The_Mad_Skylord

DUCHY OF GALLIAN Camebry Castle was a squat, ugly fortification perched atop the crest of a steep hill, bare and featureless save for the winding road leading up to the gates. Camebry had long been the ancestral home of the House of Antegenet, and even in the days of that House ruling the entire duchy, the old border castle often found itself home to the Duke of Gallian for, despite its appearance, the castle was actually a rather comfortable home, especially in winter when it was heated from below by a sizable hot spring. For days, riders and companies had been arriving in ever greater numbers to the castle – musicians sang and played the instruments in the courtyard and the hallways, while entertainers danced and frolicked to please fickle lordlings who were bored with the constant dallying of their Lord Camebry in setting off for Klagenfurt. Tailors hurriedly measured their masters and swiftly set to making outfits that were both warm and to the styles of the latest fashions in court. All this great activity, however, was counterbalanced by the overwhelming sedentary state of the Lord Gallian and what should be his retinue. For weeks now the Duke of Gallian had procrastinated in his duties – the King summoned his vassals to court to swear fealty, and Roger of Camebry delayed – making a statement one might say. It was well known among the peerage that Sir Roger was ill-disposed towards the idea of a female regent, and clearly he was going to make such an opinion known by arriving late to the proceedings, despite being the closest of the Duchies. Still, finally the Duke of Gallian did depart from his comfortable seat of Camebry, and made for Klagenfurt. -Duke Roger was not idle during his delay – the Duke of Gallian begins to expand his retinue. He offers a place in his household to any second or third born son from across the Kingdom who finds themselves with their knightly spurs but no land to call their own. To these landless knights he offers them the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of being granted estates in his own lands. (Mod for recruiting a professional force of knights) -In addition, the Duke gives minor land grants to several knights and courtiers already in his service, seeking to increase the number of lances he can summon to arms. (Mod for expanding the size of the Knight section of the levy)

THE DUCHY OF GALLIAN For long and long, the House of Antegenet have been residents of Gallian, ruling a short tract of mostly dusty farmland along the southern fringes of the Duchy, where they held sway of the marches. The fortunes of Antegenet changed in recent times, when the previous Duke, Richard, led an ill conceived attempt to establish an independent kingdom in the South-West. Swiftly stamped out, Richard found himself subject to attainder and execution, and his more loyal Antegenet cousins swiftly found themselves achieving mastery of the Duchy. Many of the new Antegenet vassals chafed at the notion of serving a relatively minor and impoverished house of border lords as opposed to the deposed House of Gallius, and John I of Antegenet spent most of his rule fighting and putting down small rebellions and nomadic incursions from the south, however, by 1369 Antegenet rule was solidified and John passed down a relatively united Duchy to his son, Roger of Camebry, who seeks largely to extend his influence and authority, and means to take advantage of a weakened Crown in order to do it.

CHICAGO ENGINEERS UNION -The remnants of a mighty vessel indeed... The Locomotive Gods are honoured greatly – the Chief Engineer commands the destroyed machine be raised up on blocks, and that there be an effort to re-purpose her. Faulty machinery and other such dross is stripped away and examined, to see how easy it would be to repair, while and examination of the engine goes underway, to see what still works. Paul Hughes, a rather talented engineer, takes charge of the process. (4 Intelligence, 2 Perception) [MOD] -Meanwhile, the ruined carriages provide an ample source of material, and the Chief Engineer orders them scrapped. [MOD] -Jack Aubrey (2 Intelligence, 3 Perception, 1 Luck) leads a party of 9 other Trained men, dressed in T1 Power Armour, into the block directly to the east of the CEU HQ. [MOD] -CEU research this year goes into expanding the yield of metal production facilities. (6R) [MOD]

Bit ******* cheeky to go making a shitty freeform FRP when there's already a Fallout FRP in play. Shame on you!

CHICAGO ENGINEERS UNION -As the CEU slowly begins to stir to life, the Chief-Engineer order his men to make a thorough search of Chicago Union Station, searching for anything from metals, to radios, to trains that may be of use to the CEU. -15 men are drafted into the army, and given rudimentary training. (1500 Caps) -Research on T1 Heavy Firearms (10/10) -Research on T1 Explosives (2/5) -Production of T1 Power Armour. (2M, 2E, 1F) -Level 5 Block Defenses on the Chicago Union Station. (2500 Caps) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zo74F-KBgjkt7qqXZf5jewfUycMBudlltmAFMCHj4QU/edit#gid=0

Faction Name: Chicago Engineers Union Civilization Type: Civilised  Faction Backstory: The CEU was founded before the bombs dropped, a Union for the representation of Engineers, Mechanics, Technicians and other such types, that eventually went on to represent Railwaymen, such as the men who built the tracks and ran the locomotives. The CEU survived the day the bombs dropped and the ensuing chaos, and spent most of the next centuries hunkered in the subways of Chicago, passing down their mechanical knowledge and skills from generation to generation. The CEU is governed by the Council of Engineers, with the Chief-Engineer currently being Francis O'Donovan. Francis, or Francy as his friends know him, harbors the ancient dream of all past Chicago Engineers Union members - the railroads must be restored! Characters (Minimum 1, Max 5) Francis O'Donovan, Chief-Engineer  Character 1 (Leader): Robert "Bob" Driscoll, Chief of Demolitions  Character 2 (Custom): Paul Hughes, Chief of Technicians Character 3 (Custom): Jacob Kennedy, Chief of Construction  Character 4 (Custom): Darragh Reilly, Chief of Production  Character 5 (Custom): John "Lucky Jack" Aubrey, Chief of Guards

From within the deep places of the Shatter Peaks came the first sign of Divinity in five thousand year. Diamond-hard scales scored stone, and ivory white teeth the length of spears parted to allow a huge forked tongue to flicker out, as a single great yellow eye opened and glared through the darkness. Age had not altered the caverns that Exitius had slept within, for little lived among the Shatter Peaks, and even the Under-creatures feared to walk beneath the horrific screaming wind. The Dragon shifted, and began to sweep down the tunnels, coiling and writing through the narrow space, forcing his massive serpentine body through rock, until he reached the outside. Almost immediately, he swept his wings open and allowed that constant screaming wind to power him into the air. The Dragon roared, a sound that pierced all, that thundered across the broad plane of existence and echoed in every house, every hole, tunnel and wood. A shout that rattled windows and doors in their frames for a thousand miles. A shout that declared the return of the God of Destruction. For a long time, Exitius merely soared, examining the world. It amused him no end to see Kaha-Nu-Buhu's final attempt to spite him, a race of beasts that worshipped a Lady who had faded from time. It amused him less to learn the extent of his Children's heresy. Eventually, growing bored of his wandering, Exitius found himself among the Court of the God-King, not as a dragon, but as a huge black Venandi, coiled with scale and red tribal tattoos, red eyes glaring at the courtiers. "So you have forgotten my mercy..." His voice had echoed through that court room. "Two foes you have, Children of Tyrannos, both you have failed to destroy. Should you wish to retain my favour, I look upon you to defeat them." And then he had vanished, to wander once more, bored and idle. Save for an idea, a chance to create such a great orchestra of Chaos, a chance to be truly entertained by this world. With this in mind, he set off for Adamant, cruel intentions abound. Influence God Touched - Aimatiros III, God-King of Venandar, becomes the first God-King in five millennia to receive a command from his Great-Grandfather. It is rather simple - muster the legions and crush the Redsworn and the Nacatl, or risk losing the favour of Exitius. 1 AP Command Avatar - Exitius flies to Adamant, where he uses his powers to force Adamant into a change of foreign policy. They will militarise, and seek to build a Coalition of states against the Venandi God-Kings. 4 AP 2 AP remaining

THE PRINCEDOMS OFVOLARUCIO  The Liberation of Auld By sword, pike and crossbow was the city of Auld freed from the iron fisted grasp of the Lithborn oppressor. Thousands of good Volarucian men had died, all in the name of restoring the Light of God over the Holy Lands, and freeing the believers from their heathen masters. Corpses, still fresh, strewed the field. Men wandered around, bereft of arms and armour, gathering equipment, valuables and the bodies of their fellow soldiery, in the low mist of the early morning. Above, on the high stone walls, the purple and black banners of Auldhau, unseen for centuries, once again fluttered over the ancient seat of Magic, the heart of Edios’ worshipers. Damp grass was crushed underfoot as a single column, near five hundred men strong, dressed in suits of fine plate and purple cloaks, crossed the bloody field to the gates of Auld. Over their heads floated the banners of Volarucio and Auldhau, the coat of arms of both Prince August and the personal crest of the Knights of Auldhau. Into the city went this column, in their near religious ceremony, slow and methodical in their advance. Nobly to the fore went August III of Toulagoza, and immediately behind him rode his mages and his adepts, the priests and the chaplains of the army, the Cardinal of the Faith, and then the Knights – his honour guard. Horse hooves clattered along cobbled streets as men, women and children watched this procession move through the blood stained pathways of the city, cleared of corpses but still overrun with the malodorous stink of death. Many houses had Lithborn soldiers hanging from their eaves, lifeless and rotting, slain in the great anger that followed their defeat. Still forwards rode the Knights, with the peasantry flocking to gawk at their advance. Suddenly, as the streets began to open up into a large market square, lines of pikemen screened the path through the crowds, who bustled and bristled to gain sight of the Prince August and his retinue. Finally, the procession reached their destination. August, sallow faced and unattractive August, dismounted his steed to slowly ascend the steps to a large platform. He cast his steely eyes across the assembled common folk, there not for love but curiosity, and he began to speak, his voice ringing loud and clear over the quiet crowd. “My friends, until but days ago, you were ruled by heathen monstrosities conjured from the deepest depths of Hell. Creatures who robbed you and yours of your freedom, your honour and your faith. Through blood and strength of arms have the men and soldiery of Volarucio sought to right these wrongs done unto your people by the Greenskins, and with such strength of arms shall they continue to strive to defend you, Volarucio, and the Faith.” None could claim this Prince to be a great orator, but his voice was clear, clinical and factual, and some slight emotion leached through into his speech. “It is my intention to not only defend the Faith, but to resurrect it to the fullest extent seen in nearly seven hundred years. It is my intention, good folk, to rebuild the ancient and holy Kingdom of Auldhau, to once again be ruled from this holy city.” Across the crowd, gasps of surprise caught in the throats of the commoners. “Let it be known, my brothers and sisters in God, that this is not just a war for the survival of Volarucio, but for the survival of the Faith itself. The war with the Lithborn is a Holy War – a great Crusade for God – and it is the duty of every believer, including you citizens of Auld, to prosecute it.” -2500 T3 Volarucian Pikemen are raised from the regions surrounding Toulagoza. The men are drilled and equipped, before marching forth to join the ever continuing war against the Lithborn. (29'500) -An emissary is dispatched early in the year, making his way to the Tribal Herzaka, to parley with their leadership. (Mod) -August de Hontiveros, Prince of Toulagoza, enters the ancient city of Auld, and declares the rebirth of the Kingdom of Auldhau. He declares the Greenskin War to be a war not only for the survival of Volarucio, but for the survival of the entirety of the Faith and, blessed by his clergy and the Volaruci Cardinal, declares it to be a great Crusade against the heathen Greenskins, who fight to wipe out the last vestiges of the Magic Faith in the region. Furthermore, he calls upon each and every true believer – from Ischyros, to Volarucio, to Elea and from Auld itself, to volunteer for service to protect the Faith. (Mod)  -A Magi, Ferdinand of Tanovaz, investigates the PoI beside the city of Auld. (Mod) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMJsCTv_nPaKA1QS2CXnXjT6EQ2rPHM2WwmUS-GmsBk/edit#gid=189576162

Couldn't have said it better myself, Hary, ol' boy.

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO The Prince of Toulagoza, August III. Long red hair pooled across the soft silk pillow, as the owner lounged easily on the expensive couch, nestled by the open windows of her chambers in the old Senatorial Complexes of Tzaria. Isabella de Hontiveros only half listened as her brother, the honourable clergyman, droned on and on about what a political disaster losing this opportunity was. Gently her white teeth found the flesh of a sweet red apple, biting into it with a relish, the skin and meat of the apple snapping loudly as the juice ran down her chin. She spoke with her mouth full, crunching apple in her teeth. “Come now, Ferdinand, there are excellent opportunities for marriage still at hand.” Ferdinand barely noticed her as he continued his mad ravings. “And what will Father say of this failure? Edios alone knew what he intended to do through marriage to our religious enemies, but he must have had some plan!” The priest near shouted, frightening the birds on the window ledge. Isabella simply laughed, the rich, musical sound filling the room. “My dear, sweet, handsome brother.” she says, with only the barest hint of mockery. “I already have a more favorable solution, that will oil the wheels of Father’s plots, and won’t see me thrown into the hands of a crusty old man.” Sallow faced Ferdinand sniffed, already the likeness of his father in August’s youth, the Priest unfortunately had few of his Father’s talents, and he was confused and angry – because he did not understand. “Well? What is it then?” he snapped, irate. “Why, brother dear.” she rises and glides across the floor, planting a sisterly kiss on his cheek. “We shall seek an audience with Lord Dunwick.” Ferdinand gawked at her, and Isabella simply smiled. “Now leave me, I must pack and change for traveling.” - The day was cold and damp, as the steady rain rattled against the glass windows of Prince August’s summer retreat, simply a small fortified manner to the north of Toulagoza. Prince August and his court, however, were many miles away, in the west, and the occupant of this manor was not an ugly old monarch, but rather a young man, middling in his looks. He sat at the window, and his fingers danced along the neck of a violin. He was, even to the untrained eye, a master musician. And he looked like one, with his thin delicate face, and his thin delicate features. Gently he swept a lock of dark hair back,as his eyes drifted to the bed, and the sleeper began to stir. “Come back to bed, Phillip...” called the lazy voice of August de Hontiveros’ ward, Luis de Vivar, the only son of the late General de Vivar. But Phillip de Hontiveros, softest and kindest of August’s bastards, just sat at the window, gently playing his instrument. For a long time he played and, after a while, Luis sat up in the bed and began to play the Lute, and the two lovers enjoyed their companionable time together. Until Charles arrived. The door, made of stout wood but possessed of an old, weak latch, burst inwards as Charles de Hontiveros, eldest son of the Prince August, stormed into the room. Big, and brutish, Charles sneered down at the pair of homosexuals, snatching the violin easily out of delicate Philip’s hands. “You call yourself a man!” he sneered in derision, and with a swift movement, he smashed the instrument against the wall, shattering it into strings and splinters. “When I rule Toulagoza, Philip, I shall soon put an end to this! The old way was to geld sodomites, and perhaps it shall be revived!” thundered the beast as he threw the now pale Philip backwards with a casual backhanded slap. Charles turned, swiftly leaving the way the came, while Philip descended into heavy bouts of tears. -A Hermitage is built in Toulagoza. (37’000 Gold) (13’000 invested waaaaaay back.) (50k/50k) -The Princess Isabella de Hontiveros and her bastard brother, Ferdinand de Hontiveros, travel to seek audience in the court of Lord Serros Dunwick. (Mod) -An emissary is sent to Trident, requesting an armistice and a negotiation, with the Galaharan aide-de-camp sent to Volarucio as a witness. (Mod) -Envoys are also dispatched to the Chapel of Knauledge. (Mod) -Trouble begins to brew at home, for August has no designated heir, and his eldest son, Charles, begins to muster to his side the support of many young noblemen, most of whom ruthlessly persecute his younger brother, Philip, for his homosexual tastes. Meanwhile, the Princess Isabella, and the youngest brother, Ferdinand, travel to the lands of Symon, seeking a husband strong enough to secure joint rule with her over Volarucio – should August fall in battle or to sickness. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMJsCTv_nPaKA1QS2CXnXjT6EQ2rPHM2WwmUS-GmsBk/edit#gid=189576162

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into Itoron extraction. (11R) (29R Invested) -Construction of 3 RF (45k)

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO De Palma’s Brigade prayers before their advance through the mist... “Advance!” cried both Vivar and Candeliara, both trusted retainers and now generals of their Prince, Agostín III de Hontiveros, but the mist swallowed their voices long before it reached the ears of aforementioned Prince, as he sat in the fog, with his favourite, the Viscount de Palma. August sat easily, but silently in the deep seat of his saddle, the usual polished breastplate and sash replaced now by full plate, though with the usual feathered hat. “It will be difficult to judge the advance.” he said, almost conversationally, in an attempt to mask that deep rooted, slimy sliver of doubt, of uncertainty, of nervousness, that assailed every general as they watched their men go into battle. If de Palma noticed the edge to his voice, and the slight shifts in his seat, he gave no comment, instead sitting on his own mount stoically, as was his fashion. Mist hides much, obscures both sound and vision, and de Palma found he had to strain his ears to hear the breathing of the thousands of his own men, never mind the tramping step and hammering drums of the advance brigades as they grew ever further away. August looked up to the sky for a moment, before looking to de Palma and giving a single, curt, nod. “It is time, Diego. Advance! Advance and smash open their flank! May God go with you in all of his glory!” The near piety of such a statement took even stoic de Palma by surprise, though it didn’t show on his hard, stony face. He bowed, withdrawing without reply. The General cantered away from the Prince of Toulagoza and down the long line of his column, most of whom sat or crouched on the hard ground, pikes standing in bundles 15 feet high. Suddenly, feeling the spur of some unknown force or feeling, he spurred his horse into gallop, flying down the column’s side. His hat came into his hand, and he windmilled it in a shocking display of enthusiasm. “Up! Up!” cried de Palma. “Up lads! Up to battle!” Men clambered to their feet as de Palma hauled his horse to a stop roughly half way down the line. His voice cried strongly out over his men, who turned their eyes to their General as they stood in their disciplined ranks. de Palma stood high in his stirrups, holding himself up by the pommel of his saddle. “Out there are thousands of Tridentine soldiers – before we can march against the Greenskins, we must run these bastards from the field!” de Palma jammed his hat back on his head, and held up a hand, pointing to the sky. “God is with us, boys! God is with us! We’re going to charge them – we’re going to drive them to Danwent, every step of the way!” cheers now, as de Palma’s horse began to shift with impatience. “The crossbowmen will do their work – and you must do yours! When you advance, show no sign of stopping! When you advance, do so with purpose, advance to roll over their whole line and you will have won before you even meet in battles! And when you charge – yell like Furies!” The General’s sword leaped into his hand. “Brigade de Palma – ad-va-nce! At the double-quick!” Up and down the line sergeants and officers thundered these trumpeted orders as the Column began its attack out of that thick mist. The rumble of thousands of armoured men rang out loudly now that de Palma cantered his horse alongside the Column. The Column rolled on towards the Tridentines, hurling magic and bolts before them. And as they rolled out of the mist in their fast trot, pikes leveled forwards or held at half position above the first ranks’ heads, as the line of men opposite them suddenly shifted from milky white mist to black figures, the men of Volarucio began to howl and cheer and scream as they descended on the Tridentine left. And smashed it open. -Tall Stone walls (T3) in Toulagoza and Low Stone walls (T2) in Grandiz. (22500 one time mod gift.) -Reinforcements are raised for the Brigades assembled in the south. (2500 T3 Volarucian Pikemen – 5 Units – 27’500) -A church is built in Toulagoza. (25’000) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMJsCTv_nPaKA1QS2CXnXjT6EQ2rPHM2WwmUS-GmsBk/edit#gid=189576162 

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into Itoron extraction. (8R) -Construction of 1 CI (10k) -Construction of 3 RF (45k)

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO Los Tercios advance. Another year passes in the Princedoms, as the Volaruci feel the effects of yet another year of war. Public morale has finally raised, as a result of Prince August’s victory against the Bulgar in the field, the Coalition invasion of the Lithborn Empire, and the Volarucian offensive against the second, if lesser, of their enemies – Trident in the south. The people of Volarucio prayed for their Prince’s victory, but they continue to work hard to support their monarch. The fields are tilled, the livestock tended to. Ores are mined and any men march off to join the army. The areas that feel the effect most however, are the craftsmen and traders in the towns. Tanovaz and Lanovia, regions with intense concentrations of smiths and tradesmen, feel the effects the most, and by the end of the year neither could truly be called a town, but rather both are full fledged cities, swollen with the number of workers, apprentices and volunteers that fuel the war. -Tanovaz and Lanovia become Cities. (30k)

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into T1 Civil Infrastructure (25/25) -Research into Warp Drives (6 R) -Colonisation ship dispatched to sector with the Gems. -Construction of 3 CI (30k) -Construction of 1 RF (15k)

THE KINGDOM OF MACEDON ACTIONS And so war raged in Macedon. What had promised to be a short campaign in Athens had turned into a mess, as Parmenion found himself caught between Egyptian meddling and Epirote treachery. Worse still, the Egyptians had betrayed the sacred foundation of all military agreements and ceasefire – they had pissed upon a truce and punched into Macedon through the passes. Out maneuvered and out numbered, Parmenion can do little but reel back and retreat and train his freshest troops on the march. -One Unit of T3 Seasoned Royal Hypaspsists (12’000 Gold) -One Unit of T2 Seasoned Royal Peltasts (5’500 Gold) (Both are trained on the march and thus are in Parmenion’s host come the new year.)

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO Victory over the Lithborn at the Bloody Mire. A huge, crushing weight upon his chest, his throat burned under the aching bands of steel that closed around it, ruthlessly squeezing and squeezing the Boy's neck, desperate to wring his life from his body. The Boy's vision danced with spots and wandered wildly in an out of focus, his face going blue and then purple as the moment of his death grew ever closer. Then came a bang, a bang that rang through even the muddled, dull crackle that was the Boy's hearing, a bang that meant one thing to the Boy, even in his near dead state. It was the sound of the heavy wooden staff of a pontoon spear viciously striking a steel helmet, the sound of a man dazed and shocked, the sound of said pontoon being violently driven through the eye socket of a helm, followed by the death cry of a man - well, not a man but a Lithborn - who has died by means of six inches of steel being driven through his eye and into his brain. Even the Boy, on the brink of death as he was, knew what this sound meant as he rolled onto his chest and wretch and choked for breath, trying to force the air into his starved lungs. The sound meant life. The Boy struggled to rise to his feet, weighed down by the heavy pikeman's chestplate he wore, and crashed back down onto the mud. The same man saved him a second time, by hooking his spare hand into the straps of the Boy's armour and dragging him bodily from the front ranks to the rear, to sit the Boy by the colour party, bearing the regimental flags. "Tha-" the boy's hoarse voice cracked, and he coughed painfully. "Than-" he croaked again, but still couldn't choke the words out. The man who had saved him, a sergeant judging by the pontoon, shook his head and grunted in an ill-natured fashion. "Don't try to talk." He snapped, before turning his back and watching the line, taking this chance to catch his breath before he had to delve back onto the fray to keep the formation ordered. "Stay with the colour party, boy, if all goes well we'll throw them back down this hill and you'll survive your first battle." With that, the Sergeant left the Boy on his backside, at the feet of another sergeant (who hauled him to his feet somewhat more gently and pushed the flag staff of the colours into his hands. "Thank you…" the Boy finally managed to whisper. --- The rancid smell of marshy mud filled the nose of the Rodelero, blood smeared across his face, running down his chin, stemming from a gash above his eye, made by an overzealous Greenskin. The Rodelero, known as a somewhat angry man by all of his contemporaries, was rolling with the perpetrator of his wound, fighting with him in a muddy bed of roots, mud, blood and bodies, underneath the hundreds of pikes jabbing and thrusting above his head. Finally, with a practiced motion of his wrist, he drew out his dirk and slid it up, underneath the chin strap of the man with whom he fought, driving in the blade cruelly and deeply enough that he caught it off the side of the helmet, and it broke with an audible snap. Blood ran down the Lithborn's neck, but be was still alive. Alive and fighting. The Rodelero, driven to pure blind fury by the heat of battle, grabbed a sharp stone, and killed the Greenskkn the hard way. The first blow merely scuffed the Rodelero's fingers, jarring them, as it collided with the helmet, but then he learned from.his mistake. Again he brought the stone down, using his other hand to tear off his opponent's helmet. Again he struck, and again, and again. The Lithborn's eye ruptured in its socket as the Rodelero slowly bludgeoned in his head. A blood vessel sprayed a careless jet of blood up and into the Rodelero's face, as he kept striking, and smashing and crushing. Finally, when he could no longer lift his arm, he rolled off to the side and lay in the mud, staring through the pikes to the sky and let the screams of battle wash over him. --- Hooves, though impossible to hear over the cacophony of shouts, clashing, crashing and screaming, thundered along the ridge. The Rider, a young looking man with the sash of an officer, looked anxiously back over his shoulder, where the Tercio de Grandiz bulged dangerously, as its sergeants and officers desperately tried to hold the line against a swell of Lithborn forces, and the ent that ponderously smashed its way through the ranks of pikemen. The Rider forced his horse on hard, cresting the hill and seeking a figure of authority. He had hoped for a General - or perhaps even Prince August himself - instead he found himself stuck with a Colonel and a Major, who peered up at him on his horse curiously. “The Colonel Tejero sends his compliments, sir, and he requests reinforcements.” The Colonel glanced at the Major and the Major looked at the Colonel, before the Colonel spoke. “You may inform Colonel Tejero that Colonel de Vivar sends his own compliments, but we have been instructed to hold here in case the Tercio de Grandiz breaks.” The Rider shook his head frantically. “We need reinforcements now, sir, that thing is crushing us!” Colonel de Vivar frowned, and stood silently for a moment. Finally he nodded and looked to his Major. “Find three hundred volunteers, and give them heavy axes.” The Major went off at a run, and de Vivar turned back to the Rider. “I can spare three hundred men, but I must preserve the reserve should your Tercio break - I have been ordered not to deploy except to charge. Three hundred men will have to do you.” de Vivar turned away as the Major jogged back down the hill, a line of three hundred men with axes at his back. He shook his head again, upset. This was to be a bloody day. --- Finally, the dust settled, the men rested and cleaned their equipment, and the screams and moans of the dying cut off one by one, as men looted their ‘corpses’ for valuables. August de Hontiveros, exhausted, dusty and mud stained, sat silently in his pavilion drinking from a goblet of wine, as his generals and colonels debated and discussed. The Prince’s armour hung on its stand, and the Prince sat in the padded under clothes, listening, but voicing no opinion. Most, it seemed, advocated for a withdrawal to Toulagoza, to await the next Lithborn advance, and the next and the next. In other words, to continue repulsing the enemy until he made peace or he pulled through and crushed the Volaruci. Of all the men present, only Diego Alatriste, Viscount de Palma and the most trusted of August’s Genérals de Brigade, called for the Army of the Volar to exploit its victory. And of all the advice, this was the advice August agreed with the most. He stood, setting down his goblet. “We will rest and reinforce the army. And then we will attack and drive the Lithborn from our soil.” -The Tercio de el Maldito Fango and the Tercio de el Príncipe de Toulagoza are raised. 3 units of Volarucian Tercios (Medium Unique Infantry) – 10’500 2 units of Crossbowmen – 6’000 1 unit of Rodeleros (Light Infantry) – 1’000 All T3 equipment – 12’000 Total: 29’500 Gold https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMJsCTv_nPaKA1QS2CXnXjT6EQ2rPHM2WwmUS-GmsBk/edit?usp=sharing

THE KINGDOM OF MACEDON ACTIONS -King Parmenion I, descendant of Philip and Alexander, is as militant as his ancestors. In the year 700 Anno Domini, the third year of his reign, he opts to drastically expand his military power and strength, seeing his nation surrounded on all sides by potential aggressors. His reforms are far reaching, including a major redesign of the Royal Hypaspists, and a mass drive to reequip much of the current standing army. Most notably of all, for the first time in centuries, the Royal House of Macedonia reforms the Companion Cavalry to serve the young Parmenion as they served Philip and Alexander. --Heavy Infantry Researched (10’000 Gold) --500 Heavy Cavalry and 2500 Medium Infantry upgraded to T3 Equipment (12’000 Gold) --A unit of T3 Seasoned Companion Cavalry is raised (14’000 Gold)(500 Men) --Three units of Seasoned Macedonian Peltasts are raised at T3 (18’000)(1500 Men) --1000 T1 Light Infantry are disbanded. -1 Farm is constructed in Heraklea Lyncestis. (5’000) -In an effort to bolster the Macedonian economy, a series of diplomatic envoys are made to various states in the Mediterranean, seeking trading partners. Emissaries are sent to: -JUDEA -EGYPT -BYZANTIUM -AND TO THE MACEDONIAN CLIENT STATE OF EPIRUS

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into T1 Civil Infrastructure (24/25) -Exploration ships continue exploring immediate vicinity of occupied territory. -Construction of 3 CI (30k) -1 Colony Ship is constructed (8M)

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO Los Tercios advance. -The Tercio de Marches Occidentales and the Tercio de Auld are raised. 3 units of Volarucian Tercios (Medium Unique Infantry) – 10’500 2 units of Crossbowmen – 6’000 1 unit of Rodeleros (Light Infantry) – 1’000 All T3 equipment – 12’000 Total: 29’500 Gold -The Tercios de Vivar and de Candeliara march from Ronbarra to Toulagoza. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AMJsCTv_nPaKA1QS2CXnXjT6EQ2rPHM2WwmUS-GmsBk/edit?usp=sharing

THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN THE ROYAL SWEDISH ARMY The Swedish Army has once again surpassed all expectations, but King Karl XI asks for more! Swedish gunnery is considered to now be the paramount task – the Swedish always fought with superior firepower, and there is no reason to change that now. Swedish line infantry regiments are drilled constantly in firing exercises, with the aim being withering volleys at five shots a minute. Guard status and a bonus of 10 Gold Kronas for each man is the prize for being the first regiment to achieve this rate of fire. In the Great Religious War, Swedish artillery could fire anywhere from 3 to 5 times faster than enemy artillery – the artillery is thus drilled to achieve a consistent rate of fire 5 times faster than any foe they may be facing. Additionally, the Hakkapellita was the first attempt to reintroduce shock cavalry to Western Europe – the Swedish Cavalry have become less notable than their fellows of the past, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. As during the Great Religious War, the cavalry are instructed to close into point blank range before discharging their pistols, to allow maximum penetration. In addition, a further 1000 light dragoons are raised. The light dragoon regiments are then split up, and a company of 200 light dragoons are attached to every 1000 Hakkepellita. The idea behind this is quite simple – the light dragoons will dismount and provide constant musket fire to support Swedish cavalry when they make attacks on infantry formations, essentially adding more firepower to the Cavalry to allow it to cut down enemy infantry. Finally, the Swedish Dragoons, essentially mounted line infantry, are expanded by a further 2000 men to a total of 6000. Furthermore, the dragoons receive 6 light guns per regiment (1 regiment = 1000), making them swift moving, heavy hitting mobile infantry. THE SWEDISH NAVY In an attempt to further develop the navy, 4 more of the new frigates are constructed. In addition a major refit plan goes under way, with Swedish ships being stripped of guns, and refitted to be made more viable as open sea ships – this will also see many Swedish ships moved down in the ratings as the guns are removed, but the hope is that it will become viable for Sweden to have a true ocean going fleet. Additionally, a new first rate is designed – primarily to be an ocean going ship, with a maximum of 100 guns. The hope is to build a large ship that is weatherly and well armed that will form the core of the Swedish line of battle. Designs for second and third rates are also made, with similar specifications. FOREIGN POLICY Swedish Officers are sent to partake in the French Drilling Tournament. 2000 additional Company troops, along with 4 light guns, are sent to the command of Colonel-Governor Stig Wennerstorm in Karlstad. In addition, a company of 200 militia cavalry is trained by the Colonel – the objective is simple, once men and ordinance have arrived, the Colonel will lead a series of campaigns to subjugate the local tribes and force them to obey Swedish rule – his secondary objective is also to build a series of outposts and minor forts to secure Swedish dominance over as large a chunk of South Africa as possible.

THE PRINCEDOMS OF VOLARUCIO The long march north.

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into T1 Civil Infrastructure (17/25) -Exploration ships continue exploring immediate vicinity of occupied territory. -Construction of 3 CI (30k) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q4Jawfv9Q4U0ldea1i6cyJUXlqLyAbWCbJ2gQ0jXRiU/edit#gid=1979209826

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST PLANETARY REPUBLICS GOVERNMENT Rulership: One – 3 Diplomatic Partners, 1 M per Billion, 1k C per Billion (First Contact) Attitude: Balance – 1k C per Billion Rights: None – 1 M/S/A in Industry Faith: Atheist Society – 1 R on every RF sector per research treaty (First Contact) Economy: Planned – 1 M/S/A in Industry, -1k C per industry Foreign Politics: Isolated – No Immigration, +0.25% population growth (First Contact) Mentality: Balance – 1 L per Billion -Research into T1 Civil Infrastructure (10/25) -Exploration ships explore the two sectors above the new colonies. -Construction of 2 RF (30k) -Construction of 1 CI (10k) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q4Jawfv9Q4U0ldea1i6cyJUXlqLyAbWCbJ2gQ0jXRiU/edit#gid=1979209826

THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN THE ROYAL SWEDISH ARMY The Swedish Army has long since dominated Europe. Since the days of Gustavus Adolphus Magnus and his reforms, Swedish forces have triumphed time and time again across the length and breadth of Europe. A century of conflict, experience and innovation has seen the Swedish Army take her rightful place as the greatest example of soldiery in Europe – and thus the world. There is, however, a rather ridiculous, baseless and infuriating rumour whistling around Europe, that there is an army greater than the army of His Majesty, King Karl XI. That is to say, it is oft said that the Portuguese Army is an army superior to that of Sweden! Such nonsense is, of course, utter madness, but it is an accusation that angers the King to the very core of his being and he has thus decided to put an end to such foolish rumours, once and for all. The King begins with the last remnant of a past age – he begins to phase out the 3000 pikemen remaining in Swedish service, replacing them instead with proper line infantry. In addition, Karl XI feels a distinct lack of light cavalry among his armed forces, and seeks to raise 4 new regiments – four thousand men. Two of these regiments shall be Hussars, while the other two shall be “Light Dragoons” in the Dutch style. Finally, the King musters his army in the Spring and spends several months drilling his men constantly and consistently. However, these troops are not drilled within their individual branches, Karl XI drills his army together, seeking to drastically improve coordination between the infantry, the cavalry and the artillery. The goal is not to simply improve his forces, but to improve the manner, coordination and organisation in which they fight – let none speak of the Portuguese as Europe’s best army when the King has finished! THE ARMS INDUSTRY The attempts at expanding the arms industry last year were... unfortunate. However, Karl and his ministers are not deterred from attempting to expand and already exceptional industry. Quickly established as a method of making uniform the conditions for apprenticeships was the Honourable Company of Armourers, Gunsmiths and Artillerists, of which membership was compulsory for any of the relevant tradesmen. It is hoped that this system of enforcing uniformity would fix the problems with the previous policies and ensure investment was maximized to its full value. Additionally, foundries and the like are expanded, with the government greedy for increased production of the precious cannons upon which Sweden built her military reputation. FOREIGN POLICY As war breaks out between the Russians and the Turks, Karl makes good on his pacts of alliance. His daughter, Sophia Hedwig, goes to the Imperial Court, where she will be educated along with her betrothed. Accompanying her are the Svea Life Guards – the Royal Foot Guards – and a detachment of the Life Guard Dragoons. The Life Guard Dragoons will remain with the Princess as her bodyguard, but Svea Life Guards, a full regiment of a thousand infantry, with the accompanying six light guns as is customary for the Swedish Army, marches onwards to Azov where they will serve under the command of the Tsar for the duration of his campaign. -Army improvements (mod) -Continued attempts to expand arms industry. (mod) -Dispatch of the Svea Life Guards to Azov. -Continued establishment of Karlstad. (mod) -The East India Company raises 3 thousand Company troops, largely made up of brutish thugs trained and led by the more inept officers of the Swedish Army who, lacking opportunity for promotion seized the chance of command in the Company. The King orders these men drilled by sergeants and drillmasters from the Army, and they are equipped with the pike and older muskets phased out of the remaining Pike regiments in the army. 1000 of these men are dispatched to Karlstad at the first opportunity, by a Company eager to protect its interests. (mod) -Continued attempts to find allies among the native tribes that can be traded with. Swedish colonists are quick to offer these tribes aid against their enemies. (mod)