Yakur... NATION INFO - Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): City of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Town of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION:3626031+5%= 3807333 ARMY: 50 assorted, maddened soldiers. ARMY UPKEEP: 0K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+12.5K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+9K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+7k(MANUFACTORY)+6K(TOWN BONUS)+500(Bulgar trading thing)+1k(from last turn)=50K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:44K BUILDINGS FARMS:14 MERCHANT COMPANY:3 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:7 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:2 TOWNS:0 CITIES:4 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -Tancred, overtaken by a religious storm, and with the fervent blessings of the Duke, expands the temple even more, doubling its size and using his power to even begin teaching an adept to unlock his true power!(35k to a cathedral.) -With the expansion of Rypapa into a city, the government authorizes the establishment of a Merchants guild to stimulate commercial growth in the city.(-10k for a merchant guild.) -A trade offer is extended to the respectable city of trident, as the enemy of my enemy is my friend! -Archives, ruins, libraries, and even the librarians are searched to find any information on what could be the origin of a tall, pale peoples that haunt the duchy of ulyadar…. -2 units of medium infantry and 1 unit of light infantry are raised. (-5k)

The Outer Rim Trading Company Pluto, circa 2935 It was mid day in the bustling planet of Pluto. Tube-like structures spanned the entire city, covered in spotless glass upon which in the blink of an eye lightening fast monorails zipped inside, carrying thousands of people across the planet in a few minutes. The sun, from pluto, looked like a meer bright star, whilst the planets’ 5 moons were instead the guardians of its horizon, scattered around the sky and zipping around their orbits at high speeds. Commonly seen is the faint outline of several massive ships streaking the sky, the thin atmosphere of Pluto allowing the residents of New Albion to peer into the vasts abyss that is the Plutonian Space Zone. Deep underneath the sea of skyscrapers, factories, ports, shipyards, and other buildings that filled the entire planet of Pluto was a sea of commerce, industrialization, and urban life seen only once or twice throughout the system. Pluto, was the crown jewel of Victoria's Crown. It was the single most important commonwealth possession, boasting more shipyards, ports, and a strategic position for domination of the outer rim not seen in any other settlement. Manning its docks and working its inner workings was a vast collection of commonwealth citizens. Just a stroll down the center street, Victoria Abbey, will grant you a glimpse of what the true meaning of the commonwealth is. Surrounding the pure diamond, gem encrusted statue of the great Oliver Cromwell was a sea of indian, whites, and blacks easily numbering several million people spread over acres of wide open market space. Along the edges of the wide plaza, tall, fancy government shops and buildings lined the plaza, advertising their costly luxury goods complimentary of the Empire. At the north end of the plaza, spanning the entire side, is the hearth of all the wealth of the Outer Rim. It was the Palace of New Carlisle, a massive creation spanning miles and miles on end. It was a massive palace, roughly 80 stories high, and covered in victorian and gothic architectural intricacies. It was a marvelous thing to gaze at, and one could lose themselves in the miles of detail which covers the building. There was masonry depicting legendary events of Britain and her Empire. The Danish invasion, Constantine declaring himself Emperor at York, flattening of Dresden, and the final parliamentary meeting cementing Britain's exit from the EU. This building emulated Britannia in Pluto, and it was the home of the government of the Outer Rim. Inside the palace, through the winding maze of halls, rooms, and offices, there was one which truly mattered. That was the office of the Director of the Outer Rim Trading Company, called the Penthouse for short as it lay at the top of the palace, serving as the crows nest to Pluto. Completely enclosed in glass, some lucky individuals could boast having a view of the Director, Earl Damien Townsend, from their own window, perched at his desk, as he does every day, bearing the responsibility for ensuring the Outer Rim meets its goals and fuel quotas. -Company ships, having been confined to the ports as a result of fuel shortages stemming from the crisis on Callisto, begin to take leave their ports and reestablish Commonwealth protection and supremacy over trade lanes and dominance over the Outer Rim. -Colonization efforts are ramped up on the part of the company, who dispatch 4 separate squadrons to colonize 4 different moons on the planet of Neptune. The 4 squadrons set out for the following celestial objects: Nereid, Naiad, Thalassa, and Neso. -On asteroids and other celestial bodies owned by the Commonwealth they attempt to mine them in search for valuable, rare, or useful minerals or metals that could be put to use by the commonwealth. -The Outer Rim Trading company allocates funds and resources to assist in the Admiralty’s naval plan. -Scientists and engineers are ordered to come up with a secure, safe plan regarding the storing of the Empires precious fuel so that a disaster on the magnitude of Callisto is yet to be repeated.

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR NATION INFO - Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): City of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Town of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION: 3,453,363+5%= 3626031 ARMY: 50 assorted, maddened soldiers. ARMY UPKEEP: 0K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+12.5K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+9K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+5k(MANUFACTORY)+6K(TOWN BONUS)+500(Bulgar trading thing)=46K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:44K BUILDINGS FARMS:12 MERCHANT COMPANY:3 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:5 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:1 TOWNS:1 CITIES:3 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -With the vast construction of fish farms in the area of Rypapa, they have experienced a massive population boom as a result of an abundant and constant supply of fish for food. The settlement of Rypapa, which a couple years ago was nothing but a mere collection of towns is now given the royal status of a town, and giving a Lord as a result. Funds are directed from the treasury to the expansion of the city.(-15k) -2 more fish farms are created, this time near the settlement of Odeilia to stimulate population growth,(-10k) -Stumped by recent events in the glaciers and inability to cross the Alps which traverse the two, efforts to colonize the peninsula use ships to maneuver. Men depart from the port city of Yakur on 3 cogs carrying colonists which hog the coastline in search of a ideal place to land and create a settlement. (Purple circle east,-5k) -Two manufactorries are constructed in Rypapa to aid in the industrialisation and subsequent expansion in its transformation into a sprawling urban center.(15k) -Tancred, has become a changed man. A rather impactful vision coinciding with the completion of a church at the Blood Forge has resulted in his power being substantially increased, he is now the most powerful mage ever recorded in the history of the Ulyadar. An idea befalls him as a result of his vision and discoveries at the blood forge. 10 criminals are brought to the blood forge, as well as with the greatest blacksmith in the region. The 10 criminals are sacrificed to the fiery depths below, and using his magic he attempts to infuse the power of the blood god and, and the blood of the sacrifices into legendary weapon. -The 1k is stored in the vaults until a later time. -One maddened soldier is brought to the Librarians, whom try and use their magic to find out what happened to the group that went into the glaciers.

HOUSE OF ARRYN As High as Honour -Preparation for the winter continues as Lords continue filling vaults and silos with grains and supplies for the brutal impending winter which always rakes through the peasantry of the land. -Littlefinger continues to supervise the construction of a navy for the Vale based on Gulltown. -Littlefinger continues to increase his influence and power throughout the region, especially by meeting and talking with the petty lords of the region. -Defenses are increased at Gull Town.

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR (no rp, on holiday and had to rush out a post.) NATION INFO - Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): City of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION: 3288917+5%= 3,453,363 ARMY: 1 unit Medium Archers,1 unit Heavy Infantry ARMY UPKEEP: 0K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+9K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+9K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+5k(MANUFACTORY)+3K(TOWN BONUS)=40K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:38K BUILDINGS FARMS:9 MERCHANT COMPANY:3 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:5 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:2 TOWNS:0 CITIES:3 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -The Church at the Blood Forge is completed after an intense period of hard work and sacrifice, transforming the measly shrine at the Holy site into a proper place of worship for the Blood God.(-6.5k, 18k/18k) -An expedition into the Glacier lands takes place. This expedition, differs from the rest as it is heavily armed. 1000 trained men embark on a passage through the icey wastelands to fight the lost tribe, focusing on the northern one for now. 1000 men enter the glaciers with the task of finding the lost tribe, exterminating them, and returning. This expedition is well extremely well furnished and equipped, with plenty food, and other materials expected to be needed for such an adventure,(10k into the expedition.) -3 more farms are added near the capitol to sustain increasing populations.(-15k) -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gx8IPvMZ3eJ0Z1yw3i7sZF9GapBAHMIIpksfoxtkkbk/edit?usp=sharing

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR Adaptation of Hukux and her raven leading her men into battle, from the Ulyadar Archives. In the hall of the Duke there was a great commotion. A long anticipated expedition into the icey expanses of the two glaciers right on the border of the Dukedoms territory had produced curious results. Everyone had heard the tale, of the entire company being wiped out, except for one who died in a long tumble, and was recovered with a icey-blue arrowhead protruding out of his mid chest. All the lords, merchants, and men of high status were present in the cozy wooden room, including a pair of two librarians who remained silently in the corner, observing the ordeal and taking notes on a set of parchment papers. Eventually, a set of wooden double-doors engraved with calligraphic runes opened from the beginning of the hall, and collectively the attention of all the individuals present focused to the procession of the Duke through the hall, sporting a blood-stained polar bear pelt, the rear paws dragging on the stone floor several feet behind the Duke. Pelts, in the Duchy, were not only articles of clothing but they were often times symbols. They represented the thoughts and the sentiments of the wearer, so at the site of such a display there was immediate clammer in the hall in the form of a wave of hushed murmers and remarks. A blood stained polar bear pelt meant that the wearer was preparing for battle. In the cavalcade across the hall, accompanying the Duke was the palace guard, the prince, several recognizable scholars of the land and the Queen. The ones of royal blood took their seats on their respective thrones, whilst the others filed into reserved seats in the front of the hall, separated but near the landed aristocracy. Before the court can even commence, a sacrifice must be made to Tykir. It is usually a small mammal, but there is a different animal for different purposes of a session of court. An aged Duke could tell what the entire court would be on simply by what animal was slaughtered at the beginning. At the opening of a side door and the revealing of a small jittery Wolverine, many of the swords in the room grew anxious. A Wolverine was a sacrifice to the 2nd Champion of Tykir, Krek the Blade, the Angel of Battle. This, coupled with the pelts of the Duke correlated a bloody response to the encounter in the glacier against the unknown. After the ceremonial slaughter of the wolverine on a altar made out of a glossy black stone said to be thousand-year-old rock from the peak of Mt. Arfast, a group of Knights approached the Throne and kneeled. The lead knight, bearing a red flag across his shoulder, held something wrapped in a hide. “Rise, Knight, and show me the meaning of all of this,” commanded Arvid. The Knight flipped over a flap of the hide, revealing a collection of 4 arrows, clearly transparent but with a blue tinge to it. The shaft is expertly crafted, and perfectly polished with no apparent blemishes or dents. The end of the arrow had four sets of black feathers evenly spaced out around the shaft, originating from a common bird found throughout the region. Most of the feathers were stained with blood from their target, and some were even missing.. Graciously emanating from the entire arrow itself is a calm stream of a steam-like gas, the arrow apparently constantly sublimating as a testament to its frozen nature. The Duke looks over his shoulder to a robed man standing on his right, asking “Is it what we thought it was?” The man would do nothing but nod twice. Arvid would rise, and abruptly, to the surprise of most of the women in the hall, drew his families sword from his sheath, plunging it into the oak below his feet and subsequently captivating the attention of every single person in attendance. “Firstly, immediately, the Lords of Odelia, and Rypapa will raise their levies. We will need 500 bows and swords, well supplied and furnished for a long voyage into the ice plains. Secondly,as many of you correctly assumed, these arrows are the product of the lost Tribe of Hukux, who apparently survived the banishment into the ice plains after being defeated in the Battle of the Boiling Peaks by the shaman-warriors of the Raksa Clan, whom were one of the three tribes who created the Ulya. The daughters and sons of the God-damned cowards who fled the defeated army of the champion slayer, Hukux the *****, shall serve only one purpose: to feed the fires of the Blood Forge.” The declaration would be met by agreement from the congregation in the form of yells from the soldiers of the land, applause from the yeomen, and blank faces from the silent librarians , though their quills would furiously start to twitch when they saw the grayed Duke clutch his armoured stomach through his layer of chain and pelts…. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): City of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION: 3132302+5%= 3288917 ARMY: ARMY UPKEEP: K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+9K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+6K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+3k(MANUFACTORY)+3K(TOWN BONUS)=35K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:33K BUILDINGS FARMS:9 MERCHANT COMPANY:2 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:3 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:2 TOWNS:0 CITIES:3 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -The Royal Fishermen Guild is created in Tykirfell with Royal patronage, signifying the creation of the cities only Merchant Guild, following in line with the other 2 major cities in the Duchy.(10k) -Two new manufactories are built as a result of the bustling expansion of Tykirfell.(15k) -More work is done on expanding the Temple to the blood god.(11.5K/18K towards a Church) The Counts and Lords of the land have all agreed to raise a levy of one unit of Medium Infantry and one unit of Medium Archers for an expedition into the glaciers to combat the lost tribes of Hukux hiding in the icey wastelands.(-4500 gold, One unit of Medium Infantry and one unit of Medium Archers)

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION: 29831450+5%= 3132302 ARMY: ARMY UPKEEP: K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+9K(POP)+5K(TRADE)+6K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+1k(MANUFACTORY)+3K(TOWN BONUS)+2K(TEMPORARY LIBRARIAN BONUS)=33K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:33K BUILDINGS FARMS:9 MERCHANT COMPANY:2 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:1 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:3 TOWNS:0 CITIES:2 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -The Town of Tykirfell, a bustling settlement symbolizing the expansion northwards of the people of Ulyadar receives the blessings of the Duke as they recieve much love from the treasuries which bless the town with new roads, better buildings, and even a garrison! It will soon be called the City of Tykirfell!(15k to turn Tykirfell into a city.) -Two new manufactories are built as a result of the bustling expansion of Tykirfell.(15k) -More work is done on expanding the Temple to the blood god.(8K/20K)

HOUSE OF ARRYN As High as Honour The road from the Eyrie to the first of the three way castles was a long winding one. The skinny, icy road weaved between towering peaks and gaping canyons, and was plagued with a constant hail of powerful gusts of wind that would make walking difficult for even the most strongest warriors. The castles of Sky, Snow, and Stone guarded this all important road from the possible enemies of the Vale. On top of these were two more formidable castles larger than the Eyrie itself. Any Army striving to conquer the vale would have a bloody time doing so. Lysa Arryn rode on her White Horse flanked and surrounded by 30 Knights of the Vale, clad in glimmering silver armour and proudly trotting next to their overlord. They were descending down the mountain, to the Gates of the Moon, to greet the infamous Lord Petyr Baelish, a valeman himself who came to seek refuge with Lysa after the fall of Kings Landing. Baelish, the vale, and Lysa had a long, loving history, and Lysa naturally immediately rode out of her mountain abode to greet her long time friend when a rider arrived giving them word of Baelish’s presence at the moon gate, the door into the Eyrie. The Caravan had passed the way castles on the road, and after a couple hours of riding the Gates of the Moon was in plain sight. The bleak black mountain road running right into its oak door, which is surrounded by a series of towers, walls, and other defenses that seem to be directly carved into the Mountains. Once the caravan arrived at the Castle, the Lysa led the Knights into the festive hall, where a great deal of singing, eating, and drinking was taking place, Baelish in the center of it all talking amicably with the Lord of the Gates of the Moon. The room would go silent when Lysa entered the hall, and many of the men stood up in respect. Lysa however, stared at Baelish, and smiled. “Come here to escape the hellhole of the Lannisters have you?” Baelish, also standing, replies into his glass as he takes a drink and smiles. “I just got a little homesick that's all.” Lysa would smile, fill a small glass with ale and down it in the middle of the hall, which receives a collection of screams and yells from the garrison, which returns back to its feast, serving as the background to Lysa and Petyr reunion after many years. -Petyr Baelish begins to use Lysa to a lot of influence in the Vale, assuming a high administrative position as a result of his close relationship with Lysa. He begins to foster amicable relations with many of the Lords of the Vale. -Preparations for Winter Continue. -Another 200-400 or so Knights of the Vale go out on a excursion to fight back some of the Mountain Clans and tribes, to curb their expansion and bold raids into settlements and towns in the vale. -The Vale ignores any and all obligations sent to it by any other House of Kingdom, essentially isolating itself diplomatically from the other 7 Kingdoms of Westeros. -Many of the Lords of the Vale caused a stir when they heard the news from the High Septon that a Lannister was made in charge of the Vales soldiers for the Faith! A Lannister would never lead a man of the vale into battle! Jon Lynderly is offered to the High Septon as the Chief Faith Militant for the Vale, an improvement over the Kingslayer.

KINGDOM OF SICILY MCCIII 1205 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF OUR HEAVENLY LORD THE 11TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF OUR KING FREDERICK II OF SICILY -A call to arms resonates throughout the Kingdom as the King levies men and knights from across the Kingdom for his excursion into the coveted lands of Tunisia. By winter of the current year Frederick intends to launch his campaign in the Spring. -Work on the Cathedral of Malta continues as many stone masons and skilled smiths take part in the endeavour, hailing from most of the corners of the world. It is to rival even the Cathedral of Palermo, one of the most beautiful in the land. -Frederick II is becoming fond of the persistent Greek Culture present in Southern Italy. Already speaking Greek, he begins to develop a level of fondness for the Greek Population of Sicily after engaging in a long conversation with a Greek Cartographer in Messina. He lifts many of the harsh laws restricting greek culture, slowly reverting the laws established by his Norman predecessors. -Ships run back and forth from Sicily to the Levant resupplying the Sicilian Crusaders fighting in the name of God against the heathens.

KINGDOM OF SICILY MCCIII 1204 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF OUR HEAVENLY LORD THE 10TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF OUR KING FREDERICK II OF SICILY -Dipold, Count of Acerra takes up the cross and leads a sizeable Sicilian Contingent straight into the Holy Land where they work hand in hand with their Teutonic and Crusader brothers in arms to beat back the Saracen Foe. -The best Scholars and teachers in the Sicilian sphere are hired for the instruction of Frederick II. Already possessing a sizeable knowledge in many of the languages spoken commonly across his domain, he is now provided with a formal academic education. -Frederick lays the first stone in the beginning of the construction of a cathedral in Malta. It is built in the classical Norman-Byzantine-Arab style which is found throughout the region. It is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle and the interior is heavily dedicated with wonderful Icons. -A second contingent of Sicilian Soldiers and Knights begin to be raised for a excursion into Tunisia. By summer next year the regent hopes to have raised roughly 10,000 soldiers, 1000 of those experienced Norman Knights.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gx8IPvMZ3eJ0Z1yw3i7sZF9GapBAHMIIpksfoxtkkbk/edit?usp=sharing

HOUSE OF ARRYN As High as Honour The council of the lords of the Vale was convened at the behest of the lords. High above in one of the highest towers of the Eyrie met the court of the Vale, the Houses of Belmore, Corbray, Egen, Grafton, Hersy, Hunter, Melcom, Redfort, Royce, Templeton, and Waynwood. The winds of the mountains blowing hard against the ancient stone walls and glass windows, and the moon door standing in the background, serving as a silent reminder of what could happen if you threaten to go against the Lord of the Vale. The Lords were sat facing the throne, where Lysa Arryn sat with an exposed ***, where the mouth of the weak, pale, Robin Arryn sat joyfully suckling the milk of his mother. The first to speak is Harry of the Hunters. “My lord, we have all come to speak with you about a subject which is on all of our minds. We ask for the young Lord to be trained in combat and martial arts with any of our knights, so that he may serve the Kingdom to the best of his abilities.” At the hearing of this, Lisa cast Harry a face of disgust. “Fighting, combat? And risk hurting my child? Never! He will learn to fight when there is a war, when he needs to. For now I must protect him, I must protect the seed.” A Noble of the house of Royce chimes in, “But my Lord! The Lord will be a man soon! He must learn to fight now!” “Nonsense! He is not a man yet! He sti-” Lisa would be interrupted by the squeaky voice of Robin, who screams “Hey! Im very strong and manly! I always win in spin the sword!” His lips would quickly go back to his mother's breast. “Yes you are, little sweetrobin.” His mother would gently kiss her on his dark glossy head. “How can the seed be strong if he does not know how to fight!” shouted an unknown delegate. Lisa would stand up, shouting to the rest of the nobility, “HE IS MY SON, AND I WILL SAY WHEN HE IS READY TO FIGHT, HE IS NOT READY AND WILL BE READY WHEN I SAY SO.” The nobles of the Vale would quiet down, the only thing being heard is the wind wreaking havoc on the old walls and windows on the Eyrie. Lisa would take her seat once more, after being tugged down by Robin, eagerly returning his attention to the breast milk. “Now, we have more important matters at our hand, such as protecting the little lord, and preparing for the winter to come. We need to worry about what will happen in the present, the future will resolve itself, and the seed will be strong…” Lisa would smile kindly to Robins sweet, breastmilk smeared face. -Preparations are made throughout the vale for winter. -A small detachment of 200 Knights of the vale depart from the Eyrie where they go to the tribal lands of the Burned Man, and attempt to subjugate as many of the tribal savages as possible. The Hill Tribes need to be taught a lesson as they are increasingly becoming bolder and bolder. -Preparations begin to be made for a reconstruction of the navy of the Vale, and resources, funds, and the ability to fund a naval expansion are assessed throughout the Vale, mostly in the fingers and in Gulltown. The nobles of the vale aim to rebuild the navy of the Vale at the end of the winter season.

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR Castle Thornfell The Throne room was a cozy place. Along the wall were elaborate tapestries depicting stories and songs, of long haired men armed with swords hacking down what can only be inferred as demons and devils, and others depicting the construction of large cities, towns, and great monuments of old. Behind the old oak engraved throne, is the Gulf of Ulya, its dark blue waters calmly swaying back and forth at the sides of large oaken ships docked at the Port of Ulya. Inside the Throne Room, however,there was a series of rather important events unfolding. The expeditionary group had returned from the Blood Forge, their faces still covered in black dust, and their hair reeking of Sulfur toxins, even the bottom portion of Tancred infamous Wolf pelt had been slightly singed off. They were presenting different reports and paintings of inscriptions and ruins found on the age old monuments, all seemingly unlinked, un connected. They however, all tell a different story, a story not yet known to even the most learned and holy of the Dukedom. “My lord, this is arguably the most… interesting… of the pictures.” A black armoured arm would extend towards the Duke, where a servant would carry the piece of coloured hide up the steps into the hands of the Aged Duke. Hed groan in thought, and run his hand through his white frizzy beard. “This is what exactly was inscribed?” Arvid would ask, his pearly blue eyes grazing the surface of the sketch. “Yes my lord, exactly.” After a moment of silence, the Duke would pass the parchment over to the young prince, who would do likewise. “The size of those people are only seen in one place in this entire continent. Our neighbors, The Blackmarrow. In only the past few years, they have shown a questionable amount of hostility towards us, while we have been nothing but amiable towards their people. This land, which we all think we know so well, has its mysteries. The Blackmarrow is a part of that mystery. We do not know the meaning of this, however we will find the meaning of it. We do not know of the hidden power of Assirbanakh, nor why to does it face the Blackmarrow. To answer these questions, will take knowledge, knowledge we do not have.” The Duke would stop his address to the convened council of the counts and lords of the realm, sighing. “I am forced to contract the help of a special breed of scholars to the south of us, across the Forbidden Stitches, whom have been inscribing the stories of these old lands for longer then many of our clans have been alive, an idea which was suggested by my son.” The room would erupt into a murmur, fur covered lords with stone and wooden crowns on their heads turning towards each other and talking in a frenzy. “You will be hospitable to them, as they seek nothing but the furthering of their knowledge, even about us,” declared the Duke over the drones of the debacle amongst the nobility, which quiets down. “It will be law, as is the power vested in me by the House of Ulya.” Arvid would slice his palm open, allowing the blood to drip into a small channel built into the floor of the throne room, into a small hole never to be seen again. The Nobility kneel at the spilling of the blood of Arvid, and bow their heads, symbolically accepting the decree of the Duke. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa, Circle East: Settlement of Odeilia POPULATION2841090+5%=2983145 ARMY: ARMY UPKEEP: K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+7.5K(POP)+4K(TRADE)+6K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+1k(MANUFACTORY)=27.5K GOLD GOLD AFTER UPKEEP:25.5K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:25.5K BUILDINGS FARMS:7 MERCHANT COMPANY:2 TEMPLE:1 MANUFACTORY:1 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 SETTLEMENTS:3 TOWNS:0 CITIES:2 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -With the new settlement comes a migration of peoples and more food being required to feed such peoples. One of the first tasks the colonizers undertake clearing two parcels of ice off the Bay of Ulya, and creating the infrastructure needed for two fish hatcheries and farms. This technology has spread through most of the Dukedom, and is now commonplace even used in small scale tribal settlements.(2 Farms, -10k) -Duke Arvid continues to fund expansion to the ends of the peninsula, establishing a small camp high up in the The Father, thousands of feet in the sky in the mountain range which separates the Glaciers. According to Ulyadar tradition, it was here where The Father of the Mountain, had two daughters, Asdis and Alfdis. The two daughters were reckless, and in one of their games of roughness, killed their mother, at which the Father was furious. As a consequence, the Father cursed them to be seperated for eternity, in his own tears, slowly creeping further and further away from each other. As a result of this urban legend, the Town is called Vyaya, meaning “Father” in Northron. (-5K) -Tancred, following the expedition into the Blood Forge, continues overseeing the construction of a church for the Blood God, at the Blood Forge. It is now half way done, and the makings of a humble place of worship are evident in the bleak, volcanic environment. (-5k,(10k/20k) -Following an agreement with the Librarians, they lead them into their lands and up the slopes of the Grumblers, specifically Mt. Arfast, to the site of the Blood Forge. Here, the people of Ulyadar hope to use their vast reservoirs of knowledge to uncover more information on the perplexing ruins of the Blood Forge. (2k for the expedition, Librarians used this time same group from last time.) -Hearing stories and legends of wild proportions and magnitude, Arvid funds an expedition into the glacial lands of the Dukedom. They are armed to the teeth and bone, expecting the worst from these mysterious and seemingly hostile lands. They are tasked with mapping the glaciers, surveying the land for possible colonisable land and searching far and wide for anything interesting. (2.5k to Expedition. -Trade envoy sent to Kingdom of the Bulgars

Application House Name: House Manderly Holdings: White Harbor Lord: Lord Wyman Manderly Who do they bend the knee to?: House Stark Religion: Faith of the seven Brief History (1-2 Paragraphs): The Manderly’s were once a House inhabiting the reach, along the great river Mander. The were vassals of the Kingdom of Reach and the Gardner Kings, and their seat was located at Dustonbury. Following the extinction of the Gardner Kings, a succession crisis erupted with the Manderlys supporting their claimant, which married into their house. The crisis devolved into a full fledged war, a war where they were defeated and forced to leave the Reach, and fled north, where they were accepted as bannermen of the Starks. The Stark’s were rewarded the Wolf’s Den and were tasked with defending the white knife, in exchange for swearing an oath of fealty to the starks forever. On their exile, they brought with them all of their wealth from the reach, and developed a prosperous city and port, the only one in the north. This unique holding has given them much wealth and power amongst the other vassals if the surrounding area, the Manderly’s being the richest House of the north. Currently, the Manderly’s have sent their own contingent of men south accompanying their overlords to fight against the Starks, lead by the heir, Wylis Manderly. Discord: you have it

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR Tancred leads the group, his upper body covered in black pelts, his long untamed ginger mane dangling down his shoulders. The rest of the group had a similar attire, covered in black cloth and hide from head to toe. At the middle of the pack, an silver armoured knight lead the group through the chaos that is the volcanic landscape of the Grumblers. Exposed ravines of lava, trapped toxic gasses shooting out from small tunnels in the ground, and loose ground were all some of the many dangers that faced many of them on their expedition. They were climbing the east side of the King of Mountains, Mt. Arfast. Snow here fell but never reached the ground, the scorching heat sending it back into the heavens before it can create its usual white canvass. The snow here was ash, ash from the mouths of the volcanos. This type of snow was unknown to the Ulyamen, and their blood did not run strong enough to mitigate its harsh toll on their bodies, especially their lungs. The group neared the Forge, the goal of their expedition. As they reached the forge, the array of unmoving black-stone monuments seemed ever more distant and mysterious to the explorers as they spread out, canvassing the ruins of a forgotten people. Soldiers precariously lifted stones with the tip of the blades, sticking their head inside grottoes only to find themselves facing a sea of molten rock, and entered vast systems of tunnels, praying for a useful find in the ancient moments of old, and hoping that their blood may not find itself spilt on the Holy Grounds. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Small star :City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa POPULATION:2731818+4%=2841090 ARMY: 4000 MEDIUM INFANTRY ARMY UPKEEP: 1K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+7.5K(POP)+3K(TRADE)+6K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)+1k(MANUFACTORY)=26.5K GOLD GOLD AFTER UPKEEP:23.5K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:23.5K BUILDINGS FARMS:4 MERCHANT COMPANY:2 TEMPLE:1 PORT:1 TRADING COMPANY:1 KEY CHARACTERS DUKE ARVID, DUKE OF ULYADAR PRINCE BRUCE OF ULYADAR TANCRED, ORACLE OF THE BLOOD FORGE ACTIONS -Fish farms are proving very useful for the settlements in the North. They offer a steady source of food even through the harshest, most bitter frosts. In three separate locations, hatcheries sprout up, most often near on rivers or coastlines near colonies and settlements. (3 Farms, -15k) -A settlement is settled at the mouth of the River Blud and the Lake Loch, named after a old champion of Tykir, who seeked refuge many times on the white snow banks of the glacial like. This settlement will likely serve as a base of operations for explorations into the ice plains adjacent to it. To settle the lands, they utilize regular communications between Tykirfell and the new settlement, given the name Odeila, meaning “mouth” in Northron. Sleighs pulled by dogs race back and forth, and during the warm season, rafts filled with goods go to and fro the fledging settlements. The Duke creates a new County for this town, the County of the Blue lake, ruled by Count Raoul III of House Hautefell.(-5k) -Tancred and his core of shamans, as well as some 100 soldiers lead an exploratory expedition to the ancient ruins of the Blood Forge. They bring 3 adepts with them, hoping to use their knowledge in the magics of the blood god to unlock any secrets that these age old ruins have in store for them. They bring weapons, and equipment to protect themselves from the elements, as wild as they are in this environment. They camp at the site for months on end, until they encounter anything useful where they are to report directly to the Duke. (-3.5k) -The Duke, once hearing of a civilisation of cave-dwelling librarians to his south, sends a trade envoy to them to facilitate the mutual exchange of goods and commerce, and establish amiable relations. -Serving nothing but a drain on resources and the coffers of the Duchy, the nations standing military is sent home to their families to alleviate more gold to be used for more pressing needs.(4000 medium infantry sent home)

ignore this

KINGDOM OF SICILY MCCIII 1204 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF OUR HEAVENLY LORD THE 10TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF OUR KING FREDERICK II OF SICILY -After a private agreement with the Eastern Roman Empire, the Sicilian Kingdom has sent a contingent of ships with the Eastern Roman Emperor. In response, the Sicilian Kingdom finances the construction of an equivalent number of ships sent with the Emperor. -Dipold, the Count of Acerra begins to prepare a small army to besiege the illegitimate usurper of the rightful King of Sicily’s lands, Walter III of Brienne, a Norman who claims the Kingdom of Sicily through his wife, Elvira. The regent grants him state funds to eliminate this insurrection. -Walter of Capparone honours the wishes of Constance of Sicily, and continues to tutor and teach Frederick in Sicilian, amongst Sicilians. This does not change the fact that he still learns German, French, Norman, and Greek on top of this. -Walter, the Regent of Sicily funds an expansion of the Port of Palermo, rerouting several thousand pounds of silver and gold to build more space for commerce, ship yards, and even a treasury located all in the fledgling coastal town. An excerpt out of Frederick’s documents: O, Lord, there be war in my domain. War is fought with a Norman who contesting mi rule. I am still a boy, but I want to join him. I learned of my ancestor, Roger, and his Kingdom. Rich it was, God favored it. Lord, grant me strength of Rogers, so that the mohemedans may not be struck with satan and help the sicili, and help the king. Outremer, the holy land, should be my rule. I pray to you, lord, in the book of mine.

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR The waters of the expanse were wild, causing the old wood of the group of ships slamming against the waves methodically as they cross every wave. The group had been chasing a pod of Black Whales for days upon days without end. The pod of whales were desperately gliding away from their predators, in an almost elegant but bloody manner, as several of them had been struck a couple of times by several lucky harpoon shots. On the deck of the ships, it was a completely different story. Drummers banging on hide drums keeping the rowers below deck on time, the captains above deck relaying orders , and the fishers keeping a steady eye on the prize, an iron spear at the ready. Out of this pod of roughly 12 whales, this entire group will likely catch only 1 or 2, and go home extremely happy. It was about tiring the whales out over a gradual period of time, and catching the weak ones who lag behind the group. The pod was significantly slower than originally when the convoy first spotted them, but they were still agile enough that they could outrun the convoy of ships. On one of the ships was Eilif. Eilif was a very experienced fisher. He'd had gone on hundreds of voyages throughout his long life, and over time he has developed a keen eye for the weak ones of the pod. He had been watching one whale, on the right side of the pack, whos pace has been considerably slower lately since the other members of the pod. The tip of his spear traced the movements of the whale for days, however it still remained out of range for him. The convoy was getting ready for a poach, and his ship was luckily designated to be the intercepting party. A poach, amongst Ulyadar fishermen, is when a group of the fishing convoy detaches from the main group, and sail to a predestined destination. The main convoy of ships would then lead the pod of whales to the group, and the pod would be intercepted, and a hail of harpoons and arrows would be launched at them. It usually takes no more then 4 poaches to capture one or two whales, however this would be the pods 6th poach. This pod was a fiery, and very jittery. Eilif however, had been preparing for this poach. He was confident that he would be able to strike down a beast, and go home a hero. Eventually Eilifs ship, accompanied by a sizeable amount of ships peeled off from the main convoy, and sailed for a location several leagues northwest, where the pod would be led. Eilif made sure to make the captain stationed his ship so where the right side of the pod would fall right on their ship. And after, he patiently waited. He was one of the more quiet ones on the ship, preferring to enjoy the company of the fresh sea breeze and the rhythmic melody of the waves slapping the wood of the boat, rather than entertain himself in drunk fights of the other sailors. After a day and a half of waiting, the bright red flags of the convoy appeared on the horizon. Immediately, there was a frenzy. During a poach, the rowers come out from their oars, and take up small bows with wooden arrows and place themselves on the sides of the ship, often times brutishly shoving the experienced fishers and harpooners out of their spots. Eilif however would not miss this chance. When a ginger began to shove Eilif ever so slightly out of his prime spot on the starboard side of the ship, he threw the man overboard, and never again did anyone try to take his place again, especially not the poor Ginger who arrived with a beautiful array of barnacle cuts all across his back. The ships were closer now, close enough that the screams and shouts of the men on the other convoy could be heard, and flag signals began to be relayed between the ships. Captains sounded their horns alerting the men of an approaching pod. Men notched their arrows, tied knots around their harpoons, and performed small rituals of fortune and luck. The pod was in sight now, the whales gracefully surfacing up and blowing out a large cloud of air, being greeted by a raining hailstorm of arrows, swords, spears, pikes, and harpoons alike. Many of the pod scattered or dived into the safety of the unknown depths, however Eilifs patience paid off. He spotted his target, as he recognized it by a arrow hanging from the right side of his tail. His harpoon remained steady, slowly following the path of the beast before it is sprung from Eilifs hand, lodging itself on the right side of its stomach, blood immediately spilling out, turning the surrounding waters into a reddish colour. The whale immediately dived down, as is instinct for this species, and a silence fell upon all of the ships as they scour the waters for evidence of a body floating on the surface. For several long moments, no words were said, and everyone was hoping for good results, praying for the black body of the coveted creatures to surface. Eventually, a man on the adjacent ship to Eilif began wailing, pointing to a black smudge in the distance, bobbing up and down on the choppy waves. Immediately rejoice fell upon the party, as their goal had been fulfilled, and they would return to port with a prize. It is whos prize it belonged to that still remained a question to many on the ships, however Eilif, remained confident that his family symbol would be on that Harpoon lodged on the beasts tail, signifying that the kill is his, and Eilif is gifted the fin of the whale, the symbolically most important part of the whale to fishermen. As a group of rowboats departed from the group towards the whale, Eilif remained calm, while the rest of the crew remained anxious. Talk of what each man was going to do with the fin filled the deck, whether it was to sell it, to make a elegant soup with it, or to hang it up on the wall as a trophy for all his descendants to remember. When the harpoon was brought back wrapped in fur, as it has always been done, the men of the boat huddled around it, anxiously waiting to find the owner of the harpoon, the victor of the catch.The fur was pulled away, and from the center of the huddle a man shouted “EILIF!”, and the entire ship swarmed the old fisherman, overwhelming him with comments of joy, and gratitude, and filling him with joy. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Big circle:City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa POPULATION: 2703750+5%=2838938 ARMY: 4000 MEDIUM INFANTRY ARMY UPKEEP: 1K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+7.5K(POP)+3K(TRADE)+3K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)=23.5K GOLD GOLD AFTER UPKEEP:20.5K GOLD GOLD FOR THIS TURN:25K (4.5K SAVED OVER FROM LAST TURN) BUILDINGS FARMS:2 PORT:1 TEMPLE:1 MERCHANT COMPANY:2 TRADING COMPANY:0 ACTIONS -In the coastal city of Rypapa, the people use ancient techniques to section off a small pen of water in the rivers and coast where they will grow small fish hatcheries. The ice is cleared daily, and walls of stone keep the fishes in side the pen. These fish farms keep the people of Rypapa fed year round as the ice is constantly cleared off from the top of the pens.(-10k, 2 Farms) -As the Temple is completed, and Tancreds sacrifices have proved that one temple will not suffice for the future needs and services of the Duchy, the Duke sponsors another expansion of the Oracle of the Blood Forge. A Church begins construction at the ancient ruins of the Forge, enough to fit approximately 1000 faithful followers of Tykir, or perhaps an equivalent number of sacrifices to him… (-5K, 5/20k) -The Royal Whaling Company is established in the southern city of Yakur. This Company is established by the Crown, as a result of the an increased amount of disputes in the Royal Fishing Company regarding the beasts, whom are of very high value in the Duchy. Therefore, to please certain voices and influential statesmen in the Duchy, a separate company is created dedicated to the capture of these beasts. They work in the waters mostly North of the Peninsula, around the frozen waters where they are found most often.(Trading Company, -10k)

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR The Grumblers are a series of four volcanoes in the heart of the territory of Ulyadar. There are crucial to the culture of the surrounding peoples, and are regarded by many to be the gate to the blood god, with the molten rock found commonly in openings throughout the region resembling the blood of the earth. Each of the Grumblers have been named, and all of them are almost constantly spewing out ash and jets of red lava. The first one, and the smallest, is called Mount Skaro. The next one, the second to tallest one, is called Mount Mosfell. The third, tallest, and most important, is called Mt. Arfast. This volcano is said to be the closest to Tykir, the Blood God, and according to maiden legends, has never stopped erupting. Near the summit of this mountain exists the Oracle of the Blood Forge, where Tancred and the Mages of Ulyadar communicate with Tykir. The last one, is called Mt Alviora, and it is so close to Arfast that it has earned some veneration amongst local tribes for being the home of Tykir’s wife, Asleif. Each of these has a special story in local cultures, and they are all respected amongst all Reykverfis in Ulyadar. However Mt. Arfast is feared amongst every boy, girl, man and women. Every person except for The Oracle of the Blood Forge, Tancred. Tancred, donning his white wolf skin on his head which reaches his calves leads the long line of imprisoned men behind him. His body has a slight glare from sweat as a result of the heat emitting from the channels and ravines of molten rock nearby. His chest is exposed, and across his entire upper body are runes and pictures drawn in black ink of various religious concepts, such as the 8 Champions of Tykir, and of various important sacrifices in the history of these lands. The poor souls following him are lightly clothed or completely naked, and drenched in sweat. Some are crying, others begging for mercy. Some remain silent, but they all are aware of their impending fate. 10 palace guards accompany them, spread out in even intervals on the flanks of the long line. Eventually after a long trek up the slopes of hundreds of fissures, around burning black rocks, and through clouds of ash from the very mouth of Tykir himself the doomed group arrives at crumbling site of the Oracle. There is construction occuring at the area, but no ordinary peasant would want to be in the area when Tancred begins working his magic. For now however, Tancred will have to work with ancient relics of the past. And so he does. One by one, poor soul after poor soul is dragged onto a large cold black slab by the hands of Tancred .Once they are on the altar, it is very methodical, slow slaughter.First the wrists are slit, and the blood is allowed to drip down, on small channels built into the slab, into a reservoir of exposed lava directly below the altar. Only when the skin begins turning cold, is when the back of the ankles and the neck is sliced, allowing the rest of the blood in the body to drip into the mouth of Tykir. When the flow of blood begins to slow, the body is cast into the abyss below. Then, the next sacrifice is thrown onto the slab, and the very methodical cuts from Tancred are repeated. At the end of the slaughter, Tancred must spill his own blood to consecrate and validate the sacrifice. Using the Ritual Knife passed from Oracle to Oracle, from the first to the last, his palms are slit, and when enough blood is gathered to fill the gold skull of the First Champion of Tykir, Kodran, then Tancreds blood is raised to the Sky, and then deposited into the abyss, where according to the Great Mage-Scholars of the Reykverfi’s, Tykir will accept the blood from the sacrifices, and bathe in it as he extends his blessings on his people. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Big circle:City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa POPULATION:2575000+5$=2703750 ARMY: 4000 MEDIUM INFANTRY ARMY UPKEEP: 1K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+7.5K(POP)+3K(TRADE)+3K(MERCHANT GUILD)+2k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)=22.5K GOLD GOLD AFTER UPKEEP:19.5K GOLD ACTIONS -Construction of a Temple to the Blood God. (10k/10k) A Temple to the Blood God is constructed in the ancient buildings in the Blood Forge high up in the fiery chaos of the Grumblers. It is here where the Blood God is closest to his children, and it is here where Tancred spends most of his time, conjuring spells and incantations of horrors and committing violent acts, all in the name of the Blood God. (11k left) -Exploration to POI Southwest- Some frontiersmen leaving high up in the ranges near melting rock and living on new rock have spread word of a rather interesting spot near the volcanic southwestern border with Ulyadar, and the Duke sends a light expeditionary team in that direction to scout it out and gather more information on it. -A Manufactory is ordered to be built by the Duke’s command, pickling fresh fish in the capitol to be distributed across the Duchy.(4.5k left) -Tancred sacrifices the blood of 100 poor tribals to the Blood God, the blood of the sacrifices spilling into the mouth of the Blood Forge, as they have done for generations and generations. -4.5k Gold is kept in the vault, to be used at another time. Another group of people are sent to explore the two glaciers, they climb the high walls and carefully tread the ancient ice.

OOC APP Nation name: Kingdom of Sicily Population: 2.5 million Summary of History: The Kingdom of Sicily was created under the reign of Roger II of Sicily, and it started out as a Norman Kingdom. He carved his Kingdom out from the conquests of his father against Muslims and Christians alike, and almost immediately his power and rule in Southern Italy was contested by Germans in the north, Greeks in the east, and Church adjacent to his domain. However. through a series of manipulations and questionable acts against the papacy, Rogers Kingdom came out on top, and he spent the next few years consolidating and centralizing his power heavily across his domain, licking his wounds from a war mostly fought on his territory. This period of relative peace was whenIt was Roger attacked the Muslims in irifiqya, conquering it and adding it to his domains.As a result of this conquest, the Kingdom of Sicily was established as a formidable Naval Power in the medditernean, even rivaling the powerful Byzantine Navy several times. Over the next few years following Rogers death, the African possessions were lost, and the throne passed from the Normans to the Swabian Hohenstaufen as a result of a lucky marriage. The first of these Hohenstaufen rulers is Frederick II, merely a boy, but is already caught in the cross hairs of a battle for influence between his German Family, his Holy papal father, and his Sicilian people, whom he associates with the most as a result of his mother who raised him Sicilian. Sicily now stands as one of the most wealthiest states in Europe, however the boy-king will have to prove himself against a hotly contested regency council to continue Sicilies greatness. Discord: You have it

D U C H Y O F U L Y A D AR The snow, to the caravan, was like dust in the wind as the brutal wind made every step feel like a battle. Even though these people felt very little cold, they still remained covered from head to toe in furs as they trekked towards the white crags of the glaciers. Icey bits in a blizzard acted like arrowheads, and pierced your skin causing cuts and piercings all over your body. “We are almost to the river!” shouted the lead man over the howls and roars of the icy wind. They had been granted by the Duke a charter of expansion into the territory of the Tribe of Elesikel, whom had suffered a tribal defeat in a skirmish in the ice plains adjacent to the River Siya. It was this who encouraged the Duke to send an expedition to settle the mouth of the frozen river, and to exert an ever increasing control over the savage tribes of the land. The caravan moved ever so slowly, every pace seeming like an eternity as the conditions of the blizzard continue to worsen. One more step, thought Gnupa, the leader of the expedition. And one more step indeed, they got slowly got closer, winning the battle against the elements as they reached the rocky banks of the frozen solid river. Its smooth, elegant sheet of ice contrasting heavily against the adjacent lands riddled with large rocky boulders dotting the lands east of the river, and the ominous icy plains filled with dangers found in the glaciers to the west of the river Siya. Gnupa removed his hide back from atop his back, and took out his pick as he hammered in a rope into the earth, securing the long line of travelers behind him into the ground. He motioned with his fur covered arms to sit down, to anchor the line even more, as 3 individuals appear from what seems like the unknown and unseeable end of the line, all carrying a black fur covering, showcasing their authority to the colonists. They all approached Gnupa slowly, who was on the ground removing his snowshoes and putting on a pair of shoes with a single blade fastened to the bottom. The other 3, without saying a word, would follow suit, putting on their ice gliding shoes. Gnupa was already be down by the ice when the other 3 had their shoes on, drilling a hole into the icey blanket of the river to make sure the cover was thick enough to glide on. Once he reached the cool waters of the river, he splashed a bit on his face and on the blade of his shoes, before graciously stepping onto the ice, his body effortlessly gliding through curves and rock deposits with every step. His other three partners would join him, skating through the mirror-like cover of the river, racing up and down, scouting the banks for a suitable place for settlement. Every now and then, a strong gust of wind would come from the east, almost knocking them over on their face, but that did not happen easily, as every child of Ulyadar learned how to glide almost after they learned how to run. After an hour of gliding through the river Siya, the 4 overseer's had found a suitable place for the planned town. It had not only connections to the river, but to the ocean, and the ice on the opposite side of the river was even strong enough for a house, according to Tyrian, however he was known for stupid outbursts. The blizzard had died down significantly by the time the 4 men returned to the long train of settlers, and up they went to the designated area, and within 6 months the town had its first warm season, and witnessed the River Siya melt and freeze for the first time. A festival was held on this occasion, as is always, and the town of Ryapa had begun under the patronage of the Duke of Elesikel. NATION INFO Big Star: Capitol(Ulya), Big circle:City(Yakur), Small circle(South east): Settlement of Tykirfell, Small circle (North): Settlement of Rypapa POPULATION:2,500,000+.03=2575000 ARMY: 1000 LIGHT INFANTRY 1000 LIGHT ARCHER 4000 MEDIUM INFANTRY 4000 MEDIUM ARCHER ARMY UPKEEP: 3K GOLD NAVY:3 GALLEY 3 COGS UPKEEP FOR NAVY:2K GOLD GOLD:3K(BASE)+7.5K(POP)+3K(TRADE)+3K(MERCHANT GUILD)+1k(PORT)+ 4K(ECON POINTS)=21.5K GOLD GOLD AFTER UPKEEP:16.5K GOLD ACTIONS 1.5K-TEMPLE(15K LEFT)(2.5K/10K) 5K-SETTLEMENT(10K LEFT 10K-FARMLANDS(0 LEFT) -Some men are sent home in the warm season to tend to their families.(-6k, Light Infantry+Archers, Medium Archers.)