Krefarus

The Annals of Anduvia “When the gods deem it so, the world turns. Spiraling deeper into the Ocean of Truth, its waves crash violently against us, bringing terrible disasters that mark the end of ages.” [ The Anduvian Empire, Circa 181 A.S. ] [ The Continent of Ilhder, as rendered by Imperial Historian, Prescil] Music One hundred and seventy-five years ago, St. Ralek, The Blessed, Phalanx of Sendil, Toppler of the White Tower, and First King of Anduvia landed upon the shores of Ilhder, beginning a series of conquests that would last for the next hundred years - propelling his new realm into the preeminent power of the continent, but now the dawn of the Anduvian Empire has undoubtedly passed, and the sun now rises on the state which conquered all who stood before it. Yet still, the times are precarious and there are many who believe that Anduvia’s fate lies on a knife’s edge. The Hero-Emperor, St. Ralek Sedorva, has not left the royal capital in the better part of a decade, overcome with grief following the loss of three of his five Blades, his wife, and most recently his sons Orbek and Tellos. Without his watchful eye and commanding presence the realm has suffered greatly, greed, instability, and corruption begin to gnaw on the corners of the young empire. Many lords and generals have grown wary and unruly. Others plan for the worst, speaking in hushed tones that the Emperor has lost his mind. Even as the last of the Emperor’s Blades, Ruul, attempts to stabilize the realm, acting in Ralek’s stead, the path ahead is uncertain.. Of major note is the widespread talk of succession within the Sedorvan line. For well over a hundred and fifty years, St. Ralek has ruled Anduvia - never doubting the strength of his divinity nor bothering to name an heir. With his absence being considered a real possibility for the first time since his canonization in the year 95, many of the Emperor’s relatives have begun to jockey for power and position - setting up a political situation that will not so easily be diffused. Chief amongst these headaches is Tellos Sedorva, son of Tellos Sedorva, of Ralek’s Vindaric line. In an effort to eventually claim his grandfather’s crown, the young prince has traveled to the northern frontiers to win glory and prestige through conquest. Gathering up the local garrisons from the Surkhish Marches and the Burning Coast as he traveled, the prince began the first Anduvian war in half a century - invading the neighboring realm of Estria alongside a coalition of like-minded lords. But he is not the only vulture to flock to the grieving Emperor’s reign. Outside Anduvia’s borders, the continent of Ilhder has steadily destabilized, and threats to Anduvia’s hegemony grow with every passing moon. To the west, in the Sea of Fire, piracy has increased dramatically with the emergence of the self proclaimed “Thunder King” a pirate lord who is said to wield the power of lightning itself. Less than a year ago, his fleet clashed with Carathar VI, the imperial admiral sent to contest the pirates - and descendant of one of the original Blades. Carathar’s fleet was smashed in the battle, and the pirates have only grown more bold in the wake of his defeat, going so far as to land on the coast of Galaran to raid and plunder. Within the interior of the Empire, the ever defiant Cloudmurk deepens. The few roads through the ominous forest have grown unsafe and treacherous in recent years, with many caravans and merchants avoiding the area entirely. From settlements along its borders comes word of strange dancing lights spotted deep past the treeline, and thunderous booms that wake whole villages. In the north, past prince Tellos’ personal quest for glory, the Dwarven Realm of Akizbuzal has begun to splinter and collapse in the face of a resurgent Dahgaan. While not yet a direct threat to Anduvia, the lost holds have become overrun with Goblin hordes who routinely spill out into the plains of Northreach, Galrun, and Torbak. To make matters worse, long “inactive” tribes of Orcs and Gnolls have begun to reorganize, their warbands more frequently crossing the border into Anduvia. Words on the wind speak of gray omens, and flocks of midnight crows circling above the plains of the lands of Dohrak. The only true threat to Anduvia’s domination, though, is the Golden Empire of Sudryal, who’s reign (nor ego) know no end beneath the burning sun. It has been over 50 years since the end of the Second Golden War, during which Anduvian armies very nearly captured the Golden City itself, a fact which the Elven Emperor has not forgotten. Ever since, his Empire has been steadily consolidating its eastern territories, and marshaling its forces for the seemingly inevitable third conflict - so say the Crown’s spies, at least. It is in these most pivotal of times that the Consul and Sorcerer Ruul, one of the two remaining Blades, has, in light of the Emperor’s prolonged grief, summoned all the major lords, generals, and vassals of the realm to the Holy Capital of Sendil for the purpose of reforming and reorganizing the Empire’s administration. To defy these summons would be unwise.. A timeline, describes the glorious conquests of St. Ralek Sedorva. THE NATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS OF ILHDER The Red Legion It was not long before the cataclysmic Shearing that the General Opret saw the vision of a child, wreathed in the flames of heaven - of a promised emperor, of Paradise, Eternal - of impending doom.. Opret took whomever he could and vanished into the Great Sea, his fleet’s sails dipping beneath the horizon as the first shards of earth began to wretch themselves into the sky. Only through the blessing of heaven did Opret survive the cataclysm.. For a hundred years, the Red Legion trawled the Great Sea, constantly blown about by the relentless storms, constantly pushed to the brink of starvation. A dozen times, the men recount, Opret’s fleet was thrown against the scattered islands and archipelagos, and a dozen times they rebuilt and set sail once more. Only through the blessing of heaven did Opret find the way to Ilhder. When the Red Legion finally landed upon the shores of the Dreaming Sea, Opret, having finished his duty, collapsed. Since then, his men have embarked on a steady string of conquests eastwards, absorbing countless tribes and petty kingdoms as they go. Culminating in a brief confrontation with the Anduvians during the Second Golden War, the Red Legion is a force to be reckoned with, to be sure. The Legion is a festering pit of religious fanatics, drawn to the flame of the Child’s Adventism, one that cannot be allowed to spread further, in the words of the Golden Tongue.. The Goldwood Princes For many thousands of years now, the Elves have lived within the Goldwoods. Before the arrival of St. Ralek and his armies, though, their princedoms were fragmented and always warring, forever locked in an endless struggle for domination of the realm, deep in their self-induced delusions of grandeur. It was only when Enalidus’ armies marched through the lands of Rzhekia, cutting a bloody swathe as they went, did the Princes of the Goldwood begin to think they might be forced to avert their focus beyond their treelines. Whatever it was - they did not move soon enough, and swathes of the forest’s borderlands fell to the Anduvian invaders. Today, the Goldwoods are united into a very loose confederation around a council of the elder princes. While they continue to squabble amongst themselves, as they have for generations, they are at least united in their hatred for their Anduvian neighbors - a fact which they are not afraid of making known. The Golden Empire of Sudryal An age ago, when the Elves arrived in Ilhder - their fondness and aptitude for war and bloodshed was quickly made known across all the lands. The Elven empires quickly took root across much of the continent, and the greatest of these empires was that of Sudryal’s, the mightiest of the Elven Princes. While the other Elven states have since collapsed and faded away generations ago, disappearing with their rulers, Sudryal has endured.. The Golden Empire’s history is long and storied, apparently tracing its origins far across the sea, to the Elven Homelands. In the modern era, though, it remains one of if not the greatest states in the whole of the continent- stretching from the league of the five cities all the way to the Red Mountains, and from the Inner sea to the heart of the Surraq badlands. The Empire itself adheres to a strict religious code, paying homage to the Sun, as well as the chief among its avatars, Sudryal. Within Sudryal’s domain, Anduvia is seen as an antithetical force to that of the Empire - a machine that will only plunge the world further into darkness and disorder, bringing it further from the righteous order that the Prince of Princes has worked so tirelessly to create. Dwermark One of the first Dwarven Colonies established during the zenith of their Empire. Before Anduvia, the rulers of Dwermark held control over many of the shards, as well as scattered ports across the eastern coast of the Inner Sea. Well past their prime, the Dwarves of the Island were conquered by the Anduvian nobleman Kras Botin, who absorbed the remnants of their once sprawling empire into his own. The hold itself has been allowed to retain a precious little amount of autonomy, and is essentially a vassal to the Anduvian Crown. Splintering Akizbuzal Once the mightiest and most illustrious of the Dwarven Realms, now laid low. The works of the ancient dwarves of Akizbuzal were without equal - but their descendants have long since fallen from their former glory. Over the past centuries, Akizbuzal has been in a steady state of decline, enduring numerous goblinoid and kobold incursions from the north and west, as well as several periods of brutal civil war. The state that the realm now finds itself in is one of near collapse. The regency council, which has reigned since the death of the last king, has not convened in several years. Many of the dwarven armies which still remain active are without reinforcement, critically low on supplies, or without proper leadership. Communication between the different holds have begun to break down with deeper goblin incursions becoming more common, and even the long traveled underways are no longer safe. Some even say a long dormant dragon has since emerged far to the north, sensing the weakness of the Dwarves.. The Kingdom of Estria The Kingdom of Estria is one of the few remaining human realms to escape Anduvia’s all powerful influence. Positioned on the western coast of the continent, the realm was originally formed directly in response to the aggressive Anduvian expansion to the south. As such, they have long since been considered a natural enemy to the Anduvians. In terms of the realm itself, Estria is known to have a very large knightley caste, far surpassing that of Anduvia’s (proportionally speaking). Their heavy cavalry and foot-knights are of great-renown throughout the continent, known for their resilience and ferocity in combat. In recent years Estria has been subject to Anduvian invasion, and while the young prince Tellos’ army has captured a significant portion of the realm, it would be untrue to say that his war there has been anything but a cakewalk. There has not yet been any large, pitched battle as of yet, but the few skirmishes and sieges the Anduvians have endured have not been the cleanest of victories. The Black Army of Galrun When the cataclysmic Shearing sank the human homelands, the Lord of Night, Derathas, fell with it, sunk beneath the waves. His vast legions which once threatened to overcome the whole of the continent, though, managed to escape - at least fragments of them. One of these such groups is the Black Army, led by one of Derathas’ lieutenants, Aramath. Following their journey across the Great Sea, the remnants of the once mighty Black Army landed in the northern reaches of Ilhder, where Aramath would begin the process of establishing his own domain. The Black Army frequently wars with the Orcish, Kobold, and Gigantic peoples of the north. Though its landing in Ilhder was considerably delayed, the Black Army has already made significant progress. The Blackwing Company Named after the distinct flights of black scavengers which follow the group on campaign, The Blackwing Company is perhaps the most experienced and sought after mercenary group in all of Ilhder. Led by Sigismund Geld, a disgraced nobleman who would later take on the name of the group after its notoriety became widespread. Blackwing is mostly active throughout the Western Realms. Well trained and led, the Blackwing Company numbers roughly 10,000 men strong, battle hardened through and through. Perhaps the best known unit of their ranks are the Blackwing Knights, a core of Heavy Cavalry whose helms are adorned with decorative black wings that sprout from either side. Praised for their skill and bravery in battle, the Blackwing Knights have shattered many a battle-line, their charge alone winning countless victories. The Company is composed mainly of human units, but it is not uncommon for Geld to take on other races into his ranks, assuming they share the ferocity and skill of the organization as a whole. Examples of this include a number of Giants who are currently employed by the company, as well as groups of Orcish and Dwarven Infantry. Though not known to break agreements, any lord who purchases the company’s service would be well advised to make sure payment is arranged in a timely fashion. Sigismund, on more occasions than one, has been known to turn on the lands of his host, extracting what has not been paid, one way or another. The Sacred Order of the Golden Tongue The Knights of the Golden Tongue are a sacred order on an endless crusade against those who would blaspheme against the Marble Court. Enormous by human standards, they wield the blessed armaments and relics of the holiest power. Being an ordained Sacred Order brings with it a series of protections in the way of custom and tradition. To uproot an Order or take hold of its property is considered a grave sin, and as such, the Golden Tongue is allowed to spread relatively unimpaired across the whole of the continent, where they hold a number of stout castles and monasteries. Originally, The Golden Tongue was created by the Consul Ruul to regulate the spread of blasphemies throughout the Empire. Since his death, the Order has slowly grown into something more of an inquisition, persecuting wildly at even a mere whiff of sacrilege. None are safe from their accusations nor their prosecutions, which they carry out violently. The Old Empire of Dahgaan Founded in the age of the Dwarven Empire, Dahgaan was once a mighty Goblinoid Realm carried to the zenith of their power by the Emperor Sharaat, a Hobgoblin Warlord. Since its collapse many thousands of years ago, the Dahgaani tribes of the western forests and warrens have been routinely culled and stamped out by the Dwarves of Akizbuzal. For the first time in millennia, though, a Dwarven Emperor has not campaigned into Dahgaan, and the goblins here have been allowed to marshal their strength relatively unopposed. Now, the Empire has reemerged, launching a massive invasion of western Akizbuzal as it does. THE THUNDER KING A side effect of the mismanaged Anduvian Realm, the self proclaimed “Thunder King” is an upstart pirate-lord based within the Sea of Fire. Having emerged only recently, he has wrecked havoc on Anduvian Shipping up and down the coast, and even smashed the Imperial Fleet off the coast of the Cloudmurk. Apart from his large collection of ships, and apparent skill at naval warfare, the most concerning aspect surrounding the mysterious pirate is his domain within the Sea of Fire. Prior to his emergence, several expeditions had been launched into the islands that reside there, none of which have been anything but failures. The region had been deemed unnavigable and too dangerous for travel - an assumption which has apparently been proven wrong. The League of the Five Cities The five ancient cities of Shejar, Chimuz, Sumar, Hrashaan, Reijuz. The League originated from a consortium of merchant guilds within the warlike Hobgoblin realms of the deep south, the League gradually grew in strength in influence until it came to dominate all of the region, including the cities themselves. The League now exists as a major economic region, exporting many rare minerals and wares, such as wellstones and glasteel, despite its disconnection from the rest of the continent. While not a militaristic bunch at heart, the league has been forced into armed conflict several times in recent years against the Golden Empire to their north. Recruiting mercenaries from across the region, they were narrowly defeated in the ensuing Dust War, which resulted in a humiliating treaty and a loss of two of the original seven cities. APPLICATION You will be taking the role of an Anduvian vassal, sworn to the Anduvian Crown, and the Emperor who bears it. Whether that be a King, Governor, General, or anything in between, the choice is yours. Inside the Anduvian realm is a myriad of peoples and client kingdoms, from warlike princedoms of the Elves to the stout holds of the Dwarves and festering mires that the Lizardfolk call home. No race has escaped from the Anduvian yolk. Each race possesses unique strengths, the list of playable races is as follows: --- Humans: Humans are the most prolific of Ilhder’s races. They arrived from across the Great Sea in huge waves after a cataclysmic event known as the Shearing sank their homelands. Since their arrival, humans have proven to be a hardy and versatile folk, thriving in a vast range of environments. They are known for their predisposition to warfare, which they excel at, but also great works of art and magical feats. The average man stands around 5’11”, both their strength and senses are very run of the mill. There is a wide variation of hair and skin tones found. Their affinity for magic is notable, but not comparable to that of the Elves. Elves: The first Elven settlers arrived in Ilhder an age ago, sent from their Empire across the Silver Sea. Noble as they were, they would put tens of thousands to the sword in the wars that the Elven Princes and Prophets would wage to carve out their princedoms from the local peoples. Though they have since grown into a slightly more insular people, especially since word from their homelands mysteriously stopped arriving. The Elves are not a race adverse to warfare, and they are among the most warlike on the continent. They are a disciplined, xenophobic people, known for their powerful magics. There are two distinct types of Elves, the Lunaerin, and Sulaerin Lunaerin share many similarities with their Sulaerin cousins, but yet possess unique features. They stand around 7’4” on average, and are as strong as three men. All their senses are far more honed than that of a human’s. Their skin is pale white to silver in color, with hair of comparable colors. Lunaerin have an immense affinity for all magic and magical knowledge, being considered the greatest wielders of it. They live as old as 800 or so years. Sulaerin share many similarities with their Lunaerin cousins, but yet possess unique features. They stand around 7’6” on average, and are as strong as three men. All their senses are far more honed than that of a human’s. Their skin ranges from tans to deep oranges, with blonde or red hair. Sulaerin have a great affinity for war, being considered among the best makers of it. They live as old as 800 or so years. Dwarves: Legendary craftsmen and architects, the Dwarves are famed for their enormous holds, built deep into the heart of Ilhder’s mountains, and the fabulous works they adorn them with. The Dwarves are a proud and ancient race, being known for their stoic (or grumpy) demeanor, which is often taken as cold by many races. They are known for their adherence and honoring of tradition as well as their long, multi-generational grudges. Well past the heyday of the Dwarves, their race is still a major force in Ilhder. The average dwarf reaches heights between 4’10” and 5’5”. Their strength is akin to that of a humans, and their senses are also comparable with the exception of eyesight, which is notably more suited to dark environments. All Dwarves have an abundance of facial hair. Goblinoids: The family of Goblinoid races is extensive and diverse. Traces of these beings are among the first of the non-Giant races to appear in the Dwarven histories, marking them as some of the oldest races on Ilhder. The Goblinoid races are synonymous with warfare, brutality, and plentiful numbers. Their histories are marred by an almost constant series of conquests and battles. While certainly not true of all of their people, to say that Goblinoids were not predisposed to violence would be a blatant lie. Even so, there are rare examples of great feats of Goblin architecture and metalworking that rival even the work of the Dwarves. Among the Goblin clans are the many who wish to see a revival of their grand empires of old. There are three distinct types of Goblinoids: Goblins, Bugbear, and Hobgoblins. Goblins are the most abundant and oldest. They stand between 4’ and 4’6” typically, and have lighter builds, being weaker than an average human. Their hearing and sight is surprisingly acute, and their skin ranges in color from greens to blacks and browns. They are known for plentiful numbers, greed, and cowardice. Bugbears A large and hairy variant of the goblin. They stand around 6’0” on average, and are covered in brown or black fur. Bugbears are far less intelligent, and much more violent than the rest of their kin. For all their brawn though they are, however, surprisingly nimble and stealthy when they chose to be. They are almost totally incapable of magic. Hobgoblins, also called High Goblins, have a strange combination of features from Elves, Goblins, and Humans. They stand around 6’2” on average, with greater strength than a human and their skin ranges in color between pale reds to deep crimson. They are known to be much more intelligent and more disciplined than other goblinoids. They are, however, totally incapable of magic. Orcs: Orcs are a mysterious bunch, spawned from unknown sources, and found even on the Human homelands. Like humans, they are a versatile people, found in all sorts of environments, from plains, to highlands, to even the underdark. They are known for their ferocity in battle, stubbornness, powerful builds, and raging temper. Apart from short, mostly incomplete tribal histories, very precious little is known about these creatures. Most orcs stand roughly 6'0 tall, and are stronger than a man, with senses of comparable level too. Orc skin ranges in color from shades of green to gray. Lizardfolk: The Lizardfolk are the easily the strangest and most alien of all the sapient races in Ilhder. Coldblooded and feeling, they lack most things one might think of as 'human' as far as emotions go, thinking only as far as their next meal in many cases. Still, the Lizardfolk are an ancient race said to have served the ancient Dragonlords in a time before time. Covered in a thick coat of protective scales, they prefer to dwell within the fetid swamps and mires amidst their crumbling ziggurats and sunken cities where they are said to perform ancient rituals - long since forgotten. Most Lizarfolk stand around 6'0" tall, with similar senses to that of a human. Their scales can posses a wide variety of colors, from vibrant yellows and reds to dull greens and browns. --- At the heart of every civilization in Ilhder is faith. On the continent, a number of important cults and pantheons have developed from which powerful magi and their adepts draw magical power. Away from this long trod path are the sorcerous arts - foul blasphemes in the eyes of some - the way to true power in the eyes of other. Choose a faith: Not pictured is the sorcerous arts, which march in defiance of the divines. NATION NAME: RACE: MAGIC / SORCERY: BRIEF DESCRIPTION / HISTORY: LEADER / NOTABLE CHARACTERS: MAP LOCATION (ONLY WITHIN OR NEAR TO ANDUVIA): UNIQUE UNIT: POINT OF INTEREST: this can be a place or a thing, such as an ancestral sword, for example This rp will take place exclusively on discord, if I do not have you and you apply, leave discord. thanks everyone! :)

Pilgrim Church “For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.” The Pilgrim’s face adversity on all sides, yet they march on, willed forward by the Destiny - and the Promise of the World to Be. [Short Post this week, I am lacking on inspiration]. Economic Actions - Organizing one group of miners - Saving the rest RP Actions - Battle on the Ice - The Pilgrim Church’s vanguard (210 Light Horse Archers) are dispatched north to a remaining village. As is practice, they offer one chance to peacefully convert. Should the village refuse, the settlement is razed and the population enslaved.

THE PILGRIM CHURCH 1st Year of the Age of Salvation, Spring ----=<>=---- Eleazar’s feet sank into the soft mud with every step forward. His heavy ceremonial robes dragged through it as he went. In his hand, the censer rhythmically swung side to side, suspended by a golden chain. “Blessed is the ground on which thee tread, for thou make way the road to salvation …” The High Magi announced as he went. As he passes each rider, the man steps forward, bowing low to the muck before placing a kiss upon the elaborate golden box. “Blessed is thy errand, for thou bring glory to the heavens. I say to thee; the wicked flee when no one pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion …” The last of the horsemen steps from his animal, stepping forwards to kiss the Ark. A tight smile grips at the old Magi’s face as his hands extend upwards, “Go now! Make ready the road, ye faithful! Make ready the road and cast from it those who will not follow!” The whole group, once mere savages picking away at one another as they wasted away in the desert, now an elite and devoted arm of the Pilgrim Church, raises their bows or sounds their horns as a Pilgrim banner sways back and forth from the lead man, and the contingent thunders out of the camp … Economic Actions - Organizing one group of miners - Saving the rest RP Actions - The Pilgrim Church’s vanguard (225 Light Horse Archers) are dispatched, along with Desab’s warriors, to the 6 villages along the Pilgrim’s route. They are to offer the inhabitants a single chance to join the Pilgrimage. Should they refuse, the village is sacked and razed, all are taken as slaves and integrated into the Pilgrimage by force.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.431 AE The moon reaches its zenith. The hour is near. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events “BEYOND THE VEIL.. I SEE.. ORIGIN.. FINALITY..” The man squirmed and struggled as the Irik guardsman dragged him across the desecrated hall, a futile effort which only served to tighten its grip around his neck. His jet black armor was marred with blood and grime, so much so that the nine distinctive rings emblazoned on its face were no longer visible. The sounds of battle could still be heard beyond the palace walls, but there would be no victory. As he twisted, his eyes fell upon their destination, and he fell still. The Irik tossed him forwards onto the floor before yanking off the smooth, featureless helmet with a sharp hiss and tossing it aside. One of the Irik’s many hands strikes its chest, “Alive, the rest will soon fall.” it barks, stepping back from the figure at the head of the room. The Mindbender rises, his shadow engulfing the faintly lit hall before him like a tsunami. Servos spun and clicked as he stepped forwards down the stairs of the Imperial Throneroom. The man sunk lower as the Creature grew closer, what little color there was vanishing from his face. “Fodder.” The Creature’s voice booms across the room, yet no sound carries it. It reaches down, snatching the man by the throat and lifting him high into the air. He gasps, his eyes widening before they vanish entirely. The Mindbender holds the husk a moment longer before discarding it. “A clear message. Prepare, Sariks.” A RETURN TO TRADITION “A beacon to light, when you are ready to seize your destiny…” The Matarekan command poured over the large holo-table, arguing amongst themselves. Some called for an immediate counter attack, others advocated to hunker down on the fortress-worlds which had served them so well in the past. With the sudden invasion of Kur’skan’s Reclamation Fleet, the entire province had been caught off balance. Already weak from their battle with the House of Bones, their space forces were in disarray, trying desperately to regroup and reorganize. To make matters worse, the Irik pirates from the House of Suns had grown in both number and boldness, the eastern systems were in chaos, reports had begun to filter in of a large fleet even crossing the border. Crippled by the mysterious disappearance of the Mohiki and his psykic cabal, communication had begun to break down entirely. Their squabbles fell on Holokai, The Black Bastard’s ears in muted tones. Try as he did to make sense of the situation, his mind was elsewhere, perhaps with the transponder in his pocket, quietly waiting. He looked among the circle of generals, governors, admirals, magistrates, and all other manner of administrator and saw only a den of vipers. These were the men who had slandered his father. These were the men who betrayed his father. They called him worm, rat, and snake under their breaths. They cursed his name. If it were not for mere circumstance, they would have disposed of him long ago. His mind raced as his hand activated the device. Less than twenty minutes later, a large shuttle silently touches down on the governor estate’s north grounds, its crew dismounting in short order. “Silence!” Holokai roared, slamming his fist onto the table. The group of men instantly fell quiet, and all eyes turned to face him. “I believe I have a solution to our problems gentlemen.” He paused, “First, however, I have received.. Troubling reports to say the least. Reports that a hideous corruption has spread across our systems..” The men overran the grounds, arc blades falling upon the ill-prepared and unsuspecting soldiers. “This corruption has penetrated every level of our society. From the common man, to the top brass..” Footsteps filled the hallways. As Holokai opens his mouth to continue. An explosion rocks the hall, ejecting debris across it. He immediately dips below the table as men clad in jet black armor pour into the room, unleashing a continuous chatter of machine gun fire. In an instant, all who might have opposed Holokai’s destiny were cut down by the righteous hand of fate. He stands up shakily, casting his eyes upon the carnage. One of the men approaches him, a symbol of nine rings glinting off his armor. “Are there any more?” -- Following Holokai’s brutal and extensive purge of much of the province’s leadership, Matarekan space falls quiet once again. Reports filter out, though, that Holokai has surrendered to Kur’skan’s forces soon after. More space falls to the Reclamation. HOLY WAR “The enemy grows weak. We must move..” With the ascension of the Emperor Kasor Un’Durak, The Seer of Gold, to the Heavenly Throne last year, the fleets of Atu-an are once more spurred into action. Having spent most of the year building up and consolidating from the conquest of the USSC some years prior, they cross the border into Greater Altaire towards the year’s end. A psykic transmission is broadcasted to whom it concerns in Altaire’s border regions, as well as to the leadership of the country itself. “YOU CANNOT STAND AGAINST THE WILL OF HEAVEN, NOR THE PATH OF FATE. LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS, PAY HOMAGE TO MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE, EMPEROR OF THE GALAXY, THE BLESSED KASOR UN’DURAK, AND YOUR LIVES WILL BE SPARED. FOR THOSE WHO RESIST, THERE IS ONLY THE BREATH OF ANNIHILATION.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altiare As the year turns, a two pronged invasion suddenly and unexpectedly enters Altirean-held USSC space from Atu-an.. The searches yield a single battleship hull, found being used as a children’s hospital on a squalid backwater. ISG VARA The Banners are cordial to the influx of Varan gifts, but grow increasingly suspicious as they pour in for the second year. Word circulates enough for Varan command to know that the Irik warchiefs suspect treachery, yet there is no sign of any increasing militarism or readiness on the border. Within the Reef, there are very little remnants of the Varans, with most having died on New Vara, or dispersed into the wider galaxy. Still Louie is able to establish communications with a healthy amount who at least seem cordial to the man. It is abundantly clear, though, that their new employer has treated them very, very well. The Colonial Provisional Interim Authority Fleet and military details acquired (See private channel). The Interplanetary Defense Initiative is simply too far for their leadership to consider any serious agreements with the CPIA, but they at least express their sympathies. The Directorate, on the other hand, is far more interested. The increasing militarism of Atu-an and the ever growing hatred for the “merchants” in the Eastern galaxy has thrown Corporate space into a panic, and they seek new, dependable allies. They will agree to a mutual defense alliance, and also acknowledge the CPIA’s authority over formerly Colonial space. Vennendal Updates on the war situation in discord channel.. Right after I finish writing this !!! The Vennendalic find the battle site to have been picked clean in the years before, they return empty handed. Orteau Word arrives from the south. The invasion force has gathered. They are prepared to depart.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.430 AE The moon’s ascension is nearly complete. The hour is near. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE END OF THE REPUBLIC “Today marks the beginning of a new era” With the Republican front in shambles following the disastrous results of last year's campaign, and the Republic’s capital of Kior-an having fallen to the Separationist armies of Akamu, the Civil War draws to a close. Fearing his fate at the hands of the Separationists and their militaristic rule, The Grand Admiral Manhuera flees into the arms of his daughter’s family, taking both his fleets and systems with him in his unification with Vennendal. The Stellarch Fetu, who occupies an equally hopeless front, soon follows. His victory complete, albeit apart from the minor resistance of Badab in the northern swathes of Republican space, Akamu declares the Civil War to be at an end. With his rule comes sweeping changes across Republic space. The Oil barons, all in Separationist custody, are tried and executed, their territories absorbed. ERTC assets that had not long since been pulled from the country are seized, and their once expansive trade privileges and monopolies are heavily reduced or outright banned. Though the Republicans are defeated, the war is far from over. After brief and unproductive negotiations with Vennendal, war erupts between the two and reports of several Separationist fleets previously mobilized for the Civil War being on the move again are plentiful… Amidst the news of the constant warfare in the Eastern Rim is some good however. ERTC representatives report a massive sale of the company’s fuel reserves in an effort to recoup many of the losses experienced over the last few years. THE RECLAMATION DRIVES NORTH “There is no distinction between Apostates and Xenos beneath the eyes of the Purge” Still riding the successes of last year, where the Reclamation Fleet and their Crusader allies had thoroughly destroyed the Red-Gold Concordat, the year begins with the initiation of yet more conquests. This time directed against the heretics beyond the northern border. This area of space, very loosely held by the Fourth Empire and the Matarekans is scantly defended, the Imperial fleet having withdrawn west in order to combat the invasion of Tahiwai. The Matarekans too are militarily spent, and are little match for the Kur’skan’s titanic fleet. As such, the Empire, only briefly and very narrowly united, is once more split in two. While the exact specifics of Kur’skan’s advance are unknown, reports from the Empire speak of the front rapidly advancing westwards while the Matarekans likewise are forced to withdraw from much of their conquered space. During this advance on all fronts, Kur’skan announces to have reclaimed the Ring from the hands of the Xeno scum. Too Late “I WAS PROMISED!” The Creature’s many eyes scoured the moon’s surface. Where they could not see, its mind would reach out to, inspecting every nook and crany, peering into every fiber and molecule. There were no places its mind could not see. Yet still it eluded The Creature’s sight. Five, Six - Nine times it had scoured every world, every moon, every spec of dust - For nothing. Its eyes pulled away from the lens and fell upon the massive hall, still strewn with the leftovers of the slaughter, the red walls, the mountains of bones. Anger overcomes the Creature; its roars carry across every corner of the moon and beyond as it hurls the silver disc against the hall’s floor again and again, despite the futility. “DECEIT. TREACHERY. LIES. UNWORTHY” Then there is silence. It looks upon its destruction as its mind reaches outwards, and it feels only fear. LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR “At long last” Instability ripples across the west as the Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an is briefly thrown into a state of disorder. In the opening months of the year, the Heavenly Emperor Hau-ti suddenly and mysteriously dies without having declared a successor. The many courtiers and attendants of the Emperor claim the man had suffered from a fatal seizure and passed soon after, but much of the realm’s admiralty and other such administrators remain unconvinced and a tense standoff soon forms as paralysis overcomes the Empire. Through sheer luck, however, crisis is averted by the hands of the Emperor’s chief Seer, Kasor Un’Durak, who calls for Council on the Holy Capital of Atu-an itself. Compelled by both faith and self preservation, there is compliance. For many months there is both a great deal of discussion and negotiation and also holy ritual designed to discern the Will of Heaven. When the dust finally settles, the matter is resolved, and there is unanimous agreement among the heavenly court. There is only one natural choice to crown as Emperor of Heaven, Kasor himself. For who is better to guide Heaven’s adherents than he who interprets its will, and communes with the courts of old? BLESSED IS THE LINE OF THE EMPEROR RUR-VAI BLESSED IS HE WHO DISCERNS THE WILL OF HEAVEN BLESSED IS THE SEER OF GOLD LONG MAY HE REIGN _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altiare Arrival. Duchy of Castrillon Big dolla. Grand Duchy of Alamar The campaign continues. Stellarchy of Matene There is progress. Orteau There is a great rallying cry heard across Imperial Space. The time to reclaim the Starcast throne is nigh! Emperor Rakera declares that his fleet will join the campaign, soon followed by the Emperor Ran-lir, who pledges his support as well. Vennendal Akamu’s fleets advance on all fronts.. Hyperboreia The Purge marches on..

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.429 AE The stars gleam above the rising moon. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events A RISING TIDE “It is finished, Admiral, surrender your ships.” Within the Outer and Mid Rims, the Republican Civil War continues to rage, entering into its fourth and most bloody and decisive year yet. In the central Republic, a year of careful maneuvering between Akamau and Grand Admiral Pepe comes to a head as the ambitious Separationist is methodically forced into a most unfavorable of fights, having been forced to sacrifice many of his freighters earlier in the year. Without fuel and running dry on munitions and reinforcements, the Separationist fleet is forced into desperate action as they seek refuge above an isolated fuel system - or so the Grand Admiral thinks. As the Republican fleet bears down on the stranded Separationists, Akamu reveals his hand, performing both extremely unorthodox and dangerous maneuvers so as to ambush the Pepe within the Hyperlane itself. While details of the event are scarce at present, it is abundantly clear that Pepe’s host along with his merchant allies were thoroughly shattered - sent into disarray and retreat, the Grand Admiral himself having been captured during the fighting. With the path to Kior-an open, Akamu’s advance is unchecked, and the rebels seize the Republic’s capital late in the year. Following this development, many of both Iolana and Pepe’s subordinates surrender to the Separationist demands, lacking both the time and resources to raise or gather a fleet of any significance to oppose them. With the Republican Senate having fled west, Akamu declares the creation of a Consulate on the old capital - headed by himself. While the war reaches its climax in the east, Manhuera’s forces remain engaged within the Driveyard network of Orthun V. Though the fighting is intense, and several of the structures suffer minor to severe damage, the system is ultimately seized by Manhuera’s legions, driving out the Separationist forces. With the arrival of new authorities, however, comes discoveries. Not long after Manhuera siezes the driveyards, an extensive Teniert network is publicly uprooted - a vast majority of its personnel arrested by the Grand Admiral, who claims that the Imperials had been organizing an Irik slave revolt so as to claim the system for themselves! 10428 marks a year of disaster for the Republic, having suffered a crushing defeat on the most important of fronts. Though still defiant, many whisper of negotiating terms with the Separationists, not keen on enduring the protracted war further resistance might entail.. THE GLORIOUS RECLAMATION “The halls of the future will echo with tales of our glory! Here begins the Reclamation!” War continues to spread across the Western Galaxy. As the year turns, the long dormant Imperial Reclamation Fleet broadcasts to the whole of the immediate area, The Grand Admiral Kur’skan has come to expel the invaders and defilers, both Xeno and Human. Surrender your arms, surrender your ships, surrender your worlds, surrender your leaders, and you will be treated fairly and with mercy. Those who resist the coming fire will only live long enough to suffer its wrath. The Reclamation has begun, Glory to Man! With such a declaration, begins the first of its offensive campaigns since its exile from the heart of the Empire nearly 70 years prior. Kur’skan’s fleet spears eastwards, quickly overrunning the whole of the Red-Gold Concordat and scattering its fleets. Coordinating with the local Hyperboreian Chapter, many worlds are reclaimed from Xeno occupation. True to their word, though, those which resist are laid waste to, subject to orbital bombardment. Within a year, over half of the Concordat is destroyed by the rapidly advancing Imperials, with the rest having been taken over by Remnants from the House of Bones. All. Will. Kneel. Alarms blared throughout the base. Keretene’s men scrambled to their stations as the sounds of a whole brigade's worth of infantry rushed through the halls, readying themselves for battle. Above them, there were the roars of battle. The ground shook, the power flickered. Before long, the fighting had reached the wide hallways of the facilities itself. Machine guns chattered as orders rang out and arc swords ignited. One by one, by sword or rifle or fist, the garrison was felled by the intruders, slowly overrun, the floors were littered with bullet casings, and bodies. Distress signals beamed in every direction, but no one would ever receive them. Their resistance, though valiant, was ultimately futile. The Commander stood in chains before the invaders, interned within his own command center. “For the enemies of the Emperor?” “There is only defeat!” “In defeat?” “There is only death!” A thousand gunshots ring out across the facility. On Silver Waters “The Emperor of Heaven’s days are numbered. Prepare accordingly, San’var.” “Are you sure you wish to go to this place, Seer?” the ferryman inquired. Apart from the gentle lapping of the waves against the stony shore, there was silence. A white mist, illuminated by the brilliant light reflected by the small moon’s rings, slowly moved in across the bay, obscuring all but the faintest shadows of the structures beyond it. As the destination was slowly obscured, the Seer opened his hand, revealing the small silver orb he had recovered the year prior. His thumb pushed it across his hand, allowing him to observe all its faces. “Fate decrees that I do.” The Seer’s hand tightens into a fist. His peering out across the water of the desolate moon. “None that travel there return.” The ferryman states bluntly to the man as he looks out across the water. “Start the boat. Give me silence.” The boat’s engine turned over, humming quietly as the small craft glid forwards across the bay. Finally reaching the far off shore of black rocks, the Seer departed, slowly ascending the ancient stairway hewn from the cliff to the structure that loomed above. Days, then weeks passed. The ferryman had long since returned to his small home across the bay; and then a column of light spewed land across the bay, vanquishing the blackness of perpetual night.. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altiare So begins the expedition. Duchy of Castrillon Another year Fal’s World Oops, i’ll figure something out for this I promise!! (discord. soon!) Grand Duchy of Alamar In these trying times, a psykic of experience is hard to come by, and the Alamarii remain empty handed. Stellarchy of Matene A deal is struck. Orteau Adrien’s fleet pursues the Zealot.. Vennendal Lord Elfering receives a message from his Father in Law. Hyperboreia The Purge marches on..

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.428 AE The moon rises. ====-----<<>>-----==== music _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events FALLING STARS “Imperial ships, staggered line!” Far to the West, the warlord Tahiwai’s invasion of the Fourth Empire reaches a relative climax as reinforcements from his domain stream across the border into the domain of the Lord of a Thousand Stars, Tuakeo II. The local Imperial forces, having contained Tahiwai’s aggression for the past few years despite the lack of any reinforcements are finally forced into a pitched battle over the moon of Pharik. What ensues is a short and brutal engagement where the numerically superior forces of Tahiwai systematically dismantle and decimate the Imperial fleet, wiping out a whole portion of the Imperial Fleet in a single fell swoop.. Reports from the front indicate that such a disaster was caused in part by the now deceased Admiral Alten apparently falling gravely ill mere days before the battle. Precious few of the valuable ships manage to escape the conflict and flee north in order to regroup with other Imperial formations. With Tahiwai’s victory in the south come the spoils, and the whole region virtually surrenders to the Warlord overnight rather than risk any sort of ground invasion. With the south having fallen so rapidly, Imperial forces scramble to regain their bearings. Though Tahiwai’s next move remains unknown, the path to Sa’tava, the Imperial Capital, lay open.. Beyond the False Idols “Our readings are obscured, Seer.” “Then we will go on foot, Prepare to land!” The device’s slow and rhythmic beeps rose steadily in frequency as the group of men, up to their knees in the murky water, continued forwards across the marshy terrain, their sleek black armor so covered in mud and foliage from their long journey that only brief glints of the armor’s ornate trim shone when the far off sun managed to penetrate the world’s smothering canopy. With each ping, hearts rose, they were nearly there. Bolts were primed, ammunition checked, and sensors dialed in. Forced by the planet’s sheer inaccessibility to travel on foot, the group had moved in almost total silence for the past week. By this point, their rations had begun to run dangerously low, and each night, the sounds from the surrounding forest only grew more and more ominous. If any among them had wanted to turn back, their opinion was not made known. Orders compelled them forwards. Orders, and the presence of their Master. There was not one within their ranks who would not die for his liege, regardless of circumstances. “We draw near.” The man, nestled within the protection of the group’s core, announced. His voice was old and weathered, a certain level of authority emanated from it. After a short eternity, the first gun barrel split through the wall of vines and plantlife into the clearing and there it stood. Even the endless forest grew around it, leaving a respectful distance. The device by now was pinging like a racing heart, and its operator shut it off. As the group slowly filtered into the clearing, their weapons lowered one by one. The man approached the object. “Heaven has bestowed upon us this gift. Step lightly, for we tread upon the thread of destiny.” The man announces, a hint of wonder touching his voice. It was old, ancient even. As his eyes fell upon all angles of its surface, examining every feature of its structure, the group slowly fanned out, establishing a perimeter, taking their samples and readings. His hand reached forwards towards the black, weathered stone, and as it did a smile crept across his face. The surface of the monument bent and twisted and contorted. Its smooth face began to collapse inwards. A dim light shone out from its cracks and grooves, growing brighter with every passing second. The very clearing began to thrum with vibrations and the ground shook. The faint chirping of birds and insects and all other manners of fauna fell silent all at once. The many guards spun to face the object in awe. And the man began to see more clearly… THE WHEEL TURNS “... and his wisdom will be known throughout all the land..” Imperial histories speak of the days of the High Empire of old, in eons past, when the psykic arts flourished, and their practitioners were numerous. It was during these days where humanity enjoyed an age of unmatched prosperity, and plenty. No soul lived in want or need, and the splendor of Kaumai’s imperial palace extended to every world under the Emperor’s dominion, or so it is said. Though such days are long since past, many whisper of their return. With each passing year, the emergences and discoveries of new psykics only become more numerous. And as such, the human galaxy is more connected than it has been in almost 2,000 years. News travels fast among the shattered suns of the Third Empire, and despite the instability and chaos which reigns, many speak of the impending return of the glories of yore.. [+ 3 T1 psykics for all nations. +1 T2 psykic for all nations.] For the galaxy’s many psykics this year is especially hectic. They find their emotions greatly heightened. Their hearts burn for action. THE BELLS TOLL “Quickly, Quickly! The Grand-Admiral is dead!” The long dormant Imperial Reclamation Fleet, led by the Grand Admiral Otikoro, is suddenly thrust into turbulence when, following a routine strategy meeting, Otikoro is suddenly and unexpectedly assassinated by several of his lieutenants. Speculation on the man’s sudden demise is rampant, and many of his more loyal commanders are quick to fling accusations at the various officer cliques and factions which are present within the fleet. More pressing, however, is the matter of leadership. In the vacuum left by Otikoro, many rush to claim his position for themselves. In the days that follow his assassination, the whole fleet nearly collapses as the ex-imperials turn on on each other one by one. Gunfire and skirmishes aboard the many ships of the fleet are almost non-stop, and the death toll quickly mounts as long-held grudges and ambitions are unleashed. After several weeks of bloodshed, the dust settles and a single man remains triumphant, Kur’skan Ahani, the leader of a steadily rising faction of anti-xeno extremists within the fleet that many accuse of adhering to the tenants of the Great Purge. With his rise to power, Ahani promises imminent action. The Glorious Restoration will begin. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altiare Derrum got what he deserved! Duchy of Castrillon This day extracts a heavy toll. Fal’s World The next chapter. (discord) Grand Duchy of Alamar A period of mourning. Stellarchy of Matene War against the perfidious rebels.. Orteau Adrien’s fleet pursues the Zealot.. Vennendal The war against the merchants continues… Hyperboreia The Purge marches on..

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.427 AE The moon’s light splits the horizon. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events music THE PRODIGAL SON “It cannot be...” A long, shining hall. Steel walls, marble floor, a gilded ceiling, all glowing with majestic, reflected light. At one end, huge, inlaid doors tower over the guards to either side, while at the opposite side, a huge throne sits upon a raised dais. The throne is made of gold, silver and marble, clearly designed as an imitation of the Starcast Chair. Around it, blinding light shines, obscuring the figure sat upon it, dressed in the golden robes of the Emperors. Throughout the hall, men kneel, clad in the smooth and gilded armor of the Imperial Guard, each bearing the sigil of the Imperial House of Rān. Below the chair, a line of officers chant in a constant, low dirge, delivered in High Imperial - the ancient language of the Imperial Core. Another officer, clearly the most important of the soldiers, stands in front of the chanters. His scarred face looks impassively across the hall as he thunders a question: “Who are you?” “We are the Imperial Guard!” the men roar in reply. “What is your duty?” “To protect the House of Rān, to protect the Emperor!” “What do you give?” “We give our honor, our loyalty, our service, our life!” “What do you ask for?” “We ask to serve the Emperor, unto death!” “Will you fail?” “No!” “Will you falter?” “No!” “Who are you!” “We are the Imperial Guard, we live to serve the Emperor!” they scream as they hammer armored fists into their chest plates and stamp their feet. Across the room, they lend their voices to the chant, droning and yelling the ancient battle-song. The officer draws his arc sword and raises it to his nose, before flicking it to point at the floor. He bows to the Emperor and roars: “Rise then! Rise and join the service of Rān-lir, Emperor of the Galaxy! Rise to serve Rān-ji’s heir!” The soldiers rise to their feet with an echoing clatter, and Rān-lir rises from his throne. The Emperor slices the palm of his hand open and as each man of his Imperial Guard approaches him to offer his obedience, he receives it by smearing his blood across the soldier’s face, blessing his service and accepting his loyalty. As ten thousand men receive the Emperor’s blessing, the droning chant rises in pitch, as the Priests of the Imperial Cult look on, approvingly…. =-<<>>-= A new claimant rises to seek the Starcast Throne! A man claiming to be Rān-lir, only son of the Emperor, Rān-ji, has appeared. Whether his identity is true or not, none can be certain - but all who have seen him claim he looks like the spitting image of Rān-ji. Already Lord Taanga has flocked to his banner, joined by the remaining independent warlords of the south. ===----<<>>----=== THE ENDLESS MARCH “The dawn of a new age, Seer!” “All shall know it.” Far to the west, Atu-an’s endless wars carry on. As the year turns, the Heavenly fleet once more penetrates into the failing Colonial Reorganization Authority. Forced to meet the Atuans in battle over the hastily relocated capital, the Colonial fleet, outnumbered and out-maneuvered, is dealt a crushing defeat. What remains of the Colonial fleet scatters to the winds, broken and shattered, there is little hope of the Colonials organizing another solid defense against the invaders, save for the event of a miracle. With the defense of the capital having failed for a second time in space, the ground war is won by the Atuans in a quick, yet brutal invasion of the surface. A large majority of the Colonial government is captured and shipped to Atu-an to face trial for their ‘crimes.’ Further south, the Altairean invasion of the USSC sparks a moment of opportunity, and an Atuan fleet penetrates the northern border towards the end of the year, meeting little true resistance, what with the USSC main fleets being positioned elsewhere. ===----<<>>----=== THE WAR ESCALATES “What hope do we have?!” As the Civil War enters its second year, the Separationist momentum continues while the Republicans, and their merchant allies, struggle to manifest any true gains. Akamu, leader of the Separationist government, continues his campaign, spearing northwards after having destroyed the Republican fleet base at Oiam V earlier last year. His advance is fast and effective, aided by Separationist fleets currently occupying the Eastern Galaxy’s expansive fuel belt. He is halted only by the arrival of the Grand Admiral Pepe’s own combined fleet. After a short and indecisive engagement, Akamau withdraws, unwilling to risk any real battle with the esteemed hero of the previous civil war. Further south, Grand Admiral Manhuera leads his own fleet through neutral space against the Separationist occupied drive yards of Orthun IX. Lost in the opening days of the war to a relatively minor Separationsit fleet, Manhuera’s forces become embroiled in a system wide series of engagements to pry the defenders off of the numerous orbital facilities, and those built deep within the asteroid belts. In the north, ERTC Battlegroups based from Oh’ran’s territory advance against the domains of General Tso and Badab. There is little in the way of space engagements, but on the ground of several worlds, ERTC legions are quickly fought to a stalemate, or even repelled by those of the General. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Grand Duchy of Alamar The Knights of Paruru’s final stand is spoken of all across Imperial Space. Their bravery and sacrifice are not soon forgotten by the many millions of lives saved by their desperate defense and stalling actions. Greater Altaire A single battleship hull is recovered, found buried in ice on some outer-rim room. Vennendal The war continues. Duchy of Castrillon Kalei seeks battle against the invader. Stellarchy of Matene Tanalar is approached with a mysterious business request.. (discord) The young Emperor is all too eager to lend the task force to his dear Uncle. Matene is vital to the success of the Empire! Fal’s World The surveyors pick apart the old battle site, clearly having been created during the civil war some sixty years ago. This particular site is littered with numerous Loyalist ships, having been the site of a decisive defeat.. 1 Dreadnought - 70 NP / 180,000 C / 30 M / 15 A / 20 T (2 turn) 1 Dreadnought - 80 NP / 165,000 C / 30 M / 15 A / 15 T (3 turns) 3 Heavy Cruisers - 30,000 C / 10 NP / 5 M / 1 A (1 turn) (priced individually) Orteau The news of yet another heir having proclaimed himself gives Adrien a raging headache.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.427 AE The clouds part. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE REPUBLIC SHATTERS “The die is cast” With the Separationist Senators having abandoned the Senate on Kior-an earlier last year, tensions within the Republic have continued to mount exponentially, with numerous government and provincial fleets being brought up into a state of readiness. All across the Republic, a pseudo-cold war between the Separationists and the Republican wings of the government sets in. Both sides eye each other carefully, awaiting the other to make its move. It is spring, by Kaumai standards, when several large, Separationist controlled Republican Fleets, on the Stellarch Akamu’s orders, declare an end to the fuel crisis and cross into the Barons’ space, laying waste to their fleets in several sudden attacks before occupying both key hyperlanes, and several of their largest fuel producing worlds. By early summer, the whole Republic erupts in response to the invasion. The Grand Admiral Pepe declares Akamu and his Separationists to be enemies of the state, and orders them apprehended on charges of treason and sedition. In response, the Separationists, and many of their allies form a new provisional government to the south. Akamu’s Rebellion experiences a massive surge of support as northern and southern Stellarchs alike flock to his anti-merchant rhetoric. Perhaps the biggest boon to the Separationist movement is the swift establishment of military alliance with the far-flung EGPA, a Separationist goal long since stonewalled by the Republican and Constitutionalist elements of the Republican Senate. The largest confrontation of the year takes place over the ocean world of Oiam V, a major Republican Fleet Base, when a Separationist Fleet led by Akamu himself falls upon the system in a surprise attack. Spearheading the assault with his personal flagship, Bulwark, A Heavy Dreadnought, a huge amount of Republican supply and material are lost to Separationist cannon fire while the local command scrambles to evacuate the system. With over half of the fleet being either disabled or destroyed, the Republicans only barely manage to limp away from the Separationist onslaught. The onset of yet another Civil War also sees the Galactic Market’s fuel reserves and production plummet as the various Republican admirals and Stellarchs all rush to grab up as many stores as they can for the coming battles. [Fuel stores and production are affected] ==---<<>>---== HI’RAKS, THE EXALTED “And behold, he sat upon a pale horse.” From atop his Starcast Throne, the Mindbender once more orders his lieutenants out against his enemies, seeking to grab more space for himself and further crush any hope of a unified Empire. From the north, another Irik fleet falls down upon the Alamarii Mandate. This time headed by Hi’raks, the Exalted. Known for his brute strength and fanatic devotion to the Mindbender’s Crusade, Hi’raks’ fleet gained a particular reputation for glassing worlds during the days of the Collapse. The Lieutenant’s flagship, Resplendent Devotion, a large hulking Dreadnought, is equipped with a particularly fearsome array of glassing beams, said to be able to reduce entire worlds to ash in mere months. Reports from beyond the border indicate that this second wave is much larger than one that preceded it. While The Exalted has not yet actually moved against the Mandate’s territories, his fleet continues to swell in number with each passing cycle. Many speculate that the Warlord intends to enter through Fiirkev’s newly opened route, but the Irik’s angle of attack remains unknown to all but his own. ==---<<>>---== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Grand Duchy of Alamar The Dryden’s will need all the ships they can muster for the coming storm… Fal’s World Expected guests.. (Discord) Greater Altaire A single Battleship hull was recovered this year, discovered as a retrofitted mining vessel. Orteau Another year draws to a close. Kaitiaki Ora She dreams of a great fire that climbs the western roots of a large tree, spreading to every corner. Not a single leaf is spared. Vennendal The Elferings receive a message from an associate. (Discord) Castrillon Retribution is returned to fighting shape.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.426 AE The hunt begins. ====-----<<>>-----==== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE AGE OF RECLAMATION “And so begins a new dawn for the Empire...” It happened on an ordinary day. A day so ordinary that it was, in fact, extraordinary. On this day, the tumultuous reality of life across the Galaxy settled. Death’s hand seemed far away and, across a thousand different worlds, there seemed to be a tiny droplet, the barest moment, of peace throughout the bloodstained and wartorn, broken and divided regions of the Old Empire. But it ended almost as quickly as it had started. For, on this day, that tiny moment of peace would be shattered, smashed by a declaration that was bound to change the very fate of the Universe, and all who presided within it. For those ignorant of the Psykic Arts, it felt as if some foreign, uncaring entity had hammered a vision into their head, as if some ancient magic had been cast that forced them to gaze upon this blinding sight, this man, atop an altar as white as a star in the distant night sky. The educated, however, understood this feeling, this vision. They knew that, by means of a Psykic cabal and the ancient altars known as the Mindpillars, that a commandment was being made to the Empire as a whole, in the manner of the Emperors of old, last used when Akoni had proclaimed himself as Emperor Rän-var XII. For atop that shining altar was a man. Tall, handsome, and obviously of the highest, oldest and finest breeding the Core had to offer. He had none of those strange mutations often found in the Mid or Outer Rim, nor was he possessed of the strange white skin so often found in the denizens of the Inner Rim, who loftily thought themselves the equal of those of true Imperial, true Core, blood. He was a man with a heavy, muscular frame, and a haughty, arrogant, regal bearing. He was clad not in the cloth of the nobility or the old upper classes, nor in the black and gold uniform of the Imperial Navy. No, he was dressed in the royal robes of the Imperial House, under a breastplate of gold and silver, engraved and inlaid with the crest of the House of Rän. He was dressed as a Crown Prince of the Empire, in the same fashion that the Emperor Rän-var had chosen, nearly two centuries ago, when he had announced his claim. The man stood proud upon his raised dias, and below him a crowd of soldiers stood, just as haughty and proud - loyal officers of the Imperial Navy and Army. To their fore stood a figure well known to all within the Empire - Grand Admiral Sorin himself. As the man spoke, his voice rang out across the stars, and reverberated throughout the minds of those who suffered this vision. “Sons, Daughters- Children of the Empire! For nigh on 60 years, the Enemy has held us back, divided and weak, while he squats upon our most sacred, hallowed lands! We curse ourselves with continuous and constant civil war, shackling our might with the same perfidious greed that rendered low the pinnacle of all civilisation. Across the endless stars, we bleed, and die and weaken by the day, as our greatest and foulest threat sits upon the Starcast Throne, laughing and mocking our folly all the while! But our dominance, our undisputed superiority, has reigned across the Universe for over five thousand years! We, humankind, are the Masters of Stars and Space, of Planets and Hyperlanes. We are the Masters of the Galaxy, and no Irik Warlord, no matter how barbaric, how savage, or how cruel, can stand in the face of the overwhelming might of the Empire! Let it be known to all, friend and foe alike, that we shall rise in an unstoppable tide, and sweep clean the Core of the rancid dregs of the Irik slave-race! I stand before you, brothers, sisters, kin, to issue this declaration unto you- I am Rakera, grandson of Rän-var, nephew of Rän-ji. I shall raise high the banner of the Empire, and beneath it I shall drive the invaders from our lands, and destroy every Irik, every drudge, that dares to cross my path! So rally, rally to me, Children of the Empire. Raise high your banners and flock to my own! Stand proud upon the decks of your warships and sail with me into everlasting honor, glory and victory! Upon an unstoppable, indefatigable wave of human might, we shall reclaim Kaumai, the Palace-Moon and the Starcast Throne! Our endeavors shall echo across a thousand centuries - so rise warriors, and rally to the call! Rally to the Imperial Standard! Rally to the House of Rän!” As Rakera finishes his final, thundering proclamation, the crowd of officers assembled before him unsheathe their swords in a simultaneous, ringing wave, and raise the ceremonial steel blades high, towards the ceiling, chanting in unison; “Glory to the Empire! Glory to the Heir!” ----------------- A Psykic wave sweeps across the Galaxy, as a vision appears in the minds of billions. At last, rejoice the common folk, an Heir has come forth to save the Empire from ruination. All now know that Lord Rakera, grandson of Rän-var, has pronounced his right to the Starcast Throne, and his intention to drive the Mind-bender from the Empire, once and for all. Already, Loyalists and supporters flock to his banner, chiefest amongst them the Lords Sorin and Kawhena, and many of the Loyalist Warlords of the South. Once more, the House of Rän rises to vanquish the Enemy, and to restore glory, honor and dignity to the Empire. ==---<<>>---== THE LORD OF A THOUSAND STARS “Where order once reigned there is only treachery and anarchy!” For decades, lawlessness and anarchy have ruled the Western Territories. Warlords and pirates constantly squabbling over derelict systems and worlds as the Fourth Empire wanes in strength and the alien scourge runs rampant beyond the old border. The year 10,426 AE, however, marks an end to this period of instability, so announces the Lord of a Thousand Stars, Tuakeo II In a rousing speech delivered to all his subjects. This year, the Imperial Fleet, under the command of Lord Kahu, moves against the House of Bones in a campaign to drive the largest of the local Irik incursions from the Empire, and to relieve the newly sworn vassal of the Empire, Lord Matareka. The opening months of the campaign have proven to be a great success for the Imperial fleet, crushing a small Irik border fleet and liberating a number of worlds on the frontier of the Houses’ dominion. News of these victories have spread far and wide, and though many celebrate at the destruction of the alien menace, many of the Emperor’s contemporaries see it as an opportunity to enrich themselves further. With the majority of the Fourth Empire’s ships on campaign, Lord Tahiwai has taken it upon himself to launch his own invasion of his former overlord, clashing with the Empire’s local forces several times throughout the year. ==---<<>>---== THE CRACKS SPREAD “Surely it would not come to this?!” The Republican senate once more enters a state of gridlock or even crisis as pressing matters regarding the import of oil and other materials from the Oil Barons and the ERTC cause tempers to flare and tensions to rise between the chamber’s various factions and interests. With several motions having been stopped by the combined influence of the Merchant and Republican blocs, numerous insults were traded ultimately culminating in a fully fledged brawl between senators. Reports from the Tanuvians record numerous injuries, and several of the Stellarch Akamu’s representatives killed on the Senate floor. Since the incident, many Separationist senators have since left the Republican capital of Kior-an. ==---<<>>---== DISASTER ON KERU V “He’s delusional, take him to the infirmary!” Unrest spreads through the galaxy like wildfire as mineral and raw material prices sky-rocket. Early in the year, disaster strikes the extensive mining and storage facilities of KERU V, one of the galaxy’s largest depots for shipping in the industry. Reports from the system state that a number of the stations’ reactors had melted down in a chain reaction, resulting in an explosion which eviscerated half of the system’s asteroid belt, as well as the vast majority of its storage facilities, and outbound shipments. In the fallout of the disaster, a huge part of the “Galactic Market’s” supply has been destroyed, and its production blunted. Even the most generous estimates figure that it will be years to replace the hardware lost in the accident. [The galactic supply of Raw Material is severely depleted] ==---<<>>---== THE WHEEL TURNS “Their eyes open, Seer!” “Even with sight they are no less blind, San’var” It washes over the galaxy like a great wave. For those who can see, their vision is sharpened. Among the hundreds of billions who cannot, a lucky few are granted the gift of sight. The year 10,426 AE sees the greatest discovery of psykics since the days of the Old Empire. In virtually every corner of the galaxy, one bearing gifts of the mind are discovered and pressed into the service of their master. The cause for this resurgence is unknown, but there are few who complain about its happening. [+1 T2 psykic for all nations] ==---<<>>---== _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altaire A pair of Battleship hulls are uncovered, one buried deep in one of the Stellarchy’s Ecumenopolises, another repurposed into a small space station for repair and refueling within a high-traffic asteroid belt. A year of searching has made it abundantly clear that these hulls are out there, it simply requires the Altaireans to look for them. Hyperboreia Many thanks are received from the 7th Chapter, who declares the funds will be put to good use. The chapter continues its war against the xenos and their sympathizers, frequently launching raids and sorties into Concordat space. The House of Dreams continues its sacred work. [Discord] Fal’s World The Ninth Moon Rises (eventually :neet:) [Discord] The Life Guard Pure disaster is only narrowly avoided by the Life Guard’s focus on counter-intelligence… [Discord] The Grand Duchy of Alamar Another year passes in Alamar, relatively safe from the troubles of the rest of the galaxy. Work begins on the replacement for the Stellarch’s flagship, lost in battle over the Labyrinth. Vennendal Beyond the borders of Vennendal, a slew of workers flock to some old battlefield in search of salvageable wrecks. Without the protection of the Vennendalic fleet, though, they are easy prey for pirates and irik alike. Roughly halfway through their survey, a fleet from the House of Storms falls upon them, destroying many of their ships (and their findings.) The location and intent of the irik fleet remains unknown. Despite the circumstances, the surveyors have confirmed the presence of atleast two salvageable dreadnought hulls. ERTC piracy, along with smaller blockades, continues to lay waste to Vennendalic imports and exports alike across the galaxy. [40,000 credits lost in pirate actions] Orteau Numerous reports flood into Orteau with the posting of such a large bounty. Though they vary wildly, many claim that Aokigahara’s personal fleet had been sighted moving east, and had fled into the Outer Rim/Republic Space following the raid on Orteau last year. House Matareka Matarekan surveyors pick apart the old battle site where a large and heavily militarized merchant fleet had clashed with the Irik some decades prior. The battlefield is strewn with countless wrecks, including some capital ships, but the work doesn't come cheap. [40,000 C to pay for surveying] 1 Heavy Dreadnought - 150 NP / 180,000 C / 30 M / 15 A / 20 T (1 turn) 3 Heavy Cruisers - 30,000 C / 10 NP / 5 M / 1 A (1 turn) (priced individually) A single battleship hull is uncovered in the scavenging efforts [7,500 C] There is no response to the non-aggression pact. LRSBs on the border detect an influx of Irik ships moving into the House of Sun’s border regions. TALANAR THE GLORIOUS The young and ambitious Emperor takes his uncle’s advice… Duchy of Castrillion With their request having been stonewalled by the Duke of Alamar last year, The Lord Regent is approached with a request from the Eastern Rim Trading Company. The Company is interested in purchasing a system or systems from the Mandate. Following this purchase, these systems would be converted into Mandate provinces with enough votes held by the company to be equivalent to the rank of Archon. As a member of the Mandate, these Company representatives would be able to offer many material benefits.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.425 AE The torch is lit. ====-----<<>>-----==== Events WESTWARD “Providence points to the West, San’var” “As you command, Seer.” With many colonial worlds having been isolated from the central government as a result of the following year of campaigns, the ire of the Heavenly Kingdom bares down upon the West. Lacking any significant sector defense fleets, and offered favorable terms, the West folds to Atu-an without a single shot being fired. A month later, the Heavenly Emperor, Hau-ti, decrees that the western worlds - largely abandoned following The Collapse, must be reclaimed. All are made aware, these worlds fall under the custodianship of the Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an. The Emperor’s fascination with the vacant western territories is not exactly clear, but rumors speak of ancient relics and derelict marvels - long abandoned by the former Colonies that the Emperor wishes to restore. LEAVES IN THE WIND “The Mindbender has been allowed to fester for too long..” After the Mindbender’s show of force, much of the southern Empire’s warlords are thrown into a state of terror or confusion. Blood runs hot as the various successor-admirals scramble to find their bearings. Those close to the Pact’s border speculate the imminent arrival of a much, much larger second wave and begin to make ready preparations to drive back yet another Great Irik Crusade, in the event that their northern neighbors succumb to the horde. Further south, the warlords run rampant, and the year is characterized by an intense increase of skirmishes and minor scuffles along the border regions of the various domains and territories. Of these scuffles, the most significant is spearheaded by the Lord Taanga; Who, using a series of well calculated strikes, snatches more than a few of his neighbors' systems almost simultaneously. Reports indicate that the Admiral was able to accomplish this despite the ERTC providing his adversaries with both monetary and material funding. Among the sea of voices, though, one desire emerges, crystal clear. The Sons and Daughters of the Empire cry out for a unifier. No longer can they remain divided among themselves against the Star-Breaker and his legions. There must be an heir. There must be unity. THE PIRATE KING RETURNS “A pity we cannot dwell longer.. Orteau is beautiful this time of year.” While the Pact fends off the Irik incursion in far away systems, Aokigahara, The Dread Pirate, emerges from yet another brief absence. It is mid-summer on Orteau when his ships exit from hyperspace, descending onto the scantily defended capital of the Teniert domain. In his approach many of the numerous trade vessels in the busy system are set upon by Aokigahara while attempting to flee, and many more are simply destroyed in port. The Pirate King’s marauders fall upon the capital below, and more specifically, the monolithic Teniert keep, which extends all the way into the stratosphere. Their stay is not long, repelled from the surface by the sole Orteauan legion on the planet in short order. A fair amount of pilfering, though, was carried out - even while facing total casualties and several very valuable items have been confirmed as stolen; including a famous portrait of the late lord Ashweather Teniert’s grandfather. Most tragically, young Ashweather II Teniert is allegedly missing - captured directly from the Teniert Keep in the chaotic fighting against the brief pirate incursion. His fate, at present, remains unknown. Having been repelled from the surface, Aokigahara’s fleet does not dwell long, jumping into hyperspace much richer than they came. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater Altaire The Stellarch dreams of six red banners, hanging still above a great archway, of a fine table with five legs and four plates, of a tall man with three eyes, two of which are closed, of an Emperor with one heart. Grand Duchy of Alamar Alamar receives a communication from the Eastern Rim Trading Company. They are willing to replace the lost Alamari Flagship for a mere 300,000 credits (WELL below market price), and a stipulation… Fal’s World “I see they’ve omitted the pork loin with lime jello” one attendee remarks amidst the slew of festivities United Vennendal After a great deal of deliberation within the Republican Senate, and more than a few backdoor dealings, the blockade on Vennendal is overturned, narrowly. Manhuera reports to Lord Elfering that the motion was undone at the price of more than a significant amount of his influence. An act he hopes his son-in-law will not soon forget… Withe blockade lifted, though, comes the onset of merchant raiders, pirates, and ERTC squadrons which still prowl the hyperlanes in hopes of damaging Vennendalic shipping. [35,000 credits lost] Orteau Disaster strikes Orteau! With the protection of its fleet so far away, The Pirate King is free to take as he pleases and plunder what he may. For much of the year, he runs rampant in Orteau’s space and even launches a raid against Keep Teniert itself (though it is almost instantly repelled by Teniert ground troops.) In the aftermath, though, it is apparent that young Ashweather II Teniert has been abducted by the pirates. No word has yet come from Aokigahara. [50,000 credits lost in pirate actions] Duchy of Castrillon With news of the Pact victory over Fiirkev having spread to much of the galaxy, even with the destruction of the Labyrinth considered, many Loyalists have been instilled with confidence regarding the Alamar Pact. The Lord Regent receives a communication late in the year from Grand Admiral Rakena, and Admiral Kailani soon after, both of which are interested in aligning with Pact.. Hyperboreia The torch is lit. The darkness of night fades. [Discord]

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.424 AE The Horn Sounds ====-----<<>>-----==== "The Senate gave me the great honor of commanding the efforts at Buath in a blatant attempt to rob the Emperor of his supporters - by trapping me here, doomed to spend the rest of my time as Stellarch in a ceaseless and wretched conflict with no end in sight - all the while knowing my honor would not allow me to defy their demands” -Excerpt from the Journal of Stellarch Nalani _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE DRUMS BEAT “And behold, he sat upon a pale horse.” As the Alamarii war against the Warlord Eteroa rages, the forces of the Mindbender are once more spurred into action, capitalizing on the turmoil to their south. Erasmis orders one of his lieutenants, Fiirkev, to lead the effort against Eteroa’s realm. Known for his fleets’ speed and agility, Fiirkev’s ships burn hard across the border - overwhelming the tiny force left behind to defend it. Those unfortunate enough to be captured by the Fleetmaster are affixed to his flagship’s engines, slowly cooked and eventually incinerated in their EVA suits as he spools his drives. With the gates breached, Fiirkev sets his sights on the Labyrinth, determined to destroy anything that might stand in the way of his further conquests.. Fiirkev’s advance has, coincidentally, coincided with many other Irik movements throughout the galaxy. To the north, the IDI has reported significant clashes with the Red-Gold Concordat, and the House of Bones is reported to once more be on the move by Fourth Empire intelligence. DIVINE WINDS “Hear me, San’var, for I walk upon the very thread of destiny. Where I go, salvation follows.” With the Colonial capital in ruins, the momentum of Atu-an only continues to grow. As the year turns, the Heavenly Fleet continues its conquest northwards, coming to blows with the reorganized Colonial Fleet just across the border. Reinforced by the first wave of capital ships from their newly captured Driveyards - and ‘divine intervention’ as many have claimed, the Heavenly Fleet once more reigns victorious, dealing significant casualties to the Colonial Armada in the process, who is once more forced to retreat east. In the wake of yet another victory, a slew of planets have either surrendered, or have been outright conquered by the Heavenly Kingdom, effectively cutting the Colonies in half. To the west, continued border skirmishes against the USSC have tipped in favor of Atu-an, and several planets which had previously been contested by the two powers are occupied by the forces of Heaven while Communist fleets and assets are pulled from the region en masse. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Grand Duchy of Alamar The Dryden’s anticipate the coming of a storm, one which they intend to weather. Greater Altaire Another batch of contractors pick through Altaire’s westernmost and only un-scavenged major battlefield. The work is carried out without much issue, locating a number of valuable hulls that could be repurposed, along with many more that could not. A report is on Admiral Fratenelli’s desk by the years’ end. 2 BB - 125,000 C / 100 NP / 15 M / 5 T (2 turns) (priced individually) 8 DD - 5,000 C / 2 NP / 0 M (1 turn) (priced individually) The Kaitiaki Ora Spiders move across webs. A hand reaches out from the dark. (Discord) Fal’s World Compliance with ERTC directives proves to be a massive boon for Fal’s world. The Company is more than willing to toss pennies to the disparaged imperials in exchange for the enforcement of their blockade, and as such, a huge amount of wealth flows into the system. United Vennendal With Vennendal’s almost total victory over the local ERTC forces, the sector has largely gone quiet. Reports from the north, however, indicate that Universal Security scrambles - in fear of invasion themselves. Several defense fleets have been activated, and their facilities to the north have ramped up production in order to combat and potential incursions. Salvage teams pick through the battlefield on the border. Among the wreckage is many Irik and Imperial ships, the majority of which have been rendered totally unusable. 1 BB - 125,000 C / 90 NP / 10 M / 5 T (2 turns) 3 CA - 30,000 C / 15 NP / 9 M / 1 A (priced individually) Duchy of Castrillon Not long after the fall of Labyrinth, the Castrillonian Fleet’s sensors and communication arrays are in a flurry. Fiirkev, a prominent Irik warlord and lieutenant of Erasmis has overran Eteroa’s border defenses and now burns hard for the Labyrinth, dead set on the facilities’ destruction. Orteau Another year passes in Orteau. House Matareka Unfortunately for House Matareka, many of the Irik across the border share the Lord Matareka’s sentiments. A report from the House of Bones’ space indicates a large battle fleet on the move east. Furthermore, panic spreads across the eastern border as a number of Irik raiding vessels appear from the House of Suns laying waste to a large convoy before retreating back across the border. [25,000 lost in goods and assets.] House Matareka’s message receives mixed signals from the rest of the galaxy. Many are far from pleased to learn of the survival of the Traitor’s house but they would rather that Imperials cling onto their worlds rather than the Irik. APOLOGIES FOR THE SHORT POST. I AM OUT OF ACTION.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.423 AE Night Falls ====-----<<>>-----==== “Gaze.” The Mindbender swung the captain’s body around as if it were weightless. “Gaze. Your House. Your Ships. Your Baron. No More.” The Palace burned, Kaumai burned, the World burned, the Galaxy burned. Above him, he could see the Imperial Ships in orbit succumb to fire, engulfed in inferno as they were overwhelmed or forced to retreat. “Know me. I did this.” The creature turned the captain, forcing him to look into its four eyes. There was a sharp pain in his mind, so much pain- and fear. He tried to scream. Then there was nothing. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE FALL OF NAHKI “A monument to your glory, Lord!” “A monument to those who would resist Heaven, San’var.” As the Colonial Garrison of Nahki stretches its resistance into a third year, the Heavenly Emperor grows ever more impatient with every passing cycle. Finally, the Emperor assumes direct command over the siege of Mo’an-tal. In a surprising turn of events, the whole of the Atuan army is withdrawn from the mega-city, allowing the defenders much needed breathing space. That is, until the Heavenly fleet enters positions in orbit, and over the next three days, the whole of the colonial capital is systematically and indiscriminately glassed. Where once stood one of the Galaxy’s largest cities is now nothing more than a glorified pile of rubble- a tomb for millions. Of those who survived the glassing and subsequently surrendered to the Atuan forces, few have actually been taken into custody, with most being executed on the spot. With Nahki having fallen, The Heavenly Emperor has declared that the rest of the Colonies will soon follow. The Heavenly fleet does not dwell long over Nahki’s surface, already preparing for its next foray into Colonial space. THE CLOUDS BREAK “Since when do we allow women in the Senate!?” After more than a year of politiking, internal disorganization, and other shenanigans, the Republic’s elections finally conclude, and a beam of stability shines through the ever gathering clouds. The elections see the widely popular Grand Admiral Pepe re-elected to the position of Tanu Kavan, Senator Nikau of Badab elected to the position of Kavan Te (After securing the votes of the Separationists), and Oh’ran, the Merchant representative, elected as Kavan He-Ai. The elections have seen the Republican position within the Senate weakened considerably, losing three votes to Badab, Ushen, and the Separationists respectively; a change of landscape which only narrowly allows them to hold a plurality rather than the slight majority they once had. THE COMING OF SAN’KLAU “HO HO HO!” A tale as old as humanity itself, it is said that once every thousand years the legendary San’klau visits every one of the Empire’s worlds from deep space- delivering presents to all the patriotic and xeno-hating boys and girls. For those on the naughty list, who have consorted with traitors and non-humans, they can expect only rotten peas under their pillows. In preparation for this historic event, patriotic and xeno-hating boys and girls all across the galaxy rush to spit on Matareka’s name and curse the Star-Breaker Erasmis, going to bed so full of excitement for the presents that will surely await them in the morning.. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Altaire More contractors pick apart the battle site west of the one surveyed last year. This system appears to contain much less wreckage, either whittled away by scavengers over the year or simply filled with much less activity during the war between Altaire and the FWA. Nevertheless, they locate a handful of useful hulls. 1 BB - 125,000 C / 100 NP / 15 M / 5 T (2 turns) 1 CVE - 20,000 C / 10 NP / 5 M / 1 A (1 turn) 5 DD - 5,000 C / 2 NP / 0 M (1 turn) (priced individually) Stilicho does not receive any actual artifacts, but he does receive more than a few leads talking about a shipwreck within Altaire’s space which is always a hive of activity for folks interested in that line of work. Some even say the late Tarau Naei had an interest in the site - before his mysterious disappearance! WAR! (Discord) San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Fal’s World Spiders spin webs in the shadows. San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) United Vennendal The Invasion of ERTC space begins. As the Vennendalische fleets cross into foreigns space, they stumble into a lightly defended industrial system. The handful of ERTC ships in the system manage to slip away before the Vennendalic fleet can properly stop them, but the planet, devoid of any real defenses or defenders, is quickly surrendered to the Vennendalic invaders. As the invasion begins, the ERTC declares blockade against Vennendal, and offers substantial bounties to any and all who are willing to prey on Vennendalic shipping. With this declaration comes widespread blockade from much of the Republic. A major exception to this is the Grand Admiral Manhuera, who states that he will simply not blockade his son-in-law’s domain. (+50% cost to buy goods) Furthermore, Vennendal receives word that Universal Security has allegedly been contracted to intervene. San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Grand Duchy of Alamar The Starbreaker inches ever closer, and the Dryden’s pray his warfleets never set their domains within their sights. San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Orteau The Teniert’s will it and so it is done. Contractors swarm to the Graveyard, eagerly drawing up lists of what could and possibly couldn’t be salvaged from the endless wrecks. The results of this surveying is indeed uplifting, despite the fact is a widely acknowledged opinion that it would be impossible to restore Heaven’s Hammer. Despite the sheer amount of contractors, there is still more than enough wreckage to pick through and potentially locate more usable hulls. -1 HBB - 200,000 C / 1 HP / 25 M / 10 A / 20 T (1 turn) -2 BB - 140,000 C / 150 NP / 15 M / 5 T (2 turns) (priced individually) -1 CV - 125,000 C / 125 NP / 15 M / 5 T (2 turns) San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Rewi San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) The Kaitiaki Ora The Stealth ship goes dark, and does not return from USSC space. San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Ushen The Barons accept (DISCORD) San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Castrillon San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) Badab The Dominion receives a horrifying communique from the Pirate King, Aokigahara, namely a video of a man that the Department of Defense will easily recognize being forced to pull out his own organs as hot irons are pressed into his back before he is vented into space. San’Klau delivers presents to all the good boys and girls! (+100,000 C) MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.422 AE The light of dusk fades away. ====-----<<>>-----==== “Hear me now, Ancestors, from where I sit, beneath this ancient, hallowed temple. I shall return to the seat of our line, bearing with me Imperial banner and naked blade. The day shall come, in answer to my call, that Imperial men, both proud and tall, shall rally one and all. Beneath our banner, bold, righteous and determined, we shall drive the Foe from our lands, and from the Starcast Throne. At the height of that dias, I shall plant my standard and raise the noble cry; Revenge for Ran-ji!” _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE SIEGE OF NAHKI “The people will sing songs of your glory, Lord. They will praise your name.” “Is that so, San-var?” [Atuan Infantry battle in the streets of Mo’an-tal against Colonial forces] Atu-an’s war against the Colonial Remnants continues. With much of the capital world having been captured in the fighting last year, Colonial forces have regrouped around the worlds’ largest city Mo’an-tal. Since the Atuan’s first assault against the city late last year, the fighting has only intensified to levels not seen since The Collapse. Mo’an-tal’s defenders fiercely hold the city against the invaders, forcing Atuan command to pay dearly for each foot of ground. Operations on the ground have continued with mounting losses as the Atuans battle their way through the massive city. In light of the siege’s intensity, the Heavenly Emperor has authorized the deployment of three more legions to the planets surface, in order to crush the Colonials once and for all. Perhaps the only hope for the defenders are the Ground to Orbit arrays, which have successfully kept the skies clear of any meaningful Atuan air support. Still, resources and manpower continue to dwindle, but the colonials hold regardless - praying for relief. Across the rest of Nahki, Atuan rule is further cemented as hundreds of administrators are flown in from off-world, various infrastructure projects begin, and most importantly, the Atuan military cracks down on insurgent activity tenfold. ====-----<<>>-----==== A TRAIL OF CHAOS "It was a shame to lose so many slaves, but you must admit! They made excellent candles! The best I've ever seen!" [Aokigahar’s fleet descends on the mining colony] The Pirate King’s fleet burns east, falling upon a small mining colony as it does. With the local Warlord, Artorian, having his fleet on the other side of the territory, Aokigahara falls upon it without mercy, or fear of reprisal. Over the course of two weeks every inch of the colony is torched and looted, with widespread atrocities being reported by the survivors. Before the Pirate King’s fleet departs, Aokigahara orders the city glassed, which it is in short order. Reports from Artorian’s government estimate as many as half a billion citizens were killed in the glassing. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Fal’s World Long forgotten. United Vennendal There is much to be done. The Grand Duchy of Alamar Another year passes. Another year of the Hui-Ariki’s machinations. The House of Rewi The Order of the Crescent accepts the opportunity to better and more easily communicate with its neighbors. The Rewi diplomats are received and given permanent accommodations within a small temple on the Crescent’s Homeworld. Greater Altaire The team contracted to investigate Altaire’s easternmost battlefield has an extensive report on the Admiralty’s desk by the end of the year. The system was the site of a larger than average fleet engagement, and thus is littered with scattered wrecks. The crews locate a single Dreadnought hull which could be salvaged as well as a pair of Armored Cruisers. BB - 125,000 C / 100 NP / 15 M / 5 T (2 turns) CA - 30,000 C /15 NP / 5 M / 1 A (1 turn) House Matareka By the year’s end Mokihi’s flagship, Redemption, arrives at the site of the anomaly. Frequently reported by passing freighters and mining ships, it consists of a large, ruined, space liner which had apparently crashed on the surface of a nearby moon during the Collapse. Surprisingly, scans indicate that the ship appears to be almost untouched by scavengers - an oddity to be sure. EVAs have been prepped, awaiting Mohiki’s word. [Discord] The Dominion A man chooses. A slave obeys. Orteau A pupil with a promising future. The Hekeati A response eventually filters back, facilitated by a Republican psykic. Lord Taera is more than willing to face the Sample, if only he could actually reach Loyalist space! An Ambassador is accepted. Lord Rata is more than willing to work with any true loyalists, assuming they do not intend to interfere with any of Lord Rata’s Restoration Efforts. The ERTC is willing to construct a Dreadnought for the low price of 750,000 credits. Construction, of course, will take 3 years. Price, the ERTC representative says, is dependent on the market value of the required resources. The Stealth Ship counts a relatively small border fleet consisting of mostly cruisers and light ships. The world is much more well defended, equipped with Ground-to-Orbit batteries as well as Hyperspace Interdictors and an Orbital Defense Platform. Castrillon A light show exclusive to Castrillon. Dominion of Badab Initiating Security Check… Security Check in Progress… Security Check Completed. Ushen The black gold of Ushen floods the markets and fuels the galaxy.

SHATTERED SUNS Year 10.421 AE The light of dusk fades away. ====-----<<>>-----==== “They’re closing in around us now. The transports are gone, broken as they tried to escape. I know you will never hear this, but I love you, my darling wife. I curse the day I left you, and I curse this day that I must leave you forever. They’re at the bunker doors. The screams get ever louder. We are going to die in this forsaken place. How I wish I had never set foot on Buath. How I wish I could go ho- [TRANSMISSION ENDED]” -The last recorded transmission from the surface of Buath. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Events THE SIEGE OF NAHKI “Am I not generous, San’var?” “Without equal, my Lord.” [Atuan Infantry advance under fire on C.R.A positions] Far to the west, The Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an continues its divinely-ordained war against the Colonial Reorganization Authority. In space, the Colonial Navy has been sent into a full rout, forced to abandon the void above the former Colonial capital of Nahki. As the banners of Heaven itself march upon the system, much of the remaining Colonial government flees north into more secure space - leaving the planet’s garrison to hold the world alone. News from the former Colonies suggests that the Atuans have made great progress, having accepted the surrender of several of the largest colonial formations on the planet. The last of Nahki’s resistance is centered around the expansive mega-city of Mo’an-tal, where the remaining Colonial armies have dug in heavily. BLESSED IS THE LINE OF THE EMPEROR RUR-VAI ===----<>----=== THE COMING OF AN HEIR “Do not delay, Admiral, for we have little time to lose.” [The Starcast Throne, in the Imperial Observatory.] From the furthest reaches of civilized space comes a message which slowly but surely filters through to every remaining psykic in the galaxy, “An heir proclaims himself.” The man in question is the Lord Taera, a matriarchal second cousin of the late Emperor Rän-ji. Stationed in the Outer Rim during the Civil War, Taera’s fleets were unable to reach Loyalist lines before Erasmis’ invasion had already penetrated to the core. Since then, they have been wedged between their two foes, only barely scrounging by. With this announcement is a call to aid directed to the Loyalist south, and a plea to the Republic requesting safe passage south - how the Republic will respond to such a request remains to be seen. ===----<>----=== THE PIRATE KING “Let them despair!” [The destruction of the ERTCV Sifter against Aokigahara’s fleet] Chaos continues to engulf the galaxy, and the illustrious Pirate King runs forever rampant among the Eastern Galaxy’s trade routes. 10,421 proves to be an eventful year for Aokigahara’s fleet, though, as the Horseman, Aokigahara’s flagship aswell as its supporting vessels fall upon an ERTC Treasure Fleet returning from the Far Rim. Unknowingly having walked into a pirate ambush, the ERTC escorts were quickly picked apart and destroyed, with the primary escort, ERTCV Sifter, being destroyed in the opening stages of the battle. The entire contents of the ERTC convoy has apparently since been destroyed or otherwise lost to the pirates. Aokigahara’s marauding continues to burn east through Loyalist space. ===----<>----=== GATHERING CLOUDS “500 credits per shipment? What do the Barons need 400 credits for! 300 credits is unbelievable! The Westerners don’t have the gall to ask for 200 credits for fuel..” [The Republic Senate] As another set of terms comes to an end, the clouds of the Republican Senate begin to gather as a host of interests prepare to compete for the trio of newly vacant positions: Tanu Kavan, Kavan Te, and Kavan He-ai and upset the long established rule of the hugely popular Grand Admiral Pepe. While the various factions of the Senate return to their constant scheming, trouble brews on the Republic’s horizon.. The Oil Barons continue to hold the Republic at their mercy through their near total domination of the Outer Rim’s fuel reserves, many within the Senate cry for a response. Indeed, the idea would be attractive to many more if the Republic’s finances were not almost completely sustained by ERTC and Universal loans, huge partners of the Oil Barons. Further still, reports filter in from the border of Admiral Akamu’s efforts to refurbish and salvage Civil War naval vessels en masse, a development which has many of the provincial governors on edge. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ "Ran-ji lies dead. Man is scattered. The Empire burns. Those who remain shall burn with it.."

SHATTERED SUNS The year is 10,420 AE - The Empire Burns ==-----<>-----== "When Empires fall, they fall in fire, and in blood, but, while the Sun may set on a civilisation's greatness, an Empire’s legacy will live on, in the shadows of its dusk. Although the Third Empire, the absolute pinnacle of human might and society, crumbled into nothingness, in the hidden corners of that ruination, lingered the beliefs and convictions that had served as its foundations. Though the Empire's territories have devolved into a teeming mass of Stellarchs and warlords, there remains a single, all encompassing belief - the supremacy of mankind. Man is the Master of the Galaxy, and though we have suffered through the Second Schism, Man will inevitably rise once more, to vanquish our foes, and to reclaim our rightful place amongst the stars." -The last public speech of the Tanu Kavan, Panayiotou The Fall of the Third Empire was the tragedy of a generation - a collapse brought about by the vicious infighting of the Republicans and the Loyalists, perpetrated by the ambitions of the Emperor, Rän-ji XVI, his loyal hound, Lord Teniert of Orteau, and the resistance of the Republican Tanu Kavan, Lord Panayiotou, along with the treacherous sedition planned by the likes of the Stellarch Tuakeo, who plotted to seize the Starcast Throne for himself. In the ensuing Civil War, the Galaxy was ripped asunder, divided between the two Imperial camps, or among the various rebels and traitors scattered mostly throughout the western portions of space. As the Third Empire found itself crushed beneath the weight of a war that pitted brother against brother, the age-old enemy struck. Erasmis, the Mind-Bender, a fearsome Irik Warlord, sallied forth from the Irearchy, laying waste to all before him. Moving decisively, he captured Kaumai and, with his own hand, ended the lives of the Emperor and his direct heir. From this onslaught Lord Matareka, the infirm Lord Teniert’s replacement, and the only leadership remaining to the Loyalist government - whose name has become forever synonymous with treachery - abandoned his post in that dark hour, to save his own hide, condemning the Empire to its miserable fate. After millenia of waiting, time has finally come full circle - the Empire is dead, and in its place dwells a thousand bickering Warlords, squabbling over the remains of their once mighty nation. The Second Schism has come, and former Imperial territories must now contend not only with their own infighting, but also with the constant and savage raids of Irik Warchiefs, and all the while Erasmis, the Mind-Bender, rules the Core with his ironclad fist, from atop the Starcast Throne in the Imperial Observatory. But though the Third Empire has shattered, the might of mankind has not faded - while the great military hardware of the Old Empire is rare now, broken, lost or abandoned over the five, bitter decades since the Fall, mankind still possesses the means to protect himself and his remaining territories. For all the squabbling of the Warlords, they still share one, common foe, one focus of their unified hatred - the Irik - and all remember the values and ideals upon which the Empire was constructed. For the Third Empire fell by fire, by greed, by treachery - but just as the Third Empire fell, so too will mankind rise once more to domination of the Universe - By the sword. ==---<>---== NPCs Emperor Ran-ji XVI -- Murdered by Erasmis, The Mindbender on Kaumai Crown Prince, Ran-lir XII -- Murdered by Erasmis, The Mindbender, on Kaumai Empress Raa -- Presumed Dead, at the hands of Erasmis, The Mindbender. Grand Admiral Roko -- Murdered by Erasmis, The Mindbender, above Buath. Grand Admiral Nalani -- Killed in heroic action during the defense of Kaumai. Arero Rumari -- Murdered by Irik under the command of Erasmis, The Mindbender, during the sack of Kaumai. Grand Admiral Sorin -- Active Warlord in the Inner Rim Grand Admiral Rakena -- Active Warlord in the Inner Rim Admiral Otikoro -- Active Warlord in Deep Space Admiral Rata -- Killed in action against Republican forces. Admiral Kawhena -- Active Warlord in the Inner Rim Grand Admiral Pepe -- Active Republican Governor Grand Admiral Manhuera -- Active Republican Governor Grand Admiral Rahn -- Killed in action against Loyalist forces. Stellarch U’ilanni -- Succumbed to age. Tanu Kavan Panayiotou -- Assassinated leaving the Republican Senate. Admiral Rona -- Killed in action against Irik forces above The Ring. Arakatera -- Killed in action during the First Siege of Orteau. General Corvin – Killed in action during the First Siege of Orteau. Admiral Avivira -- Killed in action against FWA forces. Admiral Netana -- Committed suicide shortly after surrendering his armies to FWA forces. Emperor Tuakeo I -- Succumbed to age Kauri Arapai -- Leads the PLF on Kaumai and in the Core. Star Marshal Radavan Jelavic -- Defected to the USSC following the downfall of the FWA. OWTC CEO, Tamatoa -- Murdered under mysterious circumstances. ==---<>---== “The Emperor is dead. The Palace-Moon burns. I send now this final message unto the Void. The Imperial Guard will follow the Emperor on his path with all the honor and glory it can muster. Glory to the Emperor! Glory to the Empire!” -Unknown Officer of the Imperial Guard, on open channels, following the Sack of Kaumai The State of the Northern Marches “Have them dig a pit, then line them up on the edge of it.” -Colonel Ikaika, in the aftermath of an Irik raid The Northern Sectors of the Galaxy, the old Imperial Marches, have all but fallen to the might of the Irik foe. Though Badab, Tso and a smattering of fractured Loyalist Warlords continue to bitterly resist the march of Irik warbands, the North is a bitter wasteland, fallen almost completely to the enemy. The silver lining, however, is the enemy is now as bitterly divided as the many states of man, as Irik Warlords now savagely turn upon each other, seeking to avenge age-old slights, to seize slaves, resources and territories, or to prove to all the might and honour of their Houses. This constant infighting is all that has prevented the last bastions of Imperial space in the North from being overrun, and it is all that has allowed the shattered remnants of House Matareka, led by the last of that line, Mohiki, to persist in these troubled times. Though Matareka is ostracised and hated still, the shattered remnants of Lord Roko’s fleet had no option but to flee to their space, and House Matareka represents one of the most significant resistances to Irik domination. Erasmis, threatened north and south, savagely continues to defend his territory from would-be challengers to his legendary status, dividing his attention, and ultimately keeping many territories in the Core and the Republic safe from his brutality. The State of the Western Galaxy “It seems that the Lord of a Thousand Stars is as weak as the masters of the Old Empire….” -Unknown Altairean Officer Peace is a rare commodity in this new Galaxy, and this is no less true in the vast tracts of Western Space, where the traitor Tuakeo birthed his Fourth Empire. Though the Fourth Empire lives on, its founder has long since perished, after a short, age-related illness. While his son, Tuakeo II now rules this state, he is weak and this new Empire has quickly become underrun with sedition and treachery. Politics are dominated by the abnormal men of Matene, led by Tanalar the Glorious, Tuakeo’s uncle. The weakness of the Fourth Empire’s government has become all too apparent in recent years. Many of the great Stellarchies that flocked to Tuakeo’s cause when he began his sedition have abandoned the crumbling Empire, as Tanalar indulges in extreme hedonism and endorses his personal sycophants. In the southern stretches of the Fourth Empire, almost all of the old territory is gone, divided now between bickering Warlords, whose only difference from the Warlords of the East is a significantly more self-serving character. Most notable of these warlords is the province of Altaire, which has achieved great relevance through the nearly wholesale destruction of the Free Workers’ Alliance, leading them to status as a regional power. Altaire betrayed Tuakeo even more swiftly than it betrayed Ran-ji, and now it enjoys the fruits of its treasons. In the Northern areas of Western space, Hyperboreia, triumphant over Irik invasion, continues to build its might in preparation for the coming Great Crusade. Meanwhile, the Interplanetary Defensive Initiative consolidates their hold over their space, and continues to expand their industry and military power, in a bid to defend their own peculiar brand of liberal rule. Also hidden away, with little territory but carefully consolidated military might, is Lord Otikoro. Otikoro’s Imperial Reclamation Fleet is ever prepared to do what is necessary to revitalise the failing Empire, and return a rightful heir to the Starcast Throne. The State of the Free Colonies "All we've built... gone.." The period of independence, stability, and prosperity enjoyed by the Free Colonies proved to be fleeting. The tide of war and chaos which would engulf the whole of the galaxy did not spare the isolated state beyond the Empire’s western borders. As Erasmis sacked the Palace-Moon of Kaumai, the Colonies’ Penal Worlds rose up in glorious revolution. This would only trigger a downward spiral as the Empire’s chaos overflowed into Colonial space. Altairean battlefleets pursuing FWA forces would come to blows with the Colonials countless times - only further toppling the power of the already scrambling government. The northern sectors of Colonial space is now dominated by the Directorate, a super conglomeration of industrialists and other corporate interests seeking to protect their own interests which separated from the Colonial government when it became apparent that they would be unable to control the situation. To their east lies the Tarvek Confederacy, a collection of mining worlds where the Colonial Government employed Kall slaves in vast quantities. Since triggering the events which would collapse their oppressing governments, the Kall have seized a frightening amount of space. Little is known of what lies beyond their borders, but rumors spread of human slavery. In the south a near constant state of warfare is present, facilitated by the rapidly expanding Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an, who wages war on all fronts against the remnants of the Colonial Government, The Colonial Reorganisation Authority, and the newly established United Socialist Star Communes. The State of the Eastern Galaxy “Keep firing! Keep those guns firing! Fire until the barrels melt in your very hands! Fire until every one of them is dead! Fire! Fire! Fire! But do NOT let them leave this field alive!” -Kauri Arapai, the third year of the Siege of Kaumai For fifty years, the Eastern Sectors of the Galaxy have burned, saddled beneath the enormous weight of a hundred squabbling states, across a thousand squabbling systems. Peace is an alien concept here, where warfleets have freely roamed, and countless worlds have fallen victim to the horrors of planetary siege. In the Mid Rim the Republic, the last unified authority from the days of the Third Empire, rules over a vast (though massively reduced) territory that grows more unruly with each passing year. The Senate finds itself as divided as ever, between Constitutionalists and Republicans, and a rapidly growing faction of Separationists - military governors who look ever more fondly to the possibility of military control of the State. The Republic increasingly relies on the strength of Grand Admirals Pepe and Manhuera to prop up the central government, as the peripheries continue to push towards their own destinies. Further, the Republic finds itself ever more in debt to the many mercantile factions that always held influence over the affairs of the Imperial State. The Eastern Rim Trading Company holds up the Republican treasury, supplying seemingly endless credit for the fading state. The ERTC is not without their own goals, however, and their representatives are hard at work securing rights amongst the many fractured Loyalist remnants, who now control the space lanes in the sectors south of the Core. Although the Republic is becoming increasingly split by ideological differences, and the realities of mercantilist influence, at least they have survived as a united state. In the South, the Admirals of the Imperial Navy took full advantage of the chaos resulting in the Fall of the Third Empire, and seized much territory for themselves, by means of their fleets. The Southern Sectors of the Eastern Galaxy are particularly divided, as dozens of formerly Loyalist officers bicker and squabble over whatever shreds of territory are left to claim. Only the ever present eye of the Star-Breaker, Erasmis, and the careful diplomacy of the major warlords have prevented the region from descending into total chaos. Peace in the south has been maintained by the plotting of Grand Admiral Sorin - who occupied much of Orteau, following the Fall - and his allies, Grand Admiral Rakena and Admiral Kawhena. This triple agreement has convinced the other, more bellicose, warlords - Lords Taanga, Keretene and Rata - to reign in their horns, and to bide their time. Perhaps it is well that it is so, for bordering both the weakened Republic and the fractured Loyalists are the hyper-nationalists of the Eastern Galactic Provisional Authority, who seek to extend their influence across the entire Empire, and to reunify the shattered Empire in the image of their own brutal military dictatorship. And finally, the Core…. The Core burns, under the fire of war. Planets lie ruined, beneath the smouldering bodies of billions. Irik warfleets, under the rule of Erasmis and his minions, patrol the inky void. On planetary surfaces, tens of millions of bold Planetary Liberation Front volunteers battle viciously to repulse the Braves of the Mind-Bender. Worlds crack under the savagery of Irik orbital bombardment. Erasmis glasses what he cannot hold, with the exception of one point, the Center of the Universe. Kaumai. Against the hordes of Erasmis, Kaumai stands. Against the atrocities of Irik Braves, Kaumai holds. For fifty years, the PLF have fought on the surface of the industrialised city-world capital of the Third Empire, fighting by day and night under the very eyes of the Star-Breaker himself, who watches the explosions from atop the Starcast Throne in the Imperial Observatory, drinking from the skull of the Emperor, with the bones of the Empire’s heir lying, forgotten and shattered, at the base of the steps. Every day, he watches with impotent fury as mankind continues to resist the might of his Warriors. He watches in desperation, eager to finally end the siege, and gain control of the planet’s vast resources. But the Siege of Kaumai can only end when the last bullet is fired. When every drop of water and every morsel of food is gone. When the last battlecry is screamed, When the last man is dead. Only then will Kaumai fall. ==---<>---== "Thick, inky darkness hung over our lines, almost as if we crouched in a trench in the Void, far far above our heads. It was hard to see, but we knew they were out there. We could hear them. You learned to hear Irik when they tried to creep. They're quiet, despite their size, but it's the soft jingling of the armour that gives it away. Their War-Chief, some savage creature that called itself 'Vrallok' had overrun a position a month before with this kind of night attack, crawling up to our trenches and slaughtering all within. But that company had only been boys, barely off of the Crucible. We were a different kettle of fish - most of us had seen at least one tour on Vaka or Buath, some of the older NCOs had seen tours on Vaka and Buath, and our Colonel, Iron Hohepa, had served a dozen tours between the two. We waited as they crept close. We had no heavy artillery, but we didn't need it. They got closer and closer. Well within our theoretical effective range, though any veteran will tell you the rounds simply ricochet off if that's when you open fire. Finally, they were where we wanted them. Our lines lit up, waves upon waves of golden traces splitting the air with an ear splitting roar. Nothing could have lived on that field, once we opened up on it. In the morning, when the darkness finally lifted, we walked across that field, covered in groaning, twitching, screaming Irik carcasses, and we sent every one of the reeking bastards straight to hell." -Officer of the 72nd Legion, Accounts of the Outer Core Campaigns The Factions The IX Chapter Based in the Core, the 9th Chapter are the fruits of a Hyperborean plot to infiltrate the Loyalist Systems during the Civil War. Arriving too late to participate in the fighting itself, these extremists were isolated by the onset of Erasmis’ campaign and the Imperial collapse that followed. Capitalizing off public hysteria and general pandemonium following the Collapse the chapter performed mass conversions across a handful of Core Worlds. Now firmly in power, the Chapter continues its ideological crusade against the Xeno menace, purging frequently and where it can. The Chapter likewise harbors an intense dislike of the Loyalists for their alliance with the Irik during the war, which they believe led to the Empire’s Collapse. The Chapter’s military is constructed largely of retrofitted Civilian ships, and outdated or salvaged Imperial hardware. Despite lacking high-tier equipment and training, the Chapter’s soldiers are fanatically loyal to the cause, fighting to the last without question. Life on Chapter Worlds is highly structured, adhering to a strict religious code imported from Hyperborea. The Chapter lacks any grand ambitions of statehood, instead seeking only to eradicate Xenos and Xeno Sympathizers wherever they are. These actions are often carried out in irregular or undercover manners whenever possible. Terrorism is frequently employed by the Chapter. The VII Chapter Holed up in former Kiritauan space, the 7th Chapter are the remnants of a Hyperborean Crusade originally bound for Buath, but trapped in Kiritau due to the outbreak of the Civil War. When the Empire began to undergo its collapse, these religious extremists became truly lost. However the invading alien hordes provided ample opportunity to carry out their mission. In the 50 years since the Collapse these Ordermen have taken full advantage of the situation, establishing a sizable dominion over a number of worlds in Kiritau space. Life on Chapter Worlds are highly structured, adhering to a strict religious code imported from Hyperborea. The 7th Chapter is much more organized then their Core based counterparts. Their dominion is a full fledged state, one which frequently wars with neighboring bodies, notably the Red-Gold Concordat, The House of Bones, and the 4th Empire. The 7th’s Chapter military is composed of a healthy mix of retrofitted Civilian ships, domestically produced warships, and salvaged Imperial hardware. Like all Chapter personnel, their fighters are fanatically loyal and will obey orders or fight to the last without question. Order of the Crescent The Order of the Crescent is a mysterious religious order present within the Outer Rim. After the Empire’s collapse, the Order’s home system was abandoned or forgotten about Republican and Loyalist forces. In the power vacuum, the Order assumed the role of the system’s military arm, pressing a number of civilian vessels into service. Since the Order began policing the system, and those nearby, piracy in the area has rapidly fallen off. The skirmishes that do erupt usually end badly for the aggressors. The secret to the Order’s success is not exactly known, but the most outrageous of sailor’s rumors speak of psychic warriors capable of obscenely powerful feats. The Order has no official foreign policy, or even government, but typically it remains removed from the affairs of the rest of the galaxy. Simply protecting its pocket of space. The Reef A short lived, yet ambitious, criminal enterprise turned sprawling empire. The infamous Bichir’s original offensive during the closing days of the Civil War captured huge swathes of Republican Space and essentially wiped out the OWTC, his largest rival. Unfortunately, Bichir’s newly won space was space that the Syndicate could never feasibly govern, let alone hold against even weary and battered Imperial forces. Ransoms and treaties were quickly arranged between the Crimelord and the Republic, and much of the Shore was ceded back into Republican hands. The act served to remind the Imperials what lurked beneath, and that the Syndicate was ever present and ever willing to throw its weight where it needed to be. Nonetheless, Bichir was now master of a comfortable chunk of space, wholly independent. In the years after the Collapse the Shore has continued to exist as it always has, just now much less in the shadows. The Syndicate directs smuggling and piracy all across the southeastern galaxy, employing The House of Ghosts as its primary muscle as well as a substantial number of other aliens and human mercenaries. No Rivals exist for the Syndicate to best, but it has become apparently clear that the legendary Bichir is aging. It is no secret that the infamous Crimelord will soon pass, no doubt leaving a shattered empire in his wake. The Red-Gold Concordat Inhabiting the Border Regions of the former Imperial domain, The Concordat is a union of the Irik House of Blood and an Imperial Star-Garrison. Originally brokered by a particularly greedy and corrupt Commander, the tenuous alliance has gradually shifted into a unified force in the years since the Empire’s collapse. The Concordat rules it’s worlds with an iron fist through a muddled and almost feudal bureaucracy of military command meshed with Irik honour-structure. Far from the most organized of the galaxy’s factions, much of the Concordat’s local rulers pursue a policy of absolute profit, sucking as much money and resources as possible from the populace, most of who live in absolute poverty or slavery-like conditions. The Concordat’s culture is equally harsh. Punishments are cruel and handed out leniently. Populations are routinely culled of members viewed to be unfit for labor or duty. Talk of rebellion, or anything against the Concordat’s ideals for that matter is usually met with lethal force. During its founding, The Imperial Commander Lar-si had nearly half a world glassed for an attempted uprising, and whole cities frequently obliterated at little more than a drop of a pen. In terms of geopolitical goals, the Concordat leadership has become enthralled with Irik culture. Simply put, they seek to gain martial dominance over as many “Houses” Irik or otherwise as possible, ideally building Baron Korvak’s (The House of Blood’s Leader) prophized Empire of the Strong from the carcass of Human space. Eastern Rim Trading Company Originally specializing in shipping and industrial production during the days of the empire the ERTC was forced to rapidly adapt as the Imperial Government collapsed around it. Initially, a healthy agreement was struck with the burgeoning Republic, but the discovery of Far Rim hyper lanes quickly and exponentially grew the power, influence, and wealth of the Company beyond that which could be provided by the Republic. The ERTC has since grown to administer a plethora of worlds and facilities across the Far Rim, pioneering the exploration and colonization of this new frontier. In this sense, they essentially hold a monopoly on travel and trade to this new sector of space, eagerly policing and taxing the long hyperlanes which run into them. This profit alone has allowed the ERTC to become one of the richest and most influential entities in the post-Imperial Galaxy. Without the protection and stability afforded by the Empire, the company has been forced to militarize. The Imperial Collapse left more than a few unemployed soldiers and officers, all of which were eagerly snapped up and signed onto the Company’s payroll. This, along with the “consolidation” (annexation) of Kohatu Driveyard’s largest installations has led to the Company becoming one of the most professional, well equipped, and largest militaries in the Galaxy. Despite the immense power wielded by the Company, it is spread thin and without direct connection. Even with its newfound status, the ERTC still finds itself heavily involved with business in the rest of the galaxy, taking on arms contracts with constantly feuding warlords, and supplying large quantities of food and material wherever it is needed. For the most part, the ERTC acts impartially, and strictly in its own self interest, which is obviously to increase profits. Universal Security Originally owner of an Imperial-granted monopoly of the shipping industry, Universal Shipping’s business model soon began to break down as Imperial infrastructure crumbled around it and the demand for its services likewise plummeted. In need of cash flow to maintain their operations, Universal has since rebranded itself, converting a large portion of its gigantic merchant fleet into full fledged warships. In a galaxy full of war and turmoil, Universal Security now operates in a niche of its own - guns for hire! Any ambitious Warlord or pirate with enough coin or credit to his name can have his own private fleet, and with it, carve out his kingdom. Universal Security’s fleet personnel is largely sourced from the Outer Rim and trained by a cadre of ex-republican officers. Universal specializes in ships of the Cruiser designation and lower, lacking any significant amount of sufficiently sized hulls or frames to mount dreadnought equivalent armament. In addition to mercenary work, Universal still maintains a strong grip on the shipping and transport industry, and is capable of moving goods or people across the galaxy quickly and efficiently. The Interplanetary Defense Initiative (IDI) Occupying the northern mid-rim, the IDI is a coalition of former Imperial Worlds either abandoned by the Loyalists or too far flung to be assisted by the Republic. The IDI in practice is a federal government which has the primary goal of maintaining the security and prosperity of its member worlds. Surprisingly, it is one of the most coordinated and centralized bodies in the Post-Imperial galaxy. IDI worlds are largely spared from the rampant chaos, warlordism, and violence prevalent throughout much of the rest of the galaxy and as such are some of the galaxy’s most developed. On these worlds the IDI’s rule is ever-present, but far less intrusive than in its contemporaries. Compared to the rule of the Old Empire, it is vastly more liberal. The core of the IDI Battlefleet, also known as the IDF (Interplanetary Defense Fleet), is composed of ancient Imperial Battleships brought up from deep storage and a pair of barely-serviceable dreadnoughts salvaged from a Civil War battlefield. The rest of IDI ships are lighter vessels saved or captured from the empire, or even retrofitted civilian ships, notably the IDS Crater, a civilian super-freighter turned carrier. Though the IDI’s hardware is exceptionally lacking compared to their imperial predecessors, the professionalism and coordination of the organization is its primary strength and has been the primary reason for the IDI’s success against all manners of threats. Many IDI circles see themselves as the most worthy successor to both the Republic and Empire. In recent years, the Initiative has made a number of strides to secure more worlds, and more importantly, more ships. Ever expanding, there are many who would like to see the IDI rebuild the Empire in its own image. The Eastern Galactic Provisional Authority Originally born from fractured Republican states and deserting Republican and Loyalist admirals alike in the southern Outer Rim, the Eastern Galactic Provisional Authority is a Military Junta dedicated to the restoration of Man’s former dominion over the stars. Rule over their current domain is carried out by military Despots, usually high ranking or influential members of the various officer cliques, appointed by the Provisional Government. The central government itself is dominated by a single party, the Galactic Restoration Movement, a hyper-nationalist organization of ex-imperial officers. Since the establishment of the Provisional Authority, massive drives have been undertaken to increase Industrial output, and in recent years ship-building efforts have grown thrice fold. Life on Provisional worlds is civilized, but notably more rigid and intrusive than the far off rule of Kaumai. The Eastern Galactic Provisional Authority presents a unique challenge for the many squabbling warlords and divided interests of the Outer Rim, being one of the only large, industrial, and unified states in possession of a capable fleet. Though largely untested in battle apart from minor border clashes with the Republic and Imperial Warlords, the resolve of the EGPA has never been stronger, and they boast one of the strongest militaries on paper. Rumors spread of preparations for the Authority’s campaigns to restore Order to Man’s divided domain. The Union of Socialist Star Communes (USSC) A scattered cluster of rebellious Industrial, Mining, and Refinery worlds which broke away from the Free Colonies not long after the Imperial Collapse. The amalgamation of uprisings which would lead to the USSC was initially organized and launched by Communists fleeing from the FWA in the wake of Altaire’s invasion of their space. Since their revolution, USSC worlds have been pressured hard by their neighbors, and many of their movements have been successfully snuffed out. The remaining coalition of USSC planets, though, have undergone almost suicidally destructive wartime measures to ensure their survival. At present, the USSC is embroiled in an undeclared conflict against its neighbors. No major engagements have yet occurred in space, but several Atuan legions are actively involved in a number of ground-invasions against exposed Communist worlds. The geopolitical aim of the USSC is to secure the rights of the Proletariat across the galaxy, and destroy the long since ingrained institutions of capitalism and the nobility. The Free Workers’ Assembly (FWA) The FWA has existed for some 70 years now, splitting from the Free Colonies only a short time before the beginning of the Civil War. During this period, the FWA had experienced a great string of successes, repelling Imperial efforts to retake their provinces and expanding their influence into the neighboring K-Land. After the outbreak of the Civil War and the formation of the Fourth Empire, the FWA was forced into its first major conflict with the Altairean battlefleet, which launched a punitive campaign to wipe out the state before it could spread further. The war against Altaire proved to be disastrous for the FWA, which suffered defeat after defeat, losing world after world to the Imperial menace, even as emergency wartime measures were implemented. (The letter is the first letter of your first name). The only saving grace proved to be the overextension of Altairean fleets and armies, which were eventually forced to withdraw from FWA held deep space, scorching everything they could not carry as they left. The war against Altaire left the FWA hideously weak, exposed, and without much of its former industrial or agricultural capabilities. Into the modern era, the FWA is but a shell of its former self, what remains of the state having been slowly picked away by its neighbors while its internal politics stagnate due to political infighting. The Planetary Liberation Front Originally founded by the late populist Senator, Arapai, as a militant workers’ rights movement, the PLF has since evolved into a fearsome band of Imperial Resurrectionist Freedom Fighters. The PLF operates throughout all of the Irik-occupied Core Worlds, and savagely resists Irik rule, by means of open confrontation or terrorism. Though they are forced, on many worlds, to resort to guerilla warfare, on the Old Capital of Kaumai - a massively industrial city planet, where once the very air was choked with toxic smog - the PLF stands in open warfare against the Irik, Erasmis. While the PLF have no military fleets, the territories they hold on Kaumai are capable of immense military production, and their operatives across the Core are incredibly well equipped with armor, small arms and artillery, making them an incredibly potent force in the battles for control of surface worlds. With hundreds of millions of members, the PLF is a terrifyingly powerful thorn in the side of Irik rule, and their resistance continues to spread throughout the Core. Aokigahara Though the galaxy has undergone a period of intense instability and change, one thing remains constant, The Pirate King. Since his meteoric rise during the decline of the Third Empire, Aokigahara has only found more and more success as the political state continued to deteriorate. As Aokigahara’s power has grown, so too has the severity of his insanity. The now aged Pirate King is a far cry from the discharged officer seeking to take his revenge. Aokigahara now views himself as a harbinger of the Apocalypse itself. From his infamous flagship, the Horseman, the Pirate King sows death and destruction wherever he sails. No mercy is shown to those who resist. Though Aokigahara’s fleet has experienced a substantial amount of defections since the collapse of the Third Empire, it still remains widespread and active, preying on whatever lanes lack adequate security or patrols. Colonial Reorganization Authority In the days leading up to the Collapse, much of the Free Colonies corporate allies began to desert in droves as both the Empire and the Colonial regime to its west began to break down. In the days that followed, the Colonial government was forced to flee from the capital and retreat into the mining and industrial systems which make up the bulk of the country’s interior. Since then, the remnants of the Colonial government have waged a scattered war on all fronts against the successor states which litter the region. Though in possession of a sizable portion of the fleet, they have been pressed hard on all fronts and steadily lost ground. The most fearsome of the Authority’s numerous foes is the newly spawned Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an, which, in a surprising turn of events, has managed to capture vast swathes of Colonial space, with their warfleets showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. The Directorate After the collapse of the Third Empire, and later the Free Colonies, much of the galaxy’s merchant and industrial operations were placed into an extremely precarious situation. In danger of being destroyed or otherwise subjugated by the nearest warlord with a fleet, the galaxy's largest corporations formed the Directorate, a massive conglomeration of corporate interests and facilities which spans much of the galaxy. The Directorate is helmed by a single Director, who is elected by the board of CEOs and serves for a period of 5 years. The galaxy’s markets and trade lanes are dominated by the Directorate’s presence, and all of its business and interests are fiercely guarded by its own private military force. Any Warlord foolish enough to cross or otherwise scorn the Directorate is often completely shut out from galactic trade and marketplaces, making it an exceedingly rare occurrence at best. The only other corporate body powerful enough to challenge the Directorate is the Easter Rim Trading Company, which has grown hideously rich in the last thirty years of its exploitation and monopolization of the newly discovered Far Rim. The Heavenly Kingdom of Atu-an Throughout much of the galaxy, a strong belief regarding the strength and divinity of the Imperial Line exists. There are many of those who revere those of Imperial blood as mortal incarnations of gods, the emperor even more so. It is not uncommon to find a temple or cult dedicated to the worship of a long dead emperor deep in the Outer Rim. Though this sentiment has largely receded in the last millenia, especially within the Core and Inner Rim, it remains prevalent across the galaxy, even in sectors of space not directly controlled by the Empire. While the Free Colonies crumbled and burned, The Emperor Rūr-vai appeared to Hau-ti, a simple spice farmer, in a dream. Rūr-vai ordered the man to discard his belongings and flee to the nearest spaceport. A command which the poor farmer obediently complied with. Miraculously, Hau-ti fled as a Colonial dropship descended on his village, slaughtering it to a man and torching the rest. Since that day, Hau-ti obeyed the Emperor Rūr-vai’s spirit to the letter, a decision which quickly catapulted him into command of a militia, then a garrison, then a whole planet. Before long, whole systems flocked to the Heavenly banner of Hau-ti. Throughout his meteoric rise, Hau-ti’s claims have only become more and more outrageous. As of the current date, he claims to be a long lost direct descendant of the Emperor Rūr-vai and the one true heir to the Starcast Throne. These claims are validated, he says, by the spirit of Rūr-vai, who appears to him frequently. As outlandish as his rule might be, the Heavenly Emperor Hau-ti offers security and relative freedom in a galaxy filled with chaos and strife, thus, his domain has grown to encompass a large part of the former Free Colonies. Despite this, it is racked with corruption and deceit - for the Emperor is far to focused on his divine purpose to stoop to the commoners' level. While the Emperor himself may not rule particularly harshly, the local commanders and magistrates of his Heavenly Kingdom certainly do. In possession of formerly colonial Driveyards, the Heavenly Kingdom’s fleet is composed of top of the line warships. This is only offset by the fact that the fleet lacks any professional training of any sort. The Oil Barons A collective of the former Empire’s largest and most influential fuel producers. During the Lawlessness of the Collapse and the instability of the Republic that these businessmen had sided with, the various Barons took it upon themselves to claim direct control of the vast Fuel Belt. In command of a significant portion of the Galaxy’s fuel production, these men have grown exorbitantly more wealthy than they already were during the days of the Empire. They maintain a tenuous agreement with the Republic - which ensures that their vast amount of worlds are well supplied on the stipulation that these Barons remain independent - and that the Republic pays their rates. Though these Baronies have a significant fleet in their possession, mostly supplied by Universal Security and the ERTC, their position becomes more precarious with every passing year as many within the Republic become more and more disgruntled at bowing to the Barons beyond the Border. ----ALIEN FACTIONS----- The House of Bones Following the splintering of the Irearchy, the Irik House of Bones began an invasion of the Empire’s western territories. Initially overrunning The Ring and its defenders, the House of Bones burned deep into the fertile territories of Kiritau, as well as across the eastern borders of Tuakeo’s Fourth Empire. Initially catching the dominions of Man off-balance, the House of Bones experienced great success, and pillaged and laid waste to many worlds. Combined efforts from Fourth Empire Fleets and Loyalist Remnants based from Kiritau would see the Empire of Bones recede massively, but not before it had scarred a significant portion of the former Empire’s breadbasket. The name of the House itself is derived from the gruesome slaughter they left in their wake. The Irik Braves of this House were diabolical enough to adorn their weapons, armor, and ships with skulls and bones of their countless human victims. In the modern Galaxy, the House of Bones continues its frequent and sporadic warfare against both its human neighbors to the South and West, as well as their alien neighbors to the north. The Irik chiefs which rule over this domain have little in the way of lofty ambitions. They fight only to enrich themselves further - or when honor compels them too. The House of Summer Perhaps the least warlike of all the Irik Houses, the House of Summer initially entered the Empire’s borders like many other Irik houses, by accompanying the legendary Erasmis during his Great Crusade against Man. Soon after the sack of Kaumai, however,The House would abandon the Crusade and instead push west from the Core, seeking greener pastures. The large and nomadic Home-Fleets of this particular House would come to blows with Republic forces more than a few times during the course of their migration, but passage into the Outer Rim was eventually brokered nonetheless. (Mainly due to the exhaustion and depletion of Republican Fleets rather than any willingness to work with Irik). Since their migration, the House of Summer has further dispersed into the Outer Rim, aligning themselves with the few willing entities that would even consider such a prospect, Including the notorious Bichir and his Shore. These Irik have since become influential and far traveling traders in these regions. When not in their primary line of work, they often work as miners, scavengers, explorers, or mercenaries. In this regard, the House has taken a notable interest in the newly discovered Far Rim Hyperlanes. Yet still, the House of Summer possesses a considerable War Fleet, one which would prove to be a powerful force to anyone rich enough to buy their loyalty. The House of Summer adheres to a notably different Honor-structure than the rest of the Irik houses, viewing uncontested combat such as raiding and piracy as inherently dishonorable and unfair. The House of Summer disregards all subtly in declaring who it will attack and when. It holds a significant dislike for the other Irik houses, which they believe tarnish their own upstanding reputation. The House seeks co-existence with Humanity, much preferring to trade and work within its borders. The House of Suns Fearsome and Bloodthirsty, the House of Suns initially entered the Empire’s borders like so many Irik, by riding the coattails of the Mindbender’s Crusade against Man. Composing the Fleet’s rear guard, however, the House of Suns would never reach the Palace-Moon and its untold riches. Soon after crossing the border, the Suns would desert the Warfleet, instead falling upon the Realm of the Stellarch Nalani. Here the House of Suns would fight several long campaigns against Loyalist forces ultimately resulting in them winning dominion over a significant chunk of the Stellarchy. Since their victory, the House of Suns has ruled their conquered human worlds benevolently, by Irik standards. Real governance of the world is mostly non-existent, and those who dwell on the surface are expected to pay hefty tithes to the House of Suns which rules from their Starships in the skies above. When unrest does arise, the point of interest is either glassed from orbit or descended upon by an array of Braves - whichever the local Irik leader is more in the mood for. Beyond their own borders, the House of Suns harbors an intense rivalry and hatred for the now Legendary House of Winds. They oppose them at every opportunity, and warfare between the two houses is frequent to state it lightly. The House of Suns’ Baron, Eraxis, once a loyal lieutenant of the Mindbender, desires nothing more than to destroy Erasmis and assume his House’s position of the most powerful of the Irik, a feat which they are not far from achieving. Though - as is known to every Irik, while the Mindbender lives, the dominance of the House of Winds is absolute, and none can stand before Erasmis. The House of Void The western most of the Irik House, the House of Void dwells just on the edge of the formerly Imperial Space, its western expansion halted by the Hyperborean Order during the Collapse. The House of Void is strange, even by Irik customs. An intense fascination with psykers, deep space, and religion dwells in the mind of every Void Irik, and they stop at nothing to pursue their morbid curiosities about the secrets of reality. Despite being conventionally stone-walled by the Order’s mighty defenses, the House of Void has been able raid and plunder Hyperborean space and beyond through the frequent use of Stealth Drives, a nasty signature of this particular Irik house. Word has spread of these most curious aliens experimenting with alternate FTL methods - allegedly, Void psykics have unlocked the potential to bend the Universe itself, allowing instant travel between two points. The House of Storms The Irik’s crimes against humanity and numerous and despicable; the House of Storms embodies them all. Among the most powerful of the lesser Irik Houses still aligned with the Mindbender’s House of Winds, the House of Storms are Erasmis’ favored and most trusted lieutenant. Their Warfleet is significant, and their warriors are powerful and without mercy. Where the House of Storms goes, only destruction and devastation follows. Of the raiding, warring, and pirating carried out in the Core and Inner Rim, the House of Storms facilitates a vast majority of it. No other Irik house is quite as bloodthirsty, nor hates Humanity quite as much. Unlike other Irik houses, the House of Storms cares little for treasure; they seek only the glory of their enemies' destruction, and their own triumphs. Worlds unfortunate enough to come under House of Storms rule are often enslaved, slaughtered, or outright glassed by long and withering orbital bombardments. The House of Storms’ Baron, Ilikis, is fiercely loyal to who he views as the true Ruler of all Irik, Erasmis, The Mindbender. He, and by extension, his house, is ready and willing to obey every one of the mighty Star-Breakers commands at a moment's notice. The House of Winds When the brigades of the War-Chief sallied forth unto war, the great Irik war-hosts were unified in purpose, and under the command of Erasmis, the Irik sacked the Capital Moon of Kaumai, and tore a bloody swathe across the northern regions of the shattered Galaxy. This unity did not last long, for Irik are divisive creatures, and many tribes swiftly sought their own personal glory, breaking away with their warriors in an attempt to carve out their own territories amidst the stars. Still, the Mind-Bender, the Star-Breaker, the Monarch-Slayer, is the greatest of the Irik warlords, and still rules from high upon the Starcast Throne, gazing upon his handiwork from the Imperial Observatory. The House of Winds remains the most powerful of the Irik territories established throughout the Galaxy - with his fleets and warriors, Erasmis has enslaved much of the Old Imperial Core, and continues to launch raids and offensives into Imperial-held territories. His control of the Starcast Throne denies any would-be unifier any real sense of legitimacy, and it is his ever present presence that forces many of the Southern Warlords to maintain a vague, uneasy kind of truce, maintained only by their hatred of the Star-Breaker. Still, for all of this Irik’s power - and he shows yet no sign of succumbing to old age - his territories are undermined by the constant interference of the Planetary Liberation Front, which has devolved somewhat from its working class, populist and socialist roots, and presents more of a unified resistance to continued Irik occupation. For fifty years of brutal, ceaseless conflict, Erasmis has unsuccessfully thrown his Braves into the Siege of Kaumai, which has become a battle of absolutely cataclysmic proportions. The House of Ghosts A small and relatively minor house composed of exiled Iriks. The House of Ghosts seeks refuge with the Crimelord, Bichir, whom they serve faithfully as his syndicate’s enforcers. The House of Ghosts is much smaller compared to their Irik contemporaries, and lack any sort of fleet to speak of. Most of the House of Ghost’s members are permanently damaged in some way or another, this encompasses anything from birth defects to lost limbs, or psychological damage. Most of these injuries originate from lost duels or challenges, which compel the Irik into exile to begin with. Though the House’s loyalty lies with Bichir, it is technically controlled by the Warchief Varix, an exile from the House of Winds who once attempted to unseat Erasmis from his rule. For his failure, Varix was deprived of three of his arms and cast into Exile, never to lead again. Luckily, Varix was taken in by Bichir, who had limbs restored with cybernetic replacements in exchange for he and his followers' loyalty. The House of Banners Similar to the House of Summer, the House of Banners began a long migration through the territories of the former eastern empire and into the Outer Rim following the sacking of Kaumai. Unlike the House of Summer, though, The House of Banner’s warfleets tore a bloody swathe through the galaxy, raiding and pillaging as they went. A decade after the Empire’s collapse, upon the discovery of new Hyperlanes into the Far Rim, the House of Banners began yet another migration into these new and uncharted sectors of space. Since then, they have established a budding kingdom on the very edge of known space. Unlike other Irik Houses, the House of Banners prioritizes order and hierarchy above all else. They are not as prejudiced against Human or other aliens either. This has led to Banner Worlds being ruled by a rigid and orderly feudal structure which has integrated existing Human elements. The upper echelons of this structure are dominated by the Irik Warchiefs and their lieutenants, followed by a mix of integrated Human officials and Irik braves. The lower classes are composed of the numerous human lower-classes, and the dregs of Irik society. The Urh-Tûn Confederacy Though a cataclysmic event for humanity, the Collapse of the Empire has presented many long-oppressed Alien races a chance for independence, and the Kall are no exception. As the Irik war-fleets flooded from the cramped worlds of the Irearchy into the Realms of Man, the Kall assembled their remaining worlds into the Urh-Tûn Confederacy, or literally “The Free Kall Confederacy.” Kall worlds are heavily industrialized monoliths spewing out great quantities of Raw Material and Alloys. Furthermore, the Kall are noted to be masters of defense, and planets typically host an array of defensive stations in orbit, planetary shields, and an incredibly complex network of defenses on the surface. There is little contact between the Confederacy and Imperial Successor states, due to not only the plentiful Irik which make travel into Irearchy space troublesome, but also because of the resentment the Kall hold against man for his millenia of oppression and genocide. Still, many of the Human states which inhabit the border regions consider the confederacy to the a circumstantial ally at worst because of its frequent warring with the Irik. Geopolitically, the Confederacy is an expansionist machine, currently embroiled in a now decades long series of conflicts to absorb more of Irearchy space into its domain. Expansion is its foremost concern, and it will pursue any measures necessary to secure the continued independence and longevity of the Kall’s Homeworlds. The Târvek Confederacy The Târvek Confederacy occupies the eastern reaches of the Former Free Colonies. During the Collapse, which inevitably spilled over from the Empire, sizable populations of Kall slave-miners launched a revolt against their human masters. Racked by too much chaos to properly respond, the uprising was able to capture more than a handful of military hardware along with half a dozen Kall penal-worlds. Since then, the confederacy has been in a hard fought struggle to retain its independence, staving off more than a few attempts by Colonial forces to recapture the worlds. The rulers of the confederacy are exceptionally cruel. Since winning their freedom, the Human population has been enslaved and forced to work in the very same mining operations that they had thrust upon the Kall. Obviously, they hold a strong dislike for humanity, and no typically quarter is given to human foes. Geopolitically, the Confederacy has a single goal: Survive. ----IMPERIAL REMNANTS---- The Imperial Reclamation Fleet With the large-scale collapse of the Loyalist war effort in the face of Erasmis’ sacking of Kaumai Lord Otikoro, unable to confront the Irik Warlord himself, was forced to withdraw from the Core and into Deep Space with what men and material he could salvage in an effort to preserve the remnants of his forces, A substantial fleet and a single, shattered legion. Though technically a deserter, Otikoro vowed to avenge the fallen Empire, a sentiment shared by many of his subordinates. Following the Collapse, the Fleet captured a large former Imperial driveyard in addition to several nearby facilities. From this base of operations Otikoro has coordinated several sustained Loyalist operations against both the Republic and Aliens alike. Though his power and influence has grown in the last decades, Otikoro’s fleet still pales before anything of the old empire, both in terms of training and hardware. Despite his men’s motivation, much of their equipment is seriously outdated or damaged, and their training is lackluster on account of the Warlord being forced to supplement his ranks with Outer Rim recruits. Otikoro is nominally in control of several planets, but little official government actually exists. The Warlord runs a strictly military operation, overseeing only necessary operations on the surface such as resource extraction and recruiting. Military presence on these planets is light, as the Reclamation Fleet’s manpower is stretched dangerously thin already. Little is spared for common policing. As such, these planets have become a hive of black market activity where a select few of Otikoro’s more corrupt officers are brave enough to sell off additional ammunition, fuel, and weaponry stores. Despite the Fleet’s many issues, it remains one of the more potent military forces in the post-empire galaxy, and its commander, the now aged Otikoro, yearns to launch his Great Reclamation. The Vaka Star-Garrison When the Third Empire collapsed and the Irik fleets descended on the Empire, Loyalists and Republicans alike were too embroiled in the fighting to pay much mind to the far flung salt world of Vaka and its garrison. With no fleets and no psykics, they were stranded, forced to cling to their wind-blasted fortifications and hope that relief would eventually arrive. It never did. and the Vaka Star-Garrison remained. When Erasmis, the Mindbender, ordered the world, which is Holy to all Irik, retaken he sent countless waves of his Braves against the now stranded defenders, only to be repulsed one after another and sent limping back to their wretched master. The Vaka legions were subject to an onslaught that would last twenty years as first the House of Winds would attempt to seize their Holy World, and then the House of Storms, and finally the House of Suns. Each siege more terrible than the last, the Vakan Legions held their ground, fighting to the last for an Empire that no longer existed despite horrific casualties and brutal conditions. What remains are probably the most veteran and battle hardened Legions in the galaxy, still stranded on their rock, the Vaka Star-Garrison holds its ground without fail, unyielding. The only information available to the Garrison is learned through interrogation of the Irik prisoners they managed to capture. The Vaka system is wholly out of the way and Solar anomalies make space-travel in the system highly dangerous. The Garrison is commanded by General Maitai, a now ancient commander who has been stationed on Vaka without ever leaving the planet for the last 100 years. The Republic Since its victory over the Loyalist war effort in the Civil War, the new galactic republic has stagnated at best, or begun to recede at worst. Occupying a significant portion of the Eastern Outer and Mid Rims, it boasts one of the galaxy’s most competent and numerous militaries - assuming it could ever be spurred into action against its enemies. In the years following the Civil War, Panayiotou continued his leadership of the Republic, introducing economic and military reforms that rebuilt the crippled state’s power base. However, in his tenth year of power, rising factionalism and ever increasing Irik militarism caused the beginnings of major political divisions in the Senate. Ultimately, this resulted in Panayiotou being assassinated, when he was shot leaving the Senate. This vacuum of power resulted in the election of the Stellarch U’Iliani as Tanu Kavan. For U’Iliani’s short term, which lasted until the end of his life, he began a series of military reforms that would see devolved, regional authority being given to military governors on the Republic’s peripheries, in an attempt to create a more fluid and dynamic response, with which to react against would-be invaders. U’Iliani’s death triggered the first of many crises - specifically on how succession to the post of Stellarch functioned. The Senate ratified that the post of Stellarch was appointed by the Senate, and held for a term of no more than 6 years. Following this legislation, the Senate began an evaluation of Stellarchies, converting many found at the heart of the Republic into regions under the direct authority of the Senate itself. As more and more distance began to separate military governors on the Republic’s peripheries and the heart of the Republic, at Kior-an, these local officials began to become more and more disenfranchised with the central authorities of the Republic, and have slowly begun to resemble the warlords found in the southern or western stretches of the Galaxy. As these warlords continue to rise on the Republic’s fringes, increasingly ignoring the Senate’s decrees, the Senate increasingly looks towards Grand Admiral Pepe and Grand Admiral Manhuera (raised from Admiral to Grand Admiral following his victory at the Battle of ____) to uphold their power and prop up the failing state. In more recent years, Pepe and Manhuera both have been forced to personally lead expeditions to the outer reaches of Republican space, to arrest and remove from power the most uppity of these divided, would-be dictators. But, despite the many differences of each individual Warlord, many still uphold true Imperial values, and a unifier is likely to find much traction amongst these bitter old soldiers… The Republic’s politics are divided into three main camps, - The Constitutionalists: Want to see the Emperor restored as a constitutional Monarch, whose power is granted by the Senate. Composed of the more “moderate” Republicans, or those who are so often accused of being ‘Imperial Sympathizers’ by their peers. (~20%) (I) - The Republicans: Want to see the Senate’s rule restored to the whole of the galaxy, but without the reinstatement of the Emperor. The bulk of the Republic’s governors and admiralty fall into this category. (~50%) (II) - The Separationists: Would rather develop their own Republic in the Far and Outer Rims, avoiding the chaos and constant warfare of the Core and Inner Rim. This party is largely made up of the military governors on the edges of republic space and their various cliques. Despite their name, the Separationists' ideal state is far more centralized and authoritarian than the current version of the Republic. (~30%) (III) Republic territories are divided into two main categories, Provinces and Territories. Provinces are under the direct control of what remains of the Republic’s federal government. Territories are military zones typically ruled by generals or admirals appointed by the central government. Republican Provinces --Pepe (II) (7 votes) The most influential man in the Republic’s politics, an immensely popular war hero, and the commander of the Republic’s largest warfleet - including his own personal flagship, one of the galaxy’s last Super Dreadnoughts. --Manhuera (II) (5 votes) Pepe’s second in command, Manhuera achieved widespread popularity after his fleet successfully defeated Battlefleet Reclamation during the Civil War. Manhuera is one of the leading figures of the Republican movement. --Kahurangi (I) (2 votes) An avid Constitutionalist, Kahurangi yearns for the glory days of the Empire - and its many luxuries. --Iolana (I) (4 votes) A man of his word, Iolana joined the republican movement out of his respect for the late stellarch U’ilanni, despite his many loyalist connections and sympathies. --Fetu (II) (2 votes) A newcomer to the political scene, Fetu is an ambitious, thought slightly incompetent politican. --Keuta (II) (1 votes) A true waste of oxygen elevated to his status through his father’s influence in the Republican war effort. Keuta is a follower, and lives entirely in Pepe’s shadow. --Oh’ran (5 votes) An industrialist elected to the position of Stellarch through an intense amount of lobbying and back-door deals. Oh’ran represents the interests of both the ERTC and Universal Shipping within the Republican Senate. Republican Territories --Taito (III) (3 votes) A fat and exceptionally greedy and twisted admiral, Taito is a power-hungry warmonger who wishes for nothing more to rule with an iron fist, which he does - when he can get away with it. --Kiri (III) (2 votes) The least influential of the Separationist senators, Kiri is still one of the Republic’s youngest and most capable commanders with a particular reputation for offense. --Akamu (III) (4 votes) The leader of the Separationist movement, ambitious, ruthless, and cunning, Akamu has amassed a huge following among the Territories’ officer cadres, and his fleet’s strength is rivaled only by those of Pepe and Manhuera. The Southern Imperial Warlords The Southern Imperial Warlords refers to all independent Admirals, Generals and Stellarchs in the last truly Imperial stretches of the Galaxy. These are the aristocrats and officers who fought in the civil war, primarily for the Loyalists, who still adhere largely to true Imperial values - hatred for the Alien menace, loyalty to the Emperor and the strict belief in the absolute supremacy of man. Still, without the presence of a unifying figurehead, these warlords have largely resorted to infighting, battling for control of meager territories, resources and infrastructure. Full-scale conflict, however, has largely been prevented by the constant presence of Erasmis, who hungrily awaits further division of the Old Imperials, so that he may complete his victory. Regardless, it is almost certain that these Warlords would gladly throw their lot behind a true successor to the Starcast Throne. Major Warlords: The major Warlords are the Grand Admirals and lesser Admirals who, in the final days of the Third Empire, used their significant military authority to carve out their own successor kingdoms in the untouched regions of Imperial space. Most of these Warlords gained their power by ousting civilian Stellarchs, and seizing control of their regional forces. The major Warlords are, to a man, proud officers of the Old Imperial Navy, and their forces are operated with a degree of skill and professionalism not typically found within the Galaxy today. In the South, peace is largely maintained by careful diplomacy, primarily between the three most powerful of the major Warlords - Lords Sorin, Rakena and Kawhena. --Lord Taanga Bloodthirsty and vengeful, upon hearing of the defeat above Kaumai, Taanga reportedly flew into a fit of rage so violent that he destroyed much of his personal quarters in the process, ranting and raving about what had been stolen from him as he did. In the days following the death of the Emperor, he grew increasingly spiteful of the Empire’s nobility - blaming them and their incompetence for the Empire’s defeats against the Republic and Aliens alike. Since then, he has only become increasingly radical and as some might say - delusional. Lord Taanga is an avid believer of, “All men are equal under the Crown'' and is an enthusiastic supporter of ‘Monarcho-Syndicalism’ a theoretical system of government designed by himself where the galaxy would be organized into a series of Workers’ Unions subject to the authority of an all encompassing Directorate of Elected Magistrates. Outside of this structure would exist the Emperor’s authority, who as the most powerful protector of the people would be authorized to intervene only when the DEM had overstepped its limits while also functioning as a unifying figure for all mankind. All of this stated, Taanga’s ideas have been heavily influenced by the ideology of the Great Purge. He has expanded upon it, believing that Humanity cannot reach its destined and inevitable Golden Age until not only all Xeno-life has been extinguished, but all Xeno collaborators and sympathizers as well as those otherwise ‘influenced’ by Xeno actions have as well. Ideology aside, Taanga commands one of the most powerful fleets in the galaxy - and he is dead set on rebuilding the Empire as he envisions it should be. Only because of Sorin’s politics is he kept in check. Though many of Taanga’s underlings have become more convinced of his ideology - a majority follow the man purely out of respect for his skill, bravery, and honor, qualities he exhibited frequently during the rule of the Empire. --Lord Rata One of the Empire’s finest commanders - Rata was especially caught off balance by the Collapse and forced to retreat into the South Western reaches of space. Initially in a precarious position, Rata was soon able to consolidate much of the smaller and less influential warlords in his general vicinity and catapult himself into being one of the strongest Warlords, militarily speaking. Rata’s immense influence in Imperial politics, though, stems mostly from his control over the sole hyper lanes into the western galaxy, through which significant amounts of the east’s food supply is imported. --Lord Sorin The Imperial Navy, in the days of Rän-ji, was commanded by a legendary collection of Grand Admirals, famed for their talent and skill. Of the Loyalist two who remain, Sorin is the better - a, by now, ancient man whose skill on the field of battle still causes terror amongst his opponents. It was upon Sorin’s flagship, the 6 centuries old Super Dreadnought, Majestic, that the traitor, Lord Matareka, finally found his bitter end. Lord Sorin, a conciliatory man, carefully built his power around reconciling with isolated and deserting Republicans and Loyalists, allowing him access to an enormous degree of military power, founded not upon the undisciplined need for militarism found within the remnants of the Empire, but rather upon the expert professionalism so prized by the Imperial Navy. --Lord Rakena Lord Rakena was the youngest Grand Admiral to be appointed in the history of the Imperial Navy. Though inexperienced at the time, fifty years of conflict have honed his abilities and his talent, leaving him second only to Lord Sorin in skill. With access to considerable forces, and with a huge emphasis on professionalism and proper military hardware, Rakena is a fearsome foe, and one of the cornerstones of the post-Imperial geopolitical landscape. --Lord Kawhena One of the Imperial Navy’s Rear-Admirals during the last days of the Third Empire, Lord Kawhena rose to prominence during the Civil War, where he received extensive honors and promotions after serving with distinction. A calm, cold and considered kind of man, Kawhena has become one of the primary arbitrators of power in the post-Collapse geopolitical landscape of the Loyalist Warlords, and his alliance with Lord Rakena and Sorin continue to serve as the foundation stone of continued peace amongst the warlords. --Lord Keretene A massive and imposing man, Keretene is a fierce loyalist, a die-hard Absolutist, and unwilling to compromise. Since the dissolution of the Empire, he has sought only to violently enforce his will upon the various weaker warlords which surround him. Only through Lord Sorin’s will has Keretene been kept in check, but still he festers, awaiting the proper moment. Keretene is famously savage and brutish, with a great love of extreme violence. Though not unintelligent, many have often wondered why the Admiral did not seek a career amidst the legions, where his size, strength and character would have been well suited. Minor Warlords: Many of the Southern Warlords were simple captains and commodores, in the infancy of their careers, who used their command of their ships or small divisions to gain control of minor territories. With their limited resources and military hardware, most of these minor dictators tend to find themselves within the spheres of the more powerful Warlords, for the purpose of protection. --Ahako (A) An Absolutist, Ahako is one of the few minor warlords in command of a Dreadnought. Ahako rules his worlds benevolently, emulating the former Empire - at least how he pictures it in his head. --Kaili (N) A now ancient commander, during the days of the Empire Kaili served well and honorably, but with little distinction. After the collapse, the man held to his post - assuming temporary authority over the nearby worlds until he was relieved of said post. He has since created several local and democratic bodies which have assumed the role of planetary governance while he oversees the maintenance of his fleet, which continue to defend and police the same tracts of space they did during Imperial rule. Kaili is a traditionalist obsessed with honor, duty, and loyalty, but largely unbothered by the Empire’s overall politics, so long as a man he can respect is running the show. --Taksor (A) A deeply religious and soft spoken man, those who know Taksor will testify that the man “isn’t all quite there” so to speak. During the Battle of Kaumai, when defeat became inevitable, Taksor’s fleet was able to exit the battle, but not before pilfering the Palace moon of any objects “of spiritual significance”. Now, Taksor controls a mere handful of worlds which he rules like a Theocracy centered around the worship of the Crown Prince, Ran-lir, which he claims to have survived the Sack. Taksor is an Absolutist, but is not likely to find common ground with any heir but his fabled Prince. --Eteroa (A) An Absolutist with a massive and all encompassing ego. Those who know the now-Warlord Eteroa claim that he believes he is the Emperor’s gift to all creation - a fact Eteroa himself is not likely to deny. Eteroa sees himself as the most competent and capable of all the Warlords and believes he alone should head efforts to carry out the Imperial Restoration. --Anaru (M) A loyal member of the Imperial before the Collapse, Anaru raced to establish his control over the outer rim soon after the collapse of the Loyalist war effort. Just as greedy as any other warlord, he frequently clashes with Kaili and Torba over control of their worlds. --Kanu (M) Before the Civil War Kanu commanded a small an anti-piracy task force. After the Collapse, the Commodore experienced a change of heart and began to exorbitantly tax and pirate the very same lanes he originally protected. Kanu is a moderate at heart, but has become detached from the concept of Imperial Restoration - more interested in further enriching himself. --Kailani (A) A distant relative of the Grand Admiral Nalani, Kailani was able to withdraw from the Battle of Kaumai with most of his fleet intact. Since then, he has staged his resistance against Erasmis from the nearby sectors, striking at the Irik wherever and whenever possible. Like his much more popular relative, Kailani is a dedicated Absolutist. --Artorian Keretene’s closest ally in the post-Empire political landscape, Artorian commanded a host of Legions engaged in a variety of operations against Republic forces before the Collapse. Since then, he has built a close relationship with the like-minded Keretene. Serving as the Admiral’s right hand man, he has been delegated a number of systems to rule and govern in Keretene’s stead. --Orum (M) An average man, as far as Warlords go. Orum always aspired to be a Stellarch during the days of the Empire, an accomplishment he was easily able to achieve after organizing a mutiny against his commanding officer following the Collapse. Orum styles himself after a Stellarch of old, ruling fair and justly - as if he were appointed by the Emperor. --Veras (A) A relatively minor and insignificant Admiral. Veras only retains his territories because of the close relationship he shares with the Grand Admiral Sorin, who’s own might forces any would-be aggressor to rethink their ambitions. --Mo-ti (N) Originally having defected from the Free Colonies, Mo-ti’s command was separated from his commanding officer, Lord Rata, not long after the Collapse. Since then he has been holding his ground while his troops and fleets slowly deteriorate. Though he cares little for politics, Mo-ti is well known for his loyalty. The Western Imperial Warlords The Western Imperial Warlords refer to all now independent Admirals, Generals, Commanders, and Stellarchs which control tracts of the broken Fourth Empire as well as the stretches of formerly republican western space. Traitors and slimeballs by nature, these Warlords were quick to turn on their Lord of a Thousand Stars as soon as his Empire showed signs of failing. Despite their traitorous tendencies and poor reputations, these men are still Imperials and Monarchists at heart, believing in the infallibility of the Royal Bloodline, of which many are extremely distantly related to. Without any clear unifying figure, these Warlords have been left to their own devices, squabbling and battling among themselves for whatever tracts of space seem most profitable at the time. --Topia A rather boring and uninteresting man, Topia commands respect through his rank alone and mostly seeks power - however possible. Topia views all those who have no connection to the Imperial line as inferior. --Lord Tahiwai A cold and calculated man, Tahiwai is easily the most skilled and powerful of the post-4E warlords. More xenophobic than most, Tahiwai is reported to frequently have Irik prisoners unmasked and starved to death for the mere crime of existing. He seeks only to exterminate as many aliens as possible, and seize as much power for himself as he can in the process. Tahiwai views all those who have no connection to the Imperial line as inferior. --Hakopa A zealous, bitter, and universally despised man, Hakopa would’ve been snuffed out and executed years ago if not for the incredible strength of his worlds’ defenses. Hakopa views all those who have no connection to the Imperial line as inferior. --Ekara As slimy and corrupt as ever, Ekara deserted the Fourth Empire as soon as it became convenient for him. He enjoys a close relationship with the criminal underworld and the Directorate, in which his connections run deep. Ekara is heavily involved in the arms and smuggling businesses, and particular to bribes. --Torba A minor commander who deserted at first opportunity, Torba seeks personal power and has a particular hatred for Ekara. Torba views all those who have no connection to the Imperial Line as inferior. The Fourth Empire In the days following the total collapse of the Empire, Tuakeo’s rogue state to the west would serve as one of the sole bastions of large scale, organized Human might. Perhaps because of its treacherous roots, though, it was not meant to last. Soon after a series of brief campaigns into Kiritau, Communist, and Colonial space, the Empire would find itself wholly overextended. Colonial counter attacks, coupled with the Irik invasion would prove to be more than enough to send the short-lived state down the path of decline. Before long, the Empire’s hold on its outer territories were crumbling at best, and out right destroyed at worst, such as in the case of the Irik invasion of the eastern territories. Desertion and betrayal soon became commonplace as admirals, garrisons, and provincial governments began to defect one by one, motivated by little else besides their ruler’s own sense of self-preservation or greed. While southern sections of the former Empire largely remained intact, staving off communist offensives, the northern territories had begun to rapidly recede.. By the current year, only a small fraction of the Empire remains intact, clinging onto what core territories they can still reasonably defend while attempting limited campaigns to reconquer vital industrial hubs when possible. The current Emperor Tuakeo II, is a cautious and passive ruler and many whisper of his now total abandonment of his father’s ambitions to claim the Starcast Throne, but the Empire’s rhetoric still states otherwise. Strangely, the territories of the Fourth Empire have become wholly distinct from those of the former Empire in their fifty years of separation. Few among their ruling class or even general populace wish for a return of Eastern Rule, and see themselves as citizens of a completely new body, rather than a continuation of an old one. Geopolitically, the Fourth Empire seeks only to retain what control it still has. Its Industrial capabilities are by now crippled, and what remains of its fleets are but a fraction of its former glory - spread thin across the ever encroaching frontier. Despite the Empire’s sorry state, speculation of an Imperial revival is not unheard of, if only a few key areas are recaptured.. Application Discord (If I don't have it already): Nation Name: A brief description of National/Provincial History & Culture: Notable Characters: Unique Military Units (Two): National Idea (nothing strictly mechanical): A letter:

Holy Sechsian Empire “The Regent reaches his hand out to the East.” - - - “In Hieoromar’s name, Amen.” The Blessed Regent’s eyes flicked open. He realized how cold he was, knelt here in the snow within the ruins of an abandoned church. He rose, brushing the snow from the shoulders of his heavy coat as he first looked to the icon of the immortal Hieoromar positioned near the altar at the rear of the church, and then to the sky through the large hole in the roof. Night had already fallen. The Regent felt a connection to his place, the holiest of places, where the true Bophanov line had worshipped in the years after their exile. He knew he would before his shuttle had even touched down. The visions had shown him this place. Hieoromar himself steered his path. He ran his hand along the pew’s railing, gathering a handful of the deposited snow into his gloved hand, letting it filter through his fingers until they were empty. The path remains clear. The path remains clear. He could not have this place rebuilt. He could not have it touched. Only the Prince’s most faithful could know. Only him. Only the Blessed Regent. As he turned toward the decaying church’s exit, he felt a strangeness enter the air. His stomach rose. His arms and legs tingled. This moment - He had foreseen it! Prophecy! A wave of sensation overcame the Regent’s mind, a vision from the Immortal himself! Visions of brilliant light. Roaring crowds. A hand reaching to the heavens. The Regent’s mind grew fuzzy. Before him laid a hundred springs, steam rising from their surface, and then there was black. His eyes peeled open and revealed a great number of his escort huddled around their dear Regent. Their voices held confusion, fear, panic. “Peace, friends.” Khrebtov commanded in a low tone, a grin gripped his face. “The Immortal has bestowed us with further wisdom. Come.” The Shturmoviki pulled him to his feet. The Blessed Regent gave a final glance to the ruined chapel. He would return. “There is much to be done.” Actions: -Two more cities are established throughout the Blessed Regent’s realm. Lucky citizens are notified of their relocation opportunity, and rushed into the nearest box car to arrive on time! [60,000 C + 20 M] -The Trade Depot of Levogorod is expanded upon, as is the one in Bophanovopol [37,500 C + 6 M] -4 Naval Yards are constructed in Bophanovopol [30,000 C + 12 M] -6 Military Factories spring up across the realm [30,000 C + 6 M] -2 Material Industries are slated for construction in Radonezh [15,000 C] -A payment is made [10,000 C] [1/4] -A substantial order is placed in Aardensveld’s ship yards [74,400 C] -1 Unit (3) of Coal is imported from Lannion, to be used at a later date. [Repayment due next turn] -The Guard receives their ‘bribes’ [10,000 C] [See Channel] [MOD] 24 TP

Holy Sechsian Empire “The Regent’s guidance lights our path.” - - - Beyond the Empire’s eastern border. 02:35, 11.ABP.2895PE. Winter. The fire roared, reaching high into the night sky. Airship engines thundered above, whining as the BVT/90 class assault transport wheeled to face the scene, its engines humming as the craft slowly lowered to the ground, landing gear sinking into the wet dirt. Machinery groaned as one of the numerous bay doors slid open, revealing a party of half a dozen men. The smell of smoke and the blazing light of the fire were the first to assail Nikolai Sidorov’s senses. The man’s nostrils flared for half a second as he adjusted to the unexpected stench. He looked to the left, then to the right, then he exited the craft. Some twenty Shturmovik stood waiting, illuminated by the burning village all around them; four times as many prisoners were huddled in the muck beside them, hands on their heads. “The village has been swept and secured, Komandarm. This is all of them.” The lead soldier reported, gesturing to the mass of prisoners with his rifle. Sidorov raised a single, gray, bushy eyebrow, examining the huddled mass before looking back to the man, “And Aralov’s men?” “Killed or captured. We brought who we could in for questioning. As directed.” “Excellent work, Captain, our work here is done.” He looked to the rest of the village, “Torch it. Dispose of these collaborators. Then load up.” The Captain nodded and raised his hand to the BVT/90’s cockpit. A mere moment of stillness was suddenly shattered by the chattering of machine guns as the transport’s armament erupted onto the mob. Sidorov watched as they crumpled and fell as if an invisible wave were washing over them. After some ten seconds the guns fell silent. “See to it that there aren’t any survivors.” ------------- “A report, Your Excellency.” The Blessed Regent of All-Sechsia’s hands clenched into fists. His eyes shot open. He could not believe them. Standing before him was an open door to his office, and within that door frame was a man, some insolent fool of a man. Khrebtov struggled to compose himself; his lips curled into a tight, forced, smile. Interrupted - Interrupted in the most pivotal of hours. He was on the precipice of uncovering another of the Prince’s mysteries… so close.. so close. But in the presence of another, Hieoromar’s visions dissipate as swiftly as they appear. The man should’ve knocked. They must knock. He had made this very clear. “Bring it to me.” The Regent sharply commanded, shattering the room’s tension. The man, clearly just a messenger, hurriedly rushed towards his superior’s desk, and deposited the manila folder into the Regent’s hand. Khrebtov continued to glare at the now red-faced man, a conspirator, no doubt. Look how he cracked in the mere presence of a man of such status, how he avoided the Regent’s all-seeing gaze, how the sweat gathered on his face. Khrebtov delighted in the fear of Sechsia’s enemies. Then, suddenly, the Regent’s smile faded, “Leave me.” “Of course, Y-Your Excellency.” The man nearly sprinted out of the room. The Blessed Regent would allow him to live perhaps a day more - that was mercy enough. Perhaps... News from the East. The collaborators in disarray. The Regent placed the folder onto his desk, pondering. There is much to be done. Actions: -The glorious capital of Levogorod is expanded thricefold. Similarly, the industrial hub of Bophanovopol receives sizable investment from the Blessed Regent. [3 Cities, 90,000 C + 30 M] -Three luxury districts are constructed in Levogorod. [30,000 C + 3 M] -The war-infrastructure of the Empire is greatly bolstered. [30,000 C + 3 M] -5 Naval Production is sourced from abroad. [2 TP] -- A single Light Cruiser is commissioned. [15,000 C] -- Four destroyers are commissioned. [15,000 C] -2,568 Shekels are saved. -A team of researchers, escorted by Shturmoviki, are dispatched to explore the ruins of the Orbital Defense facility. [MOD] -A team of researchers, escorted by Shturmoviki, are dispatched to explore the ruins of the old spaceport. [MOD] 24 TP

Holy Sechsian Empire “The rays of dawn fall upon a new age.” - - - Khrebtov tightly clutched the Vitriol medallion around his neck, his thumb tracing across the Bophanov coat-of-arms hewn from the raw deposit of the metal. The Blessed Regent’s jaw tightened as he forced his eyelids shut, purple and blue creeping from the edge of his sight. He inhaled sharply, holding the frigid air within him for a brief moment, before letting out an exacerbated breath. Beads of sweat formed on his temple. The path remains clear. The path remains clear. His chin raised slightly into the air and his lips tightened as he looked to his minister of propaganda. The man unfurled a document and began to speak over the intercom. “Attention, dear citizens! By decree of His Excellency, Alexander Khrebtov, By the Grace of Hieoromar, Blessed Regent of All-Sechisa, Custodian of the Northern Shore, and Keeper of the Immortal’s Destiny, the Hieoromaric Standard Calendar is ruled to be unpatriotic, sacreligious, and indicative to treasonous behaviors. As such, it’s use and possession is hereby and forevermore banned, to be replaced by the newly conceived Bophanov Calendar, venerating the birth of our prophesied Prince and Savior, Alexei, the true Tsar of All-Sechsia! All citizens will be allowed a period of no more than 48 hours to dispose of any and all copies of the foul Hieoromaric Calendar. Continued use of the calendar beyond said period will be punished accordingly. Please report to the nearest government station for additional information, and a single copy of the Bophanov Calendar, provided at the expense of the Blessed Regent himself. Hieoromar bless the Regent! Hieoromar bless the Prince! Hieoromar bless Sechsia!” Khrebtov continued to glare at the man, the inflection of his voice as he said ‘Regent’ didn’t sit right with him. There was malice, deceit, conspiracy - all hidden beneath a veil of normalcy! Did the man think him a fool, that he, of all people, would not see? He would have to be done away with. The Regent could not have such men - such conspirators in his employ. If there was one there would surely be others! Aralov's spies! The Regent could not - would not jeopardize the Immortal’s designs. Designs that did not include someone as insignificant as a mere official such as this. He clutched the medallion once more, the muscles in his neck tensing as he did. The path remains clear. The path remains clear. The path remains clear... Hieoromar willing, the concept of the years and the ages themselves would soon fade away and be forgotten within the whole Empire. Another one of the false Church’s false “truths” forever cleared from the pages of history. A great accomplishment indeed. A step forward on the path. The year was 11.ABP.2895PE, 11 years after the birth of the prince Alexei, 2895 years post-exile of the true Bophanov line. The Regent watched the official leave the room before averting his eyes out the window and onto the skyline of Levogorod. There was much to be done. ---- Actions (Subject to change if my math is wrong): -A massive drive to bolster the Empire’s material industry begins in preparation for the coming efforts, all across the realm, the harvesting of Sechsia’s material wealth grows tenfold! [24 Material Industry] [180,000 C] -950 Shekels are saved for future use. -Operation Candle begins. Spies and informants are quietly filtered into the traitor Aralov’s domain in an attempt to locate both the Warlord, and his bases of operation beyond the Empire’s borders. [10,000 C] [MOD] -Project Fume begins. [Research] [MOD] [See PMs]

Holy Sechsian Empire “The Rays of Dawn fall upon a New Age” - - - Culture: Though the Holy Empire is home to dozens of smaller groups and peoples, the Realm is dominated by the Sechsians, the largest and most widespread of these peoples. Sechsians trace their origin back to the Adjudicator's Great Purge, of which their ancestors counted themselves among the lucky few who survived. In the years that followed they would be elevated as rulers, instituting the Most Holy & Blessed House of Bophanov to preside over the sprawling tundra in the Hieoromars’ name. The people of Sechsia are a backwards one. Characterized by a slow adoption of ideas and technologies, and a strict adherence to tradition and faith (largely enforced by decree of the Tsar), the modern age has not been kind to the people of Sechsia. The average Sech peasant (some two thirds of the population) lives in a state of squalor compared to the rest of the Continent. Still, within ignorance there is bliss, a fact that Sechsian rulers take full advantage of. Though much of the populace is destitute and impoverished, many do not know of what they are missing out on, and persist on the simple pleasures found in faith and tradition.. The Sechsian Church An offshoot of the Church of Hieoromar which separated near the beginning of the 3rd Age. The Sechsian Church venerates the Most Holy & Blessed House of Bophanov to a divine status just below that of Hieoromar himself, who they believe to still be alive and immortal, guiding man from the heavens; they reject the lesser authorities of the “Holy” See and their many “Truths,” and proclaim the Bophanov’s divinely ordained purpose to bring about a new Age of Enlightenment in which the faithful will abandon their dying planet and join the Immortal above, under the guidance of the Most Holy & Blessed House of Bohpanov, of course. The authority of the Sechsian Church in the Empire has long been unquestioned (Publicly at least), and remains a powerful force within the Empire under the Blessed Regent’s rule. History: The Sechsian Realm is vast and sprawling, covering the northern reaches of the continent and its many resources. Since the Hieoromars’ Great Purge, this domain has been entrusted to the rule of the Most Blessed & Holy House of Bophanov which has ruled the Empire consistently, though with varying levels of success, for the better part of the last 8,000 years. The 19th century has been a period of near constant turmoil, unrest, or warfare for the Empire, a series of events which the Empire has only narrowly avoided complete destruction through. Stemming from the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the historically backwards Sechsia was quickly outpaced by many of their neighbors, both in terms of industrialization, and technology. Sensing weakness, tensions would ultimately boil over with Sarradon culminating in the outbreak of war between the two powers. Technologically outmatched and prey to a decadent officer corp, Sechsian forces would be defeated several times over and sent reeling back through the mountains, pursued by the Sarradonic the whole way. Subject to a humiliating peace treaty, the Empire was forced to pay heavy reparations and allow Sarradonic occupation forces to remain in several border regions. The loss of the war against Sarradon would ultimately prove to be the spark which erupted the Sechsian tinderbox. Revolutionary and collectivist elements in several Sechsian cities would spring at the opportunity to strike the Realm when it was at its weakest, preaching the destruction of Tsar and Church as they did. Even in this most dire of circumstances, the Tsar was betrayed by those whom he believed he could trust! The defeated tsarist armies would splinter even further under orders from generals who abandoned their posts, all vying for slices of the Realm in the wake of its destruction. This period of chaos and warlordism would persist for nearly a decade during which the remnants of Imperial forces were largely stamped out and defeated by the combined pressures of the military warlords and revolutionary fronts. During the chaos, the Imperial family, Tsar included was captured and executed by fascist paramilitary forces in their flight from the capital. The Civil War would ultimately be ended by the now-Regent Alexander Khrebtov when his Shturmoviki stormed the Imperial Capital, unseating a now-nameless pretender. Rallying surviving monarchist elements around his control of the Capital, Khrebtov would retake the country gradually over the course of several brutal military campaigns The Empire was whole once more, but the Most Blessed & Holy House of Bohpanov was nowhere to be found. In such an absence, Khrebtov crowned himself Blessed Regent of All-Sechsia, vowing that Alexei, the long lost prophesized TRUE heir heir to the house of Bophanov, would soon be restored to the Imperial Throne. Since his ascension, Khrebtov has taken hold of the Empire with an Iron-Fist, restoring the authority of the waning Sechsian Church and purging those he deemed guilty of ‘treasonous behaviors’ as he drags the country into the modern era through harsh policies of forced industrialization, adamant that Sechsia’s humiliating defeat against Sarradon would be its last. His Excellency, Alexander Khrebtov, By the Grace of Hieoromar, Blessed Regent of All-Sechisa, Custodian of the Northern Shore, Keeper of the Immortal’s Destiny An eccentric and deeply religious man, as well as an avid monarchist, Alexander Khrebtov was known mostly for his leadership of the Razud Krilo, a hyper-religious arm of the Imperial Army of the belief that the true Bophanov line had been replaced in a Holy See conspiracy several hundred years prior, and that the failures of the Empire were due to this fact. In the war against Sarradon he commanded the 5th Army of Ovesk. Following the end of the war, and the collapse of Imperial Authority, Khrebtov organized the defense of Ovesk against Collectivist Revolutionaries, rallying the now veteran and battle hardened 5th Army against the besiegers and ultimately defeating them. Khrebtov’s holdout would prove to be one of the final bastion of Imperial authority. The Regent claims that in this hour, upon hearing of the death of the false Tsar at the hands of the fascists, Khrebtov was blessed with a vision from Hieoromar himself which ordered him to march on the Imperial Capital and restore the TRUE House of Bophanov, whos name is Alexei. Now, The Empire is whole once more. His search for Prince Alexei continues. The Immortal guides us from the heavens. There is much to be done. Unique Units: Shturmoviki [Infantry]: Hardened veterans of Sechsia’s Civil War, the Shturmoviki are the Blessed Regent’s most loyal and capable soldiers. Armed with an increased amount of support equipment, they serve with fanatic zeal as the Empire’s shock troops. Regent-class Super Dreadnought [SUPER Dreadnought]: The newest ship of the Blessed Regent’s naval armaments program. The Regent-class Super Dreadnought is a ship built simply to be physically larger than any other contemporary vessel, sporting monolithic cannons and massively increased armor. Though the Regent-class’ speed falls closer to the rear of the pack as far as Dreadnoughts go, it is designed to outperform any other ship in terms of size, range, armament, and armor. M/1890 Howitzer [Howitzer]: With the prevalence of airships in modern warfare, the Blessed Regent has ordered an increased number of purpose-built anti-ship guns built and employed. The M/1890 is a long-ranged cannon designed primarily to knock heavy airships out of the sky. It has a secondary function of ground bombardment, as most Howitzers do. BVT/90 Transport [Transport][Size 10]: A smaller and more nimble class of transport airship equipped with light armor and heavy compliments of machine guns and light cannons. The BVT is specialized for clearing LZs and rapidly deploying large amounts of troops and equipment. National Idea: The Land of Plenty: Cities have an additional 2,500,000 pop Points of Interest: The Regent's Seat: Since the ascension of The Blessed Regent of All-Sechsia, many facets of the government have been transferred to the Bol'shya Tserkov, a massive Cathedral complex within the Holy City and Imperial Capital of Levogord. The complex now serves as both the seat of the Blessed Regent's government, and the Sechsian Church. Nation Traits: Military: Army Focus Economy: Industrial Giant Society: Efficient Bureaucracy Resource Deficiency: Vitriol Army Doctrine: Massed Warfare Naval Doctrine: Capital Ships Economic Focus: Heavy Industry

AGE OF RUIN “Kempennenische Cuirassiers begin their charge at the Battle of Windsor Locks.” Summer, 3251 After the Departure As news of the Coalition War begins to spread far and wide, the Sultanate of Kaph makes it known that all who oppose Einzner and the Kempennenische menace will be supported materially by the Sultanate. The Tyrant’s reign, they assert, must come to an end once and for all. This news is accompanied by the arrival of a small fleet from beyond the Great Sea, apparently making port in the Commonwealth. Not to be undone by their rivals, The Concordat makes a similar pledge, promising both men and material to any who support Kempennen in the war. Apologies for the short MP lads, been a busy week and Sky is not here!! ---------- Konigreich Arktis-Munzenberg The turning back of several Church missions originating from Westmark causes a great deal of trouble for Munzenberg when they are inquired as to the reasoning for such hostile behavior by Iuridc diplomats. They demand the country be opened to the Church, and it is the citizenry’s decision to accept the teachings of the Outsiders, not the Monarchy! It is still spring and the Munzenbergian engineers do not complete their work until the very end of summer. Tsardom of Ligmagrad Lands to the south fall to the Tsar, peacefully, or otherwise… As the Tsardom grows, so too does the presence of Westerveld on the border, watching… Union of the Vistula Defeat at Arnau! A lost battle, but the war rages on. Talks with Westerveld open, despite the previous animosity between the two nations. Many refugees carry Vogelist thought abroad, but many more stay within Mittleland, for if the Revolution cannot succeed here, how would it spring up anywhere else? Any opposition to Vogelist rule in Sudveld soon fades as the Union begins to assert full control over the province. Along with this new control comes mass recruitment drives which do rally large amount of supporters and fresh bodies for the Vogelist army. It is clear, however, that Mittelland is becoming strained by the conflict… (-10% all production for 2 turns, +20,000 Conscripts) Westmark Republik The Republik has won a great victory, but there is little time to rest on their laurels, the war in Mittleland rages! Vrena Principality Over the course of the spring, the vast wastes of A7 are gradually integrated into the Principality. It is clear that this is a lawless and alien land. The rains burn, horses often refuse to travel further west, and soldiers stationed in the region for more than a few weeks are overcome with terrible illnesses and afflictions, no matter where you are - the men claim, it feels as if you are being watched.. Yashida Bakufu Westerveld is hesitant to trade the edge their Iron Roads provide, however, seeing as the Broken Coast was fast approaching technological parity in the field, they offer to modernize the Shogunate’s infrastructure for a sum of 20,000 Vozin. Konigreich Zunderland Another season passes.. Kawahkwara Shogunate The criminals find that the vault cannot be accessed peacefully, as the Thinking Metal Soldiers viciously exterminate the intruders. War grips the Shogunate.

AGE OF RUIN “The Coalition (The Commonwealth, Westmark, Procteland, Pith and the Kawahara Shogunate) issue a declaration of war against Kempennen, intent on removing Josef von Einzner from power…” Spring, 3251 After the Departure At long last, after a Winter harsh and cold, Spring returns to the Broken Coast. The worst of the snows melt, but the growing season of 3251 is icy and frigid. Though there is little snow, and the Spring rains are comparatively light this year, the air is frosty, and the last vestiges of Winter’s breath still clings to the trees and the grass. The grass grows slowly, the trees bud late and the flowers bloom with great lethargy. Livestock remains hungry, and it is a poor start to the farming year. (-1 manpower per province this turn) War rages in what was once Middenland, as the new “Vogelist'' movement seeks to gain traction by force. The country is shattered, and each of the new territories seek to crush the others, even as other, greater dangers rear their ugly heads. Arnau’s Black Guard, in an attempt to break the back of Sudveld, launches a swift invasion in the dying days of Winter, and it seems Middenlander is now destined to spill the blood of Middenlander. Further north, General Klein, leader of the Military Reconstruction of the Confederation, leads his army in a winter offensive against elements of the Mittelandische monarchy based from the capital of Mittelheim in a bid to seize the city and the legitimacy that comes with it. Though he triumphs in a small field engagement some distance west of the capital, he is unable to defeat the Royal Army in earnest, laying siege to the capital in late winter. Furthermore, there are reports of several thousand mercenaries flocking to Klein’s army from Iurd. In Westerveld, the people rejoice as an alliance is signed with the Wesmark Republik, following the country’s acceptance of the Church as the sole religious authority. But despite this progress with their neighbours, Westerveld looks bitterly over the border, where the heathen nation of Soglasigrad runs rampant, and even goes so far as to threaten the sanctity of the Church. Rumour abounds, that Kommandant-General Goen’s Commando has been stationed near the contested territory. Perhaps the most shocking news this year, is the declaration of war leveled against Kempennen by the Maritime Commonwealth, the Kingdom of Pith, the Kawahara Shogunate, the Westmark Republik and the Kingdom of Procteland. Despite this startling, unwarranted aggression, Einzner wastes no time with foolish skirmishes or loitering - he musters his armies to war, intent on crushing those who would dare oppose Kempennen. ---------- Here's forty vozins on the drum For those who volunteer to come, To 'list and fight the foe today Over the hills and far away [Chorus] O'er the hills and o'er the Main Through Arktis, Westerveld and Zlane, Einzner commands and we obey Over the hills and far away. When duty calls me I must go To stand and face another foe But part of me will always stray Over the hills and far away [Chorus] If I should fall to rise no more As many comrades did before Then ask the pipes and drums to play Over the hills and far away [Chorus] Then fall in lads behind the drum With colours blazing like the sun Along the road to come what may Over the hills and far away [Chorus] Through smoke and fire And shot and shell And to the very walls of hell But we shall stand and we shall stay Over the hills and far away [Chorus] -A Kempennen marching song ---------- Vrena Principality II Corps marches north and prepares for the inevitable conflict with Church crusaders, come spring. Their preparation is aided greatly by the Rovfagel, which does indeed locate a concentration of Church forces within a complex of Outsider ruins (Discord) Discussions regarding the opening of channels between the Principality and the Concordat can be had.. Yashida Bakufu The winter is bitter and cold, more than a few men are lost to desertion, disease, or the elements as the Yashida struggle to bring forth adequate amounts of supplies during the winter months. Still, the siege drags on. It is in the height of this winter that Hiroto is approached with an offer from the Jizuru Daimyo. He will submit to the Shogun’s authority on the condition he remains in power, and only a fourth of his province’s bounty is taxed each season. Konigreich Arktis-Münzenberg Two kingdoms become one! The nation looks on with great anticipation - and fear, as war breaks out just beyond the border! United Communes of Arnau As the Black Army begins to march south into Sudveld, reports soon arrive of the arrival of an army from the Freeholder’s Republic. Apparently the bushmen do not consider the war to be over quite yet, and the force responsible for Arnau’s disaster at Jamesvale has the crossed the border into lands held by the Communes! Good luck. The Vogelist message begins to spread across all of the former Confederacy, though it is viciously stamped out and persecuted throughout most of it. With such popularity, many of the common folk flock to join the revolution! (+15,000 green medium infantry) Konigreich Zunderland The force dispatched to the outlying regions to the west (C2) is repulsed by a sizable Church presence in the area. Apparently the expedition is undertaking a number of excavations of Outsider ruins. Klandestan does not respond to the Zunderlands offer of diplomatic channels. A sophisticated device capable of instantly delivering “messages” will be available to the Zunderlandische by the Spring of 3252, assuming they continue to financially invest in the project. Sugondasigrad Absolutely nothing happens in the tsar’s lands as a harsh winter settles over the plains. Reports arrive, the Church remains active in the region they were previously discovered in, proselytizing to the masses and establishing a small “church” which more closely resembles a fort as they do. Westmark Republic The faithful rejoice as the Church is formally recognized as the sole religious authority within the Republic. By mid winter, Priests and Clerics have already begun to arrive in the hundreds, spreading the good word to the masses! Less notably, areas in which Church presence is high sees a sharp decline in accursed populations. Praise the Outsiders! Kawahara Shogunate The last remnants of ungoverned lands in the north are claimed for the Shogun. The search parties discover an Outsider facility of steel and rock deep within the mountains. Its purpose is unknown, and the entrances to the facility all appear to be guarded by a varying number of Thinking metal soldiers, all of which bear a “B” insignia. The Coomerwealth And so a Coalition is formed, and war erupts with Kempennen! As the continent heats up and armies are mustered, the Commonwealth receives word that the ever fat and wealthy Oligarchs of Iurd have mobilized both their fleet and army, entering the conflict on Kempennen’s side.

AGE OF RUIN “Westerveld builds the iron road…” Summer, 3250 After the Departure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzNN1Pl_JlA The days pass, one week turns to the next, and the months go by in their steady, constant march. The last of the flowers blossom, and soon no impatient buds can be seen on the branches of the trees. Spring came, and now it has departed, as Summer once again begins anew… Jozsef von Einzner, master of Kempennen, does not sit idle in his newly won peace. The Potentate, known fondly to his men as the “Marshal Forwards”, knows well the internecine reality of his country and does not intend to fall prey to the ambitions of Kempennen’s less than loyal Governors-General. As Spring flows into Summer, it becomes well known that, not only is Einzner maintaining his Corps, he is raising a new reserve cavalry corps, to be commanded by his brother-in-law, the infamous Marshal Ranulf Foehrkolb. A particularly daring expedition of the Church ventures into Klandestan, where the small force seeks to steal an artifact supposedly in the possession of the Grand Sorcerer. The group is never seen again. Westerveld attracts enormous crowds of labourers, all of them eager for work, as the iron road is slowly, mile by mile, laid across the endless plains. Behind the ever advancing work camp, a portable town of brothels, saloons and casinos rolls, a sinful enterprise that has been nicknamed “Hell on Wheels”. Yashida Bakufu Yashida’s bold and very plain statement does not go unnoticed by the Jizuru Clan. Soon after the Yashida army begins its exercises, so too does the Jizuru army. During a routine scouting mission cavalry from the two armies mistakenly stumble into one another and briefly exchange gunfire and sabre before the Yashida are thrown back. Mere hours after the event, the Jizuru publicly stated that the Yashida were the primary perpetrators and initiated the skirmish. There is little evidence to corroborate claims for either side. Westerveld agrees to a non-aggression pact between the two powers. Konigreich Munzenberg The kingdom’s troops scramble to their positions, digging in and posting up where ordered. The spring months are quiet.. The Kingdom of Arktis, surrounded by larger and potentially hostile powers on all sides, extends an offer of alliance and potentially royal marriage to Munzenberg. These are trying times afterall, and two like-minded powers should stand together. Konigreich Zunderland Zunderland’s troops find the western most region (E1) to be sparsely populated. The Kingdom easily asserts its claim over the region, driving off the handful of squalid settlers and accursed who do choose to resist. The southern area (E5) proves to be more troublesome, and the Kingdom’s meager scouting party is driven back across the bridge by a large band of organized tribesmen. Sugondasigrad The Tsar’s horsemen ride east across the sparsely populated grasslands. They encounter a number of small fledgeling settlements, most of which outright surrender or are willingly absorbed. By spring’s end, the plains are largely pacified and in the process of being settled. Further east, scouts report that Westerveld patrols and outriders keep a keen eye on the Tsar’s activity in his newly claimed territories. The engineers begin work on their own locomotive, but have yet to make any significant progress. The Kawahara Shogunate The First Expeditionary Corp finds success, securing and pacifying the more northern areas of the planned expansion by late spring. In the south, the Second Expeditionary Corp soon realizes it is stretched beyond its limit. The local inhabitants, tribal accursed who are widely known as Scarci, fearlessly and viciously resist the attempted settling. They exist in both large numbers, and are well organized, but reports from the men have led the staff to believe that they “are not all there.” Many of the men report they behave more like animals than men. The Felsen Reich Unexpected seismic activity results in what many could only speculate to be the total extinction of the Felsen people. Perhaps several pockets remain buried and isolated? No one knows, even less care... The Commonwealth Westerveld jealously guards their engine’s workings, rejecting the offer. Envoys from the far off Concordat, always eager to establish another foothold in the region, accept the invitation and arrive in New Prospect in early summer, eager to discuss whatever it is the commonwealth may have in store. The Church also accepts this offer. Within weeks of the invitation, a boatful of holy clerics and priests, dressed in their heavy robes of lead arrive on the Commonwealth’s shores. While construction begins, they take to the streets and begin preaching the good word to the masses about the many tenets of the faith. Their ideas are not foreign to the people of the Commonwealth, or the Broken Coast as whole, and it doesn't take long for a strong following to rapidly begin to spring up wherever their hallowed feet trod.. While the Commonwealth attracts several independent scientists and engineers, there are few nations of note who send anything of even meager value to the very blatant attempt at espionage - the whole affair is even a little embarrassing for the country as a whole! The sports contests draw more attention, and competitors flock to New Prospect from far and wide to participate. (-1 Prestige) There are few refugees from Kempennen, but no one of note. The Kingdom of Procteland Any resistance to the Iron Legion’s thrust into the east (F23) is quickly stamped out beneath a tidal wave of iron boots over the course of the spring months. While all is quiet on the home front, intelligence units note an increase in patrols from both Pith and Kempennen. Westmark Republik The Sultanate accepts the Republik’s offer. An ambassador arrives by early summer. Treaties are signed. Eidgenossenschaft Middenland Army high command receives an urgent scouting report from the border! (Discord) The military strikes hard and fast into the lawless "Bush." The land here is wild, and teaming with outlaws and Ruiners, neither of which are too keen on being absorbed by the state to their east. By the end of spring, perhaps a 1/3 of the woodland has been "occupied" but it is clear that retaining a presence in the area will begin to grow costly. Mujahideen The brave soldiers of the Mujahideen mount an expedition north (E5 & E6) in order to spread the One True God’s (Allah) light. These brave fighters experience unusually high levels of resistance in both of these provinces, and only manage to dislodge the local inhabitants from the more mountainous areas by the end of spring. Vyacheslav Confederacy The confederacy’s expansion south is unimpeded, and they swiftly begin to fortify their new holdings.

E T E S H music Nation Type: Kingdom Nation Flag: Are you in the Elraic Empire?: Etesh stands alone, a glorious beacon of enlightenment and republicanism, amidst a sea of savagery and absolutist barbarism. The Elraic Empire, in particular, is a focus of much hatred and resentment in Etesh - the Empire represents everything the Great Republic despises; monarchy, heathenism and dynasty. Of all Eteshi foes, the Elraic Empire stands as Etesh’s greatest and most reviled rival, and it is the fervent wish of many Exalted to see the pinnacle of heretical “civilisation” torn to the ground, and burned. History- Etesh began as a small town, founded by fleeing Dusii slaves. They settled upon a key point of the River Etesh, and that small town swiftly grew into a vast and rich city, ruled over by a monarch. From her first days as a true city-state, to the rise of the Great Republic, Etesh had nine kings, each of whom ruled for many years, and each is considered to have generally been a wise ruler. The last Eteshi Monarch was Istaran, and it was his heavy-handed oppression of the growing cults worshipping the God Sargatanas, that led to the collapse of the Eteshi Kingdom. In a brutal, but botched, revolution, the Voices set their warrior-zealots, the Arkanti - led by figures such as Nunamnir, Lord of Dust - upon the forces of Istaran, and drove the King from the city, alive and unharmed. From there, Etesh descended into total civil war, and bitter, back and forth conflict persisted for many years, until Istaran was finally crushed at the Battle of the Thorns. Etesh would not be safe from conflict for long, however, as the fledgling state soon suffered its first great blow- the many surrounding nations joined together, in a coalition led by the forest Kingdom of Besdit, which reviled republican ideals. For five decades, this war raged, until Etesh finally defeated her enemies, and subdued and annexed each state, one by one. The ceaseless march of Eteshi legions has rendered the Great Republic the master of a vast range of territories - Etesh rules thousands of leagues with an iron fist, and fixes her eyes on ruling thousands more. Time has slowed the momentum of the Exalted, and Etesh finds itself surrounded once more by bellicose neighbours, all too eager to bring an end to Eteshi Enlightenment. Etesh stands now at the crossroads of history - she is second only to the Elraic Empire, and the Exalted continue to plot and scheme, as they attempt to surpass all, and secure Eteshi rule, by land and by sea. Culture - Etesh considers itself to be an enlightened theocratic republic, and possesses an enormous belief in the intrinsic superiority of both its intellectualism and its religion. As such, it would not be unfair to say that Etesh considers itself the mightiest nation in the world, and this is often reflected in one of the ways the Eteshi refer to their nation - the ‘Great Republic’. Etesh strongly rejects the idea of absolutist principles, and the city has not been ruled by a monarchy in centuries. It is a strong belief among educated Eteshi that a nation cannot be a nation, lest it is a republican nation - though this has never been an official stance. Xenophobia is relatively common in Etesh, and the harsh opinions that some view the city with has led to a deep rooted solidarity and a strong mistrust of the foreigner in the provinces of the Republic. Typically, Eteshi refer to foreigners as ‘Pultoi’, which translates to either foreigner or non-citizen, but typically carries an incredibly negative and derogatory connotation. In Etesh, humans enjoy freedoms and liberties equal to any Dusii, with one exception - the upper levels of government (and in most cases, high military command) are closed to them. In the Great Republic, religion is of paramount importance and the highest levels of the state are thoroughly entangled with the two highest religious groups - the High Priests, many of whom also serve as sitting Senators, and the Voices, the oldest and wisest Exalted in Etesh, who tend towards spending their days hidden from sight, meditating and receiving visions from Sargatanas in their great Fortress-Temple at Bakir. The Dusii dominate religion, and it is this dominance that ensures high government is sealed to humans, as to ascend to the very heights of Eteshi politics, one must first undergo the Binding, giving up any hope of natural death in order to spend their days ushering souls towards the Gate, where they may enter the Far Plane and join their master, Sargatanas. This is how the immortal Exalted are made, and both the High Priests and the Voices jealously prevent any human from receiving the ritual. Etesh is a land of great military might, and every good citizen is expected to serve his term in the army or the navy, in service to the state. As such, the military is held within great esteem, and it is typically considered to be a career choice of great honour and dignity, for those wishing to do more than their basic term of service. The Eteshi military is highly regimented, uniformed and extremely professional, and pride in its strength and conduct is typically considered to be a major factor in the common Eteshi view of the total superiority of the Great Republic. Special Characters (Up to 3, generals/mages/agents may be added or included if purchased with starting funds): Nunamnir, Lord of Dust, the Stargazer, the Deathless, the Eternal "I hope, one day, to walk that narrow Path; to the Gate and Beyond..." One of the few remaining founders of Etesh, Nunamnir was amongst the first to embrace the Holy Path. One of the first Arkanti, the Lord of Dust was among the ancient band who threw Istaran the Sinner into a field of obsidian thorns, during the First Exile. Ancient, wise and powerful, the Lord of Dust rarely leaves his palaces, and though a chair is permanently left free for him at gatherings of the (Senate?), Nunamnir has not attended that assembly in nearly three centuries, instead spending his days in solitude. Nunamnir has slain many of his enemies over the centuries, and it has become his custom to seal one of their eyes when they are defeated. These sealed eyes are then embedded into his armour, where they empower him. One can recognise the Lord of Dust on the battlefield, for his armour glitters in a fashion not dissimilar to stars in the night sky. Over the centuries, Nunamnir has waged a bitter war against the Cult of the Damned, beginning with his part in the Reckoning. Every revolt, uprising and riot perpetrated by the Cult has seen Nunamnir take personal command of the efforts to destroy that dark brotherhood of sinners. Each of their leaders have been mutilated by his hand, their Sealed eye added to his armour. Most have been slain outright. Some, such as Balehsk, have been Sealed in full, and condemned to eternal torment, deep in the Pits, a massive, underground complex of prison-tombs, that also hold his master. The Lord of Dust is a hardened soldier, and led many of the early wars to crush the enemies of the fledging Etesh. As one of the most ancient and respected Arkanti, he has always ridden to war armed with falx and heavy armour, guarded by two score of his brothers. Nunamnir is ancient now, however, and long centuries of conflict and violence, coupled with constant political machinations and plotting, have left the old Exalted exhausted. He spends his days largely in prayer, worshipping Sargatanas by tending his rose gardens, observing the passage of the stars and writing poetry. Still, the Stargazer may be tired, but he remains one of the most respected, influential and venerated of Etesh's leaders, and is certainly one of only a very, very few who saw the foundation of Etesh with his own two eyes. Azlatan, Commander of Salt, the Sea-Master “Firstly you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of the Lord of Dust; and thirdly you must hate a Pultoi as you hate the Heretics!” Born a mere sixty-one years ago, Azlatan is a newcomer to the ranks of the Exalted. Born a humble Dusii to a leatherworking family, Azlatan joined the Eteshi Navy with the begrudging approval of his family at the ripe age of twelve, under the wing of a cousin-captain who lent Azlatan his seafaring knowledge. His new captain found that the young Azlatan proved to be a more than sufficient sea-going warrior, as well as a sailor. The finer points of navigation, of sailing, carpentry and the nuances of the seaborne lexicon were quickly absorbed. And when he had his first taste of action, he flourished in the whirling melee of a boarding action. When he finally earned his commission at 19, he had a daring gleam in his eye, a stern hand, intelligence, initiative, and courage rolled into one. All the foundations which create natural authority, that rare thing. Though chronically lacking connections, Azlatan's climbed steadily through the ranks, thanks in large part to his leadership from which came loyalty, discipline and above all, victory. It applied not only to a division of rowers, or a ship's crew, but as time would tell, to councils of war when commanding fleets, and bureaucratic offices ashore. In time, he was given command of an anti-piracy Division protecting the Bay of Orul from the deeply-entrenched pirate syndicates that so oppressed Eteshi trade. Despite lacking ships and support, Azlatan proved to be highly effective. A string of informants on the coast helped him erraditate secret watering-places and hideouts, while Azlatan encouraged aggressive hunter-killer tactics. These successes saw him elevated to command a whole Squadron as a pro-Ekir, a temporary rank, in recognition of the need for more ships. Within two years, Orel's pirate presence was all but gone, and the pro-Ekir became a full Ekir. Azlatan, now head of the Navy in its entirety, has taken to enacting significant reforms. An improvement of logistics and a more meritocratic system, in combination with changes to dockyard methods and contracts has laid the groundwork fo Azlatan to prove not only himself, but also to prepare the ground for a major expansion of Eteshi naval resources. Azlatan knows keenly that if Etesh should find need to expand, that it will require a stronger and more efficient navy. A breath of fresh air to an ancient immortal aristocracy, Azlatan is keen to prove himself, at the expense of those who should underestimate Etesh and his navy. Oris, The Exile “We shall prevail. We have eternity” An Exalted of middling status and few ambitions. Oris was bound to the mortal world soon after Etesh’s victory over Istaran at the Battle of Thorns. He would go on to serve in Etesh’s vast legions throughout the many following wars against Etesh’s neighbors. During his service, he would serve with little distinction, being given command of nothing more than a small unit, and he achieved nothing of note beyond that of an average commander. After the many wars of expansion began to patter out and end, Oris’ term of service expired and the Exalted retreated to his small estate to pursue matters of faith. Namely, investigating the many natures of the Eteshi pantheon through his work in the Brotherhood of the Crypts. When his true purpose was uncovered, it was deemed Heretical, Oris was stripped of all lands and titles, and sentenced to be Eviscerated. Yet he escaped Etesh through the massive network of catacombs, fleeing to the mountains in the north. The Exile continues to pursue his work, clinging onto ruined fortresses and cities of ages long past, with nothing but the company of the dead to consult. Isolated from civilization for so long, little of Oris remains; he fell into madness long ago. In his insanity, however, he finds faith and purpose. Primary Magic: Necromancy [Veil Walkers], Stygian Arts [The Black Torch] Secondary Magic: none 🇹🇩 Unique Points of Interest: The Temple-Fortress of Bakir- Originally constructed during Etesh’s many initial wars of expansion, Bakir is a sprawling and mighty fortress complex built upon a large Mesa which dominates the mostly flat local landscape, upon a site where many of the Voices claim to have felt a stronger connection with Sargatanas. During this period, it proved to be invaluable in ages past, weathering dozens of sieges without fail. However, as the Empire’s borders have pushed outwards, Bakir has lost much of its military relevance. Nonetheless, the fortification is maintained. Apart from a strong permanent garrison, Bakir is protected by several layers of tall and thick walls with countless strongpoints littered among them, as well as its geography. Though the fortress is almost exclusively staffed by the undead, massive cisterns and storehouses hallowed out of the mountain are always full. The Holy City of Etesh- Etesh is a vast, sprawling metropolis of temples and tombs, theatres and arenas, libraries and academies, built in five tiers upon a towering, lonely hill. From the slums at the very base of the city, to the resplendent palaces of the Exalted at the very summit, Etesh is an enormous, winding maze, where even locals who have lived there for their entire lives can lose their way. The slums excluded, the city is built in white marble, kept polished by an army of slaves bound to the city. The city is, to some extent, segregated. While Dusii of any status may live on or own property in any of the five tiers, human freedmen cannot dwell beyond the second tier, and are forbidden entry beyond the third. Slaves are allowed to dwell and enter every tier - for the sake of practicality. At the very top of the city, the gargantuan palaces of the Exalted sit. Huge and forbidding, amongst the palaces are found the greatest of the temples, and all of the highest seats of law and government, where the greatest decisions are made. A masterpiece of sculpted marble and molded bronze, the pinnacle of Etesh glitters brightly in the sun, sparkling like glass in the light. Beneath the palaces sit the homes of the lesser nobility, of the various Halls and assemblies. Rich and opulent, the district tends to be quiet, a place for the upper classes, folk who have little interest in the mad hustle and bustle of the lower rings. Further down, in the third and fourth tiers, are the homes of the lowliest Dusii, a sprawling - but rich - mess of workshops and merchant homes, of shops and warehouses. The streets here are pathed with well worn cobbles, and are often clustered with the great hustle and bustle of a huge, prosperous city. At the very base of the hill upon which Etesh is built, are the slave camps, the slums, the shanty towns. A massive, sprawling complex of filth and the dregs of the city, filled with lowly human citizens from the vast expanse of Etesh's empire. There is, ironically, great wealth to be found, for here are the great bazaars, the slave merchants, the livestock dealers. Most of the raw materials that find their way into the hands of the merchants and craftsmen of the upper rings come from here, where they are bought and sold in the huge clamouring marketplaces, before resale further up. Etesh is one of, if not the, largest city in the world. Catacombs of Etesh- In Etesh, every citizen possesses the right to free burial, even if they are too poor to afford their own, private or family tomb. As a result, a vast series of underground, communal tombs has been built over the centuries, with hundreds of tunnels sprawling beneath the enormous metropolis above. The Catacombs are a sacred, holy place, and the various resting places are carefully cared for by the families of the deceased. For those dead without relatives, the Brothers of the Crypts care for their needs, tidying and repairing the small shrines where gifts are left for the departed. The Brothers walk endless miles in their selfless mission to protect the Catacombs from graverobbers and malignant intruders, and they perform their duty to defend these tombs fiercely. The Catacombs have many, many entrances, mostly within the city, but a few are found outwith the walls. The Catacombs offer a means of secret exit or entry to the city - if one can manage to navigate the vast and twisting labyrinth. Furthermore, in times of great need, the Catacombs provide an enormous source of corpses, ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice to defend the city. boink

T H E O A S I S “Little time Hannibal, war-leaders seek blood. We must act” “Perhaps we can find reason?” “They do not reason. Cannot deny tribes any longer, or they will not follow Hannibal. Must act” “Truly?” “Yes.” “Summon spirit-speaker. We move.” The fire crackled, collapsing in on itself and sending a great plume of embers and sparks into the air. A black banner twisted and snapped in the frigid winter air. Mortar grunted, beating his hands together and signing. A nearby soldier nodded, and swung off through the trees. “How did we come to this point, Mortar?” “The bad-men brought us here.” “Is it so?” “Yes.” “How we become more like them with every hour..” Far in the distance, A crow sits upon a horn. A shiny thing appears. -------- Actions Last turn-------- - 2 Scrapyards [15,000 + 4 B] - 88 sets of (T2) armor is fashioned for Hannibal’s warparty [4 M] - 50 Pipe rifles are "acquired" [3 M] -T3 Armor research :wagie: [6/25] -One Dev point is invested into “Strength in numbers” [4 total] -------- Actions This turn-------- - 2 Markets [10,000 + 2 B] - 176 sets of (T2) armor is fashioned for Hannibal’s warparty [8 M] - 165 melee weapons (T2) are fashioned for Hannibal’s warparty [1 M] -T3 Armor research :wagie: [8/25] -One Dev point is invested into “Strength in Numbers” [5 total]