File: Annotated Map.png (5.9 MB, 2048x2106)

5.9 MB PNG

SCENE ONE

>>3966001
>Tarn
Much needed wood from the south is quickly commandeered for the construction of a merchant navy, for the Tarn's leaders see which way the winds are blowing, and unity amongst nations will only strengthen their own. Some lumber is eventually relinquished to the People, proving useful in the latest expansions all about.

>>3966009
>Ashbeards
[R] At the great forges of Aetur'jotdragg there is a mix up with the input, and along with the iron being smelted a cart of coal is deposited. The mistake is only discovered once casting begins, and the resulting metal is not the expected colour. Dwarves argue over whose fault it was for 3 full hours. (steel processing starts)
A section of steep hills, and another of pleasant grassland are selected, the first for new homes, the second for grazing and gathering. Dwarves are a gruff lot, but many have a sweet tooth, filled by the abundance of berry bushes and wild honey in their new lands.
The battle had been a long time coming, tension roiling beneath the surface, barely placated by the Invuld. But now it bubbles over, the common dwarf had had enough. War is declared.

>>3966550
>Narsics [NM]
More effort is poured into the creation of the fossil-steel, hoping to in some way appease the life essence within the bones. New spears are made, all with the same defect as before. But with time a select few begin to build immunity to the draining effects of the weapons, becoming a hunter/warrior class of sorts.
Understanding that sacrifice must be made to increase the magical output of the Stele, a criminal of the lowest order is selected to be the first blood upon the stone. The sacrifice is bound, and forced to kneel before the Stele. He is told to make his peace, before his head is tipped back, and a knife dragged across his throat, sputtering his life-essence over the blackrock. He is held still until he ceases convulsing, then allowed to drop. The Stele is eerily still. Then in an instant it begins to radiate an awful dark aura, the magic it emits tastes bitter and rotting, many gag from simply nearing the stone.
(not really sure what to do for action 3, apologies)

>>3966606
>B'yogi
B'oo fill out along the coast, and at once feel secure in their holdings. Now their minds turn to the bone serpent and her home. From a distance they witnessed the Kahro beasts destroying the Sanctuary, before the snake struck and the Flesh retreated to the east. Once they believe the coast is clear, B'oo nervously approach the temple. Inside they find the pool dark, the water stained red and grey, fleshy scum bobbing on the surface. Barely visible, the serpent coils around herself at the bottom. Tentatively they begin to clear rubble, or bring in timbers to sure up the building, darting out when the pool bubbles or spits. It is slow going, but progress continues to be made.

>>3967583
>Llychlyn
The expedition begins uneasy, with bickering between the rival clans, which continues until they reach the southern forest. Over the squabbling they begin to hear the grinding, scraping metal ring out, and their bodies at once feel cold, dread washes over them. They unite, as Children of Fanw, against the obvious evil to the south. The noise increases and the forest once again looms over the party the further they venture. When they at last break through to the snowy landscape they are met with a strange feeling of unnerving peace. They journey out, shivering despite their furs. They trudge slowly, carefully, before a shattering crack fills the air, and the representative of Clan Howell plummets through a thin ice sheet into a hereto unseen ravine. In shock the group gather round the hole; peering into the dark they see the poor souls broken body... and ruins underneath the ice. The grinding grows louder.

>>3967634
>Incarnationis
Though the obelisk is intriguing, it is difficult to explore on an empty stomach. Thankfully the western jungles teem with life which shall sustain the Kahro. Much of it is difficult to catch, preferring the canopies and skies. Though many small rodents and the like inhabit the forest floor.
The Kahro wait in ambush for the dwarves, and whilst they pick off the odd dwarf, a new foe marches on them! The dark elves of the north come to twist the blade!

>>3967641
>Gyldenthrong
Soldiers are sent to fight for Dwarvenkind against the encroaching menace. But the homeland requires defences of their own, and so the river-mouth-forts are built. All pray that Gnaven will protect them and their loved ones on campaign.

>>3968037
>Cravers
Totally unprepared for the wetlands, Rut'ra struggle through the muck and hidden puddles. After exerting themselves, they reach the southern shore, and the expansion is considered complete, if lacking. But hidden within the dead and standing trees, the stinging flies and biting insects, there stands a carved stone from ages past. As they can neither eat nor mount it the Rut'ra ignore the thing, but information of it reaches the network nevertheless.
The Southern Maw opens wide across a new river, fouling it irreversibly. The veins of Shab'let pulse and thrum, sending the material down to Soc'let. The two intertwined and feeding each other.

File: Charnel Dolmen.jpg (107 KB, 720x460)

107 KB JPG

>>3968267
>Vossiks
Controversy once again rears its ugly head, when the heir of a gold mining kost-stadt elopes with an Othinian woman in Terrata Voss, bringing with it questions of intermarriage, of miscegenation, of what the offspring of such a union could suffer. This not only in Elezen circles, but Othinian as well, as many wish to stay true to their own. There shall be debate for generations on the matter no doubt.
In happier news, the new ships of Terrata Voss are welcomed gaily in the harbour, the first of them decorated with pennants and wreaths, a beautiful sight! Though perhaps optimistic, as the only current trading partners would be the savages or the Othinian homeland, neither of which are particularly welcoming.

>>3968813
>Tidal
The Tarn graciously welcome the Depauns, and business is done happily. Though the once welcoming Kalkahn turn the boats away, with warnings that they have been struck with a most terrible illness. Even the guards which heeded them were sick. Too the bears of the Frostgrowth Pact continue to slumber, as the snows reclaim much of their holdings. Further bad luck strikes as the Narsics of the Peninsula show themselves to be an insular peoples, preferring the company of the strange black stone they worship than a trade partner. At least the Tarn introduced them to the Gyldenthrong dwarves.
Likewise they receive no gifts from the rabbits or the bears, though the jewelled fire-pit of the lighthouse is considered, for they left it with the dragons when they returned to Kumursus.

>>3968947
>Nomach
[D] Misery comes to Pokos, as the spire of a temple to the Great Konyukozo falls. It is a terrible sight! So many are killed in the collapse, and more are feared dead. No one is yet sure what caused the tower to fall, though many believe it to be poor upkeep as the structure was very old, even by Hacmos standards. Along with the terrible loss of life is the loss of Pokon icon, the skyline forever changed by the event. Mourners gather to help with the clean-up effort, revealing dead and wounded.
The Pokon palisade is erected in no time, and enough material is gathered that Oldek too receives a minor palisade too.
With these new defences, calls are raised to mount an offence against the Flesh creatures also.

>>3968954
>Sable
Given the Ants arrangement of mouth parts, spoken language is nigh impossible, but written language is well within their ability. Of course the Ants communicate amongst themselves in a myriad of ways, but none would translate to the mandible-less, antennae-less, pheromone-deficient Elves. No matter, the Ants would learn what this Elezen language sounded like, and what it looked like on the page.
The Rocky outcrop is probed, revealing tiny caches throughout of marvellous (CHOICE! Turquoise, Jade, Crystal Geodes). Oh how they shine!

END OF SCENE ONE.

THE KAHRO WAR
>>3967634 >>3966009 >>3967641 >>3968947
Though the conflict began in the Kahro's favour, having been dug in, they did not expect the dwarves to receive reinforcements from their Lowland brethren. Neither were they prepared for the beach assault of the darkskinned elves to the north. A tactical retreat is called from the west, ceding the land, in order to prop up the defence of the far more valuable eastern forests. The Hacmos for their part seem for now appeased to gain coastal territory, though the rivalry will likely never cease, for now the western front has settled.
Individual skirmishes between the Flesh and the Dwarves had flared for untold years, but now it was war. Dwarves marched from the mountains and the river, overwhelming the Kahro there, slaughtering many with axe and fire. For their part the Flesh put up a fight, killing a great many silver and gold dwarves alike. But the battle was lost, those that escaped made it to [square] to tell of Dwarven brutishness. [square] is fortified as best as the nest can be and the attackers repelled from it with great fervour. The Ashbeards continue to claim two great swathes of Kahro territory, but with so much forest gained, perhaps they will leave the Flesh in peace.

END OF INTERLUDE.

>>3969721

At the start of the expedition, the two from Clan Howell and Clan Tudor tried to ignore eachother and not engage in any conversations. However, due to their situation sooner rather than later after they left the capitol they started to get into fierce philosophical debates over the nature of Fanw, ranged weaponry, and how one should best live their life. When these happened, the soldiers of Clan Wynn tended to just stand by and ignore such events and not let it bother them, while the pathfinders from Clan Llewelyn tried to stop them and change the topic, however when ignored would try to get them apart from each other more directly, yet this too didn't really work. Much to the pathfinders relief, they'd stop bickering once they got close and the unnatural cold came to them along with that noise. That damned noise...Chances were, this wasn't going to be something good in the slightest. Still, the pathfinders certainly did their best, and while the lands out from the forest were not charted before, they were able to get close to the source...To close.

For soon enough ice gave way and one of the group fell, despite the quick attempt by the one closest to them, both literally and figuratively, to save them and catch them before they fell to the depths. However, quick reactions can only do so much... The group soon would attempt to descend into the depths carefully, not only to recover the body and allow one of the clan Llewelyn pathfinders to take the body of the fallen out to the surface and back to their home where they could properly be buried and report what had happened back, but to also to do what they were sent to do. Find out the nature of this place, and destroy it if deemed necessary. And all signs so far pointed to that latter option, for nothing seemed to be gained here, other than loss.

Back at Allfshys, Eheubryd would wait along with the others with hopes of success, and not too distant from them, Arwen and Rhodri continued their secret project. The basics were almost complete. Almost. Soon, they would work on perfecting it, and after they would finally show the result of their diligence. But perfecting it would take time...Something they had plenty of currently.

>Action One. Explore the ruins, learn what the terrible place is, and make sure that the place no longer stands should it be confirmed to be Fanw Forsaken.

>Action Two. The work of Arwen and Rhodri continues to continue...Soon the will have naught but to perfect it....soon

>>3969719
It will take time, but we believe we can rebuild the Bone Snake's home. We hope we can learn from her in the future.

1. We need better building techniques for us. We will research the Mother's home on how a grand temple was built
2. Afterward, we continue rebuild the temple.

The worms are gone from our land, but the Dark Ones are at war at the Worms. We send F'etic again and discuss what to do next.

>>3969717
>Paradise Captured
1. The oasis south of Grist'thromir begin being surrounded with the protective flesh of Neverborn, to preserve the unique oasis as the Charnel Lands expand. (Controlled expansion, basically walling the biome)

2. The Geneforge bleeds spawn once more, the carrion fish of Shab'let shaped to fit the Cravers purpose. Small fins shifted towards stubby arms with claws, thick dorsal tails, and developed maw. The new breed is seeded in the controlled rivers and swamps. (Geneforge makes new servitor- Kos'tr, river thing. Looks like a mutated snubnosed two leg alligator)

Rumors of a strange object seen by explorers finds their way into the capital.
Migrants and explorers find their way toward the location in hopes of something good, as well as many brewers seeking these new berries in the grasslands.
>Expansion East

Mines spring up as the tension of the creatures west lessens.
One for coal so that smiths may begin to properly experiment and produce the new metal, and one for copper so that a plethora of new crafts, tools, breweries, and bronze for war equipment can be made.
>Copper-Coal Mines

>>3969722
1. 4 Platoons, numbering 200 strong, are sent to deal with the Grittidim half-elves. 50 men are Pikemen, 100 Heavy infantry, and 50 bow/crossbowmen. They expect to win without much of a fight, but such cockiness is countered by much caution during the actual battle.
2. We have dealt with plague before, and that was one of supernatural origin. This one is far more mundane in it's cause. Sajaak-Khar priests begin their secondary duties as healers and are sent out by the Kahad-Sajaak himself to help alleviate the sickness with their divine healing. They have however, been out of practice, and while their magics are still useful, it's not known how much it's atrophied in the times since the last sickness...

Turn Nine: Trees fall and people listen
Action 1: Advanced logging
The sudden shortage of lumber sparks a surge in logging operations all across the Tarnlands. The spike coincides with the development of a number of tools that make the business of chopping down and exporting trees even faster and more efficient. The most relevant of these is the serrated saw and the lumber sled, which together nearly double the speed at which trees can be processed.

Action 2: Miners
The shortage of goods stimulates Tarnish mining operations as well. While the demand for iron is mostly sated through trade with the dwarves, other metals also increase in desirability, including ones primarily found in Tarnish lands. Thanks to this demand, new mines are sunk, and the resulting metals purified and bartered at Xycthos.

File: Turn.jpg (51 KB, 534x540)

51 KB JPG

>>3969717
>>3969721


>Action 1: Æblekag

With the Zuvkol gaining official favour as the name of the river to our north, the name of the Aeybler (Or Æybler) is re-purposed for our Southern river. And on her banks in the upper reaches of the river the town of Æblekag will be founded; intended as a center for lumber and woodcrafts. As with other Gyldenthrong towns the founding stone for the town is laid at mid-day to honour our golden god of warmth and metal, but thereafter by the light of the full moon a grove of apple saplings are planted to honour the silver goddess of life; for the woodlands are coming to be seen as her domain, shaded and bound by heavy roots.


>Action 2: Xycthon-Tarnic studies

Communication with the ganglies to the east has been a dilemma for many years, as the tome the Tarn had presented that had seemed to be some codex for their language had only partially seemed to correlate with the spoken tongue that was herd, leading the Dwarves to wonder if they truly understood it at all. It is only now with the introduction to the winged serpents that the coin finally clinks; this tome was not of a single language, but a guide to two of them! Finally gifted by Læge with this knowledge, scholars of the Gyldenthrong set to work studying and learning these tongues, so that future communications with these outsiders might perhaps become more then pointing and grunts.

>>3971310

((Nvm, disregard the second action text - stupidly assumed the Tidal empire were the Xycthon part.)

>>3971310
>>3971433

>Action 2: Xycthon-Tarnic studies

These serpents have their own tongue but also seem to speak the language of the ganglies, or at least make some sounds that sound quite like it; and the Giants also know some little of 'Tarn talk'. As such, it is deemed necessary to finally study the language of our neighbors to work out what they've been talking about all this time. Dwarven scholars work on obtaining a greater knowledge of the Tarnic tongue through the Xycthon-Tarnic dictionary as well as general conversation with Tarnic traders. As the Serpents seem to be able to speak Tarnic, we hope we will also be able to begin some investigations into their language through it - if we can open up knowledge of the serpent tongue as well through our linguistic studies, so much the better.

>>3970497
Vossik diplomats arrived with some minor gifts in tow. Unlike the previous meeting, these ones are here to negotiate in good faith to open borders for trade between the two neighbors. Their gifts are small. Well made swords, gold jewelry, a collection of poems, a few paintings, a very small number of precious stones. They come with an Othinian to translate, who makes much of the initial proceedings less of a headache. "The Vossaya wishes to engage with your leaders. They want trade and peaceful relations in the West, so that all may benefit from the wealth and knowledge of the Elves."

Posted on behalf of the Narsics

>Seeing that the Steele seems to magnify the input, the narsics begin to decide a plan. They believe that if the new spear users can channel their magic, then maybe, if they channel it at the steele, it will accept the sacrifice, thus creating an increase in food, without the loss of life
>Needing to know how to continue to feed the increasing population, the Narsics continue to explore the depths of magical texts and lore, hoping to uncover it's laws, and how it came into being

File: 1576351635116.png (418 KB, 2048x2628)

418 KB PNG

1. Urbanization
>new settlements are marked in blue
As the population grows, kost add more towers to themselves. The residents in some turn from Komai to Mosai based on the population and importance of their kosts. Those sitting on trade regions or crossroads for other farming and mining kosts turn into proper towns and cities. In the western hills one Kost emerges as a city with its own representation. The kost had been fed by a steady influx of migrants hunting for gold and now stands as one of the biggest urban centers in the west. Its proximity to gold and the western trading partners built it into a center of finance, and the Vossik mint in the city provided both jobs and a sense of importance that forced the hand of the Vossaya to admit it to the rolls as Gilden Voss, City of Gold.

Near Terrata, more farms pop up in the river region, yet increasing the food security of the republic. These kosts are made up in part of refugees fleeing the plague-ridden city, and simply did not return after the sickness had passed. In the central valley, the town of Coertyha Voss takes on new importance as it becomes the principal ironworks of the republic.

2. [NM] Priests of the Lightbringer
The Priesthood had always remained somewhat aloof and enigmatic. Their job was to see and guide, not lead. While they had spent the majority of their order's history tending to the spiritual needs of the people. They also had developed their own means of protection. The Lightbringer's priests are focused, primarily, on the control of fire and light. Unsurprising, given their deity of choice, and it is through Lucium traces and meditation that they learn how to conjure and project fire.

[NM] Lucium-enhanced rumor

>>3971777
The people they meet with wonder to themselves why they would consider a thing like gold as a gift? The metal is rare, heavy, and has no use. Silver on the otherhand at least had properties discovered in old records that lead to less food related sicknesses when made into utensils and the like. The Vossiks would also, in addition to the humans, the dog eared and tailed women, and the two half-races, see what looked to be pale skinned peoples, who always seemed to wear hoods, helmets, or other such headwear. Curious. In response to their request, a member of the newly formed Clan Othin, who addresses himself as such, responds with the following: "The Free Human Remnant wishes for, non-hostile relationships with her neighbors. Trade is something that warrants trust, and your actions previous do not lend much in the way of trust, though your continued adherence to the unofficial Non Aggression Pact does lend something in the way of trust for us. We need more time before your true intentions for our nation are understood by us. Oh, and next time, please, no gold. It's a useless metal." They would accept all gifts but the gold, and giving back some trinkets of Silver, which they tell them is a far more valuable material in the FHR.

>>3969722
The shift of power is relatively peaceful, as the clan who once held power, Lyrara. respects any changes which they claim their God to have made. Thus clan Amplect takes power, as their people feel the energies of electricity and mind flow through their form. The greatest man among them is made Great Doge and the crew of the Endocer is reshuffled with Amplect drakes at its helm. The newest trade ship, the Pilocer is kept in the control of the Lyrarans as Amplect respects the fruits of their labors.

Action 1:
With the return of the explorers after the regifting event the information gained spurs on a new expedition, this time to and beyond the Narsic peoples. (it returns having found nothing, although the new coastal maps may be found to be useful in the future)
>pic related

Action 2:
As we have acquired the lighthouse we must also study it, send a group of dragons to go analyze the lighthouse ruin

>>3967641
(diplo, Gyldenthrong)
During the midday on the second day of their arrival, while one of them had passed out from drinking half a keg of dwarven ale the dragons begin acting weird and after collecting their belongings leave in a hurry back down the river.

File: The Third Expidition.png (35 KB, 1061x643)

35 KB PNG

>>3972166
image

File: 19th-c-pipe-smoking-frog-(...).jpg (215 KB, 600x749)

215 KB JPG

- Nation Info -

Civilization: Soghoia
Settlements: River Reed
Political Structure: None
Religion: Tribal (Animism)
Language: Soghoian (Frogfolk)
Resources and Technology: bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-buildings, marsh opium-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

The frogfolk are a group of different anthropomorphic frogs and toads standing between two and three feet with the largest bullfrog men standing almost four feet tall. The frogfolk are an amphibious race that come in various shapes, colors and sizes. Their diet consists of fish, fruit, nuts, tubers, insects and small animals.

- Introduction -

The once scattered frogfolk tribes of the eastern swamps came together along the marsh's large coastal river delta and established the village of River Reed.

- Actions -

Action 1: The frogfolk begin to look for and experiment with ways to make a stronger building material (cement) for the construction of more permanent structures.

Action 2: The frogfolk establish a basic form of government with an elected leader above an elected council. They also create a set of laws outlawing theft, assault and murder. The punishment for these crimes are voted on by the council and range from exile to death.

File: nagaanatomy.jpg (98 KB, 600x785)

98 KB JPG

Everything you'd need to know about my people is within this google doc.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VuKMPHbU64s5xOjQVx5djU4gfG7o6NC_-URI1dSqd9g/edit?usp=sharing

We are the Meluzina

1: plant more trees
We know what trees are. We know that they’re kind of sparse. We know that they drop seeds, and more trees will grow from those seeds. We know that rattlers and garters like to live in trees. With all this in mind, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to grow more of them. Starting today, there is now an organization that will plant more of these trees whenever they can, so long as the spot isn’t inconvenient. This organization is known as Dentróspito. Any trees they plant, they own, and can be bought out by those in need of a tree home (indicated by a tag around each trunk). Instead of running this like a non-for-profit, they’ve decided to give themselves an incentive, just so they stick to it. We also take extreme caution in where we plant our trees. Nearby burrows will be a problem, and we are not to plant next to them under any circumstances.

2: further investigate the messages from nowhere
Everyone at the capitol building is highly concerned about these messages. What could they be? What could they mean? The cult of wanderers is growing, and yet, we still don’t know why. What could they possibly be learning down there? Our guards are now being aided by detectives, tasked with investigating the odd-goings-on with these wanderers. More importantly, we want to know of their whereabouts, and their practices.

>Action 1: Reconstruction
With the temple having been destroyed a new effort is put forth by the King to rebuild. A new temple, nay, a grand cathedral shall take form. We will create and fill it with plenty of silver and diamond jewelry and trinkets, inlay the pillars with gold traded from the Elezen. Such a grand structure cannot be made in such a short time, and more effort must be put forth yet before it can truly reach the state the theocracy desires. (Action one of two or potentially three of construction.)

>Action 2: Up the coast
The Army continues its conquest along the coastline, up to the river. With open coastal terrain it is quite simple to scout and exterminate every last nest encountered. These freaks of nature deserve no quarter.

Apologies primarily to Lux. It totally slipped my mind till now with all my finals coming this week. I did this on my phone in bed so please excuse any mistakes.

File: Dmemorial1.png (592 KB, 1078x800)

592 KB PNG

List of Dwarven Execution Methods (Incomplete)
---

Piercing - Cited as the most Dwarvane method of execution. Ideally multiple crossbowdwarves will fire at the dwarves' torso until successful. Ballista used for harsher crimes, or at request.

Catapulted - Target varies. Often a rope or chain attached to the neck of the victim will snap or remove the head when fastened to the base of the catapult.

Stoned - Either thrown by a mob, or crushed by stone blocks.

Thrown from Mountain - Used to symbolize a fall from the grace of Therkuunaz. Primarily for punishment regarding religious matters.

Forging - Thrown into a hot forge to be cremated. Used for harsh crimes where the family (if any) would not wish to keep the remains or remember their kin. Symbolizing the reforging of a dwarf in hopes they return in a new life worth remembering. Dishonored or regretful dwarves may also request this death.

All methods but one retain the body well enough to be recovered for entombment, or at the very least, the beard, so that it may be kept within the family.

File: pic.png (83 KB, 240x486)

83 KB PNG

Even if peace could be found, there can be no long-term co-existence among the humanoid races for these people are ruled by their greed and their pride. The Exilarch gathers his people and demands a retreat.

> War Action (4x)
There is a nationwide evacuation as all front lines, cities, and towns are abandoned. An exodus is commanded to save the Kahro people from the harm of the anthropoids, bringing with them the Caro plants. The only place not left entirely abandoned is the pound, which is sparsely inhabited by volunteers to look after the drones. A notice of surrender is left in the battlefields surrendered as well as an explanation of several existing wars. A rough concept of Kahro borders on a map and a suggested division of land is proposed. This map details the existence of each bordering nation as well as its name and requests a conference between them.

> Action 1 & 2 (Expansion)
Acres upon acres are lost to the war, though there is a new home across the Gyre. With the entire nation spreading to this new home, there will be the need for more hunting grounds. And that Obelisk would require a builder; exploration will make sure.

>>3969717

Do you draw the borders manually or do you automate it somehow?

File: trn10.png (95 KB, 370x480)

95 KB PNG

>>3969722
Actions:
-The ants continue their efforts in the north. They dig out a small warren, here they ants can rest and rotate shifts as they continue their mining operations on the Meteor as well as the newly discovered Jade deposits. The jade is a particularly loved discovery among the higher circles of the swarm. What would pass as nobility quickly establish a trend, where Jade is fashioned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and adorned by the numerous Queens and princesses throughout the swarm as a symbol of their statuses. The iron that is mined from the meteor is quickly transported back to the Catacombs, where enough distilleries are finally produced in order to supply a steady stream of distilled Queen's Joy and begin properly birthing Caelum(winged ant) so that they may be common place among the swarm.

-While establishing their mining operations in the north consume most of the ant's workforce, what can be spared is sent towards the east to claim additional land for the swarm.

>>3973418
Dwarves find the notices left by the Kahro. Examining and pondering over their contents.

If only they could read.

>>3973426
Borders are drawn painstakingly by op himself

>>3973418
>>3973745

Not understanding just why or where these necrotic-puppeting worms are retreating, for their language remains incomprehensible and they have not knowingly attempted to lean ours, the Gyldenthrong will accept these new borders as long as our silver kin are in agreement with them.

File: fixed.png (61 KB, 239x254)

61 KB PNG

>>3973803
>>3973418
The dwarves would find the border changes agreeable, albeit confused by the changes north which appear to be a mistake.

>>3973418
The Vossaya accepts the proposed borders.

>>3972008
The Othins translator counters with a gift of scrolls and tomes. "In these you will find guidelines to Elven. It is the trade language of the continent. If you are going to trade further in land learning it will ensure that there is no need for complicated translators like we have here. When your state is open to trade we will be waiting."

File: SwarmHierarchy.png (161 KB, 539x617)

161 KB PNG

>>3973668
Lore:
The Matriarch's inner circle has hard at work scratching open old wounds. For months they have been investigating, interviewing and occasionally interrogating brood members of the former queens that served their mistresses as close confidants. One after the other, scant information is provided but nothing concrete. Whispers, rumors, hearsay, many of the stories contradict each other and some make absolutely no sense. For a tad bit they believed that none who know answers might exist, until they manage to track down a former royal scribe of the old queen Kurs'is. She was known as the mad queen by most, often secluded though she was more of a mother than any other queen. Kurs'is would always quietly talk to herself, and obsessed over rocks for seemingly no reason. Sometimes she'd even "listen" to them. Nethazar recalled all this while the scribe lead them to a small secluded chamber she kept secret and spent most of her time in. Mostly she remembered that as she ordered her soldiers to execute Kurs'is, she stared at Nethazar with the same motherly face she always had despite the fact that the Matriarch despised the mad queen.

As they enter the chambers, Nethazar is somewhat surprised. It is a small study with the walls carved into bookshelves, on the far side is a large wooden table. As the matriarch approached the table, she could hardly believe what she saw. On the table there was a small book in the middle, but it was the chunk of ore that was resting not too far away from it. It was a piece of mercury sealed away in a glass jar. Slowly the Matriarch sits down at the table and starts to read the small book. The first few pages are mad scribbles and drawings, as it turns out she was mad to some degree but there are entries that are clearly lucid and written with such detail. Kurs'is wrote of another history than the traditional one that was taught to Nethazar since she was a larva. In it there are depictions and stories of a savage war, the one that drove the ants underground. Sections of nonsense would repeat themselves in between pages that contained useful information, but slowly the story came together.

The ants were not simply driven underground by foreign nations of the time through their sheer military might, but something else happened as well. The ants had suddenly lost a great driving force that kept their cohesion. Somehow some of the queens started breaking ranks, working towards their own interests instead of the swarm's collective needs. First few, then many, these rogue colonies fought against the swarm itself to assert their independence from the being known as the Queen. Somehow her grip over these queens fell and they were able to break free, but in doing so the nations of the world struck to destroy the ants while they were in the midst of a civil war. Sadly the queens of the time were too stubborn to unite, and one by one the colonies fell.

>>3973994
Lore(continued):
The Catacombs was the only colony that survived, having sealed themselves off from the surface world. The traitor Queens imposed a fierce set of traditions over their broods, lying and creating the legends of the lost colonies and deliberately purging all the evidence of the truth within the colony during their reign. They were so desperate to escape "The Queen" and to take secure their own seats of power that they completely blindsided their species for generations.

All of this would be far too much for the Matriarch to believe if it wasn't for an entry in Kurs'is' journal which detailed the uses of Queen's joy and its distilled form, and various sketches of Alates and winged ants that are so accurate in appearance that it's as if she had been drawing from live examples. According to the scribe, she never visited the Chamber of Keeping nor did she have some secret access to the surface to possibly procure samples of the mushroom. All this would have seemed impossible, had it not been for the reports of the mad ants' exposure to mercury. Their ramblings of the Queen calling them, could it be that Kurs'is was the same? Did her exposure to mercury somehow re-establish her connection to the Queen? How else could she have known these things? The Matriarch considers opening the jar for a second before reminding herself of the fate that befell the others and Kurs'is' own madness.

The rest of the library contains nothing of value. It's all just diaries that Kurs'is kept, starting from her younger years. The earlier ones shows a rather seemingly sane Kursi'is, the entries regarding her normal day to day life. But one entry states how her brood found a small pocket of mercury at one point and that she took a small piece for her collection. Slowly over time in the journals that follow
she begins making mentions of "The Queen" saying that she's calling to her. First dreams, then in voices, overtime her entries become less coherent and more gibberish until they hardly make any sense at all.

The inner circle returns to the throne room, where the Matriarch broods over what to do next. Their suspicions that their history is a complete farce is finally confirmed as much as none of them want to believe it. Nethazar weighs her options carefully and considers the passed she knows and the one she does not. None of Kurs'is' entries detailed what happened to The Queen, having seemingly disappeared into the void. Queen or none, the fact stands that the swarm has been living a lie. Regardless of the feared consequences of breaking tradition, it is time for this farce to end. The Matriarch knows what must be done, and she prepares herself to reveal what they have learned to the swarm at large...

File: Map11.png (423 KB, 2048x2628)

423 KB PNG

SCENE TWO

>>3969901
>Llychlyn
Rope is lowered down into the ravine, anchored to one of the enormous trees at the forests edge, for there was little else in the bleak landscape. Alas even with the good amount they had brought there was left at least a ten foot drop to the rocky floor below. Not wishing the body to be disturbed, drastic measures were taken. Taking apart one of the team's mess kits, a dead-man anchor is dug deep into the snow, and tested for tolerance. With proper caution the representative of Clan Llewelyn, the smallest of the group, is volunteered to retrieve the body. Though his hands are chilled he rappels downwards with little effort, and slings the body around his shoulders, tugging on the rope to be pulled up. With great heaving he begins to ascend, but no sooner is he off the floor the anchor gives way! Rope flies through the hands of two, three soldiers before it catches round the foot of a fourth ripping him into the cavern. The poor soul plummets into the darkness, landing broken on the rocks mere inches from the representative of Clan Llewelyn. Now alone with two corpses, and no way to immediately retrieve him, he falls on his knees and cries out to Fanw. All the while the grinding grows louder, nearer to him. And with it, the sound of heavy footsteps on stone echo from within the ruins.

>>3969971
>B'yogi
The sanctuary is a marvel to behold, at least to the B'oo. Huge interlocking stone of coquina, pinned together with iron rods. Large stretches of unbroken rock create a canopy from the pillars, to the main building. Highly polished tiles cover the floor, and intricate swirling patterns are painted along the walls. The B'oo struggle to realign the stones as best they can, using the strength of the F'etic where possible to lift them high again. All the while cautious of the serpent waiting in the murky pool. After many moons of graft, the B'yogi can do no more. While better than the state the Flesh had made it, it was a far cry from the beauty the B'yogi once witnessed. They would need to somehow cut new stones to replace those crushed and cracked by the Flesh. New tiles, new paints, new everything it seems! Much is learnt, much is wondered.

>>3969984
>Cravers [NM]
Tendrils pulse from Neverborn, through Shab'let, all the way along to Grist'thromir, and finally begin to encapsulate the fertile oases of the south. Carapace begins to harden over the veins as they wall it off, creating a strong barrier, protecting both the flesh and the land.
Once more the Gene Bank bleeds a foul creation into the world; the Kos'tr. Snub, but no less viscious than the Rut'ra, perhaps even more so. Snapping even at the flesh that birthed it, is sent into the Cravic waters to do it's will.

>>3970037
>Ashbeards
Migrants pour into the plains, eager for the resources it holds. Also to see this oddity which is so much talked about. Most are content to steer clear of the thing, having known the displeasure this land can conjure up in the horrid face which once graced their mountain. But some are foolhardy enough to see this strange object for themselves. The rumours were true, if perhaps a little exaggerated. A single piece of red stone, a good 50 ft in length lays broken from it's plinth. In neat rows it is carved with pictographs, unknown to the dwarves. It is capped with gold, likewise is the plinth gilded with large plates. When the first dwarf lays his hand upon the stone his scraggly grey hair stands straight on end, his beard shoots sparks! When he at last falls flat on his back he shouts with gusto "Therkuunaz Beard! It was like eating lightning and shitting thunder!". Another dwarf lays a gloved hand on the stone, and, nothing. He takes off the glove and tries again. And though not to the same extent as the previous, he too is shot through with energy.
But the Steppe holds a further nastier surprise for the dwarves. North of the fallen obelisk; Flesh.

>>3970497
>FHR
The forest Elves are set upon. They fall without so much as killing a single man, armed as they are so primitively. In their makeshift tents and shanties, women huddle with their children. They too are slaughtered. Blood flows through the clearing. The dwellings are ransacked, finding exactly nothing of any value. The bodies are dragged up into rows. 32 in total, not far off initial estimates it seems. The soldiers are commended on such a feat.
The priests begin their rituals over the sick, praying loudly for aid. But little comes. What was once a torrent of mana through the blood, is now barely a trickle. Favour has somehow been lost, or, the ties were twisted in the Void. Something is wrong to say the least. The priests find they are still able to somewhat numb the pain of those afflicted, easing them at least a little. With great effort & prayer, a small miracle in the ablation of the sickness in a dozen in the early stages is performed. Though the priests are greatly drained themselves.
(gold still has value as jewellery, in dentistry, in efforts which require non-tarnishing metals.)

>>3970717
>Tarn
[B] Whether a boon from the Gods or just an accounting error, a warehouse thought empty is opened to reveal a cache of dry timber, perfect for construction!
Need still outstrips supply however, and without proper management the south forest is completely cleared.
With only so many men available, two pits are tested. The first, south of Jaakal delivers a fine vein of lignite coal and jet. The second, just north of Xycthos provides are nice luxury too, native silver.

>>3971310
>Gyldenthrong
The trade language of Xycthon, developed by the Tarn, seems to work well for their trade with the dragons, and those further north, but it lacks the complexity needed by the Gyldenthrong. It's very well to trade six hides for ten baskets, but what about when one wishes to set up a supply of 300 planks under such-and-such conditions? There it falls relatively flat. And those poor dragons, with that snout of theirs, trying to pronounce 'ZJk-θɒs', let alone 'Kuː-riː-jɒ-tɛx'!

>>3971797
>Narsics
[R] Tales of old tell of lands of plenty, far beyond the smoking mountain, where magics of all kinds are in abundance. But this world is surely only ice and snow?
The hunters gather in procession around the Stele, one by one they raise their spears to it, attempting to channel mana from one to the other. There is a blinding flash, a crackling sound and when vision returns, the spears are gone! Again there is silence from the Stele, and again it blasts forth a new energy. Sweet & floral, and sticky & cloying, like being fed a cake seeped in honey. Perhaps it is best for, special occasions, or with only one spear sacrificed.
Through their trials, and thorough translations, it is surmised that the Stele will reflect in some way what it is given. It is a harsh understanding, as with it comes the knowledge that for a purer strain, purity must be given. There is talk of "the greater good", many are appalled at the idea, but a man must eat.

>>3971844
>Vossikis
[NM] The Oracles each begin their ritual, supping the sacred mixture. In one voice they speak: THE HOLY FIRE OF THE LIGHTBRINGER SHALL BURN AWAY THE GATHERED FILTH! BUT AN UNCLEAN LAMP WILL CATCH AFLAME AND BE DESTROYED! HEED THE WARNINGS OF THE LIGHTBRINGER, LEST YE BE CAST TO BAALUR! Not quite as vague this time, it seems. The priests begin to decipher the words said, and those left unspoken.
Four strange elves run from the forests controlled by the savages to the west. They are not Elezen or Hacmos, neither are they the two strains who are mingled with the humans. They are all male, equipped with simple bows and flint tipped arrows, dressed in only an odd bark-cloth about their waists to hide their genitals. The jabber an unknown tongue, furtively looking over their shoulders into the woods. They weep openly. Something has happened in the forest.


>>3972008
>Tidal
The work completed by the Lyrara teams and the Ursa has certainly shored up the building, though the whole this is just a shell at present. Using the old beam-holes as guides, it seems as though it should have a good six floors, excluding the fire deck. Timber will have to be brought from all over for the project, no doubt. Beams, planks, boards, pegs, joiners, the whole lot in wood.

>>3972210
>Soghoia
The Kalkahn had been completely snuffed out by this strange disease. But in their place a new tribe arises. Once scattered by the jackalope, the frogfolk of the Sleeping Marshes band together now, out from the yoke of their oppressor. They take up homes in the old Kalkahn capital, making it their own. Much is swept aside with the coming of the frogs. But life will go on. It always has, after all.
Organisation is key, for without it we were downtrodden, but now we unite! The council, the members, and the leader are all decided upon with much croaking.
The frogs set to work improving their swampy homes, the rabbits may have put up with creaky floors and the like, but the frogfolk are proper. Experimentation has led to the creation of lime-cement, which is a little heavy for use in the stilt-huts many frogs reside in, but more impressive structures will soon be needed, and this is the perfect material for them.

>>3972496
>Meluzina [NM]
From the dirt they are birthed, and to the dirt they give thanks.
The seeding begins, a good deal south of the capital, and soon small saplings sprout from the dirt. It will be a great time until they will hang with our kind, but we shall be patient.
The investigation begins in earnest. Not only into the Wanderers, but their message. Who is the middle-meluz? The one who disseminates their message into the populace. Dozens of leads go cold, as after two or three questionings people can't recall who told them, or it was over drinks, or a friend's friend's cousin told them. Not only are they dealing with this, but copycat Wanderers, kids who want to look tough, you know the type. But the real worry is the message. Of course fake messages are revealed all the time, some intentionally seeded by detectives. But everyone knows a real Void-calling when they hear it.


>>3973190
>Nomach
A wonder it shall be! To once again tower higher than anything before it!
Strange, the worm retreats from us, and their nests are empty. The land is ours so easy.

>>3973418
>Incarnationis
Lo it comes to pass that hatred of their kind expels them from their homeland. Only in the Gyre do they find hope. Washed ashore in this new world, they find that the Kahro already precede them, and the great nest of [pentagon] already hums! Let the anthropoids keep it, may the sink in the mud!
Alas! Alas! They can never be safe! For the dwarves of old reside here too! They crowd around the strange rock already! Why must Sentinel turn just so?!

>>3973668
>Sable
It is a new age, of Jade and Iron and Caelum! The swarm is pleased with its work. But as scouts are sent east, they find a new beastie, hunks of grey but living flesh! A friend? Or a new food source for the Leeches?

END OF SCENE TWO.

THE KAHRO WAR IS ENDED
>>3973418 >>3970037 >>3971310 >>3973190 >>3971844
The Kahro flee to the Gyre, leaving all but their Pound to the anthropoids. Let them squabble over the land!
Already a dozen different borders are drawn. The Elves and Dwarves sent to stake the land discover each other, and the races size each other up.

END OF INTERLUDE.

>>3974025
1.&2.

A use has been found for the iron collected from the porsine creations of the Cravers. South from Grist'hiœm and Soc'let great sheets of veins burrow across the land. Flesh tumor form underground for the roving packs of Rut'ra to shelter, nurse their packs, and be shaped. Covering the outsides of these subterranean vein stops is flesh covered in metallic claw like growths to protect from harm and repell outsiders.

(Basically mass expansion of flesh across 3-4 tiles, the area being called Bulargh (Burrows)).

File: Screenshot_14.png (3 KB, 195x160)

3 KB PNG

>>3974029
As soon as the news spreads of this discovery, guards and guilds are sent to secure it.
Dwarves are cleared from the location as barriers are built for guards to protect while various guild members inspect and record everything they can before they proceed further.

-

Once more, surface migrants die down in their movements, making a final push into the grasslands so that they may eventually harvest the land of its resources for use in the breweries back home.
>Expansion

As dwarves spread to the north and east, a popular tavern once built to serve explorers and passersby to the new lands grows remarkably due to the influx of dwarves in the area, quickly becoming the center of a city which would then offer a passage to and from the capital as it opens a third gateway to the underworld, though much less of note than the prior two.
>Vikolaet'dun

>>3974090
Dwarves of the realm are put at ease as the threat to the west is quelled, however, concern is brought up soon after from explorers mentioning sightings to the northeast of similar creatures.
The populace does their best to not worry, which is aided by the fact the distance is now much greater than before, though settlers far from the capital, and close to the sightings would not be so fortunate.
For now, dwarven lords prepare plans for the future.

File: Dorf Map G43(M).png (1.07 MB, 1000x1399)

1.07 MB PNG

Dwarven map of the world as it is currently known.
(Now with lowland cities, and lower quality editing)

File: Turn.jpg (89 KB, 530x506)

89 KB JPG

>>3974025

>Action 1: The Traderoad

The lowland Dwarves begin work on a road to link major towns together in more convenient fashion for trade, travel and commerce; to trade timbers from the southwoods, foods and ales from the plains and valleys and the riches of hills and mountains. From the woodcrafter's town of Æblekag in the south the road will strike west, then northwest, across the plains of the Grunvand and turning northward toward the grand banks of the bountiful Vandnor, crossing the river to the east of Vankung to run close to and connect with the grand feast town. From here, it will then strike northward and turn slightly to the east as it closes in on the fast-rushing Aster, crossing and continuing to meet the Gylder herself just as the river turns away from the hill-line.

Careful not to run the road right through some of our oldest and most productive farmland, the road will skirt the line of the hills first northeast then northwest until the hills turn away again and a direct path lies to bustling Gyldholm. And from here, it will turn to north and east; crossing the plains toward the flow of the Zuvkol; but just before it reaches the river it will turn into the mountains, to hopefully link up with the Ashbeard town of Ulzunteg'dun.

Three large bridges are planned for the road, one each for crossing Vandnor, Aster and Gylder; though most priority is given to the Aster bridge, for the river is fast-flowing, treacherous, and difficult to safely ford.

>>3974090
>Diplomacy: Ashbeards
As we plan on building a road to their lands and their town, permission is sought from our northern kin to have this road make the final leg across the border to Ulzunteg'dun.


>Action 2: Æble Forestry

The Gyldenthrong Dwarves expand into the Temperate forests to the south of their land, their foresters spreading further as prospective swineherds rear their charges on bulbs and tree-nuts.

>>3974177
Permission for the road is eagerly and happily given.

The dwarves make sure to thank their kin for the participation in the recent conflict, and as promised, the mint flows heavy with golden coins that spreads throughout the dwarven realms, exponentially benefiting trade, which will be further increased with the new road.

File: 1576530442590.png (16 KB, 434x407)

16 KB PNG

>>3974025
It's a start, but no one knows everything at the beginning. Bone Mother, wait a little longer so we may learn more to finish your home.

1. We need a central place of learning and storing of knowledge. We will build a new city named Insight where our and other cultures and knowledge we learn, study and research will have a quiet place. We build it from the knowledge we gain from studying the agriculture of the Bone Mother's home.
2.We been neighbors are quite less years, but yet we have never study the H'ums in the north. We will seen Watchers to study them.

File: mapmeluz.png (5 KB, 217x176)

5 KB PNG

>>3974035

1: explore westward

It's actually becoming really cramped here at the capitol. Like, seriously, we're running out of room to do stuff. Let's go places where we can do more stuff.

2: start mining operations in the newly explored western sector

Beneath the dirt, there is stuff that’s harder than dirt. Rock. What will eventually become dirt, given enough time. Within this rock are other rocks, which sparkle brightly in the light. With these blessings that Castor has given us, we will make great things, which we will use to gain more shiny rocks.
(digging spot is marked with a red "X")

>>3974035
Civilization: Soghoia
Political Structure: Elected Leader, Elected Council & Constiution of Laws
Religion: Tribal (Animism)
Language: Soghoian (Frogfolk)
Settlements: River Reed (Village)
Resources and Technology: lime-cement, bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-buildings, marsh opium-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

Action 1: The frogfolk use their newly discovered technology to make two story cement block homes for all of the citizens. The first floor is empty space used for storage and more importantly to protect from flooding.

Action 2: The frogfolk build a thick cement block wall around the capital. The wall is lined with cement block watch towers and double gates at the openings. These watchtowers are armed with bowman to protect against swamp beasts and foreign threats.

1. Othinian Pacification
>Begin the process of diplomatically seizing and restoring order to Othinian territory
The Vossaya took the news of the Oracles to heart. The Lightseers had spoken of what visions they had seen in the sun and in the flames and all spoke ill. Debate, among clergy and stadtman, was vicious and long. Some argued that the unclean was the Othinians that had been referred to. Others claimed that it was the presence of savages on the borders, felling trees and casting refugees across rivers and forests into Vossa. Some say that it is the union of Human and Elezen that is the root of the problem. Across Vossa reports of half-breeds had filtered into the capitol where Othinian and Elezen lived lives of strict segregation. Initially the reaction was one of disgust. The Othinians were tolerated at best. Their half-breed spawn less so. It was not uncommon for a half-Elezen son or daughter to inherit from wealthy parents. They did not just inherit wealth, but status. Among them was Livicette Mae'trellmont, daughter of the disgraced koststadt Caeldyn Mae'trellmont whose kost holdings had provided some 27% of the gold voucher shares in the Republic. After the death of her Elezen father and Othinian mother in a pogrom in the capitol she had inherited both the extensive wealth, holdings, and senatorial title of her father. A half-breed had ascended to the height of power, and no one was happy about it. Regardless of the cause, the arguments in the Vossaya carried on for two months without resolution. The Vossaya was utterly deadlocked. Kostmen refused to budge on their opposition to any military effort. The powerful scholar bloc in the rebpulic refused to authorize any actions against the Othinians. The Griffon bloc refused to agree with the Gilden party over a resolution to check the savages in the west. Eventually the decision came down to a compromise put forth by Livicette. The Republic would restore order in Othin and thereby reduce the number of refugees carrying plague or infidel notions over the border. The compromise was due to fail in the Vossaya. It wasn't until the surprising intervention of the Lord Protector backing her motion that the gears began to turn to make it a reality.

The first delegation to the Othinians was poorly received. Much of the country was still in chaos, and the delegates were forced to disembark on the coast and make their way up from inland because the ports were closed to plague. Once there, the Othinians turned them away. They were uninterested in horses and gold and swords. The second mission to the Othinians was better received. They came not with gifts of gold and horses, but with medicine, books, scripture, and science. This was what they were interested in, and the slow conversion of the Othinians from failed state to proper protectorate of the Republic had begun.

>>3974219
Forgot to say. B'yogi request a rumor.

>>3974372
2. Siege Weapons, Warships, and the Gear
>development of siege weapons and proper warships

One of the issues of the Republic had always been the inability of the Vossaya to actually implement policy. This was, of course, because every kost was quite literally a fortress. The towers were sturdy and well built, designed to withstand attacks by raiders and griffons alike. Made of strong stone and mortar, the towers were bastions of defense in a dangerous land. This defense was as good against their kin as it was against the denizens of the mountains, and it was from this defense that the tradition of Kost Independence stemmed from. Any move by the Vossaya to force compliance would run into the fact that the kost would either need to be sieged into submission. The first siege weapons to enter Vossik use weren't actually intended for use against fortifications at all. If they were, the Vossaya would have had a proper fit and banned their development, as it stood as a threat to the power of the Republic's many landholders and representatives. The first siege weapons were carefully modified weapons intended for use on ships. The Vossaya recognized the need to defend its shores and the power that could be harnessed by seaborne trade early on. Protecting the trade and enforcing its will outside of the mountains needed a proper navy. A proper navy needed proper ships. The first ballista that entered service was little more than a very large grappling hook that was intended to lock ships together so that marines could board the opposing vessel without it easily escaping. Such weapons were as useful against pirates as any theoretical naval opposition. The import of these weapons to land was a difficult one. First, they couldn't be transported. They were too large, too bulky, and too prone to breaking down over rough travel. They would need to be built on site. Secondly, a big arrow wouldn't do anything to the strong kost walls. So it had to be bigger, and lob rocks instead. Third, the development had to be done in secret. It was bankrolled by a coalition of major koststadts that felt that they could enforce their ownership over their kosts more effectively if they had a military means by which to do so. By the time the ballistae had been modified for land use it was fundamentally the same weapon with entirely different uses and furniture and its use was outright banned in the Vossaya for land purposes except under the direct supervision of the Lord Protector.

The process that made all of this possible was a simply Othinian invention - the gear. It not only provided the torsion needed to project the bolt or rock. It also provided the ability for marines to slowly by carefully winch back their harpooned prey for easier boarding. Without the development of the gear it was unlikely that the invention ever would have come to pass first as a naval weapon.

>>3974747
Recent events have lead to the need for dwarven diplomats to meet with the strange people to the northwest.
Guided by dwarven goatherders, diplomats would try to meet with the elves to discuss matters.
First to be asked what the elves would desire through trade, secondly any map information they may hold, and lastly what to do with borders.

Communication naturally is very crude, but these basic questions would be asked and answered easily enough with the aid drawings and gestures.

>>3974035
Much of the swarm has assembled in the great chamber of the Catacombs, even the Queens of the Crypts and Lychgate are present along with some of their brood. Once the Matriarch takes the stand at the grand podium, the sound of chattering and squirming that echoed throughout the colony stopped suddenly. She takes a deep breath and starts to address her subjects. She starts her grand speech by basking in the achievements the swarm has already acquired, showering the swarm in praise and congratulations for each ant played a part in the progress they have made since the age of isolation and stagnation. But alas, she must reveal to them what she has learned.

At first the ants are shocked, The Queens and broodmothers who had their own suspicions are caught off guard due to the sheer scale and nature of the lies they have been living. Slowly the ants start to become visibly uncomfortable, many squirming slightly in place. Before the unease has a chance to claim a foothold in their ranks, the Matriarch quickly silences the chamber yet again. She quickly points out that despite this unsettling revelation, the ants have succeeded in so much where their predecessors had failed. For not only did they manage to re-establish order to their chaotic colony, but they had reasserted themselves on the surface world, their borders stretching across the horizons with many lands still to join their growing nation. From a practically dead colony to a nation that has reached literally new horizons and heights, having rediscovered so much that was lost to them and having restored the flames of industry that died out withing their nation ages ago.

As the Matriarch passionately points this out and at the height of her speech, a large number Caelum come soaring from the Nursery into the Great Chamber and settling on the roof. The Ants' moods change from discomfort to awe and surprise as they stare at the Matriarch. Feeling their collective gazes focused in on her, she exclaims that the ants will rise despite their history and will prove to themselves, the world and even The Queen herself of their greatness and that they will succeed in not only restoring their once great nation but that they will achieve far greater things than anything they had ever done in the passed. The return of the Caelum is proof that there is nothing they cannot achieve. The Great Chamber roars with the collective cheer of the swarm, a passion for building a country on their own merits instead of traditional dictates swelling within the abdomen of every ant of all sizes and positions. The swarm remains unified, their grand purpose now more clear to them than ever before. To rise so high that they may even come to touch the sun itself.

File: Trn11.png (227 KB, 539x449)

227 KB PNG

>>3975261
The ants have taken the news better than the Matriarch had anticipated, but the circles of nobility and the military are agitated far more than ever before. They struggle to simply let go of the fact that they have been lied to for generations. Someone must be held to account, but the old queens have already been executed. With none to bring to justice for this great crime, the swarm searches for an outlet for their anger. Eventually the topic of the Othinians rises in the conversations. Though the old queens are gone, the Othinians are guilty of the same crime: Having lied to the swarm, promising great progress only to fail in their obligations and abandoning the ants. The politics of the Othinians that lead to this is irrelevant to the swarm and even unknown to them, but all that matters now is that they make a clear example out of them.

Actions:
>War: Othinia
Their first step is to release enough leeches into the river to the South of Tyr with strict instructions to only attack any Othinians attempting to cross. Sticking to the northern bank of the river, they travel upstream until they reach the coast, lying in wait to ambush any who attempt to flee. The assaulting Army is divided into two theaters, North and South. Their assault was sudden, taking the already unstable Othinians completely by surprise. They stampeded across the eastern oasis, encountering scant resistance from the few and small communities that resided there. Those that refused to surrendered were annihilated, and those that did were detained and herded into small camps the ants prepared for them along the way. The Caelum sped through the skies, circling around the back of any opposition the soldiers encountered to pick off any that would attempt to run and warn the rest of their kin of the impending assault.

Within a couple of weeks, the ants had pressed in the the western Oasis where Othin and Tyr resided. The Caelum quickly scout the small lands and confirm the location of the cities, leading the soldiers towards their door steps. Their strategy for besieging these places is simple, for they had no walls but many men. The soldiers formed a defensive line outside of the cities, climbing atop each other to form small walls for spitters to mount and provide ranged support for the frontline that defended the ant walls from a frontal assault. Meanwhile the Caelum would sore over the cities, pelting any defenders they encountered with a rain of acid and small debris. Should the Caleum harassment prove too much for the defenders and they barricade themselves indoors, the soldiers will advance into the cities, climbing atop the buildings and breaking in through the roofs, spitting acid at any who are armed. Should the defenders rush out, the front line stands waiting while the ant walls pelt the assailants with acid, the Caelum swooping down and crashing into the enemy's rear to act as a sort of shock cavalry once the frontlines meet.

>>3975262
(Disregard if war action is too much and requires both points)
>Diplo: Kahro
Though the most recent news has both socked and agitated the swarm, they are not so prone to blind emotion that they will needlessly lash out at those undeserving of their wrath to satisfy themselves. Though weary of these strange creatures to the East, both for their appearance and trespass on what would be the Swarm's rightful sovereign soil, a delegation is dispatched none the less. The same procedure for establishing first contact with the Vossiks is followed, the envoys adorning themselves in flowers and paint and taken along some of their tamed Tsari birds. It doesn't take them long after traveling into the eastern jungles to encounter some of these creatures at which point they begin their small dance and approach cautiously to signal their friendly intentions.

>>3974025

To say that things in the expedition had gone fairly poorly would be an understatement. The current situation was bad. Not just because of the obvious, like one of the Llewelyn pathfinders being stuck at the bottom of the ruins without any way of getting back up at the moment. Not just because of the guard who was unlucky enough to get caught and dragged down into the depths. But because at this point, the more superstitious members were starting to believe that this place was cursed, and the noise coming closer was obviously a bad sign. Additionally, one of the younger guards of Clan Wynn was not taking the loss of their kin well, and while the other guards were disciplined enough to, for the moment at least, not let it distract them, it certainly did hurt moral. Still soon enough a plan would be devised, the Helwyr Saethwr in the group would stand on guard over the hole and be ready to fire should something go after the poor Llewelyn pathfinder that was stuck down there, and they'd call down telling them to take the shield and axe of the fallen soldier so they had something to protect themselves just in case. Soon after, as they'd send the guard who currently was struggling off to go to Lunedannedd with one of the other Llewelyn pathfinders to guide them. Once there, they'd inform the current situation and try to get more people from Clan Wynn and some Ciwed and Teulu clans. The people from the latter being more aimed at martial or hunting clans. They also would try to get more supply, and a few people to work on a way to get down to the temple should the situation remain similar and not drastically changed. Hopefully, they'd be able to get back in time to actually help out in any meaningful way...Hopefully...

Meanwhile in Allfshys, Eheubryd and the rest of the clans except Llewelyn which was now mainly in the town they had founded, would continue to wait...Luckily, news likely wouldn't take long to reach them...However, still not too far away, Arwen and Rhodri had done it, but to reveal such a thing now without it being perfected would be a waste. Some more time it would take before they would be happy enough to show their work and utilize it. Perhaps it would be useful for dealing with something south considering the circumstances...Though, it likely would be useful in most if not all...But thats for when its finalized.

>Action One. Send one of the guards to get more people and inform the current situation and one of the Llewelyn pathfinders to guide them. Have the guard who has a bow ready to fire at anything that goes after the pathfinder stuck in the ruins. Said pathfinder will take the shield and axe of the guard who fell in.

>Action Two. Arwen and Rhodri have done it. The basics are solidified. However, the results will not be shown to the others... Its too soon for that, it must be perfected...

Posted on behalf of the FHR

>Deal more with the sickness
>Improve logistics and equipment for the FHRDF

>>3974251
The frogfolk send a diplomat to the shroom tribe asking for friendly relations. They would like to set up trade between them, but more importantly share knowledge. The diplomat, Joji Thrip (a small tree frog man) brings a small group with him to the southern swamps bringing gifts of opium and various food items.

>>3974251
The city gates will be made out of bronze and the structures will be reinforced with bronze rebar where practical. If bronze if abundant enough, watchtower roofs and housing roofs and doors will be made of bronze as well.

The sudden and precipitous collapse of the Kalkahan Clan brings great economic and societal strife to Tarnia. Losing a growing trade partner with such little forewarning and even less explanation sends shockwaves through the whole of Tarnish society. While the Three Cities search for answers, several basic precautions are undertaken.

Action 1: Military Strategy
The Jaakalian Military academy continues to expand both in size and complexity. One of the more noteworthy changes is the incorporation of coordinated troop actions, such as phalanx tactics and mass arrow volleys. Tarnish forces grow adept at shield charges and spear formations, becoming a true military force to be reckoned with.

Action 2: Defend the border
The Tarns begin piling up mud and sticks into crude fortifications along the former border. Makeshift gates are crafted into this “wall”, and manned by Tempelian soldiers. Any who enter the nation are detained and searched, before being squeezed for information about the Kalkahan’s demise. Surely one of these traders must know what happened to the Jackrabbit-Men.

[NM][R] With little insight into his previous prophesy, and even less understanding of the situation of the North, the Three cities beseech the Augursoul for his guidance.

>>3974032
The loss of two of the major four empires of the Gulf is very concerning for the Depauns. This is resulting in a balance of power we very much do not like, we say these things behind locked doors of course since we do not desire the Tarn to think of themselves as a threat to us. Let us pray that this situation does not turn away from being in our favor.

Action 1:
Attempt to reestablish communications with the Jackelopes - we must see if their administration - or at least a descendant of it still functions. We will do this through sending a single dragon, from the Endocer off the coast above Green River with a satchel of scrap paper, on this scrap paper instructions for safe communications can be air mailed to the Jackelopes, through a series of signals using different clothes we will be able to communicate with each other using Depaun script (which at least a few of the Jackelopes must be able to read), it will take some time (a few days at most) but if successful we may be able to reopen proper trade.
>Safely attempt to reestablish communications with the Jackelopes

Action 2:
Our islands do not hold to much of value, but food is certainly the most important thing grown there and thus we should invest in a more robust agriculture. Currently to much of our food comes from hunting and fishing (though the two words are interchangable in Depaun) and if we want to grow our population we need to grow things better than wild berries and grazing land for hunting animals. Thus we are investing in island agriculture, importing tarnish wheat seeds and rice in order to grow our own food, this becomes an official and readily enforced edict which is putting farmers under heavy penalty if they do not convert their lands into lands which bear these superior crops. Those who comply readily will be given extra hands to help in the developing process.
>import tarnish crops and force farmers to turn their lands into plots suitable for growing these foods

File: A Fair and Orderly Deal.png (21 KB, 525x490)

21 KB PNG

>>3970717 (diplo - tarn - Tempel government)
The recent fall of the Jackelopes has left a large amount of infrastructure and land available, being the two remaining great people's of the gulf it would be wise to figure out what shall be done with this land and the First Tidal Empire of Amplect is very interested in the poppy fields north of Tempel, in order for this recent event to not devolve into legal or economic conflict (or dare I say something far worse if the matter were not dealt with for an extended period of time) our administration wishes to make your people a small deal, in return for supporting a tarnish colonization of the area where the fields lay, the administration wishes to own the rights to the great fields in which the poppies grow. If this deal is accepted the Tarnish will also be granted legal ownership over the jungles to the immediate west of current tarnish holdings with any infringements on this specific land at any time when Amplect is in power resulting in both naval and military Depaun support being issued until that region or the conflict over it is resolved. We also promise to support the construction of state run trade roads going to and from the river and down south to Tempel.

>Action 1: Continue construction
Even more time and money is spent on rebuilding the new grand temple to become a marvel of engineering and sheer scope. (Action 2/3)

>Action 2: Found a currency
With the silver having been mined, trade becoming prevalent and out position in these lands ever stronger, there has never been a better time to centralize our currency and economy. A new system consisting of different shaped silver coins are minted at a new establishment in Oldek. We will be using this currency to standardize our traderoutes.

(Sorry to those waiting for a diplo response. Finals week is kicking my ass and it's almost over. I'll reply to everything tomorrow.)

>Action 1:
A new pound is established in their homeland in the plains

>Action 2:
A mine is established over the iron resource

>>3976519
As the dragon approaches the settlement of River Reed, he sees large construction projects taking place across the city. Cement block buildings are being built throughout the area that appear to be two story housing using the old wooden stilt structures as scaffolding. A large half finished cement block wall is being constructed around the perimeter of the settlement with two sets of large bronze gates. Cement block towers are also being built along the inside of the walls which appear to be watchtowers. The construction is hard underway with visible bronze rebar sticking out of some of the partially built structures and bronze doors and roofs appear to be moving into place.

The dragon notices that there are no jackalopes in the settlement and instead the area is filled with frogfolk of various shapes, colors and sizes. Their small stature (between two and four feet tall) looks odd amongst the massive structures. From above, the frogfolk look like miniatures in an oversized doll house. The frogfolk are also surprisingly organized working together very efficiently to get the construction done. From such a distance up, there appears to be a clear leader and another leading group organizing the building efforts. Some frogs are outfitted with bows, spears, swords and shields and seem to be loosely patrolling the border for any threats from the swamp.

It isnt until the dragon begins to hover above the city that the frogfolk notice it. Screams of terror ring out across the city and frogfolk run for cover under cement bunkers in the construction sites. Mass panic quickly spreads across the city like wildfire and all signs of organization vanish. The archers aim for the sky and the patrols rush the the leaders sides, but the civilians seem to have an un-unified position about the creature. Some run in terror while others fall to their knees on the ground. Others seem to gather food (which is insignificant due to the dragon's size) of fish and swamp tubers, bring them to the center of the city and raise them to the sky. It appears as if some frogfolk see this dragon as a deity and others as a monstrous beast here to eradicate the settlement. The immediate response doesn't appear that any of the villagers think that this dragon is part of a foreign civilization.

>>3975264
The first and swamps are a hotbed of Kahro activity as they are a primary source of food for the abominations.
The Sable ants are noticed along the borders of their home but disregarded as a less appealing meal.
As the Kahro spend more time around the bugs they appear more and more organized, following routines and utilizing symbols. Not long after, the Kahro find themself confronted by what appeared to be a friendly gesture from the bugs, something they had not been familiar with back in their homeland.
Though unfamiliar with the language of the bugs and potentially incapable of replicating it depending on how bug-like it is, the Kahro recieved the message as friendly and attempt to replicate the dance in order to return the sentiment.

>>3976521
The Tarns respond warmly to the Depaun envoy, setting them up at Xycthos and giving them an audience with the Three Cities at first priority. The three council members listen to the Depaun envoy with great interest, and add their own understanding of the situation as well. The Tarns are aware of the poppy fields and the necessity of their rapid return to service. They have hung back till now in order to ensure that their own nation was secure from whatever had caused the abrupt demise, but plan on securing the poppy fields as soon as possible. The Tarns recognize that this situation has resulted in a great deal of strife for both the Depaun and the Tarn, and as such are willing to offer the Depaun the right of first refusal to 100% of the poppy crop into perpetuity. Only after the Depauns have taken what they need will the Tarns look to export what remains. In exchange, the Tarns request merely the depauns recognition of Tarnish dominion over the north and western jungle provinces.

(first, sorry for the missed update. second, Merry Christmas, boons for everyone!)

SCENE THREE

>>3974071
>Cravers
[B] The Gene Bank shivers and moans, much to the surprise of those manning it. Out from an orifice in the flesh, a new horror is birthed into the world. A single creature, roughly 3 feet in height, and in the approximation of the head & upper-body of a man. His skin is red raw, ever twisting, his skeletal face in an eternal silent scream. Where a man's legs should be there is only ragged viscera. Where such a thing has come from can not be discerned, not what is to be done with it. The thing is repulsive even to the Cravers, as it drags itself pathetically out of the birthing chambers, trailing fluids in its wake.
Great pustules of flesh, ringed and guarded by iron claws, burst from the ground spattering the land with gore.

>>3974090
>Ashbeards
[B] A priest of the grand temple of Therkuunaz in the capital is struck with a fey mood one day. He withdraws from his duties into his cell and begins furiously sketching. When at last he returns he is dishevelled, stinking of urine, and half his initial weight. He takes his armfuls of plans to Aetur'jotdragg, jabbering that he knows how to rebuild the Hammer of Therkuunaz. But who will believe a mad priest?
Scholars gather around the obelisk with measures and papers, recording every inch of it. Many note how strange that the gold was not ever stolen, nor the engravings weathered though the break was. It was to the great surprise of everyone when an elderly dwarf known simply as Olat the Blind tapped the thing with her metal cane that she immediately fell down dead. Or rather, shot a yard into the air, and then fell down dead.
Dwarves grumbly filter into the fields of the Steppe, in search of new and wondrous ingredients. They find a good deal of sweet berries, bitter leaves, and wild grains, all of which are sent back home for tasting. Each mountainhome slowly begins to perfect their own brew; some syrupy sweet, others pucker-inducingly bitter, every one of them blindingly alcoholic. But more of the Kahro are seen prowling the north. And strange reports say of, dwarf-sized, ants?

File: Map12.png (428 KB, 2048x2628)

428 KB PNG

(oops, map in this post)

>>3974177
>Gyldenthrong
[B] In Cewri'jotregk a Giant known affectionately as Papa, being the eldest of them, visits the town centre; a rare occurrence, as the Giants find the crowds intimidating. He booms in the halting Gylden he has learnt, "I want see old dead. See family in sunset." After some scrambling it is figured out he wishes to go the the cave long avoided in the western plains, as it is in fact the final resting place of the many Giants before him.
The bridges take a great deal of effort to construct, much more than was initially expected. The Vandnor bridge is built in an intricate design entirely of straight timbers, giving the illusion of three round arches (search Old Walton Bridge). Being the most difficult, and important, of the three the Aster bridge is built rather utilitarian of cut grey stone. It sits heavy over the river, but will not be shifted come hell or high-water! Lastly the Gylder bridge is the most elaborate of the group, having to cross such a sacred river and all. Worked in wood, with supports of decoratively cut stone, held with iron pins and lavished over with trims of gold from the mountain brethren, silver from the Tarn, and draped with banners of fine cloth. Perhaps an outsider would call it gaudy, but the Gyldenthrong call it beautiful.

>>3974219
>B'yogi [NM]
[B] Whilst rummaging through the halls and libraries of Fright an older B'oo is shocked to discover something he had never seen before. Locked away in a chest, under a great number of cobwebs and dust bunnies were two identical hand-mirrors. The discovery of the mirrors was not the shock, but that each mirror reflected what the other saw! They are taken straight away to the priests, they will surely know what to do with them.
[R] Whilst studying (or rather, startling) the sheep of the Onkankan Hills, one B'oo comes across a brilliantly coloured stone on the ground, unlike any he'd seen before! (CHOOSE: Lapis, Turquoise, or Sugilite)
Watchers are called upon to head north, deep into the unknown. For eight days they are not heard from, twice as long as other missions, until finally they return with their characteristic knocking. Through the complex system of translations, information is passed from the space-in-between to the material world. The Watchers tell of a war-like people, with half a dozen variants of person, ranging from the elegant pale ones, to the playful fur-eared ones, though most seem to be the boring race seen scouting the borders. They have grey metals, worked stone, large boats, and a beguiling political system the Watchers couldn't quite grasp.

>>3974241
>Meluzina
(I've doubled up your actions, as you undershot. If you want me to dial back just let me know)
[B] Castor must be pleased with the Meluz, as the shoots and saplings of the new forest have grown at an almost alarming rate. Though still many years from supporting homes, already critters gather to it to shade.
The rolling plains of the Steppe welcome the Meluz with their bounty, first in the way of all manner of creatures, and second in the riches beneath the earth. Fat hares, darting lizards, crickets and beetles of all kinds call the lands home, along with an abundance of meadow plants, soft grasses, and fibrous roots. As the Meluz dig the sacred dirt, they soon find hard rock. Slowly chipping away reveals thin but plentiful veins of silver ore, which glitters brilliantly in the sun. The southern reaches however hold a different surprise; within the pale stone shimmer beautiful, blood red crystals.
And still more discoveries, for in the west and the south alike are peoples the Meluz have never before seen. Those to the west are short, hairy, and rather fond of goats it seems, perhaps they are distantly related? Those in the south are much like the westerners, though almost twice as tall and half as hairy. From what can be heard of their shouts and jeers, neither of them speak anything remotely comprehensible.

>>3974251
>Soghoia
[B] More and more Frogs have been reporting lights in the southern swamp. When at last an investigation is launched they are startled to find the reports are true! On warm nights, especially those of the new moon, small orbs dance about the wetlands. These are no fireflies, as the lights are bluish in hue, not the yellowy green of the insects. Another investigation is sent, this time further south. It is a hot, unusually dry night, but for many hours there is nothing. And then, as if on cue, a gout of blue flame shoots from the waters! There is much indignant croaking as one gent has his toes singed. It takes a full two weeks before conditions are right again, but they are determined to capture some of the blue flame. Rather miraculously, they do. Or rather, they capture what the blue flame was made of. When they excitedly open the bronze vessel they'd commandeered for the procedure, they are hit by the disgusting smell of bad eggs, which dissipates to nothingness as the gas escapes. Further testing with the use of lit tinder proves that the captured material can be set alight, providing both light and heat, though it is rather smelly when it seeps. (marsh gas is composed of methane & sulphur containing chemicals)
Unperturbed by the laborious casting, the Frogfolk of Soghoia diligently work until River Reed is fortified against all threats. Soldiers hop the perimeter day and night, ready to fire upon any who dare trespass into the Soghoian marsh.

>>3974372
>Vossiks
[B] Once iron and gold were discovered, little was thought could be of more valuable, but a chance discovery shall be an industrial boon. Seams of coal snake their way south through the Spine!
The capital of Othin had become little more than a backwater, having been more devastated by the plague than her sister city, and ravaged by internal conflicts for near a generation. Tyr held the reins of power; Much of the Great Library had been moved there, the military was stationed there in all but the winter months, and even the tomb of the short lived 'Othinian Emperors' was in Tyr. Knowing the might of the Vossiks, and their own relative lack, Tyr formally ceded themselves to the Vossik Republic, and opened it's doors to Othinian and Elezen alike. Not that many would venture there just yet.
It was a shock when the Sable forces descended upon the Othin capital with ferocity like trapped beasts. In a matter of hours the city lay in a state of ruin. For thought the Ants lacked siege and fire, they attacked with some terrible corrosive force, which melted its way through the wood & plaster of Othinian buildings. It's with bitter thanks that the insects do not destroy the more important structures; The Great Library, The Palace of the Republic, and the Othin Academy, for starts.

>>3975262
>Sable
[B] They found them! By all the Matriarchs they found them! Aya-fi'eds, green plant eaters, the size of an Ant egg they are. Though an outsider would consider it foul, the Aya-fi'eds secrete a sweet nectar, a syrup from the plants they eat, but cannot properly digest. At least, that's what's theorised. At present they produce very little. But with proper corralling, the Sable will have their honeypots!
The Leeches served as scouts initially, and brought back word that the Elves had begun talks in Tyr. Once this was confirmed, and also that no Elves were in Othin, the attack plans were adjusted. Soldiers would march into the sparsely populated oasis, and simply claim it without resistance. It was here they set up the refugee camps for those who surrendered, nearby the Vossik border, if they were so much in love with Othinia! Then the assault on Othin began in earnest. Soldiers, spitters & caelum launched into the attack with ferocity unmatched, any who stood against them were slaughtered. Of course many innocent were killed or injured, but were they truly innocent if there Othinian, The Lying Race?! No! It was an undue mercy the Ants showed those who laid down before them! In mere hours it was over.

>>3975266
>Llychlyn
[B] Eheubryd is called on by her Chancellor of the Exchequer as there are some discrepancies with the construction costs of the Great Church. It appears, somehow, that far more was actually donated than was spent. The discovery made after a councillor discovered almost a dozen undelivered satchels. The Queen thanked the Chancellor, telling him to disperse the funds how they were needed. The Chancellor coughed and explained to her, that the funds were enough to build another great church in Lunedannedd, though perhaps not quite as grand.
Quaking at the coming sound, and urging the soldiers to hurry, the representative arms himself, though not before closing the eyes of the fallen soldier & whispering a prayer to Fanw. With axe and shield in hand he begins to chant an old battle hymn; Sons of Fanw, march, march on! Daught'rs of Fanw, march, march on! Childr'n of Fanw, march, march on! For grace is on your side! Sons of Fanw, march, march on! Daught'rs of..., and so strengthened by his faith, he stands tall to meet whatever may come. Perhaps spurned by the display, the steps and grinding grow quieter, further distant. With great haste relief arrives, primarily to retrieve those trapped, but a cursory inspection is given to the structure. The stone is grey, far darker than the stone around it. It is cool to the touch, but not as cold as the air. It appears to be a single piece, as if carved into the earth, yet the dark grey stone is nowhere else in sight. It is unnaturally smooth, with almost a mirror shine. Just the sight of the thing is unnerving, growing as one creeps closer.

>>3976503
>Tarn
[NM] Two have risen where one fell / The God-abandoned horned-hare race / In plains once feared now scaled ones dwell / And in old homes do new ones grace.
[R] There's been loud croaking and hullabalooing in the Kalkahn swamps, something's taken up residence. And by the sounds that carry, they're having a mighty fine time on the Jackalopes grave.
[B] Whilst prospecting along the eastern face, a hobbyist geologist discovers a curious sight. A shining black and glossy stone. As he reaches for it, he cuts himself on the thing, and through some unknown means the stone drinks the blood. All day afterwards he claims to taste grass at the back of his throat.
(tell Tidal what kind of livestock you have on offer.)
Exploratory missions to the Sleeping Fields had revealed them in disarray, and the Kalkahn posts there abandoned. Each is thoroughly searched in hopes of an answer to the pressing question of what happened to them, when at last a letter is found. On bark paper, in faint black ink and broken Tarnic reads; Jehut has seen fit to punish us for unknown transgressions. There is no one but us left. We shall soon be gone too. We are sorry. (read my Tidal response too to see what happened about the Kalkahn)

>>3976519
>Tidal
[B] Wishing to get a victory under their belt before any further disasters hit, Amplekt set about restoring the Lighthouse. Materials are harvested and traded for from as far as the Lowland Dwarves, whose lumber provided excellent beams. Skills are developed, along with the import of tools from Tarnia, and soon there are enough planks to floor each story. Finally the hammered fire pit which once graced the tower is reinstated, and for the first time in countless centuries, the Pharos of Vacas is whole again.
(>>3977186 summed up the Jackalope query rather well, I believe, but I will add a little history) The illness had been a sudden occurrence, seemingly overnight the ports closed, and each door hung with black cloth and a wreath of wilted poppies, the Kalkahn custom for a death. From what little could be gathered, it started with one of the members returning from the Temple of the Mare; one of the jackalope responsible for disposing of the ashes from the idol. It had spread to his children, and then their friends, and then their families, and so on until not even a dozen of them remained. Distraught that even if they lived a hundred years each, no more would Jackalope sail Green River, for son should not be forced to lie with mother. And so, they brewed a final cup of marsh tea, enough to send them each to sleep a hundred times over. Together they weaved their mortuary wreath, and laid down to sleep, arm in arm.
Farming on the islands had been rather difficult, with loose soil, or poor drainage, or weevils, or whatever else Obadinia felt fit to test them with. Small farms of kelp and other sea vegetables had been beneficial, but there is only so much seaweed one can eat. With Tarnic expertise however, the issues were slowly being addressed. On the most northern island hardy perennial crops like fruit trees, fiddle-ferns from the jungles and a bittersweet red plant with enormous (and poisonous) leaves which the Tarn called Roo-berb. On the windy island Tarns suggested planting wind-breaker plants on the coast, then crops to shore up the soil, and finally to use the land to graze livestock (>>3976503 will let you know what kind of livestock he has to offer)

>>3976792
>Nomach
[B] The white deer once more venture into the Konyuc Grove. The guards on duty are filled with joy, for they know no harm shall come to the copse, as long as the White Deer remain.
The new currency sees immediate use, and is a point of pride amongst the Hacmos. The golden Elezen currency was good for dealing in large amounts, but the average Elf has no need for thirty bushels of barley or twenty barrels of salted fish. Near the palisade of Pokos, a market bank of sorts is formed, allowing the exchange of both currencies, gold vouchers, and grain. Rates remain relatively stable, for now.
Now that the celebrations have died down, it becomes apparent that the Konyukozo Henge is a place of tranquillity, and of peace. Whilst meditating in prayer a layman is struck with the power of the Lightgiver Himself, feeling his soul cleansed, and his body renewed, he ventures out of the Henge precinct. As he wanders, he sees a beggar woman doubled over with hunger pangs. As she sees him near, she gazes into his face and hears the words he says. "Konyu', bless you", with that he places his thumb upon her lips, and she stares amazed as her hunger is gone. He continues along the road to Oldek, and aides a hobbling mare to her feet again. When at last he returns home from his long walk, he rests, yet in the morning, Konyukozo has left him, but he is at peace.

>>3977182
>Incarnationis
[B] Having been discovered some time ago, but no Kahro being foolish enough to descend into total darkness, the cave had become little more than a footnote. But as the young are wont to do, one not long out of his larval phase takes it upon himself to explore it. After affixing the tanned intestines of delicious buck deer to a sturdy hitch, he lowers himself into the hole. After his optical sensors had adjusted to the gloom he could see that all around him were mushrooms. For eternity they seem to stretch into the darkness. He pulls himself up again and quickly slithers back to [pentagon] to tell of what he has found.
With the original pound already surrounded by the oppressors, a new one must be built. Driven by the injustice dealt to the Kahro, the new pound is built near twice the size of the old, with kennels beyond count. Now also with iron being mined the defences of Incarnationis are far greater than ever before.

(POOLED HARMONY enters)
On the shores of the Estral Desert a pod of foul things beach. Hailing from some unknown place, and diluted by the seawater, they had floated for an age it felt but at last they were on dry land once more. They basked on the scorching sand, feeling the excess evaporating from them, and breath a sigh of relief. And oh? What joy is this? A meal of Crocodile waits just across the river. They shall be the first to join in Harmony.

>>3975569
>FHR
[B] (included in post)
Prayers & penance are offered up to Sajaak, to return the healing powers to the priests, but they remain for now unanswered. In stead of their divine healing they turn to the gifts of Denok, and a grand expedition is sent into the plains and forests in search of whatever may be of use. Gone were the numbing plants, and swelling tubers of old, supplies having long dried up, no, they would now have to rely on what this new world has to offer. After collection, documentation, and preparation, testing would begin. First on those who were thought beyond saving. This way was found an awful poison, distilled from the dark berries of an otherwise non-descript herb; which sends the system into shock causing convulsions, foaming, and blotching skin. So too was found a purgative root mash, so extreme that the effluence was speckled with blood. Last was found in the crushed bark of a large tree, which set the body at ease, and free of pain for at least an hour.

DIPLO
>>3975609 [NM]
The map had given only the information "Shroom-men", but not that they would range from five inches to over nine feet in height! They had white, cream, and brown bodies, two arms, two legs, and large 'caps' of a myriad of shades. The air was heavy in their part of the jungle, thick with goodness knows what. Mustering all his courage Joji croaked loudly to announce his presence and... was roundly ignored. The shrooms continued their slowly dawdling, pivoting from one for to the other. Another loud croak. Still nothing. Fed up the little tree frog hopped straight up to a shroom almost exactly his height and thrust out the gifts, looking for eyes, or ears, or a mouth, or something! Alas, the shroom simply wandered away. These things were useless.

END OF SCENE THREE.

THE OTHINIAN CONFLICT
>>3974372 >>3975262
Once the fighting was over, new negotiations were begun. Vossiks asking to hold some of the southern oases to remain as farmland, Ants wishing to hold all they had won. And what of the refugees? The wounded? The sick? What of the dead? Where shall they be buried? The Ants show little care for them. They are Othinian, after all. Had a single Elf been harmed? Had the Othinians not brought their lies into the Republic as they had the Swarm?
More rounds would be needed. There is not yet a consensus.

END OF INTERLUDE.

Action 1: Expand north
As the Tarns informed the Depauns they were about to do, they begin to push northwards into the territories formerly occupied by the Kalkahan Clans. Of first priority is the security of the abandoned poppy fields(red arrow), followed by scouting operations to the northern and western jungles(blue arrows) as well.

Action 2: Bola catapults
While the Depauns have been steadfast allies of the Tarns for quite some time now, their most recent envoy has been, well, less than gracious. In fact, it is the opinion of two of the three council members that the message the Tidal Empire delivered contained something of a veiled threat. Such a thought is ludicrous, of course, and the Tarns have no reason yet to doubt their longtime friend. Still, there is also no harm in remaining prepared. To that end, the Tarns begin to step up production of catapults, specifically bola-catapults which launch two balls of iron or hardwood attached to each other by an iron chain. The catapults are surreptitiously deployed to the north, hidden in thatch wagons to disguise their true nature from any skywards onlookers. No need to cause an unnecessary panic, after all.

>If the Tarns discover the mushroom men
Diplo: Mushroom Men
So the rumors are true. The Kalkahans were indeed hiding a race of giant men, who look for all the world like the common mushroom. Still, the Tarns have no fear of “fun guys”, and thus sally forth bravely to meet this new nation. Talks are attempted in Kalkahanese and Xcytho-Tarnic, but just in case a large picture dictionary is supplied as well. The mushrooms men are offered gifts of bread and meat, and are quizzed on their understanding of the Kalkahans demise.

>>3975609
>If the Tarns discover the frog-men
While meeting with the Mushroom men, the soldiers catch sight of something magical. They’re starstruck by these new creatures: Frog and Toad from their favorite children’s tale, brought to life! The Tarns rush over en masse to introduce themselves and maybe get an autograph. While they are eventually mildly disappointed by the frog-people’s lack of whimsy and two-seat bicycles, this initial burst of good faith sets the tone for a very friendly encounter. The frog people are gifted a Xyctho-Tarnic dictionary, and quizzed on their understanding of what happened to the Kalkahan clan.

File: E8C79037-C0C9-43EC-A007-D(...).jpg (46 KB, 325x417)

46 KB JPG

>>3979961
Image

>>3977182
But something else lurked among the mushrooms of the cavern, an old and weathered creature. Blind, yet keen, the Cree stalks from his place in the dark and once more feels then sun on his scarred skin. He will wait some more.

>>3979948
Civilization: Soghoia
Political Structure: Elected Leader, Elected Council and Constiution of Laws
Religion: 95% Tribal (Animism); 5% Monotheism (Dragon God)
Language: Soghoian (fluent), Kalkahn (basic), Depauns (primitive), Tarnic (primitive)
Settlements: River Reed (Capital: Cement Block City Wall, Watchtowers and Housing; Bronze Gates, Doors and Roofs; Guard Patrols)
Resources and Technology: map of sigod, marsh gas (methane and sulphur), lime-cement, bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-buildings, marsh opium-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

Action 1: The frogfolk build cement block schools throughout River Reed to teach children basic reading, writing, mathematics, science, geography and history; build trade schools to teach young adults trade skills; and guilds to share knowledge amongst workers in their professions. One of the schools is built much larger than the rest as a university for students who go into research instead of a trade. The frogfolk's first research in this facility is dedicated to safe and efficient ways to gather and refine the marsh gas into solidified sulfur for use as a combustible flame source.

Action 2: The frogfolk build cement roads throughout the city for more efficient transport of goods and materials.

> the frogfolk listen for rumors

>>3979947
>Neverborn Crys https://youtu.be/mR-TRWTTbdA @6:50
1.
The appearance of the Nuck'lavee (Afterbirth) sets one idea in the minds of the Cravers, their God demands sacrifice, and he want it now. In Neverborn the city sits silent, before a harsh wail stricks the night; pack of Rut'ra and Rovers converge south with their Craver drivers and Nuck'lavee cargo. Within the Overgrown Dolmen, they set about bringing the old magics in line with their own. The Nuc'klavee is settled in a gore nest of the fruits of the Cravers craft, flesh and veins winding over the old stone. The Grist'carn, which pillars are whitened bone upon ancient stone. The Nuck'lavee serves as the heart of the flesh dolem for the moment.
(As for what the effect of this is we can discuss.)

2. Kos'tr leave the rivers and swamps of their birth, pressing into the salt of the open sea.

>>3979947
Such brilliant color these gem have! Back in our realm, there isn't much color. Mostly black, red, and $#% £!.
(Picking Turquoise)

1. These gems must shared and traded with our Dark friends. We will build a mining town (Shine) to mine the gem.
2. Aaaah, the eyes of M'ed! How could we have forgotten such wondrous items? They are sent to Insight for research.

Concluding the events of the Mujr'vom, or Western Purge, a rise in popularity is seen among the population in response, provoking a widespread improvement among the army and dwarven guilds.
Advanced training begins and plans are made not only improving the basics but focusing also on the likelihood of facing vastly different foe as a response to the creatures in the west by devising and simulating many variables with the help of creative guilds.
This varies wildly from simply enemies akin to dwarves but being only inches taller, to impossibly fantastical ideas of what else could lurk on this world.
Luckily most tend to center themselves between the two, allowing for realistic and helpful results.
>Training and Planning

More iron is needed.
To the southeast, the dwarves expand the underworld into the mountains so that they may set up mines.
>-Expansion+Mine

To alleviate the strain of controlling an ever expanding realm, the Invuld, or Mountain King, had established positions to better handle the realm.
Each city outside of the capital being ruled by a dwarf given the title Mountain Lord, being chosen by the Invuld himself, to whom they would ultimately answer.

In addition to the Mountain Lords, similar roles are granted, but not to rule over mountains. Instead they perform other important tasks while holding the same authority as the Mountain Lords, with one of which being given to rule in place of the Invuld should he be unable to rule, which is most commonly due to leading warriors in battle, or from excessive binge drinking.
Traditionally, this dwarf is chosen for his ability to control and lead the population from the capital while needing and having little to no experience in combat, whereas the true Invuld is chosen for a balanced ability to both rule from the capital, and to rule on the front lines of battle and war.
This position of course only applies to these circumstances, while also being decided by the Mountain Lords, and should the Invuld die, an unknown dwarf is predeclared by the Invuld, with his name sealed in the royal coffer until required.

Another such lord would rule over both Aetur'jotdragg and the ancient Mint, officially being titled a Mountainlord as all previous lords, however, not wielding an entirely equivalent responsibility. Rather, he guides the production in the two essential areas to promote the best possible output for the realm.

Often these dwarves convene to discuss matters affecting dwarvenkind, but their judgment is only ever considered by the ruling Invuld.


Current Mountain Lords of the northern realm:

Mountainlord Hrutnar Glotthingr of Ulzunteg'dun
Mountainlord Fornadt Dav'gonar of Vokalaet'dun
Smithlord Givli Latinvul'Munzdikl of Aeuntirgardun'kalnz
Regent Lord Kalmr Otan'volag of Aeuntirgardun'kalnz

File: slime_girl_by_sans_art_da(...).jpg (62 KB, 698x1145)

62 KB JPG

>>3979947
Along the shores, in the heat. Something converges, in understanding, slurry and slime, bone and ancient fear. Personalitys that have been twisted and distorted.

A discordant harmony that seeks to ascend.

>>Action One.
Subtlety is not used on the crocodilians, in force much of the harmony pools together before them and asks them one thing, a booming discordant voice twisted in a language that the crocodiles likely cannot understand.

It means, simply put

>>Would you like to join the Harmony?

They wait for them to open a a gate, for someone to step forth and move to consume them all.

>>Action Two.

The Desert sands are parted, consumed beneath us, till stone remains, deep below in slime forged caverns, a reserve is made, for if the chorus, the Harmony ever falls, they will be here to pick up some kind of torch.

>>3979953

At Allfshys, the report of the current situation in the ruins was concerning, and the supplies and people given to aid their efforts was given swiftly and with little question. However, good news would soon be heard by Eheubryd. There was plenty of funds left over from the construction of the church. Naturally, this excited her, as she could quickly get work on a slightly more modest version in Lunedannedd. However, still, that would have to wait for now at least. Still, it would surely be nice once things calmed down. Of course, near Allfshys, those two with their silent work continued forward still, getting ever closer to perfection of their craft now that they had to only refine it. However, it still would be some time from now till they were done, though certainly not as long as it took for them to get the basics down...

Meanwhile, the song driving the footsteps and grinding away, along with the arrival of more people and supplies to properly get down into the ruins helps raise the spirits of the members of the expedition significantly. Despite this place possibly being cursed of Fanw forsaken, they themselves were not, and Fanw was still watching over them, prayers answered. Once the relief party was able to make a way down with ladders and other means and the pathfinder was able to exit the ruins with the bodies able to be taken and brought back by two of the relief party so they may be buried properly and their clans see them one last time, they'd start to enter and learn about the place, however even the ones from Clan Tudor would be concerned, as if this place was unnatural and shouldn't exist despite being such. Naturally, the soldiers would remain on guard, and some people would remain on top just in case something happened, but proper exploration of these ruins would now be able to begin. Hopefully, the good fortune continues, and they might figure out a thing or two more about this creepy and unnerving place, and potentially a weakness that would allow it to be destroyed should the need arise, which despite the recent change in fortune, a decent amount of the old expedition currently believed.

>Action One. Arwen and Rhodri's work continues as normal, closer and closer. New methods for the rituals, slight tweaks to the amounts of material used... They would perfect it.

>Action Two. Start properly exploring the place. Everyone down in the depths should stay together so they may be better protected from that which lurks down here, whatever it is. Yet be sure to leave a portion of people on the surface just in case, a modest amount, but enough to deal with helping the people down in the depths should something go wrong.

>>3979945
>>3979947

>Diplomacy: Cewri (Giants)
Snorri Søvnighelm strokes his long beard at the commotion, then leaves his town office to go out to talk to Papa; for he has considered the elder Giant a friend since his people were bought into the Gyldenthrong. "Aye." he agrees. "You Gylden, I Gylden, Land of cave Gylden. You free to go, see old dead; see sunset Family." He states, looking up at Papa. "You want friend to journey with? Snorri bring food, ale for journey. Snorri see you there safe."

>>3979961
>Diplomacy: Tarn
A pair of scholars with a some understandings of Xyctho-Tarnic, Tarnish and the Giant tongue head to the border to try and meet and treat with the Tarnish. In years past, they explain, the Cewri told them of a threat that lay to the east; a bad thing, a night thing that killed and ate the giant race. As Tarnish lands now lie eastward of the Giant town, they wonder if the Tarn might now know something of this rumored threat.

>Action 1: Resource Collection
The realm is full of interesting things that the Gyldenthrong have yet to turn their attention to. The white, mountain beard that resists all heat, which might be of use to our smiths and the forges of the Ashenbeards; and the open meadows of the Grunvand plain that grew the dried herbs that were thought to taste right for flavour in ale. For the former, a mine is struck; for the latter, we set up farms (and breweries, distilleries...).

>Action 2: Land Survey
With the Bridges built across the three rivers, many are eager to start laying down the remainder of the trade-road. But King Kvydrech is cautious. He knows that one large cave was found upon the grasslands south of the Vandnor, and he would not have the road cut blindly over land that might prove unstable... or more valuable for other purpose. Instead, he organises a great surveying of his realm, to test the ground beneath for other minerals and materials that might proove valuable, to record their location, and to check that the proposed route of the traderoad is sturdy and stable.

>Rumour
A Rumour may be sought...

>>3979959
> DIPLO SHROOM
Joji Thrip decides that these creatures needed more observation. If they were not sapient, maybe they could be caputured, tamed, trained and made into work animals. He decides to set up a small camp with his patrol along the shroom tribe border. He will remain at this location for a few weeks observing and recording any discoveries of the shroom people (social interaction, tribal structure, leadership, emotional connections, empathy, intelligence, diet, mannerisms, culture, etc.) He plans to report back any and all findings about these strange creatures to the leadership of River Reed. If they are not sapient and really display no emotional or social abilities he will bring some of the smaller ones back to River Reed as pets with plans to domestic the larger ones as work animals in construction projects.

File: sketch-1576851862008.png (402 KB, 1080x1511)

402 KB PNG

>>3979961
The frogfolk are ecstatic to meet Tarn and match their enthusiasm! Joji Thrip (a tree frog man standing no more than two and a half feet tall) makes himself known as the leader of the expedition party (as best he can with the language barrier). The frog takes the dictionary from the men and examines it in awe. His face of a child on Christmas morning holds the book with the care of cradling a newborn infant. He carefully looks over the cover, binding, pages, writing and images within the book slowly before rushing armfuls of food and opium (which were initially intended as gifts to the shroom men) to the people of Tarn. He exclaims that this book will be rushed to the nation's new university and requests that Tarn share their knowledge in the production in similiar works. The frogfolk wish to produce their own books to record and share knowledge amongst their nation.

He explains the rise and fall of the Kalkahan clan and explains that the frogfolk have taken up residence in their old settlement, now called River Reed. Joji invites the Tarn envoy to visit the city and make a permanent embassy (of a few men) within the walls to allow for quick and reliable diplomatic communications. Although the frogfolk are small, the people of Tarn can expect a full sized city, as if built for the stature of humans (from taking the initial blueprint of the Kalkahan stilt structures).

The frog also shares his experience with the shroom men and explains his intentions with them. He intends to set up a small camp and observe the creatures for a few weeks, before deciding if domestication is practical.

After a lot of discussion and a mutual understanding of communication is established between the languages is in place, the frogfolk eventually humbly make the following requests from the people of Tarn. These are not demands, but requests of the frogfolk:

The Tarn can claim all of the swamp around the frogfolk's current claim (see map), but the frogfolk request that:

1. The Tarn do not build anything in these swamp lands (towns, cities, outposts, walls, etc.) This seems like a reasonable request as it would be a huge undertaking to build in the unhospittable enviornment of the marsh anyway and the frogfolk use the natural resources of this land (animals, plants, etc.) and don't want to see them destroyed.

2. The frogfolk can freely move through the swamps for patrols, hunting, scouting, etc.

The frogfolk do not care about any land outside of the swamps and the Tarn are free to do whatever they want with the rest of the continent.

>>3980827
The Tempelians are initially taken aback by the frogmen’s enthusiasm for literature, but quickly puff up as they register the compliment. They quickly assure the frogmen that they have many more of these books and will send some more along posthaste.
The Tarns agree to the embassy and make plans to host a delegation of frogmen in Xycthos as well. As for the observation of the mushroom men, they agree that a more permanent establishment is necessary. The Tarns propose that the Shroomlands come under joint administration by all nations together, at least until more can be ascertained about their intelligence.
The two conditions are accepted readily, though with the slight caveat that joint infrastructure projects like a canal system through the swamps could be constructed with the frogman's consent.

>>3980386
>>3975117
The Dwarves are eventually met with Elven envoys and invited to the city of Tyrhen Voss for proper negotiations. The Elves for their part explain that their borders are for the most part solid. They explain the western trade network, in which the elven trade language and script is used by the ants to the north and east and the elves of the west. The Dwarves, of course, were invited into the trade network. Once it is discovered that the Dwarves themselves have sizable gold reserves the question then comes how to regulate or make use of the material. It's startling commoness makes its use as a source of wealth questionable unless strong measures are taken to curtail its circulation. The koststadts of the Gold hills as they had come to be called had a vested interest in the matter, and felt that the Dwarves would likewise be concerned over the rapid proliferation of gold in any future trade network.

>>3980995
Although quite complex a discussion, should the two be able to discuss it, the dwarves would explain they possess a mint with which they can mass-produce highly unique currency that would be near impossible to replicate without.

What likely occurs is that the two explain currencies simply and the dwarves offer to produce coin in exchange for control of the west most mountain.

Regarding the trade network, the dwarves would be certainly interested but better communication would need to be established to proceed further.

Blessed be Castor for these gifts!

>1: Astronomy
When the sky’s great light falls upon the far-off dirt, it turns to void. Any aspiring wanderer would see the significance in this. Maybe the messages from nowhere are linked to the night sky? We have no choice but to wonder, and to closely study the void that hangs above.

>2: open a trade route between the mines and the capitol
Word of the new ore spreads fast. There are many artists who are eager to get their hands on these new pigments, and sparkling rocks. Then there are those who believe we may make weapons with this new metal, and study the new crystals closely. We’ll do both! But we can’t do either until they’re here.

>Diplo: Go say “hello” to the short, hairy ones
The short ones seem friendly enough. They’re also closer, no less. Since we probably can’t speak their language, we send an ambassador with gifts. The ambassador’s name is Rimpe Toles, and he’s bringing some of our traditional clay pots. Though he considers that they might not be the most fond of arts. Inside each clay pot, he places pieces of silver from the nearby mine. Castor’s gifts are re-gifted all the time.

>Diplo: Go say “hello” to the tall ones
Another ambassador is sent south, to go and meet those tall people. Her name is Cybill Agnes. Again, we probably don’t know the language they speak, se we decide to offer more gifts. The silver mine is a long way off, and the crystals have yet to be researched fully. We haven’t had much contact with crystalline rocks before now. Just want to make sure they’re actually useful, and not just fancy looking before trading them. Instead, we give them some more of our clay pots. On top of being practical for carrying liquids, they look pretty, too.

>>3981011
The Elves explain they also have their own mint, and a paper currency backed by gold that they use in conjunction with Hacmos silver coinage and thus have no need of a mint or to trade territory for one. The discussion, they explain, was to limit the amount of raw gold and gold coins in common circulation to prevent rapid devaluation of gold as a currency which would destabilize the entire continental trade network. The Dwarves are invited to learn and study the Elven tongue for use in trading in the west, and their envoys are granted both language tutors and written works to accelerate their grasp of the spoken and written tongue.

File: Dorf Map G44(M).jpg (418 KB, 1800x2000)

418 KB JPG

The world as it is known by the dwarves currently.
(Now in full, but in jpg because png is massive)

>Action 1: Armory
A simple smeltery to produce iron sheets is established on the same tile as the iron mine as well as a Caro Plant plot for attatching these sheets to the Kahro.

>Action 2: New Delta
To accompany the new "industrial" zone, a new town is established along with them, inhabited by the Dwarven-Kahro as well as some Kahro who simply seek to live closer to the hunting grounds.

>Diplomacy: Sable Ants
Conveniently for the seemingly non-conversational Sable Ants, much of the Kahro race is mute. The Kahro spend some time learning the body language of the bugs, utilizing the "peace dance" they were taught whenever the ants seem alarmed by the Kahro's presence.

>Diplomacy?: The Elder Cree
A squad led by a speaking Kahro is sent to establish contact with the beast of the cave. They begin by attempting to gather reactions from him in order to understand how his kind communicate. They keep their distance as always. A simple conversation would be attempted over the nature of the mushrooms.

>Rumor: Please?

>>3980383

>Diplomacy: Ashenbeards
With cooperation between the Dwarven peoples proving instrumental in the victory of the lumber-forests in the Kahro war (Not that the Dwarves would call it that, for neither Gold nor Silver yet knew this foe by their chosen name), Thane Grungan suggests to our northern kin that we make use of this time of peace to drill and train our warriors together. The Gyldenthrong will teach the Ashenbeards what they call the Gatt'Jern, the advanced Shieldwall tactics used by their forces; whilst the Gyldenthrong warriors will practice alongside the Ashenbeards in their new methods of training and planning for engagements. It is hoped that this sharing of military knowledge might allow both Dwarf states more future successes on the battlefields.

1. Tyr, Othinians, and the Pogroms

The capitulation of Tyr and its surrounding territory to the republic in the wake of the Sable invasion left some in the Vossaya bitter. For some the intent had been to open a path to the north for expansion. For others, it had been to restore order to the Othinian state, and thereby create a valuable trade partner and a defense of the western farmlands. For some, the capitulation of the Othinians was perfect. Regardless of their feelings on the matter the end result was that Tyr and its oasis and river were now being managed by an Othinian rump state and the Vossaya was now responsible for the many many thousands of refugees that the Sable had displaced as they conquered the land. It was, in their eyes, exactly the opposite of what they had wanted to begin with. The goal had been to restore order, then ship the Othinians back home. Now they had even more Othinians and nowhere to send them. Nowhere except for Tyr. And so the Vossaya met in the beginning of spring following the negotiations with the Matriarch's diplomats to create a plan for the new Othinian state. Obviously, Tyr could not be allowed to become an entirely separate entity. A compromise between full integration and full independence was met by the third week of heated deliberations. The city of Tyr and the Othinian goverenment in exile would be reorganized around a central monarch figure, invested with the power of rule, with a second in command appointed directly by the Vossaya to ensure compliance with Republican edict when they directly interfered with the running of Tyr. Outside of that, the city was to act as a free city with its own institutions, laws, and customs except where they may impede the movement or commerce of the Elezen and their associates. The question then became: who would be king of the city-state? The answer was one that few were happy with. An Othinian would be too unreliable. An Elezen would be too ambitious. A halfbreed would be the perfect balance. And so a half-Elezen with links to both a respected Othinian refugee cadre and a member of the Maesai class was promoted to the position. Lievelyn Mae'Dosai, scion to the Dosai kostland in the west and relatively minor Elezen princeling was given the title King of Tyr, Eternal Ally of the Republic. As a client king, he was subservient to the Vossaya, but independent to all others. A compromise.

The Othinian problem remained, however. The truth was that Othinians rarely assimilated fully. They had their own faiths and traditions that kept them apart in ways that even their short lives could not. What few had assimilated found that their Elezen neighbors soon lost their distrust. Anyone who would stand in temple with the Elezen was a brother in the faith and that counted for more than blood. The curtail the rising numbers of infidel Othinians roaming the borders the Vossaya passed a legislation that all Othinians must convert or be deported to Tyr.

>>3981741
The numbers were split at about 40/60 in favor of conversion. Some in the clergy argued that conversion by force was no true conversion, and that even those converted upon threat of deportation were little more than Baalur's servants in waiting. Others argued that anyone who accepted the Lightbringer's teachings and attended temple would ultimately find that Light could round even the sharped corners. In the end, the Vossik Republic would need to contend with a population of far too many Othinians crammed into the areas around Tyr and even more crypto-Othins in the general populace. It would take time and effort to bring religious unity to the lands of the Republic.

2. Coal Mines, Heat, and Timber
The introduction of coal to the Elezen was a surprising one. That the coal ran so thick and deep was moreso. The presence of so much coal found under the earth was a welcome discovery for it meant that the precious mountain forests could be preserve and not chopped down for fuel for the furnaces of Coertha Voss or to heat the many kost rooms. Coal could supplant wood as a fuel and this would be beneficial. The timber industry was not wounded by this. On the contrary, it improved as the timber could be used for other manufacturing products. The number of carpenters with access to quality wood and shipbuilders with quality oak rose dramatically in the wake of the coal find. Coal was soon found heating the furnaces of the goldsmiths in Gilden Voss and timber building the new city districts of Tyr. The discovery of coal did little for proper metallurgy. The ironworkers of Coertha simply did not have the knowledge of how to mass produce steel, and so it remained a rare commodity even with the introduction of coal, although it was now more present than before. It was used for little but ornamentation for the wealthy and to provide some equipment for the most powerful of maesai retinues.

>>3979947
[Authorization to fluff out my own resolved action relating to the FHRDF provided by OP]

The Free Human Remnant Defense Force has gained much since it's reorganization. Now, it's most recent gain is steel. While not the same quality of that of old steel, it's still far superior then the Iron they had been using. Routes for logistics and general transportation have been established throughout the possessed territories of the FHR, allowing for faster troop deployments and resupply.

In secret, elements of Clan Selvan and Belde have begun plotting something. Many of their resources have been pooled into a "project" of theirs that the Daiimad has only been given sparse information on...

1. Clan Caldath makes improvements on their ships, with new classes of warships coming out of the dockyards of New Andreth.

2. The Kahad-Sajaak has meditated for many days, seeking guidance on many issues that plague the FHR. Today, he received a vision, their Gods had tried to speak to them, though their attempts to reach their chosen had been muddled and difficult, though now, after all this time, they have finally reached the most devout of the FHR...

>>3980631
The Tarnian diplomats faces crease with concern. They relay their own suspicions of some sort of danger and tell of the mysterious erasure of the Jackalope clan, who seemed to disappear almost overnight. The diplomats also relay news of the discovery of a windy, malevolent province, east of the giant tribe. Perhaps if a giant was brought to it, they would be able to identify it as the evil the Tarns and Cewri dread. If it is, the Tarns will seek to neutralize and destroy it posthaste.
In lighter news, the Tarns relay news of the discovery of a new race to the north, the frog-men. They appear to be friendly and open to trade, and wish to construct a canal from their capital to Xycthos. With this interconnection in mind, the Tarns suggest that the the two nations collaborate on a similar project, a road stretching from Xycthos all the way to [the Gyldenthrong capital]. This highway could allow traders to head back and forth much easier than previously, and open up new markets for dwarven materials.

>>3981017
Though the Jackalopes seem to have slipped their mortal coil, the nations which have risen to take their place seem just as friendly and good-nature’s as their predecessors. The Tarns react warmly to the snake-woman, supplying her with a pictographic dictionary that allows the two to communicate to some extent. They accept the pottery, exclaiming over the delicate artwork patterned over the outside. In return, the diplomats gift the woman a number of furs and various meats from across the nation. Some pleasantries are exchanged using the picture-pointing method, and the diplomats ask if there’s anything the new nation would like to know about. Perhaps information about the surrounding lands and nations? Or maybe something else?

>>3981741
Approaching the border between the Vossiks and FHR came a Cadre of people clad in Red robes, wearing face masks of steel. They were members of Clane Varke, the keepers of old records and technologies, and they wished to speak with their Elven neighbors to the east. Accompanying them were several guards, wearing a different style of red robes, and wielding weapons of a different make to that of the FHRDF. The approached the closest form of border outpost they could find, and requested to speak with whomever was highest of rank there.

>>3981847
It doesn't take long. The Kostman is there to meet the masked visitors. In customary fashion they are treated to all the customs given to a visitor in a new kost. A brief prayer of protection and a ward against ill will, some salt sprinkled over shoulders, and finally, fresh bread and a hearty dark beer that tastes like cherries but with the subtle strength of steel wire. The Elezen drink theirs slowly. Their visitors may or may not, depending on their taste. They dine in a quiet, secure room within the stone walls of the tower. Eventually the Kostman asked of his visitor what their intent was crossing the border and hiding their faces behind masks.

File: 4 The Fourth Voyage.png (33 KB, 794x715)

33 KB PNG

>>3979956
The leader of Amplect is very annoyred, for the ship Pilocer did not take advantage of this situation in a way which could have reaped much. But missing opportunities can not yet be punished very severely as of yet so the captain is let off with a relative slap on the wrist. Let us be sure we do not lose out like this again.

Action 1:
Assist the Tarn in colonizing the Poppy producing (tile) while also reviving the poppy harvesting facilities so that Amplect depauns can operate them.

Action 2:
Endocer is getting to be quite the old ship, and its (10 turn) anniversary has already passed with a local festival having been held in its honor within the houses of Lyrara, thus we should put its skills to use and launch another expedition into the western bay. Now we shall fully open trade with the westerners, and this will finally bring us the wealth we desire.
>see pic, diplo will be done tomorrow morning

>>3981017
Met cautiously by the dwarves, the gifts are accepted, and were the pots given any artistic details, they would be admired, but for the most part the silver inside would interest them.

A diplomat would attempt to offer various goods of the dwarves including, but not limited to: bronze, steel, gold, goat products, ale, stone, and much more, if their neighbors can provide a fair exchange, with silver being one of the resources desireable.

>>3981472
Of course, the dwarves agree.
What is good for one dwarven realm is good for the other.

A representative of Smithlord Givli Latinvul'Munzdikl would shortly after offer a deal to their southern kin.
Many laborers are available and able to be sent to the south, where reports of vast woodlands exist.
As a token of their bond, the Ashenbeards would send these lumberdwarves to harvest the timber for the southern realm, asking only in return that they be allowed passage and rights to construct work settlements beyond the southern border.
These settlements however, are not intended to be permanent, but should they be allowed to stay, they shall continue to harvest the resources desired by the southern realm for centuries to come.

To add on to this, it is explained a secondary facet of this deal is that the Forgand'grutt, or Explorers' Guild, wishes to also examine this area and learn of what secrets it may hold, as both wild rumors and the fact of new life existing in these lands exists sways their minds.
In the off chance there were any unique finds to be discovered, the Gylden would be given full rights to them after a full examination is conducted by the guild.
(Respond to this offer ASAP, please)

>>3981844
Miss Agnes asks about further details on the surrounding land. More importantly, how far does the land go? It seems that she's never seen a "sea" before.

>>3982251
Mister Toles is elated to find out that such products can be made from goats. He's also happy to learn about those three new ores in the process. In exchange for every piece of silver in in his pot, as well as the pot itself, he asks for a small sample of each, which he will return to his capital.

File: 131263.jpg (52 KB, 660x440)

52 KB JPG

>>3980989
The frogfolk are happy to hear that the humans will respect their requests and agree to all of their terms. They are intrigued by the Tarn's use of canal systems for travel and the transport of goods and suggest that a canal and adjacent road be constructed immediately through the swamps to connect their civilizations. With the help of the humans, the frogfolk make the plans to dig out a new deep canal called the Sleepy River from River Reed to the Tarn nation to speed up their transportation of supplies and materials across the marsh.

>>3981945
The men and women ignored the heathen prayers, but remained as respectful as they could. When they ate, they finally removed their facemasks and hoods. Most were human, a few half-elves, and 2 dog eared women. An odd sight for the elves. After they ate, the put their garb back on. "We are of Clan Varke. Our mission here is to seek out the technologies of this world to add to the archives of our Clan. We have lost much over the years, and unlike some other clans, we are more.....open......to trade and parlay with those of non-human decent. We can offer precious metals, even Gold if what is said of your peoples is true."

>>3982491
A bronze pickaxe, a steel spearhead, and a gold coin would be given to Toles.

File: FF723F45-9079-4225-B7A9-9(...).jpg (37 KB, 281x360)

37 KB JPG

>>3982022
The Tarns thank the Tidal Empire deeply for the assistance they have sent. The depauns are quickly set to work helping to dig out a canal from the poppy fields to Tempel and the Xycthos. When completed, this canal will greatly assist in the transportation of the harvest down to the market, ensuring great surpluses for all involved. The strength and flight abilities of the Depaun should make the task significantly easier as well. The Depauns are fed and housed well, and given a talent of silver apiece as payment for their selfless generosity.

>>3979951
As their Capital crumbled and the last of the Othin forces surrendered, the rage of the ants is sated. The swarm celebrates its victory over the traitors, and the soldiers march through the halls of the colonies with pride. The Matriarch sits in her throne room most pleased with the results. The presence of the Vossiks in Tyr both surprised and upset the swarm initially, however negotiations began swiftly and an agreement was reached.

Actions:
>>3981413
>Diplo: Kahro
-The ants found a large rock resting on the eastern border between the ants and the Kahro. After the workers hollowed out large chambers in the rock, a group of princesses moved in. They were to be the swarm's embasadors to the Kahro, tasked with building a positive relation with their species. It wasnt long after this that the Kahro were noticed studying our behaviour. They were brought to the stone embassy where the ants and Kahro worked on establishing communications.

-The discovery of the Aya-fi'eds was most satisfying indeed for the ants have been scouring the jungles ever since they Matriarch learned of them from the codex. For years they eluded the swarm, but a rather parched ant chanced on the discovery when it found these wonderful creatures draining massive plants. The ants quickly relocate these to a chamber where Queen's Joy is cultivated. Here the ants take proper care of the bugs, learning their habits and begin to fully domesticate their species. The honeydew they process from the mushrooms are fed again to the larva. The codex mentioned they were kept alongside the mushrooms and thus the swarm experiments to see if they hold any special properties.

>>3983244
Its ant guy, new device so forgot to add the name.

>>3983112
"If it's trade you seek we are welcome to it. Technology is not something we have much of here, but trade goods we have aplenty. Your clan is welcome to trade, provided they remain peaceful in doing so." A short time later and the party was traversing the busy bazaars of Terrata where exotic goods like: silver metalwork, jade jewelry, fine weapons, glittering mail, exquisite clothing of wool and linen, furniture made from rare jungle wood that the Varke had never seen before, and rich artworks in paint, brush, and pen. In the harbor the few warships were dwarfed in number by the long galley trade vessels that moved along the coasts.

>>3983155
From the bottom of his heart, he tries to thank them, though he is still incapable, due to the language barrier.
He gives the short ones a friendly wave goodbye as he returns home with the traded goods.

Posted of behalf of the Narsics

>Seeking new lands and resources the council send and expedition north to take some new land. They hope for warmer climates and new avenues of research.

>It is tested whether or not the Spears can be an effective conduit for magic. It seems to work and Narsic chefs begin using variant to help with the loss of magic when cooking. The Spears are refined with the hope to reduce magical loss as they are used

>Rumour

>>3983621
The representatives examine the goods offered. "We have no interest in anything other then to archive the technologies of those of this world. We do not mean nor intend to insult, but this is all of little value to us. To other Clans, maybe, but not to us. We shall depart. We wish you the blessings of Meknii and farewell elves." The people would later depart, rather disappointed, though they wouldn't show it.

File: Map13.png (434 KB, 2048x2628)

434 KB PNG

SCENE FOUR

>>3979961
>Tarn
[D] Reports have ceased from the timber expedition to the south. Further reports from the farmers in the area tell of eerie noises in the night, and shadows over the fields.
With the Kalkahn gone, no more opium flows. Clinics and apothecaries have long run dry. Tarnic explorers bring the Sleeping Fields into the fold, and the abandoned Kalkahn equipment is put to use. And with the help of the Depauns, canals are built from the depot to Tempel, and then to the Templesi river.
Plans are put to action for the defence of the nation. Iron is bought from the Gylden and Ashen especially for the project. In time each city would be armed with catapult & bola-catapult along with the bowman already present.

>>3980052
>Soghoia
[R] Quiet croaking was spreading of a race of giant snakes to the west, past the jungle and swamps, in the plains. Not many had ventured that far, but some had, and were quick to affirm such a story. Horror stories followed after, that they were all of the toad-eaters! Soon children were threatened with Plains if they were naughty.
The schools prove a great success, not a single tadpole is left behind. Advances are made seemingly every day throughout the system, from improvements to the cement formula (early concrete), and leaps in artistic endeavours (up to you). But the marsh gas studies were the most attentively watched, for with it the city could perhaps be lit with it, instead of the sputtering reeds they currently rely on. Much is tried, much fails, but a single process shows promise. The gas is transferred to a large kiln of lit peat and sealed. After days of continual refuelling, the ash is sifted through, and tiny yellow nuggets harvested. These alone are not flammable, but it's a start. Along with the schools new roads criss-cross the swamp city.

>>3980301
>Cravers
The Nuck'lavee screams atop his throne of gore, writhing, failing, but fast upon the stones. Ever shrouded in the mists of the marsh, the biting flies which gnaw and lay their broods among the desecrated dolmen, and the pink haze of flesh. The Rut'ra steer clear of the swamp the Grist'carn inhabits, braying and snorting when dragged there. (we'll discuss what it can do at a later date)
Kos'tr glide within the filth of the maws, home in it, and then into the clear sea water beyond. Here they are less at ease, eyes adapted for sullied waters the clarity somewhat confuses them. Even still they snap up anything unfortunate to cross their path; fish, kelp, jellyfish, all consumed. Some they transfer to a fleshy pocket within their mouths, to spit into Neverborn for evaluation, but most they swallow whole.

File: Heed Death Mask.jpg (123 KB, 618x650)

123 KB JPG

>>3980309
>B'yogi [NM]
Shine soon becomes twinned with the neighbouring city of Heed, fast becoming profitable trade partners. The markets of Heed open to the Hacmos of the east for further business, now resplendent with worked & unworked turquoise, including very special (and very expensive) Heed Death Masks.
The Mirrors are sent to Insight with much secrecy; for the longer the B'oo are part of this world, the more of its vices work their way into them. New and unpleasant emotions arise: Greed, Envy, Misery. At Insight the mirrors are tested in private, finding them to have no minimum nor maximum range. Findings conclude that the Mirrors only transmit what eyes can see, not what ears can hear, nor noses can smell. Such a blessing will be of great import in the future, this the B'oo feel strongly.

>>3980383
>Ashbeards
[R] Scavengers in the northern plains have discovered crystals of clear hue. Field testing shows them to be soluble in water, and hunch says they'll be useful somehow.
Dwarves long ago learnt the lesson that no Dwarf may thrive alone, and so cooperation is of utmost importance. Guilds of all kinds begin projects together, such as the improvement of armour designs, or the ratios of ores in alloys. Much is sure to come of it.
Deep beneath the Tarn, Dwarves follow seams of iron to larger deposits, some coming dangerously close to the surface.

>>3980535
>Harmony
Cautious, the Sukus still allow the Slimes in. A play is made of it, until in a flash the creatures are taken, absorbed, destroyed. Their tough hides remain floating and digesting for weeks afterwards.
The reserves of Quire sing quietly below the stone, waiting for their time.

>>3980563
>Llychlyn
With hymn in their heart they step into the temple below the ice. They venture first down a long, unchanging corridor of the same dark stone. No seam nor join can me found, nor any chisel marks, as if the thing had simply popped into existence. After the light of the hole no longer provided, torches were lit. The corridor began to only just perceptibly slope downwards, little by little. All the while the grinding noise seemed to echo from every direction. The mere presence of the place put one on edge, the representative of Clan Arswyd agreed. The noise felt to be coming from inside the head. The party continued until one of them stopped. "There... There isn't a Clan Arswyd...". They turned to the representative, who was no longer there. The grinding grew louder. The air grew hot. Hysteria gripped the crew, who ran back to the exit, only to find that where once was a doorway now stood an intersection. Dark hallways stretched into infinity to the left, to the right, and behind them.

>>3980631
>Gyldenthrong
[R] Though yet to be proven, word travels through trade of a second great trade network to the north, and of a northern mountain passage which allows for the crossing of the continent, much like the Dukkezop Pass.
The Mountain Beard as it is known (mine marked 'A.') is a fantastic material, though difficult to mine as the merest touch sends shards into the air. But the Gylden are a hardy race, they shall manage. Herb plants are gathered from the plains and forests, and planted in purpose built farms along the Vandnor. Of course, along with distilleries and breweries to test everything.
The hole previously discovered is of some import (see DIPLO), though this is no reason to stop the survey. Much Gylden lands proves to as yet be barren of ore, giving only stone it seems, but other territories are more fruitful. The hills of the giant prove to be rich in coal, the land north of Æblekag to contain traces of tin, and the land to the north copper. Of most joy however is the discovery of the tail end of a gold vein, stretching north into the Ashbeard Kingdom. It is a relatively little amount, but it is within Gylden borders, which somehow makes it feel, blessed. Guldfar smiles, at least a little, this day.

>>3981017
>Meluzina
(make sure to >> who you're diplo-ing)
The sky is bright with stars and distant worlds. The vastness of it humbles the Meluz, and gives them a better understanding of the Void. For in a patch of sky, the stars are few, only a handful pierce the veil.
The traderoads are compacted into the dirt, far easier to slither across than the trialled cobbles. Separate roads stretch from each mine to the capital, halving the time it takes to travel!

>>3981413
>Incarnationis
[R] There has, on rare occasion, come floating across the Wending Strait hunks of red flesh and sinew. The taste is of little note, and it's nutrient level poor, but those who ingest it begin to develop benign tumours. Upon dissection they prove to be a strange amalgam of both the red and Kahro flesh. Peculiar.
The new industrial hub of [nu delta] is vibrant with activity. Caro and Iron are experimented with, the new smeltery used to cast and forge all manner of armour and of course, armaments. The Kahro had not wished to be a race for war, but it was so that war had come to them. They would at least this time be ready for it if it once again came knocking.

>>3981741
>Vossiks
The Othinians had never been one for religion as a whole, preferring to focus on what could be observed or dissected. Those of the lower orders took to the Temple willingly, indebted to the Elezen as they were, kneeling and whispering and all that on the sun's zenith was a small price to pay. Some even began to believe in the Lightbringer. Of course, many who didn't believe went along with the ordeal too, not wishing to be deported to the ever increasingly crowded Tyr. Those of the higher orders rejected this silly notion of Gods and Demons, gladly relocating to Tyr, and at times defecting to the FHR (>>3981840). It was those of the largest class, the middling sorts which were greatly split by the ultimatum. Many had grown rich in the kosts, some had half-breed grandchildren, all knew which side of their bread was buttered. Grudgingly they would accept, though this would not be enough. Those shown to be dodging temple, practising forbidden acts, or otherwise only giving a façade of conversion were deported. Anger grew in Tyr. Overcrowding was common, supplies were limited, disease was rampant, and all of it lorded over by a half-breed. All of this bubbled below the surface, with Elezen either feared or disgusted by the city-state.
Coal was cheap, and plentiful, but it had its drawbacks. Coal fumes were far dirtier than those of wood, and a rash of asphyxia deaths racked the kosts from Coeryha to Terrata. Rumour spread that it was the revenge of the Othinians, and the excuse was used outwardly to dismiss Kost Othins from their positions in a few cases.

>>3981840
>FHR
Initial Caldath ships had been solely for transport, with little in the way of protection, but with the knowledge that this land holds both Elves and other abominations against Sajaak, weaponry would need to be affixed. The first warships are built in near-secrecy, not wishing the loose lips of other clans to spread the message of their existence outside the borders. Once they sail however, the world shall know of the might of the FHR, on land and sea.
Priests once again feel the presence of their God with them, renewing their souls. Still the magics of this world are, different. Progress is made with the curing of minor ailments, and of the healing of minor sickness, but the great achievements of the past are yet to be matched.

>>3982022
>Tidal
A great Western Expedition is planned. First around the Horn of Narsis, trading and resupplying with the Gylden, and then where the coast goes! The freezing waters prove difficult for the ageing vessel, but with care she makes it to the Dwarven town of Vankung. (>>3980631) After some minor trade talks, she sails again through the calm Sea of Glyndon, steering well clear of the turbulence on the horizon. They sail past beaches sparsely populated by dark elves, and then on to the shores of a land populated with shadows. There is still much to learn in this world it seems.

>>3983244
>Sable
The Joyous Honeydew as it came to be called seemed to intensify the once mild euphoria the Queen's Joy produced, but did not create the acidic by-product. This gift must be monitored closely, as the lazy may easily become the hedonistic. As for the larval tests, much is to be said. First the larva were fed plain Honeydew as a benchmark of sorts, which while nutritious had no discernible benefit over regular feeding. Tests of the Joyous Honeydew however proved far more exciting. Initially they show the faster growth typical with those larva fed Queen's Joy, but they kept growing. As they matured they were a good head taller than other ants, but what was more fascinating was that they began to grow distended social stomachs, capable of holding many times that of an ordinary Ant, swelling to a ludicrous size. They seemed content to simply sit, and feed those Ants who asked, imbuing their stores with the mild euphoria of the Queen's Joy.

>>3983756
>Narsics
[R] Ships have begun sailing from the North, helmed by tall creatures. Insight reveals they mean no harm, though they are, scared? No, unwary. Perhaps they are traders?
Explorers venture north, round the base of Grey Cloud Peak, for they cannot scale it. The further they travel, the less compact the permafrost, the more common they find patches of rock, or moss, or lichen. All are scanned for signs of magical essence, but come with little more than a nigh imperceptible life force. But the further north they travel, the more they spot -something- in the mists.
Cooks near lossless magics with the spears, but the use of the spears gives much of what they touch a slightly bitter taste. It is not altogether unpleasant to a mature palate, but the young and the fussy prefer to gobble the essence from the Stele unfiltered.

DIPLO
>>3979961
Like those before them, the Tarn are ignored by the mushroom men. (see the DIPLO of >>3979959 for full details) One of the documenters brought with the expedition examines a larger member of the species closely, noting it's movement patterns, colouration, and likeness to smaller fungi in the region. As he is doing so the Shroom stops mid walk and begins to express from an unseen vent in it's cap a cloud of spores. With this he becomes motionless for as long as the Tarn are in the area.

>>3980631
Papa nods his heavy head. An old friend would be much appreciated, as would an old friends ale. The Giants were especially fond of the light Æblekag field-brew, with its mellow taste and many bubbles. The finer Dwarven things were always too rich for the Giants, preferring simply cooked meats and raw fruits, though old-fashioned dense fruitcakes were an exception. With supplies packed, and Snorri perched on Papa's broad shoulder, the two set off to the Tomb of the Giants. Papa spoke softly, for a Giant at least, dropping in Gylden loanwords occasionally. He told of how the Giants had always lived, hungry and cold, how long ago stories told of villages and towns of the Giants, all gone now. Papa's tone is low and full of memory. At last they reach the place, now a simple hole in the ground surrounded by Dwarven fields of rye and barley. Papa gazes over them mournfully, before helping Snorri down, and descending into the cave.
No Dwarf had every before set foot inside, fearing the place cursed, haunted, or worse. Even now Snorri felt uneasy, as if intruding. The cave was at the entrance naturally formed, before giving way to rough chisel marks, and finally a warren of catacombs. Awe fills the Dwarf, as Papa plods slowly through, having to always crouch in the cavernous tomb. Niches held skeletons, urns, and mummies, each of which Papa knew by name. The old Giant finds a niche without a body, and touches the stone sadly. "Son. Lost in Sunrise plains. Never come home." The Giant is stoic, but the emotion is clear on his wizened face. Papa takes the supplies Snorri had packed, arranging them neatly on the empty stone. Without a word he turns and trudges back to the sunlight. He looks over the fields again, and shakes his head. He leaves without Snorri.

>>3980763
Blindly, deafly, the Shrooms continue their wandering, though somehow never bumping into each other. Rarely they would stand in place, and release a cloud of near invisible spores, remaining still for days at a time afterwards. Joji and his crew documented each Shroom, along with a crude sketch and nickname. There were as best as could be counted 73 individuals, ranging from the enormous 'Armill' to the tiny 'Meli'. Each wandered seemingly aimlessly, frequently walking one way only to turn 180 and travel right back to where they were.

>>3981413
The Cree sniffs the air and turns its ears to the encroaching Kahro. He hears them speak, and in an uncanny & almost mocking tone repeats their words back to them, in their own voice. His fur is long, and green with moss, his horns broken, but his snout still filled with sharp and jagged teeth, which he bares at the Kahro as they approach. Again he repeats the same words, in the Kahro's voice, followed by a shrill ear-piercing cry. He takes a heavy step forward, once more baring his teeth, once more mimicking the Kahro. The stench of decay and blood fills the air. Even to the Kahro it is nauseating.

END OF SCENE FOUR.

File: sketch-1576945542851.png (422 KB, 1080x1511)

422 KB PNG

>>3983871
Civilization: Soghoia
Political Structure: Elected Leader, Elected Council and Constiution of Laws
Religion: 96% Tribal (Animism); 4% Monotheism (Dragon God)
Culture/Art: Victorian Architecture
Language: Soghoian (fluent), Kalkahn (basic), Depauns (primitive), Tarnic (primitive)
Settlements: River Reed (Capital: Cement Block City Wall, Watchtowers, Housing, Roads, Primary Schools, Trade Schools, Guilds, University and Tarn Embassy; Bronze Gates, Doors and Roofs; Guard Patrols)
Resources and Technology: map of sigod, marsh gas, crude sulfur, early concrete, bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-scaffolding, concrete buildings, marsh-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

Action 1: Using huge bronze pipes, massive bronze fuel tanks and concrete blocks, the frogfolk build a large extraction plant over the southern swamp (circle on attached map) to extract, store and transport raw marsh gas. The marsh gas is extracted using the bronze piping and stored in the enormous bronze gas tanks. This facility is well supplied with any equipment, material and labor needed to get it operational and running.

> COMBINED ACTION W/ TARN
Action 2: In order to transport supplies, building materials, stored gas and processed sulfur to and from River Reed and the new extraction plant quickly and effortlessly; and, to transport future trade goods between the Tarn and Soghoia nations, the frogfolk work together with their new friends to build deep canals, adjacent roads and neccessary bridges (see attached map) through the marshes. The canals start at River Reed and run to the Tarn border and the new extraction plant. The canals continue into Tarn lands to Tempel and on to Xycthos.

>>3983871
> Artistic Advancement
Victorian Architecture

> NEW LAW
Due to substantiated rumors of terrible frog eating beasts in the western plains, frogfolk are no longer allowed to leave the swampland surrounding the Soghoian border unless given specific diplomatic authority from the nation's leader or council.

>>3983882
> DIPLO SHROOM
After weeks of observation, the frogfolk expedition leader begins to doubt the usefulness of the shroom men. Their apparent lack of intelligence, emotional awareness and social abilities bring Joji to believe that these creatures might be better left alone. In a final attempt at making use of the situation, he first decides to try and train one of the smaller creatures. He picks one up and tries to teach it any basic command using a variety of techniques and rewards. After that, Joji gathers some spores from one of the larger creatures in a bronze flask which he sends back to the university in River Reed for analysis.

>>3983871

>Action 1: Strike the Earth!

The discoveries of coal and metals are uplifting to the Dwarves of the Gyldenthrong, but none so much as the discovery of a golden seam. Truly, Guldfar has blessed us to find a vein of his most holy metal so close to the core of Gyldenthrong lands. A mine is struck for the gold, where anointed priests of the god of gold, heat and light will excavate this precious substance with the due reverence it deserves.
Compared to this, the mine struck in the Giant hills for coal by Dwarf commoners is positively mundane and really quite grubby indeed.

>Action 2: Into the Woods.
A new expansion southward, into both close and the deeper woodlands, is planned... and if our northern, silver kin are supporting us in this as they offer to, this might be a mighty expansion of the Gyldenthrong indeed.

>>3981844
>Diplomacy: Tarn/Giants

The news of the erasure of a clan makes the Gylder Dwarves' beards twitch to hear of it, however far off and whatever breed they might have been. The news of the windy, malevolent place the Tarn have found only brings further worry to their foreheads. They will ask the Cewri, they say; but the Giants now fear the eastern lands, and they would not force any to go there unless he wished to. If one would so wish, though... then Dwarves of the Gyldenthrong would accompany this expedition, too.

On other matters, the Golden Dwarves state; a road already runs between Dukkezop and Gyldholm, though at present this is more a pilgrim's trail; a second road might be required for the passing of trade traffic. If the Tarn do run a road up from their Capitol to the mouth of the mountain pass, then the Gyldenthrong might meet it there with a trade-road.

>>3982251
>Diplomacy: Ashenbeards

If our northern Kin wish to help us drive the borders of the Gyldenthrong south to the coast (for we are now fairly certain there must be more coast beyond the woodlands, as a Dragon-ship recently sailed from around the south to dock in Vankung), then any Ashen settlers sent will be welcomed gladly into the Gyldenthrong as brother Dwarves among us. Similar to our own settlers, they will be exempted tax and feudal obligation to the Gyldenthrong for ten turns of the world, provided that they register at the Woodland office in Æblekag so that the legal personal ownership of prospective land-plots might be established and recorded. Full Gyldenthrong rights to any finds made after examination by the Forgand'grutt also sounds incredibly generous, and the offer would be most welcomely received... short of pure knowledge of what might be out there in the woodland, the Golden Dwarves do not see what our silver kin would gain personally from passing us these discoveries, aside from the general strengthening of Dwarvenkind.

Is there anything the Silver Dwarves wish for as promise or payment for these offered services to us, the Golden Dwarves would ask? Or is only their connection to the unified Dwarven trade network required?

File: sketch-1577022973657.png (428 KB, 1080x1511)

428 KB PNG

>>3984448
The location of the gas extraction plant will be named Quagspire due to the extremely tall bronze chimneys that rise out of the bog above the marsh canopy.

>>3983873

While many of the members of the group sent into the dark of this strange place started to panic, the representative of Clan Tudor seemed to stop mid panic as they had an epiphany. While Clan Tudor is not know for charismatic speeches, the man would call out for everyone to hear them before saying "If we panic and falter, we will never get out of this place. Instead, we need to try and remain calm. The grinding noises around us are likely the very structure shifting, turning, and changing. This place is one of infinite possibilities, anything can happen so long as it remains unobserved for a time. However, there is a constant to this strange paradoxical place. Most paths lead downward, trying to lead to something in the depths of this place. And if my belief on the nature of this place is correct, sight too, is a constant. So long as we keep our eyes open as we walk, so long as we are observant, everything within sight will remain the same...We have two options, either we follow the paths down and try to find the source of this places ever changing nature and stop it, or we attempt to head back to the surface. I believe that heading down and stopping this so we may leave in peace is our best chance. And, in the process, we might just finish what we came here to do." With this said, the group would hopefully reorganize, and continue, for better or worse...Even if they still were on edge, hopefully the explanations of this paradoxical place would be of some comfort, even if they were just hypothesis and not solid confirmed fact.

Meanwhile, back at Allfshys, Clan Howell in the Eglwys fawreddog y ffyddloniaid late in the evening as the sun set would do a traditional ritual done many times by the clan. Sacrificing the bone of beast, of the creatures of the wild through fire. And in the smoke, maybe Fanw would give a vision...Additionally, not far away, two would be very pleased with their work. The technique of the physical kind was mastered, but not the ritual, Arwen and Rhodri were close...Soon they would show their project, very soon.

>Rumor

>Action One. The party attempts to reorganize and collect themselves, constantly vigilant into their decent into what could best be described as the darkest dungeon any Child of Fanw had ventured into.

>Action Two. Soon...Very soon. Patience is a virtue Arwen and Rhodri have plenty, as is Diligence.

File: sketch-1577024879279.png (443 KB, 1080x1511)

443 KB PNG

>>3984448
The river in front of River Reed that intersects The Sleepy River has been named The River of Dreams and the bridge across it has been named Starlight Bridge.

File: 8a4b43fcc92b9551dde284396(...).jpg (460 KB, 828x1500)

460 KB JPG

>>3983873
These new emotions are so strange. We feel like we should take what we want and not wait! I see why conflict is so common in this world. We should temper these emotions lest they destroy us. Though they are exciting...

1.We shall take note of the H'ums' was. The Devourers need discipline and refine for mindless beasts won't solve everything. They are trained with weapons and taught tactics. Now they hunger for battle as well.
2.With Insight, we now have a central place to research and study. With such knowledge, we will finish rebuilding the Bone Mother's home with a bit of B'yogi flare.

File: trn13.png (247 KB, 538x346)

247 KB PNG

>>3983871
Not only the Caelum, but now the Titanom are back. These behemoths are welcomed back with open antennae and quickly find their place in various areas of the swarm's efforts. One was transportation. They would set out in convoys, moving to the furthest and largest sites of the ant's scavenging operations. Here they would sit while the worker ants fed them until their distended stomachs were swollen to maximum capacity. One loaded they would drudge back to their designated colonies while the next convoy took their place. The second was their clear application for war given their increased size and their acid being potent enough to melt armor. Those recruited to be soldiers for the swarm would essentially act as commanders, their combat instincts and intuition having a slight edge over their smaller brothers. They also served in squads of elite soldiers, relying on their collective size and strength to break through a fortified front line, and artillery where the Titanom could either digest a bulk of Queens Joy and spit a semi-congealed ball of concentrated acid up to 600m away. They could also spew a steady stream of acid if filled to capacity.

Actions:
-The ant's have expanded a far bit since it first came to the surface world, and lately it's been becoming a bit more difficult to locate some of our more distant operations. Though not very often, some of our supply chains will break somehow and a section of it will get lost, causing a significant disruption in our scavenging efforts. A group of broodmothers within the Catacombs in charge of administration efforts assemble multiple teams of their scribes along with scholars to explore lands around the ant's immediate borders and to map the expanse of our currently held and adjacent territories. They teams scatter out immediately into the wilds, eagerly mapping out with careful detail and extensive notes. It will take many months, but the numerous nature of the ants enables them to divide their operations into different divisions across the nation each charged with mapping out their assigned areas. When the first team finishes a division, they rotate with a neighbor and each map those areas again, this process is repeated twice for each area ensuring that each area is checked by 3 separate teams . Once completed, teams return their findings to the Catacombs where elder scribes compare them to minimize any discrepancies and assure accuracy. With the birth of cartography, the ant's will be far more organised than before.

-With the lying Othininians gone the ants feel emboldened by their recent victory to assert their dominance over the Estral Desert. They expand into the deserts north of the oasis better equipped for the harsh conditions after having learned their lessons last time. They comb the sands, hoping to find potential treasures it might hide.

>>3985163
>>3981413
>Diplo: Kahro
The ants have the Kahro have spent many months in that embassy, working together and studying each teaching the other a little about how they communicate. Though painfully broken at first, as the they come to understand each other's mannerism and social practices a language of sorts forms. They establish a form of body language, in which the ants will move in certain ways while using sounds they can similarly produce in combination to give certain motions and gestures different meanings based on the attached "pronunciation". Using this language the Kahro managed to explain to the ants some of their most recent history. What particularly interested the ants was the parasite's relationship with death.

The ants saw their use of dead creatures... noble in a way. For the dead could serve one last time by continuing the cycle of life. This wasn't too foreign to the ants, for a healthy respect of death was part of their culture. The Catacombs were not named such for it to be a resting place for the ants after all, but that it be the resting place of all other things. The ant's saw it as their duty to gather all things dead and withering of the world and to bring them back to their colonies where they could serve one final time and have a place to rest. In the Kahro they saw a sort of morbid kinship. As soon as the Matriarch heard word of this, she assembled the Queens. They discussed in secret the nature of these creatures, and debated back in forth. They had an opportunity for the corpses of their dead to serve once more for the swarm's interest. The dead used to be cannibalized but this practice faded with Nethazar's reign. It reminded her too much of the purges that happened during the old queens' time and left a disgusting taste in her mouth.

A decision of this nature could only be made if the swarm would support it, her authority alone was not enough. The Matriarch knew this much. What she was suggesting was radical, even for Zaroka who's time in the Crypts had left her quite jaded. Eventually a decision is reached, a vote of two against one with Queen Ti'Clika being the only one against the idea. For the first time since the Matriarch's reign was decision made by a vote among what could be considered her peers. With a conclusion reached, the ants dispatched a delegation in secret to the Kahro. Their offer was simple, the Ants would supply a small stream of worker corpses to the Kahro. They would work together, using the embassy as a research base and offering to set aside a few chambers for their use, including a nursery for where they could produce and care for their young in order to study their reproductive cycle using ant hosts and the spawn of such a nature.

>>3985163
>>3981741
The nature of the Othinian conflict had created an uncertain situation for a while. The ants assaulted the Othinians out of organised fury. But they most certainly were not expecting Elezen in Tyr. Initially surprised and somewhat agitated, the Matriarch was able to quickly communicate with the Vossiks via diplomats and gained an understanding of the situation. Agreeing to cede Tyr to the Elezen, the ants still had the matter of the refugees from the war. With their nation crushed and their opponents already defeated, the ants have little interest in them anymore since their rage is quenched. Given their relationship, the swarm dispatches group of caelum and an Alate princess on a diplomatic mission to Renthum Voss. There they requested to speak to their higher authorities regarding various matters related to both the war and trade.

Firstly they presented the issue of the refugees, the ants were prepared to safely and freely give custody over them to the Vossiks should they want them. Secondly they discussed matters of trade, the diplomats presenting to the Vossiks' extravagant art pieces carved by the ant's finest artisans as both gifts and sample of the beautiful jade that the ants have to offer. Lastly, the offer of a commercial arrangement. Though the Oasis are a welcomed acquisition to the swarm's border, they have no near future plans for development in these lands. The have been authorized by the Matriarch herself to offer the Vossiks the opportunity to build farms or other industries in the oasis, the swarm willing to lend their lands in a commercial agreement. Their proposals require some careful considerations from the Vossiks' side and thus the diplomats agree to wait a few days as guests while they debate among themselves the politics of such an arrangement with the ants and what they'd be willing to offer in return.

File: Screenshot_8.png (22 KB, 326x244)

22 KB PNG

>>3984482
Of course the dwarves will go through the legal steps to proceed with the planned settlement.
The dwarves currently hold little to gain through this deal other than to show gratitude, and whatever may lie in the woodlands and beyond.

Nothing in return for this deal is requested, however they would graciously accept any additions so long as they do not affect the core of the deal.

-

As explained in the offer, the laborers and guild members are sent south where they begin to harvest and learn the area.
(See bottom action for more details)
>Deal

Once arrived, the guild members would begin extensive scouting of the area
(X's marks the possible areas they would settle depending on the borders of the gylden. Opaque red marks the are to be scouted (more north/east would be scouted if possible))
>Exploration

>>3981741
Diplo: Vossiks.
see >>3985170

Posted on behalf of the Narsics
>Diplo traders >>3982022
The nariscs try to speak with them. Showing interest in what they have. They are careful not to show thier inherit magical powers, as the traders seem to be mundane in nature

>Life growth

The lichen fascinate the narsics as they have never seen green life before. They begin to experiment with and and understand how it grows. They attempt to get it to grow magically and enhance its size and speed. They base part of the growth off kf the methods they use to keep the children alive in the harsh conditions of thoer Homeland

>Shapes

The shadows intruige the council. A tangent of sages and warriors are sent to the most to investigate, with instructions to observe and collect as mush as possible while staying safe

Action 1: Send the troops
The loss of communications from the southern province has sent the nation into a hotbed of rumors and speculation. A team of soldiers is dispatched from Fort-On-The-River to investigate. Further reinforcements and sufficient supplies to build an outpost are also dispatched from Jaakal. The men are order to set up camp and search for survivors or clues of their demise. A dedicated series of hand- and boat-couriers are set up so that messages from the outpost can be delivered rapidly and frequently to the capital.

Turn 2: Transportation.
It is deemed necessary for the increasingly interdependent Tarnlands to be truly connected. Of first priority is taming the Jaakal river through the construction of a series of levees. This allows large barges of goods to be sent up the river to Dunnzkop Pass, where they are unloaded and traded to the dwarves. Up the river goes crushed poppies, furs, lumber, silver, and meats. Down comes iron, dwarven ales, and finely forged goods. The arrangement brings great prosperity to both the Tarns and the Dwarves, with Jaakal being a particular beneficiary. If possible, the next priority is the extension of the existing canal system to connect the cities of Tempelis and Xycthos.

>>3985170
The Vossik representatives do agree that the refugee situation should be handled. They agree that the oasis should be used as farmland and housing for the refugees, and offer that they should be put under the nominal authority of the Tyrant of Tyr, who used as an Vossik client ally. In exchange, the Sable would be given a cut of the farm production to pay for the rent of their land, and the Sable would also be given exclusive trading rights to any Sable manufactured goods in Tyr, effectively cutting out the ability of the Othinians to trade in Sable-made products and guaranteeing the Sable a portion of any incomes made off their products. In terms of other trading agreements, the Vossiks offer their own manufactured goods in exchange for those of the Sable. Fine wool clothing, metal products, raw ores and timbers, produce, livestock, and of course, ships. The Sable were also invited to visit the schools and colleges in Terrata to share knowledge among friends - furry and smooth.

Also proposed are church services. These are a casual invitation by one envoy to another, and it is stressed that they are not essential or an official part of the proceedings. It was an offer for the Sable to see what Elezen worship was like, a glimpse into the important faith of the Vossiks.

File: Screenshot (282).png (8 KB, 227x236)

8 KB PNG

>>3983875
>1: venture north!
Last time we went exploring, we found some nice people, who gave us some very valuable things. We wonder if there will be more nice people in other directions. Since we haven’t went that way yet, how about we start headed north? That’s something the serpents on high can agree upon. Good things come to those who explore. And so, to claim new land, and find those who lie beyond the edge of Castor’s veil, we ventrue northward, out of the capital.

>2: utilize fire in the metal refining process
The discovery of purifying metal through fire was actually a mistake. Some dumb kid put a lump of freshly imported silver into a burning hot kiln, along with a clay pot he made for his mother. He thought the shiny would look good in his pot. When the piece was finished, the pot was charred to a crisp, but the silver chunk remained. It was shinier than usual. Harder, too. Turns out, the child had given the kiln way too much fuel, melting the iron, and destroying the pot.

>>3983879
1. With the newest ships now up to par, for the moment at least, an expedition is organized. It's purpose is to venture south and make contact with whatever can be found. The path they are to take will try and avoid the continent when possible, as there seems to already be inhabited lands to our south, and we need not ships to make contact with them.

2. With our priests now finally regaining their holy magics, several temples to the Gods are constructed in the newly founded cities of the FHR. Those so-called "Atheist" defectors from the Othinians who stayed with the elves are dealt with like any other lunatic is. They are put into asylums where their minds may hope to be healed.

Meanwhile, conspirators from Slevan and Belde make their opening moves...

>>3983871
1. Down the waters of Soc'let, down Shab'let, the flesh of Neverborn grows. Pillars of bone anchored in stormy seas, bearing towers and streets of flesh and blood. Digestion tracks net out in the nautical currents, alongside with Kos'tr spawning tumors.

2. The Nuck'lavee in the Grist'carn undergoes archival, it's form would be useful for replication.

>>3985559
Also rumor please.

>>3985548
Oh yeah, rumor as well.

>>3985171
>Diplo: trade with the short, hairy ones
In order to solidify an alliance between the short hairy ones and ourselves, we decide to trade some of our finest commodities with them. To do this, we must send a certain kind of ambassador. A rattler this time. As a part of the Rattler's offensive capabilities, they're able to excrete venom from their long fangs. This venom will turn any unlucky victim's blood to stone in their veins, given some time. We coat most of our weapons in this biological toxin.
And so, as well as offering heaps of raw silver, it is this Rattler's job to create a venom sample on the spot, using a capped, clay container. This is so the receivers know that it is deadly, and may be used however they wish.

In return, the government-hired trader points to the steel armor the receiver dwarf is wearing. Then he points to himself, who is wearing no armor. It seems that, in return for these copious amounts of goods, he would like armor forged to fit his people. This armor would have to run all the way down a meluz spine, which as one may observe, is very long.

>>3985761
The venom intrigues the dwarves, and the uses it may hold for them runs wild in their heads. They accept this for trade, though not excessive amounts.
Later they will find what best they can do with it.

Silver is accepted on a much larger scale, for its uses are known and needed.

Some brief experiments would eventually lead to simple designs the dwarves can use to create adequate numbers of armor for use in the trade.
No standardized armor is traded as of yet, but instead, various designs for use in their odd figures are made, ranging from mail armor to riveted plates much like what one would see on the fingers of a gauntlet.
Continued production of varied armor would continue unless the Meluzina requests one specific type.

>>3985761
A brave bullfrog man, Groat Rett, and his three companions decide to make the journey across the plains to the land of the serpents. On a diplomatic mission, they bring a few offerings of food (in the form of small dead birds, rodents, fish and a few swamp root vegetables) to the snakes. The bullfrog man is clearly scared of the creatures (especially from all of the horror stories), but attempts to show the snakes that the frogfolk are a peaceful nation and do not want any conflict from them. Using dirt drawings and a crude game of pictionary the frog requests that the snakes stay out of the swamplands and promises that the frogs will stay out of their territory. He explains that the frogfolk have no interest in leaving the marshes and have no plans to expand their borders outside of the swamp.

>>3986267
Those at the capital can't believe what they're seeing. Specifically, the garters and the rattlers of the bunch. As the negotiation drags on, our rattler ambassador can't help but let the venom drip from his fangs. Castor bless! Four gigantic frog men! Though there's a problem. It seems that they're not in for the being eaten business. The gifts they've brought are meant to compensate for just that. Food. All of it. We're not malevolent gods that need appeasement, are we? No, of course not. We must look like monsters to them. We happily accept their gifts, and agree to not enter their territory. And for their own safety, we advise that they stay away from us, too.

File: Screenshot_20191223-12294(...).jpg (582 KB, 1031x1024)

582 KB JPG

>>3984448
> Religion Change: 78% Tadism (Polytheism), 14% Taolism (Monotheism), 8% Tribal (Animism)

Due to the ever increasing interaction with the Tarn nation, religion has become more prevalent across Soghoia. The impressive tales of deities and their domains has sparked a catalyst in the frogfolk nation that has created talk of great entities at the forefront of the spirits in their once predominantly animistic views.

The religions are now as follows:

Taolism: The Taolin believe that one deity created everything. Taol is depicted in a few different forms, but is mostly depicted as a massive blue sky dragon. The deity is believed to have burped out the world in one fiery breath. He is depicted on lots of bronze artwork throughout the nation and his imagery can be seen in carvings and gargoyles on the city's architecture.

Tadism: The Tadin believe in multiple deities that battle for dominion over the world. The two main deities of the religion are Taol, the sky dragon, and Slyu, an enormous earth snake. It is believed that these two battle for day and night, life and death, good and evil and the changing of the seasons. There are other lesser deities that hold dominion over smaller domains including Jakal and Bik (adopted from the Tarn pantheon), depicted as a frog and fish and are associated with rivers and oceans respectively.

>>3983875
>Actions 1+2: The Kahro begin the necessary steps to develop a more advanced non spoken language to be learned by diplomats and lords. (Like a trade language).

File: Map14.png (439 KB, 2048x2628)

439 KB PNG

SCENE FIVE

>>3984448
>Soghoia
Construction begins on Quagspire, drawing up most of the realms copper supplies in the fabrication of the tanks alone. Additional metal would have to be mined or imported before the pipes may be manufactured, let alone laid. The extraction device is set in place, held on large cement foundation blocks. Its hose is drilled into the swamp, and through a secret design of bellows & drills, stinking marsh gas flows into the tanks. It is not long before the insult of smelling like Quagsie enters Soghoian.
Effort also begins on the construction of roads and canals to link River Reed to the Tarnic network. With Frogs working from the North laying cement block roads, and Tarns from the south digging the canal. Being used to the heavy & humid air the Frogs complete their road in the time it takes the Tarn to dig less than half their end of the bargain!

>>3984482
>Gyldenthrong
Coal and Gold alike are welcomed into Gylden hands, though far more of the former than the latter. Given the sparsity of the gold, imports of Ashenbeard bars barely dents. Chunks of ore are cut into a pleasing but still natural shapes and sent to each chapel and temple throughout the country as objects of veneration. The rather more mundane coal is sent where it is needed, though being of low quality and high quantity choking smoke fills the air on cold nights. The 'Cewri Smog' is said to be particularly nasty.
Having eyed the somewhat exotic boreal forests for some time, the offer of the Silver Dwarves seemed a perfect excuse. Given the great size of the trees, Giants too are brought into the team. (see Ashbeards reply for extras)

>>3984503
>Llychlyn
[R] The smoke danced in the cold night air, forming cloud-patterns in the sky. Fanw in this moment chose to speak to Eheubryd directly. "My daughter, you have done well. But know that even in triumph, two curses befall thee. That place beneath the ice is forsaken by me, it shall bring only torment. Another comes of its own accord, the very sea parts for it. Know they are not my children who come to you." With that the voice leaves the queen's ears.
Torches are relit, nerves re-steeled, and the crew begin their uneasy descent into the structure. The grinding noise once more would sound out from all directions, most disturbingly directly below their feet. But they continued downwards. The heat increased, the air grew humid. Still they could see no join nor chisel mark, still the corridor stretched into nothingness. After a great time they came to a gate of black metal bars, and in the gate stood a key of the same material. Beyond this gate could be seen a faint, white light. Sunlight? But the nature of this place put them on edge. It was too easy. They scanned the floor, the walls, even the ceiling for some trick, but none could be found. What should be done?

>>3985060
>B'yogi
Training begins, at first to corral the Devourers to one place, and then to get them to stand straight, and then to get them to listen. It is a gruelling task. But order is eventually drilled into them, even if they do occasionally dart off to kill a deer and play in its entrails. Small steps, it seems.
The B'oo, though loss drew them to her, felt somewhat attached to the Mother in her Sanctuary. Her pool had cleared now, and she rested at the bottom once again. Carefully work to reconstruct her temple began in earnest. Not just to clear away debris, and shore up the structure, but to make it truly fit for her. Using the knowledge of the Hacmos, and countless trials, new stones are cut for the project. Unfortunately not the sparkling white of previous, but the stone was shot through with turquoise, that most wonderful discovery. So too was her temple refurnished, with all manner of things the B'yogi created, and salvaged. When all was done, the B'oo stepped back and admired their work. The serpent seemed content with their efforts, and that warmed their hearts.

>>3985163
>Sable
[D] The very earth moves! The old Othinian Laboratorium crumbles, and the roof of the Matriarch's chambers falls in, crushing one side of her body! She lives, but it is feared she may no longer walk, nor lay as effectively.
In happier news, the cartographic mission was a resounding success! As is the claiming of the sands. But there is something new in the north. Their ghostly howling rings out into the night. It is unlikely such a thing is a friend.

>>3985171
>Ashbeards
The journey south is a long one, far longer than the Dwarves realised it would be. How large had their Lowland brothers grown? When at last they were at the forest, they set about creating a camp for themselves, temporary for now. Lumberjacks and Timber-Dwarves were sent to aid the Gylden. Meanwhile those sent to study, do so. They note the monoculture of the trees, all seeming to be the same species of tall, good sized pines. In the needle litter they is at first little of interest, but as the search continues two plants are of note. First a shrub of bright red berries, tart and sweet at once. Second are strange jug-like plants, filled with water. Repeat observation reveals that they are carnivorous, slowly digesting the insects, frogs, and even mice which fall into the liquid. Other animals include a large, docile brown bear species, numerous dull coloured birds, and a small but long bodied creature which the Dwarves find oddly cute.
South however, not yet having crossed the river in the area, a more startling discovery is made. At a distance they are thought to be fellow dwarves, for their squat size and beards, but on further inspection they most certainly aren't. Their skin is tinged green, they bodies thin, their beards stained red.

>>3985260
>Narsics
The lichen which so fascinates the Narsics is surprisingly easy to keep alive, requiring only moisture and temperatures above a certain level. It somehow manages to thrive even in this cold, which while no match for the bitterness which sweeps Vandala, is still no easy task. With a hand placed on the plant(?) one fellow allows it to nourish itself on his magics. The lichen draws from him and quickly puffs up before sending out new roots. These too grow at speed. The Narsic feels tired after such a task, allowing another form to taste of him was a new experience, though not an unpleasant one. No doubt with the magics of the Stele, the lichen could be kept alive even in the capital.
The team reaches where the shadows were said to have been, but do not find them. They continue their travels north, into ever warming climes, and at last spy them. Horrid, gangly, things. Loose grey skin hangs from their bony forms. They seem to melt into the snow, and dart in the flurries. It's impossible to count them, for each looks alike. When a sage moves closer, hoping to feel their life presence, he is narrowly grazed by a spear of ice, which cuts his cheek and chills his soul. These shadows were savages it appears.

>>3985325
>Tarn
The outpost is built, the men begin their search. First close to Tarnic territory and then further out into the lost lands. Lumber camps, homes, wells, all remain standing. Upon entering each is left as if the inhabitants had simply vanished. Bowls of rotting meals, ash filled fire-grates, a discarded axe or pail. The men are uneasy as they search the abandoned settlements. Even the livestock is gone.
Infrastructure has been lacking, lingering in the planning stages since the Poppy Canal was dug. First priority is to calm the raging Jaakal river, for this great levees are built from Xycthos all the way to the Dukkezop Pass. Along with this, an access canal is constructed, linking the capital to the sea. So too are bridges built.

>>3985434
>Vossiks
[D] The very earth moves! Tyr with it's moveable wooden construction survives with only minor damage, though Terrata Voss fairs a little worse. The kost of a gold-baron, the new money sort, collapses entirely killing everyone within and injuring a dozen bystanders. Thankfully for court politics, the baron & his family were staying in their estates in Nomach, it was only servants and Othinians who perished.

>>3985540
>Meluzina
As the Meluz slithered north they began to see less and less wildlife. Even the crickets were quieter here. When at last they had travelled as far as they could, over a crest they spotted something revolting. Flesh squirmed and hunted along the Steppe, grey and bloated like a drowned corpse. How such a thing could be shook many of the party, how could Castor allow such a thing to come about? The little ones are warned to stay close to the brood, for fear the Flesh would steal them away.
With the discovery of this method of purification, a large kiln is built close by the silver mine to further this refining. Much is made back in Megálo of this metal that shines so brightly.

>>3985548
>FHR
[R] Prospectors of the river north of the shadow men have discovered deposits of a blue-grey metal, initial testing claims it may be lead.
With a prayer to Caladre, the ships set sail. It is a near impossibility for the ships not to be seen by the curious shadow folk, and so their calm coastal waters are traversed, ignoring the creatures who gather to see the magnificent vessels (>>3985060). When at last the grass and sands give way to open sea, they continue their journey southwards. The mouth of the Sea of Glyndon is for the most part calm, though strong undercurrents pull the ships east the further they sail. In time land is spotted, heavily wooded and from what can be seen, uninhabited. As they draw nearer however it becomes clear that these lands are peopled, at first glance by... Awoo? (>>3984503).
Back in FHR territory, Othinian defectors from the Elves are dealt with, in the best way for the state and themselves. Many FHR Othinians protest such callousness, for they too were irreligious, even the Clan-Sah of Clan Othin objects to the treatment of his countrymen. "Are they not man as you or I?"

>>3985559
>Cravers
[R] There has, on rare occasion, come floating across the Wending Strait hunks of grey flesh, washing ashore of the Grist'carn.
Spurs of bone anchor themselves to the sea floor and along the coast, and flesh begins to crawl it's way along the foundations. It is slow going, and for it Neverborn will have to further exert itself, but with time and effort it will be a most gruesome board-walk. Twisting and moaning the Nuck'lavee is archived, at least in part. Something of the thing refuses to be copied, but incomplete imitations may be made.

>>3986835
>Incarnationis
With the Ants, the old foe, and a new slithering species spotted in the south-east, the Kahro task themselves on a thing they have always meant to, an unspoken language that near any-species should be able to comprehend. At least, those with eyes of some sort. Simple concepts require simple actions, complex concepts complex ones. In short time a sign & body language is formulated, along with adaptations for the forms of body the Kahro have so far interacted with.

DIPLO
>>3984461
Upon being lifted up, the small individual named 'Urna' by the team releases a puff of white spores directly into Joji's face, along with an irritating hissing sound. Joji drops the mushroom as the spores blind him, cursing in Soghoian. Urna returns to randomly wandering around. Somewhat frantically Joji rushes to clean his eyes and nose lest the spores take root.

>>3984482
The Giants refuse outright, for they know what comes to those foolish enough to tread the windy plains. Papa entreats Snorri, his old friend, not to venture to that place, for it brings only death. He recalls a phrase the Gylden used, "Not even for a barrel of ale."

END OF SCENE FIVE.

Game will be on hold until Mon 30th. Merry Christmas & God bless.

>>3986931
Upon discovering the strange creatures, a party of dwarves is gathered to meet with them.
Burly lumberdwarves, most of which being veterens of the "Logging War" some time ago near the capital, along with guild members that would act as diplomats approach and attempt to speak to the green dwarves.

1. Develop the West

The agreement with the Sable ants relieves some pressure on Tyr proper, as the lands near it are opened up for farming, industry, and residence. The tyrian farms produce mostly foodstuffs, but there are some farms in the desert which cotton along the river. The "White Gold" as it comes to be known is spun in Tyr and in Terrata to making clothing that is lighter and more comfortable than the linen and wool worn elsewhere. Both the clothing industry and cotton farming explode in the west, bringing new wealth to a land famous mostly for its bean and wheat crops. Meanwhile in Terrata the proliferation of smugglers moving goods into the FHR continues to be an industry for the entrepreneur with no qualms about having skin in the game. Elven artwork, metalwork, and clothing are popular purchases for the wealthy and culturally starved Andrethi and the Elezen pirates and smugglers of the west are all too happy to provide. The black market is tacitly ignored by the authorities in Terrata Voss - either because they themselves are paid to ignore it or because business is merely business. Regardless, wealth flows out of the FHR and goods flow in by these back channel deals. Smugglers of this type are often Othinian refugees smuggled in themselves, working at the behest of Elezen owners and brokers. It is in many respects the most free element of Vossik society, in which all cultural and religious barriers are shattered by hunger for wealth and a love of danger.

2. Military Developments
The exposure to both the hostile FHR on the border, the land hungry dwarves of the mountains, and the destruction of the Othinian state by the Sable ants has led to some changes within the Elezen military structure. These developments are far from groundbreaking, but it does improve on some of the systems left over from the early and pre-Republican days. First, is the establishment of a proper semi-professional army. While it is still expected for all Kosters to be ready and capable of bearing arms to defend the towers it is realized that for external operations abroad it would be easier to rely on just a few better trained and equipped soldiers from every kost and to let the others remain at home working as a possible reserve. To this end it is established that for every ten residents, one must train twice a week and be equipped with spear, shield, sword, helmet, and corselet of mail or cloth. For every fifty, one most own a horse and train in equestrian-ship. The Vossik Republic also institutes both the office of Naval Affairs, which handles the levy of merchant ships for combat and production of warships; and the Office of Engineers, which manages the Academy of War in Renthum Voss where the finer points of siege warfare are studied. Within the army proper light artillery pieces, essentially scaled down ballistae or scaled up crossbows, are added to the retinues of many champions to provide potent ranged support.

Improved access has been long needed in the underworld.
After a horrific incident involving two very hefty dwarves and a herd of goats in the tunnels, the dwarves at last begin construction of improved tunnels throughout the underworld, primarily focused on the tunnels from city to city.
(Expand Aetur'jotdragg if possible too)
>Infrastructure Upgrades

News of another mountain spreads like wildfire within the capital as the findings of the southern explorers returns.
Many clamor at the opportunity to found a new mountain home in what is reported as being a magnificent sight and size to behold. But few will be capable of performing this task.
As many organize to travel at once within the capital, before departing, they are gifted supplies and wealth for their journey by the Invuld personally.
Quite a large number of priests also gather to bless the dwarves as they spread word of prophecies and visions that relate to the current events. It seems their gathering would grow during and after their communication with the crowds.
The destination they will first reach lay in the frozen land east of the recent laborer settlement as far as they can travel.
(If possible, land on the second snow tile, or further if allowed.
>Southern Colony

>>3985325
The Ashenbeards have only ever heard of the Tarn through trade with the Gylden, but not having much reason to actually meet them.
A meeting of Lords has brought the potential of interacting with this nation neighboring them to the Invuld.
A team of diplomats and merchants are guided through the mountains via the usual method of goatherders with their experience of traversing the terrain until they reach the Tarn so they may discuss trade.

Fruits of the south reach the the capital in the north.
Red berries begin trial runs in the breweries, while these carnivorous plants are studied and their acidic liquids attempted as drinks too, though the results are less than favorable.
Both docile and cute creatures are captured in small numbers and brought to the capital to be sold at enormous prices to be taken as pets. Of course though, they would first be attempted to be sold to the Gylden.

File: trn14.png (202 KB, 1734x1285)

202 KB PNG

>>3986931
The Catacombs shakes violently for a few minutes before a terrible crashing sound could be heard throughout the colony. When the earthquake subsides, the ants steadily rise and try to reclaim their footing. The worker ants that were moving through the great chamber started to look around and noticed a cloud of dust coming from the Matriarch's palace. Slightly dazed, it takes them a while to register what had happened. Within minutes the ant's started screeching to the next to get to the palace, and shortly the whole colony knew the Matriarch was in trouble. Within the chambers the royal scribes are already busy trying to clear some rubble when a group of workers come flooding in. Quickly the rubble is cleared, but with each rock that is cleared without sign of the Matriarch worry grows within the ants. Finally they found a group of nurse maids, terrible crushed within the rubble. As they start to clear the bodies, the ants are relived to see that their Matriarch is alive! The nurse maids were quick to react when the earthquake began so suddenly, the ants in the throne chamber could feel the intense activity coming from above them. Knowing that a collapse was imminent, they all willingly through themselves over the Matriarch and formed a shield out of their own bodies to protect her. Their sacrifice paid off for her life was spared but even their heroic deeds could not shield her from all of it. Just before they got to her, a small section of the roof had already collapsed and crashed into the left side of the Matriarch. Quickly she is rushed off to her private chambers, where the royal scribes and nurse maids tend to her and her wounds for a month before there is any improvement. Eventually the Matriarch's wounds heal, but the damage is both noticeable and rather severe. The left side of her abdomen has visible cracks, not fully healed but just enough for her to keep producing eggs. Her injuries cause her to take breaks in between laying sessions as her injuries start to act up and the pain becomes debilitating if she goes on too long. Along with that her left legs were crushed, leaving her immobilized. This event had shaken both the Swarm and the Matriarch herself, reminding both that there are things that even the ants can not control. At first the Matriarch fell into a great depression, fearing her ability to walk and produce eggs stripped from her would ultimately make her useless to the swarm. When she learned she could still lay eggs her mood visibly improved, but she is has yet to fully come to terms with her situation and spends many nights thinking how she can return to her normal self.

>>3987533
Actions:
-The invention of maps had changed much for the ants. For once, even the workers ants could feel like a Caelum able to have a sky high view of the world around them. Their scavenging operations become more focused and organised, with entire regions untapped of their resources now made obvious to them along with all the convoy routes the ants had established. The broodmothers in charge of this effort have grander ambitious still, however and approach the Matriarch. Even in her current state, she still carries a filled with elegance and authority as ever. They explain to her that with cartography the ant's could finally begin to explore the world at large and learn of far distant lands. If there is one thing that all of them had learned through the improvement that this technology had already brought it's that information is valuable. The Matriarch approves of their scheme, and the Caelum are assembled for an important mission. They are divided into 3 Groups which are North, East and West with each team having gone training to learn the art of cartography. Armed with this skill they depart from the Catacombs to explore and map the world for the swarm.

Northern expedition: The lands to the north are few and the Caelum find little of interest. They map out a small pocket of Jungle to the north of The Crypts but that is all they find noteworthy for days as all that follows as they make their way along the coast are scorching deserts. Eventually however they make a pass over an oasis just north of the Catacombs. At first it appears as a normal oasis, but after flying a bit lower to get a closer look at something they spotted moving the Caleum are surprised to find some kind of gelatinous entities roaming about. Just to the west of this, another region with even more of these slimes running around is discovered. Though they are interesting to the Caelum, they are charged with exploring and not investigating these creatures. The north having been so small, the squad finds that it has time to spare in its mission and after reporting their findings to the Catacombs, they fly over the Vossik regions to explore further South.

Western expedition: Tasked with following the coastline to the west, it doesn't take the expedition teams to discover more bipedal creatures to the West. Though initially mistaken for Elezen, closer inspection reveals that this is not the case for they hold more similarity to the distasteful Othins. Uninterested in more humans, they continue to sore and map out the land, eventually stumbling unto another nation just South of these humans. Though some activity can be seen here and there, the Caelum have a strange sense of dread flying over these lands and dare not risk to fly closer to inspect these curious deciding to stay focused on the task at hand out of fear.

>>3987536
Actions(Continued):

Eastern Expedition: A bit more carefree and curious than the other teams, the ants fly leisurely on the eastern coast, noting small pockets of Kahro here and there before eventually stumbling unto what appears to be a huge nest of the Kahro. Finding them to be slightly interesting to watch, the Caelum hang around the area for a while watching the Kahro next teeming with life. When they're finally ready to head out, they notice some small islands just off the coast and decide to investigate. Though seemingly interesting at first, the islands are too small to house any real diversity of life, having only a handful of trees and bushes with some sea life making nests of their own here. It isn't until they stumble upon the furthest island that something catches their eyes. The shore of this island has grotesque chunks of flesh beached here. After examining it the ants were surprised to find that there was no corpse in this mount of flesh and despite it's rather foul smell, it was somewhat edible though it left a bad taste lingering in the mouth. Further north in the sea, the ants could see smaller chunks drifting towards the island, carries by the currents. Interested, the Caelum take off towards the north with pairs rotating with one flying while holding his partner so they may rest to extend the distance they can cover. Eventually they reach a landscape unlike any other the ants had ever encountered. Covered in pulsating flesh, the Caelum's stomachs twisted all sorts of ways as they mapped these lands, somewhat horrified that something like this could even exist.

-The collapse of the Throne room has highlighted to the ants that even their superb design and architecture has flaws. For too long have the ants neglected their own infrastructure, as even the Crypts and the Lychgate themselves have grown to such a size that they are overcrowded and need attention. Each of the colonies recall the broods belonging to them and begin the efforts of expanding the infrastructe. The Crypts and Lycgate begin to build new nurseries, expanding the storage chambers, more resting chambers, along with expanding the Queen's Joy Burrows to grow more. They also carve out new chambers for distilleries to be shipped from the Catacombs over to them so that they too may produce Caelum. All this so that in the event that the Catacombs is lost for whatever reason, the other colonies will still be able to birth more specialized ants. The Catacomb's is a different case. It's size already large enough to support its population rather comfortably, the ants begin to rebuild the palace of the Matriarch. Where once it was a crudely carved chamber before, it is now a magnificent spectacle of carved stone embedded into the earth around it so that it may be sturdy and solid. Further the interior is reinforced by grand pillars carved out of Jade, each towering like a giant from the floor to the roof. A feat of architecture the royal scholars are proud of.

>>3987538
>>3987001
>Diplo: Vossiks
The ant's diplomatic mission had been most pleasing to the swarm. After long sessions of negotiations and going back and forth on various topics, the ants come to agree the terms of the Vossiks. The Refugees would be released to Tyr and carefully escorted to the city's borders by the ants, leaving them in the custody of the Vossiks to do with as they please. The first farms are built shortly after the deals were struck and already the ants could taste the fruits of this relationship. The agricultural practices of the Vossisk were somewhat more sophisticated than the ant's, their produce seemingly packing a greater taste than what could be found by scavenging and quickly the supply from these farms were squirreled away by the nobility of the swarm as treats for themselves.

Industrially, the ants enjoyed their monopoly in the Othinian market, believing that from there they could use Tyr as a gateway of industry into other nations, allowing those who deal with the Vossiks to see the ant's own craftsmanship in their borders and potentially striking an interest with other foreign parties interested in their goods.Along with this trade had been agreed upon with the Ants shipping some of their jade in return for the raw iron ore the vossiks had to offer.

Along with all of this the Vossiks had invited the ants to their scholarly and religious institutions. Interested in their culture, the diplomats observed both of these aspects of the Elezen's society. Ultimately it was the schools and colleges of Terrata that stood out to them the most, for the ants were amazed at the value that the Vossiks placed on education and the quality and effort they put into it. There was much that could be learned from the Elezen, even the swarm had to recognize this fact. Although immensely promising, the ants had been hurt before by ones who promised knowledge and were slow to trust others with their own secrets because of this. It would take time for their relationship to grow, but the ant's were sure in the future they would try to bargain with the Elezen again to see if they could come to an agreement in the exchange of information between their people. for now, the ants had one final matter to address.

The Othinian conflict was sudden and devastating but fortunately no Vossiks were caught in the crossfire. Though negotiations were smooth, there was tension from both sides, with some of the Elezen cautious to proceed with dealings out of concerns that the ants might suddenly attack the Vossiks as they had the Othinians. Some of the broodmothers were slow to trust the Vossiks for they had taken in the lying race and given them a place in their society. Even in her wounded state, the Matriarch drafted up a proposed non-aggression pact between the ants and the Elezen, hoping that a royal guarantee that violence would not suddenly erupt between the nations would put skeptical circles on both sides at ease with each other.

>>3984503
As the Caldathi ships near this island? Continent? Landmass, the men and women sigh in relief. Finally they'd be able to make landfall, and get to forage for food that isn't dried or caked in salt. The Lateen sails are directed landward, and with the winds in their favor, the make landfall within the day. The fact the land appears at first glance to be inhabited isn't lost, and the contingent of Marines brought for defense ready their gear just in case. The Awoo on board are just happy that they won't be on the rocking boat for much longer. Then, the crews saw the landmass's inhabitants. They were the spitting image of the Awoo, so much so that the Awoo themselves were very confused at the sight. They tried to call out to them, even howling at times, but whether or not they could understand either form of communication was unknown. Thus, the ships hit the beaches...

>>3986928

It was strange, the glow in the distance...It was similar to that of the sun, yet it obviously wasn't the one they knew. A second sun as the heart of this strange place perhaps? Or just a lure to death? Regardless of it one thing was clear. This gate likely was one way with the key and lock. It was quite likely that it would shut behind them. However, after checking through the bars to get as much visual information as possible on the room ahead, they'd use the key and unlock the gate with caution, weapons drawn in case this was some kind of trap, and moving ever forward. The one from Clan Tudor expected this would not be a journey they'd return from. But at the very least it may be the last journey required into this place to remove it from this world, or at least shut it down. It was almost eerie how quiet everyone was as they continued forward, the noise coming from footsteps and the movement of equipment drowned out by the grinding, and not a word out of anyone's mouth at the moment, for all understood the unease that weighed on all of them. But, why make more noise?

Back at Allfshys, Eheubryd would be lost in thought after what had happened. Never before had Fanw spoken so directly to anyone. She wondered, did her mother get spoken to like this while she was queen? Though, that thought would mostly be put on a back burner as two main thoughts came to her mind. Just what was this second curse? If it was people who looked similar, was it the people themselves or what they brought with them? Was it intentionally malicious or simply a result of their actions? And with the first curse, how would they destroy the horrors under ice? There was already a group inside, were they dead or still alive, trying to do Fanw's work? So many questions, ones to think about before drifting to sleep and continuing the next day...With any luck, at least some of her questions would have their answers revealed sooner than later.

And not far from Allfshys, the ritual was almost perfected. Almost. Just a little bit of work, and coinciding with the spring, their work would usher forth a new revolutionary change to smiths everywhere, as well as weapons, tools and armor itself...By the end of the winter...So soon...So soon.

>Action One. Weapons drawn, continue forward. Perhaps the heart of this place is near. Even if it is naught but a bright lure as a trap, there's no turning back now.

>Action Two. Its time. With the final touches to perfect the ritual, at the end of the winter and start of the spring, show the work of countless hours. Show Llychlyn a sacred metal alloy blessed by Fanw.

>>3987795

The first person they saw while still on the boats was wearing leather clothing made from the hides of a number of deer who was setting up a small trap in a clearing in the woods not too far from the shore. From the distance however, they'd not be able to tell much else other than that they had red hair and that they seemed to be an awoo. They'd not pause in their work until they heard the howling made by some of the awoo's. Then, they'd stop and seem confused for a time before quickly finishing up and coming closer to the shore for a moment before swiftly running off once they saw the non awoo's on the boat. Soon after they had landed, they'd see one with a bow in fur's of a bear. Unlike the first they met, they'd come over closer to the awoo and humans and say something that no one they were speaking to could understand, but by the tone of their voice it showed curiosity. Something quickly became apparent about them however, they were very tall, standing almost twice the height of the shortest human in the expedition, and those Humans would take their interest as they stared at them with a puzzled expression. After a few failed attempts at communicating, the hunter would leave and, over the course of a few hours a number of these people would be seen, but no proper organized force, however almost all of them had something in common. They all were either hunters or trappers going off of what they were doing while in the forest before being distracted from what they were doing by the explorers. Another important thing that would be noticed is almost all of them were taller than the average awoo, with only one exception and even that exception was tall by awoo standards.

After some time however, a group of these people would come over. Clearly not hunters. There were five people. Two seemed to have round wooden shields and axes wearing a metal helm and armor that covered their entire torso, one seemed to have a bow and a small short sword along with the same armor the other two had but without the helmet. One had a staff of sorts and was dressed in very different clothing from any of the others seen, mostly in actual cloth rather than leather with a fur cape. And the last had a few tools on a belt which had things like varying chisels, a mallet, and a few knives clearly made for crafting among other things. The one with the staff would say "Who are you?" however noticeably, one of the presumed guards would say "What are you?..." quietly as they stared at the non awoo members of the group, but not quiet enough. The group would pause and look at the guard before the one with a staff would look at the awoo and ask "What are you young children doing here?" Of course, they'd not be able to be understood, but they didn't know that just yet. Something noteworthy about the group however that was surprising was that the one with a staff was a male, as was the guard who didn't speak up and the one with a number of tools...

File: Screenshot (289).png (12 KB, 322x306)

12 KB PNG

>>3986936

>>3985171
>1: try and learn the language of the small hairy ones
Not being able to speak with what could be quite the future trade partner is growing tiresome. As of now, we’ll be putting a focus on learning their language, so we may trade more easily in the future.

>>3986835
>Diplo: examine the worms
Looking at them from a distance, we can tell that these worms seem at least somewhat intelligent. An ambassador is sent to negotiate, though he is a well-trained in the art of defensive combat. A bull meluz. Any and all young are to be kept far from the scene. As we don’t want to come off as malicious, we offer gifts, such as freshly killed meals, and clay pots. We’re not sure what they’ll do with the pots, but we are certain of their intentions with the food. If they are intelligent, this is our “hello”.

>2: venture north east
In our search for friendly peoples, we ask ourselves a question. At which point does the land end? We guess we’ll have to find out when we reach that point.

>>3987854
The men and women of the expedition looked at their counterparts across from them in shear confusion. They then began talking among each other about what to do.
The Awoo marine by the name of Eren Mojo Caldath was very concerned, and she wished her husband was here with her. Sure, she had volunteered to go so she could show how brave she was to him, but this, this was weird. Too weird for her. Their language was even weirder then the fact they looked like a taller version of herself, with red hair. Their gear obviously wasn't like hers, with her's being the newest make of Dzen Steel Half-plate. She decides to take off her helmet, revealing her face properly to the strangers before trying to say something to them. "Uh, ahoj. Jmenuji se Eren. Eren Mojo Caldath. Co je tvoje?"
The rest of the group decided to let the young-ish Awoo try and make headway and the rest called out to the others to start unpacking the diplomatic things, along with bringing out the actual diplomats.

>>3987864
On board the ship, Preth Rena Taiida readied herself for this. She had been a diplomat for several years, but this was the first actual assignment she had been on that wasn't just some inter-clan politics. The excitement she felt for meeting those of another civilization was very.....UnFHRlike for her, and the other, more seasoned diplomats looked at her with amusement. The general "gifts" they'd be giving were of the standard sort: Silver ingots, drink including Vaydic Vodkas, Taiidae Wines, etc... and for their leader, a Steel Sword. It was a far more ornate weapon then was usually forged by Clan Dzen, and it was to be given as both a gift, and a subtle nod to the superiority of Human craftsmanship even on the most basic of blades.
They would head off the boat just in time to see Eren, one of the Awoo marines from the security detail, try and talk with, wait, more Awoo? What?

>>3987864

The group would stare at each other for a moment before the one with the staff would say to their companions "Rwy'n cael y teimlad y bydd hyn yn anoddach na'r disgwyl" they would say, or rather, "I get the feeling that this will be more difficult than expected." One of the guards would sigh before the one with the staff would point to themselves and say "Meilir Howell ydw i." before pointing at the small one in front of them and asking "Rydych chi...?" They hoped they'd pick up that they were referring to names rather than titles or names. However, when a number of gifts were soon brought forth and it was made clear that this was a first greeting, the one with the staff would turn to the one who had a number of tools and soon say "Ewch i gael ychydig o grefftau a rhai mwy o bobl." before the latter would rush off to who knows where before they'd return with a number of other ones of their kind who while dressed in leather and or furs didn't wear anything covering their heads. Some had white hair, some with brown, some with red, one with orange and one with black... Their eye colors were also fairly varied, being shades of blue, brown, red, amber. One had green, however most had shades of amber and yellow. The things they had were a number of things, including a bow, quiver and arrows, some fresh bear meat and fur, some fish, some ornate wood and bone crafts, and some cut opal. Interestingly, the one with a staff would say "Ymddiheuraf nad oes gennym fwy. Rydyn ni'n dod o bentref bach." or if they could understand what he said, "I apologize that we have no more. We come from a small village." Naturally, one of the guards would ask a fairly obvious question. "Pam ydych chi'n dal i siarad? Nid ydyn nhw'n ein deall ni." however she'd not get a response.

>>3987895
Eren took a slight step back after being pointed at, her hand near instinctively going to one of the large, machete like-swords at her hip, the other members of the Marines, flinching back, one other Awoo nearly rushing over to stop her. Upon hearing the other "Awoo" speak however, something in her mind clicked. A name? He....He was saying his name! That must be it!. "Jmenuji se Eren. Eren Mojo Caldath." She took her hand off the hilt of the blade, and extended it forward, in the standard greeting that Awoo normaly made, a handshake into a hug. Of course, the others wouldn't realize that, and before the man could take her hand, and possibly be crushed by Eren's inadvertent use of her immense strength, Preth ran up to them, nearly out of breath. "Eren! Ne! Nech mě ... nech mě to zvládnout, dobře? Jsem přece jen diplomat. To je moje práce. OK?" Eren would think for a moment, before stepping back, and making way for the proper diplomats to make their entrance with the gifts. Bars of gleaming silver, the metal all FHR money was backed by, Various alcohols, and even a Varke made crossbow in addition to the Sword. "Zde jako projev nadějného budoucího přátelství mezi svými lidmi a Svobodným lidským zbytkem přijměte tyto dary! Ačkoli vy kluci probaby mi nerozumíte ..."

>>3987543
The Vossaya was happy to sign a non-aggression pact with the Sable. The diplomatic move did much to calm the roused and wary war spirits of ancestors and living alike. With both northern and eastern borders secured, they could focus their efforts on the west and developing their new territories. Even better was the announcement of a trade agreement with the Sable. With it, new goods had come into the Elezen market. Rare delicacies, jade and other precious stones, new ores, and a place to export their own goods to freely.

For the Othinians and Tyrians, such celebrations were few. The Othinians were mistrustful of the Sable, and the Tyrians resented the presence of the ants in their territory in such high positions. There was little either party could do however, and some of the anger cooled when the refugees were returned to Tyr and given homes and work in the new industries there jointly created by the Sable and Elezen authorities. The addition of new wealth and stability in a place that for decades had lacked either was seen as a boon and a sign that maybe fortunes were beginning to change for the humans.

>>3986928
1. Lead! Oh, if only we hadn't been so foolish as to war amongst each other, we could have had a source for gun bullets! Alas, what's done is done, and we must not not dwell on what could have been. The areas in our nation's south are scoured for signs of new resources. Hopefully flux materials for higher quality steel, but something like gold would be nice, if only for trade.

2. The shipyards of New Andreth are to be expanded, as the demand for ships of all kinds flood Clan Caldath, their Clan-Sah himself has invested in the effort. The use of Warship patrols to guard fishing and crabbing fleets is also put into use, assuring no beast nor hostile ship dares attack without immediate response.

DIPLO:
With the elven trade language given to us, along with Othinian interpreters, some trade cogs are sent to the North Elven port above Senday, and several caravans are sent to the Southern elves, both bare tools of steel and iron, what little gold there is, and much silver. The Moon elves would finally be getting their first major assignment from the Daiimad as well, to help secure formal non aggression pacts with both nations.
>>3987001
>>3973190

File: Untitled45_20191224110704.png (88 KB, 768x768)

88 KB PNG

When the air becomes chilly and H'pabi's anger wanes to rest, B'yogi know it's time for C'urmashion! When good little B'oos get given a small secret in song from M'ed and bad B'oos get a lump on their head. Older B'yogi congregate to form large masses to praise S'cie.

DARK ELVES

In the feeling of giving, B'yogi send a large death mask made from turquoise and other shiny materials

HUMANS

Though formally not greeted, B'oo sneakily leave little statues of H'ums holding hands with them at the north boarder so the H'ums can get them while on patrol.

>>3987990
*of their leader

>>3987990
A prospector of Clan Dzen comes across the statuette, picking it up. He was fascinated at the thing, and he felt the strange thing might be a nice little gift for his daughter.

>>3987969
The Vossaya, long wary of the human savages to the west, welcome their first overtures toward peace and civilization with the adoption of the Lightbringer's tongue. Even the Lightseers can do naught but nod as the Lord Protector's peaceful overtures have provided more progress in a decade toward reunification than the entirety of the Warring Cities period. For the Vossaya and more importantly for the Office of the Exchequer the collapse of the final trade holdout in the West gives the Bank of Voss a stronger foothold. They propose using gold and silver vouchers as a form of international currency to replace crude barter or clumsy hard metal exchanges for major international purchases between governments. The goal, the Exchequer explained, was to reduce piracy and banditry along trade routes by reducing the incentive to loot hard currency. In Terrata Voss, the simple reality that the smuggling trade would come to an end with the formal inclusion of Andrethi merchants into the trade network forces some to turn legitimate, while others instead turn their attention toward the illegal trade and manufacture of counterfeit vouchers - a capital crime in the Republic. The Andrethi find their wares competitive with those of the Republic, but find that they now have access to luxuries that had long been denied to them in the form of precious stones, rich fabrics, valuable artworks, exotic foodstuffs, and new tools.

>>3988035
The humans seem, unconvinced at the prospect of Paper money. The justification of reducing piracy and banditry is countered with questions of why those trade caravans aren't put under guard by military personnel. This may be more of a cultural difference, with trade being done on a Clan-to-Clan basis, and thus having the private clan militaries to call upon to guard where as the elves may not have such things. For now, coinage would remain, at least for the humans, the only accepted form of currency. Some clan merchants are ecstatic at the luxuries that had long been lost to the FHR, while others saw such as decadency and a waste of money. Such dualities were common inside the Clan structure of the FHR. Those of the more martial clans would seek weapons and weapon designs to add to their Clan's armories, while other Clans would buy up more of the aforementioned luxury goods. Like always, all would be paid in Silver, as that was the most valuable resource the FHR had, and silver was silver wherever you go after all.

>>3986928
The Bone Mother's home is finally rebuilt and the Devourers (now called the Hoard of S'cie) only kill when ordered most of the time, it's most the joyous time to be.

1. The Eyes of M'ed will key to the formation of a new type of B'yogi. We will reform and train the Watchers into S'cie Shadows. We wish them to be able traverse to and from the dimensions while being able sustain a solid form.
2. The H'um ships are wonderful things. They traverse the vast seemingly endless oceans. We wish to do that. We will research sea worthy ships.

File: 1519447481298.jpg (96 KB, 472x669)

96 KB JPG

>>3988063
>>3987543
>>3987097

The Elezen, for their part, are all too happy to accept payment in silver coin. Some rare gold is melted down and turned to coinage stamped with the likeness of twin Kosts and traded in exchange in Andrethi markets where their vouchers would not suffice. The coinage, so minted as to denote its purpose as a trade facilitator, is curiously not accepted by merchants within the cities. Instead it must be turned in to an office of the Exchequer to be replaced by an equal amount of vouchers. The process is clumsy, slow, and inefficient, but it is effective at preventing the crash in market value of gold.

The Lunar Elves invoke curiosity in their mountain cousins. In standard diplomatic fashion, they and their Human minders are invited to some of the Elezen's religious rituals. As the time for Sun Day approaches, the city of Renthum Voss is positively buzzing about the upcoming ceremony. The ritual is one in which every street, kost, home, and business is lit by brilliant paper lanterns from dusk until dawn, turning the cities - and Renthum in particular - into glowing embers of light amidst the cold winter darkness. As the longest night in the year, the fires must be kept burning for many long hours until the sun rises in the sky the next morning. For the Elezen faithful, this is a representation of the sacred pact between Lightbringer and its blessed. I will not forsake you if you keep the fires burning. Once day has broken, a massive feast is held in which the curious caste system is all but eliminated for one day and all feast as the common man does. Bean soup, ham, bread, mountain greens, exquisite eastern cheeses, beef, and mutton are all seen across the massive street-spanning tables that serve everyone. It is also the day of charity, and one in which bonds are reforged in the light of the Victorious Sun. The diplomats from every nation that attend, and all are invited, can see the many liveries of Maesai houses fluttering across streets where they sponsor the festivities. Gryphons, dragons, prancing steeds, towers, shields, swords and spears across many colored background and shapes can be seen, each with a house and a name of someone powerful attached. The diplomats are also given prime seating near some of the Elezen's most famous Champions. Gwynnora the Gryphon, famous for her battle against one of the fearsome beasts where she both fought and tamed the wild thing to be her mount and stoic companion. Narthwyth Dragon-slayer, famous for battling the Wyrm of Baalur in the depths of the northern coal mines. Volcai Mae'kelliksi, the Great Uniter. The tales told of him are his duel with the Troll King in Baalur's Spire, a peak nearby the city of Coertha Voss, where he slew the dread troll in a single swing from his flaming sword. There are other champions referenced by bards, some thirty in number with famous deeds and battles won.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>3988179
In the midst of the pitch night, dwarves donned in berry dyed wool garments gather around the Vossik border, realizing some celebration is occurring and also aware of the fires they intend to keep lit. The group begins to roll down logs of goat fertilizer for use in the crops the Elves may undoubtedly desire for the spring, along with bundles of coal to keep their fires lit and strong.

These gifts are directed at both of the cities bordering the dwarves.

(Roll will determine what results from the gift giving)
1 = Gifts roll directly into the cities
2 = Gifts break apart and scatter upon the surrounding areas
3 = Gifts accidentally stick and gather to the deep snow this time of year and grow in size before reaching the cities or nearby settlements

File: sketch-1577230611667.png (406 KB, 1080x1493)

406 KB PNG

>>3986928
Civilization: Soghoia
Political Structure: Elected Leader, Elected Council and Constiution of Laws
Religion: 80% Tadism (Polytheism), 16% Taolism (Monotheism), 4% Tribal (Animism)
Language: Soghoian (fluent), Xyctho-Tarnic (fluent), Kalkahn (basic), Depauns (primitive), Tarnic (primitive)
Culture/Art: Victorian Architecture
Settlements:
• River Reed *Capital* (City Wall, City Gates, Watchtowers, Housing, Roads, Primary Schools, Trade Schools, Guilds, University and Tarn Embassy) [Cement Block & Bronze Construction]
• Quagspire (Gas Extraction Plant) [Concrete Block & Bronze Construction]
Resources and Technology: map of sigod, marsh gas, crude sulfur, early concrete, gas extraction, crude gas refining, bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-scaffolding, concrete buildings, marsh-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

Action 1: The frogfolk build five extremely tall concrete block braziers along the borders of the swamp (see map) that tower over the canopy. A few frogfolk are stationed at each tower and are responsible to keep watch over the surrounding lands. These braziers are lit with an extremely bright blue flame in the event of an emergency to alert the capital of River Reed of incoming danger.

Action 2: The frogfolk learn that sand can be converted and shaped into glass after being melted and cooled. The frogfolk use this discovery to make windows, bottles, jars, vials, cups, vases and other various glassware for use around the nation. The frogfolk add windows to existing houses, shops and other structures; distribute bottles, jars, bowls, plates and cups for culinary use; and add an assortment of various glassware to the university lab including vials, test tubes, beakers, flasks, cylinders, rods, funnels, spatulas and various plates, bowls, jars, dishes and an assortment of other glassware.

> the frogfolk listen for rumors

> DIPLO TARN
Kip Lance, the current president of Soghoia, personally asks for an audience with the Tarn ambassador at the Tarn embassy in River Reed. Now fluent in Xyctho-Tarnic, he explains that they are experiencing a copper shortage due to a rapid expansion of their gas industry. He explains that they have been using copper in all of their bronze piping and factory equipment. Although most of their future unground pipes to outfit the city with gas will be made of concrete, they still require bronze piping, fuel tanks and other fabricated equipment for the refinement, distribution and use of the gas for lighting, heating, cooking and various craft industries such as kilns and forges. The frog requests that a copper for glassware trade route be set up between the nations. Soghoia can provide windows, bottles, cups and a wide variety of other various glassware for copper.

>>3987907

Despite a bit of concern with the instinctive grabbing of their weapons, the guards by the one with a staff wouldn't grab their own. To them, they didn't need to as if something happened they'd be able to react quick enough to draw them anyway, and obviously they weren't stupid and knew that doing so might only escalate things. Luckily, things would soon change tone quickly as the Awoo stated their name. Seeing how they had made a breakthrough in getting their names, the one with a staff would turn to the others with them and say something, specifically for them to share their own names. Once everyone shared their own name, they'd give out their profession. It would at least give a simple idea of who was who and help future communication. Additionally, the gifts brought in by the group the wood carver brought over would be given over while they looked and examined the gifts given. The archer of the group seemed to take interest in the crossbow, and would examine it with curiosity. After a bit, they'd take their bow out slowly and nonthreateningly before pointing to it and saying what it was in their language before taking the crossbow and pointing at it and saying the same name in a questioning tone.

It was clear this would take a while, but at least steps were being made.

File: Expansion.jpg (36 KB, 378x458)

36 KB JPG

>>3986928

>>3987111
>Diplomacy: Ashbeards

The small, long-bodied creatures prove a big hit among the Goldbeards when Ashbearded traders start calling around with pets to sell. They're tenacious, hairy, fit easily down a hole and munch heartily on rat - if only we could get them to drink Ale, they'd be a perfect companion for any dwarf!


>>3985325
>Diplomacy: Tarn

The Giant's refusal is told to the Tarn, as well as their warning that the place of the windy plains brings only death. If there is any identification to be done, it seems, the Tarn will have to bring an image to the Giants, for the Cewri will not venture into the East.


>Action 1: Alternate Supplies

Choking smokes and smogs are a troubling development - even if a natural result of industrial progression, and some Dwarves start grumbling that this was never a problem they had back when everyone was burning wood, which leads to the suggestion that perhaps wood just isn't cheap enough already. Gyldenthrong dwarves press through the woodlands to the banks of the river Kezden, where our Ashenbeard cousins have already set up an outpost amidst the wilderness to harvest lumber for us as well as their own needs.

File: Turn.jpg (38 KB, 303x307)

38 KB JPG

>>3986928
>>3988641

>Action 2: An alternate use for Coal

But simply adding more wood to the fuel market might still not be enough to get the smog-causing Coal off it. Another industry with greater and better use this substance is made a priority, and it just so happens that many Smiths across the Gylder have for a while been looking at the forged-steel goods coming down the mountain from our northern kin with hurt Dwarven professional pride. It is decided to set up a forge of our own upon the upper reaches of the River Aster, close enough to part-way between our sources of iron and Coal; for the land around there is stony and of little use to Agriculture. And the Aster is notoriously fast-flowing, just perfect for the driving of a water-wheel to keep the forge moving, Læge be honored!


>Diplomacy: Crimsonbeards (Tallaght/Goblins)

The Story of Snorri Søvnighelm and his missions to the Cewri have become a tale of inspirational friendship and the enduring power of Alcohol. A Beardling by the name Glon Gnavkop is one of the first Golden Dwarves to hear rumor of the southern strangers, for he had left home to seek his fortune in the Lumberwoods with the Ashenbeards. But having found the 'romance' of being a ranging tree-cutter to have not met his expectations, he instead spends the remainder of his savings purchasing trinkets, ales and the service he can from a pair of bored guards. Heading south from the Ashen Outpost with goods in tow, he tries to make contact with these red-bearded strangers.


>>3976792
>Diplomacy: Nomach

In the north, on the sandy shores, a patrol of Dwarves along the banks spies figures moving on the opposite side of the wide river. They are distant, but do not seem to be the writhing masses of necrotic flesh they fear; and so a Barrel of Ale is pushed into the river, to hopefully be floated to the far bank as a gift.

>>3986938
> DIPLO SHROOM
Joji had learned all that he needed to about the shroom men. They were too dangerous to domesticate and integrate into society so he decided to deconstruct the camp and go back to River Reed with his group. Discussions will need to be had with Tarn in regards to the fate of these creatures, but for now they are best left alone until a safer and more thought out plan can be put in place and executed.

>>3988217
> DIPLO TARN (continued...)
On an unrelated note, the Sogohian president shares with the Tarn ambassador the troubling reports from the shroom men outpost. He shares his beliefs that these creatures are dangerous and the area should be restricted from all persons and frogs alike. He believes that nothing good can come from the creatures and further endeavors into their capture or domestication will lead to a serious epidemic that could unravel the stability of our nations.

File: sketch-1577364971078.png (248 KB, 1080x1173)

248 KB PNG

>>3988708
> DIPLO SHROOM (continued...)
However, before the frogs are able to leave the shroom men camp, Joji and his men receive word from River Reed that the area has become restricted to all personnel and that all frogs exiting the area are considered a potential biological threat and must be quarantined for at least a month before returning back to the capital. If during that quarantine period a frog experiences any health issues or concerns, they are further examined, evaluated and a decision on their quarantine status decided on by the nation's council. The upmost importantance is to keep a potentially contagious biological threat out of the nation's capital. So, the shroom men camp is deconstructed and a quarantine camp is set up northwest of its location (see map). Joji is watched closely for further signs of complications and treated with the best of the nation's ability.

Action 1: Exodus from Jaakal
Living in Jaakal, one gets accustomed to the quiet. The people here are legendarily laconic, often going the whole day without speaking a full sentence. But today, the silence is different. The streets are empty of people, the beer halls lay unopened. The light breeze blowing through is the only source of movement. It kicks up a stray piece of cloth that tumbles through the air before laying to rest over a man’s vacant face, dappled red with blood.
Outside the city gates, a crowd has formed, representing a bit less than a quarter of Jaakal’s population. They are mostly men, garbed in thick clothes and large helmets to block the snow-glare. Some carry spears in their hands. At the front is a tall brawny man. He surveys the crowd, judging if all who intended to come are present. Satisfied, he turns and begins to walk away. His people follow.
Their holy river may have been broken, but they remain unbowed.
>A large portion of Jaakal’s population migrates to the Fort-By-The-River, growing it into the city Roodkhaane.
>Jaakal becomes a primarily mining-based town while Roodkhaane replaces it as the foremost militaristic city-state.

Action 2: Jaakal shifts course
For quite some time now, the traditional Jaakalians had been holding their more business-oriented counterparts from truly turning the town into an industrial powerhouse. Now that they’re gone and the river has been tamed, the merchants’ plans for progress can finally be set into motion. The Tarns will need a great deal of metal to achieve their goals, more than can be feasibly purchased from the Gyldenthrong. The first step, therefore, is to dig deep into the earth near Jaakal in search of industrial materials such as iron and copper.

[NM]The Augursoul is ancient now, older than even the eldest Tarnians. He is requested to perform one last divination into the fates of the Southern Tarnsmen before he crosses over into the Great Beyond.

>>3988193
What hubris to think that a few Dwarves could traverse the perilous Sigord's Spine with ease. The friendly mountains of the Dwarves give way to the alpine forests of the Elezen woods and with them, the many perils that reside there. Many of the Dwarves are eaten by snow trolls. A rather common sight in the eastern mountains. Ones that Elven shepherds and farmers know well the signs of and how best to deal with the pests. Still, despite their casualties, the Dwarves continue onwards, moving toward Coertha Voss. The next peril came not from the ground, but from the sky. As the group emerged from the woods into the clearings their slow, fat forms were but easy prey for the swooping Gryphons which mistook them for their favorite snack - literally anything meaty that moves. Such was the fate of the others. Eaten by Gryphons. Well, two Gryphons to be precise. A hunting pair, usually considered to be signs of extremely bad luck, spent the majority of the next two days eating the Dwarven party by swooping down and simply swallowing them. Finally there was just one Dwarf carrying his log of goat shit all by himself. He got to see the walls of Coertha Voss, sitting high on its slope, and realized rather quickly that he couldn't roll shit uphill so he set it down, and went home. Overall the expedition made for a rousing story in Dwarven beer halls about the one that survived cold, deprivation, a lack of alcohol, footrot, Gryphons, a goblin hunting party, and a pack of trolls. A veritable hero that Dwarf was. He even claimed to have rolled the great log of goat shit down hill for good measure. Go him.

>>3986928
Action 1 + 2:
With the rapid expansion of the trade nodes with the discovery of just a few of the western civilizations efforts into learning their languages - and the language of our newest neighbor must be made.
>Work on translating the language of the frogs + the language of the golden dwarves

>>3988641 (diplo - Golden Dwarves)
A while after the Endocer leaves (which had established mutual understanding of existence among the two powers and which had also resulted in the acquisitions of high quality maps of the eastern bay and narsic peninsula to the dwarves while the depauns recieved maps which showed all that had been mapped (perhaps excluding some obscure region which the leadership did not want the depauns to know) by the dwarves) it arrives once more in Gyldholm, it is the first of its kind since contact to dock near the great city from the depaun empire in fact.

The ship carries with it a formal tarnish translator alongside a group of scholars. They are here to learn the language of the lowland dwarves, they bring gifts and an agreement of trade as well as they desire to set up a small trade port in Gyldholm and perhaps a few informal trade spots along the Dwarven coast and at the mouths of the rivers, they offer exceedingly quick and cheap (they can offer a fee for their services which is far lower than other nations) trade with their huge and fast shelled krakens which can conduct trade in an orderly manner due to strict rules onboard, with more to come if trade in the regions proves lucrative. The Depauns have a great interest in the relatively plentiful metals which the Dwarves have access to, their interest lies mostly in the fine iron and gold which the dwarves have stock of, as such metals are exceedingly rare in their homeland. As for what they can offer, salt.

They have access to rich stores of salt, now many dwarves may ask what salt is even useful for, well, salt has a few incredible properties the greatest of which is only ever seen in food stored in the cold - salt can preserve meats exceedingly well, this allows meat which are butchered to last many months under responsible conditions (such as in a dry barrel in a lonely corner of a keep). Not only so but salt can also be added for flavor to cheeses, beers and other foods, and if prepared into the food item can also help to preserve the food item for a while longer, overall this strange new substance sounds like a wonderful luxury to have access to, would you agree? The dwarven wisemen and law interpreters can find no catches in the document which might sour future prospects, only eddicts on taxation and the possibility of adding banned items to a blacklist on the request of his majesty or one of his representatives.

>>3976792 (diplo - Pokos Elves)
The Endocer, a ship which was seen and then heard about from the dwarves through merchants and hearsay - in detail - docks at a village on the sandy coast. A procession of figures then lands, first the dragons and then a closely guarded group of dwarves and one strange man who looks like a member of the same race as the remnant. Going down the chain of language does take some time (first from elvish then to dwarvish and on to what is called tarnish and finally landing at this draconic language) but eventually the group of dragons is able to exchange the information needed to make the flight (these beasts can fly, and carry their companions with them) to Pokos.

Once in pokos they present a document to those in charge which outlines how they will be taxing and exchanging trade. The rates at which they can do this provide both ready quantity, very good prices and a low level of taxation per pound when compared to traditional sea based and land based traders. They can offer ready trade with the lowland dwarves and the tarns as well via sea, while they themselves (discounting the variety of exotic goods they have on offer such as pelts and the strange bony fish plates they have on offer) have access to salt, which is noted for its incredible abilities to cure and preserve meats, while it also serves as a great way to season meals and can be an interesting addition to a variety of prepared foods. They are ready to follow any restrictions the leadership places but cannot promise they will follow all those restrictions outside of Elvin jurisdiction, especially if they contradict another nation's edicts.

>>3988134 (diplo - b'oo)
Off the coast a small boat rises from the water, it came from a much larger ship far from the coast, just over the horizon. On the labor of 12 pairs of wings it rises out of the water, soaring quite a ways away above the grasslands, not incredibly high but high enough. After some time the craft lands in Ire, and in an accent and pronunciation which is only barely understandable the lead dragon announces his arrival in the tongue of the B'oo. His entourage awaits a response.

Posted on behalf of the Cravers

1.
The Kostr pulled Nuck'lavee tumor sails across the sea to where the grey flesh comes from.

2.
The strange flesh flies of the Grist'carn begin processing while the Craver's aid in boosting their numbers

File: Map15.png (442 KB, 2048x2628)

442 KB PNG

SCENE SIX.

>>3987001
>Vossiks
A blind eye is turned to the illicit trading of goods with the FHR, as long as wealth continues to flow in its current direction. With it comes another benefit, an unofficial spy network of sorts; It seems the Othinians are good for something after all. Daiimad intrigue, state actions, even the odd blueprint, somehow find their way through the grey market. In cannot however be forced in any way, leaning on an Othinian is like building on sand. This smuggler "class" with its loose morals, disregard for culture, and most shockingly to the court, irreverence of the divine, is the subject of hushed debate in Renthum. What if these ideas were to spread? Terrata is a valuable asset, as is the Tyran Oasis, but what could we unknowingly be breeding?

>>3987048
>Ashbeards
Traditionally, Dwarven tunnels followed veins of ore as they were mined, these were then widened, smoothed, and often engraved. This however led to meandering corridors & dead ends, causing an administration nightmare, not to mention nigh-impossible to map. Work had been in the planning stages for an age for the straightening of the major underground highways, and it was now that it would be enacted. The Aguld'hal ran from the capital through the forges of Aetur'jotdragg to the town of Ulzunteg'dun, The Raktuv'hal from the capital to the mines, The Latt'hal to the Great Mint, and the Thaa'hal to the grazing-slopes of Vikolaet'dun.
The journey south begins pleasantly with jubilation and well wishes. Travel is easy along the roads of the Gylden. There are many sights in Gyldenthrong, from the golden fields to the Giants who live among the Lowland Dwarves. Rest is had at Æbelkag before heading further south. The morning air is crisp, frost covers the ground, and the Dwarves start off. First through managed forests, then natural forest, and finally the enormous firs of the southern reaches. It is a difficult trek, though the peeking vision of Grey Cloud Peak drives them on. Once they are at last out of the trees, it is dusk. They stand on a jagged hill, between two streams, and gaze at their prize. Here would be the seed for the new mountainhomes, where destiny would be birthed.

>>3987536
>Sable
Much is learnt of the world, of its ebbing and flowing. The effort definitively proves that long held fears of slaver ants, rampaging barbarous hordes, and great towering monsters were unfounded. Though new horrors, and with them new fears are discovered. The Leeches and the Kahro were rude awakenings to the strangeness of the world above, but what lies to the north east... it is unnatural. New too was the understanding of the power out of the Ants grasp, the earthquake sparked curiosity though.
The Ants are mad with activity! Maps are collated, new sciences are theorised, the rebuilding work begins, additional stills and rooms are constructed. This revelation shall not go unheeded.

>>3987806
>Llychlyn
The key turned freely in the lock and the gate swung open silently. With a sigh of relief the team stepped through, and as feared, once the last member passed the threshold, the gate swung silently closed again with only the soft clinking of a turning lock. The sun(?)light drew them forward, ever cautious. The grinding sound could no longer be heard, but neither could their breathing or thumping hearts, all was silent. In the eerie quietude they continued towards the light. When they at last turned the corner they were elated to find they were once again at the entrance! With tears of joy in his eyes, the representative of clan Llewelyn raced forward, only to be impaled by a spear of the same dark stone shot from the illusion of freedom. And with the illusion broken, it faded, revealing a dead-end, pierced only with small hole, from which a second spear shot, narrowly missing another member. The clan Llewelyn representative is dragged from the line of fire, his eyes stare blankly though his mouth mutters something at great speed. He is sure to die from the wound.
In Allfshys the two smiths celebrate, for their work is at last done. So long it had taken for it to come together, so much trial, so much failure. But it no longer matters, for the work, the mystery, is complete. Eheubryd should be the first to see it, she will be pleased.

>>3987856
>Meluzina
It is basic, but progress is made. The language of the hairy-ones is gruff, consonant heavy, and gives many Meluz who attempt it a sort throat. Nevertheless they now have at least a rudimentary grasp on it. The Steppe also offers a challenge, for the further north they slither, the wetter the weather, and land with it. The land surrounding the frogfolk is muddy, heavy with clay, and difficult to traverse. Though with the adversity is a boon, for many small amphibians, reptiles, and other critters call the semi-wetlands home.

>>3987969
>FHR
Prospectors are sent across the nation in search of more precious ore, and for flux also. For a long time little is found, a stray fossil is the only interest. That is until two finds are unearthed on the same morning. First, a rich vein of silver, and Second that the border hills are shot with limestone. Sajaak must be pleased with His people, to have bestowed upon them these two gifts!
Warship patrols begin to dissuade the heretofore unfettered Elezen-Othin "traders" between Senday and their port of Terrata. Though the grey market is not directly interfered with, yet. (>>3987001)

>>3988134
>B'yogi
For too long the way to retrieve the information from a Watcher was to shadow step, from there to take the risky step into the space-in-between, hear it from the Watcher, take the risky step out of the space-in-between, and then exit the shadow. And to remember what one was told. It was, in no uncertain terms, a hassle. With the use of the mirrors, dubbed The Eyes of M'ed, a few Watchers were coaxed from their hiding spots back into the material world, here they could be rehabilitated and eventually retrained. It was a gruelling process, and more than a few Watchers were lost, but a full two dozen were retrieved and survived rehabilitation. These would become S'cie Shadows, for all intents and purposes, Watchers, but better.
The B'yogi are an inquisitive, if not always, intelligent, race. Having seen the Andrethi ships at a good distance, B'oos began to try constructing boats of their own, roughly copying the design of the FHR vessel. Soon their were fifteen little boats in the waters of Fright, each big enough to carry a single B'oo. Constructed from reeds, or treebark, or imported wood, each was unique, though all in the rough shape of the Human ships they had seen. A fine navy indeed.

>>3988217
>Soghoia
[R] In the vantage above the world, the frogfolk in the northern tower begin to see, something to the north-west. Grey, fleshy, somethings. The slither hither and thither, perhaps unconsciously. The watchfrogs are disturbed by the sighting, but tell all who venture out of the strange things.
From an equal spire on the south-west side of River Reed, the towers can be sighted with ease, save the most southerly. It is from the northern tower that Frogs spy the Meluz (snake people) staking land around Soghoia, gobbling up small creatures as they go. It is a difficult sight.
Soghoian glassware has a distinct yellow hue to it, given the mineral content of the sand used, usually dredged from the Tirod Bay. Also given its newness, there are still many advancements to be made, and so the glass is often quite thick. Though perhaps un-delicate, it is very much solid. Soghoian glass-smiths work hard in the heat and humidity, and to "work like a glassmaker" is a compliment in Soghoia.

File: Tarnic Nights.jpg (204 KB, 1920x827)

204 KB JPG

>>3988641
>Gyldenthrong
A wide range of measures is put into place one by one, hoping to lessen the use of the dirty coal. First taxes on wood of all sorts are abolished, and then new woods flood the market, and then the sale of coal is taxed, and then a minimum price placed on it, and then the burning of coal is taxed, and then outlawed in the cities. There is much arguing from the mine-owners, and the lumberers alike. The former complain they are being unfairly maligned, the latter that their labour is being undervalued. It seems their can be no winning! Most common people, seeing how the wind blows, switch back to wood in their homes, which does a great deal to improve air quality. Still, on especially cold days, coal is all that will really take the chill out of the bones.
With the building of the Steel Forge, much coal is taken from the local markets to keep it burning. Experimentation begins in the production of steel, and though some progress is made, the mountain brothers seem to have a better knack for it. Perhaps they can be persuaded to part with some of their secrets.

>>3990585
>Tarn
[NM] The Augursoul, aged by more than time, shakes his head at the ask. Speaking without his insight he admonishes the Tarn, "Long ago I warned that the south harboured an ignoble foe, yet you took it not as a warning, but as a challenge. Now that foe has reared his head, and you see it was Malice. For that is what Roodkhaane shall bring." With that he shakes his head again. He is quiet for a long time, but now he speaks a final prophecy;
"Dark is the soul, corrupted by greed / And dark is the kingdom, without a set path. / Dark is the soul, corrupted by wrath / And foolish the man, who refuses t'take heed." The words are processed, and the search for a new Augursoul begun.
[R] Whilst digging the foundations for new construction in Xycthos, workers come across a new rock, green and gold in hue. (Copper)
(please make sure to respond to all the diplo coming your way)
Roodkhaane, once so sweetly called the Fort-By-The-River, is a place of wicked anger. Brawls are commonplace, petty squabbles escalate to force, each man is kept brutally in line by his better. It is a brutal town. Yet from it can Tarnia draw forth an army, perhaps undisciplined but ruthlessly efficient.
All the land surround Jaakal is probed, and each hand comes up rich. To the west, lead. To the east, tin. And to the north, ah, iron! Each however brings their own challenges: Tin mines flood, Iron mines collapse, and Lead mines poison the miners. Tre'mo must be cackling at such tragedy. But what is death to the march of industry? Soon the skies of Jaakal darken with the smoke of the forge.

>>3995076
>Tidal
The Depauns, having already mastered a great number of languages, have become rather proficient in the learning of new ones. What once took many months of work can be done in roughly a fortnight. To the dragons, language has been boiled down to a neat science. Both Soghoian and Gylden are learnt, if only spoken by a few, and their knowledge stored away for future use. Words from all the languages known through the Tidal Empire enter Depaun, either for their utility, their beauty, or to express something Depaun had not yet had a word for. It wasn't too rare for a single dragon to fluently speak three languages, conversationally another, and be able to comprehend a fifth or even sixth! Perhaps the Obadinia wishes them to be the scholars of this world?

>>3995442
>Cravers
(>>3986835) Pulled by a pair of two-legged crocodile-like creatures, a tumour of flesh surmounted by a gruesome approximation of a human torso, flayed and silently screaming arrives on the shores of [pentagon]. Their purpose, unknown.
The flies are easily caught, drawn to decay as they are, and processed in the hundreds to extract enough "information" from them. The Gene Bank begins work on its next brood.

DIPLO
>>3986979
Nervous, the Dwarves approach the Redcaps, as they draw closer they see the goblins are eating. More specifically they are picking clean bones of a recent kill, their scraggly beards are red with blood. When the Dwarven diplomat speaks, the creatures turn to the party, showing them clearly their taloned hands and sharp teeth. Screaming in some unknown tongue, the beings, roughly the same height as the Dwarves, begin to throw the bones at the intruders, along with the stones and logs on which they sat before disappearing into the heavy woods. Flames of ire dance in the trees. (see below for more)

>>3988667
Venturing so poorly equipped was foolish of the young Glon, for the Tallaght are neither kind nor gracious hosts. His guards are set upon as they clank through the trees, the talons of the Redcaps piercing metal and flesh alike. Glon is frozen in fear, unable to tear his gaze away as his companions are devoured, still living. Gore coats the faces and beards of the gnarled creatures, who at a glance are alike to a Dwarf, if a little thin. As they eat, they cackle at the terrified Dwarf, their eyes burning like embers into his very soul. This was not how it was meant to be, he was to be the next Snorri, famed for welcoming a new people into the fold; Now he will be lucky if he is killed before he is eaten. (see above for more)

>>3988708
Poor Joji, who wished only good for the Shrooms, for not long after entering the quarantine does he take a downturn. First lethargy and a sluggish gait, and then fits of coughing and gasping, then spasms, and finally little Joji takes his last breath. The others, luckily, do not meet the same fate.

END OF SCENE SIX.

>>3995447

The representative from clan Tudor sighs as one of the others from the expedition takes the barely alive Llewelyn pathfinder out of the way as another dodges yet another spear that would have certainly hit its mark if not for the reaction speed of Children of Fanw. The life would soon have left the poor pathfinder before his body was simply thrown over the shoulder of one of the other members. After this however, the Clan Tudor representative would say under their breath "Whether we find the actual entrance or the heart of this horrid place, I will do my best to see it disabled if not destroyed. Its cost far to many lives. This much I promise." it was more said for themselves than anyone else...Hopefully Fanw would guide them to find a way out or to disable or destroy this place. They had to keep moving after all, there was nothing else they could do other than wait for food to slowly run out.

Meanwhile, what had been something of a mystery for a time would finally be reveled to Eheubryd and Llychlyn. It was explained that Arwen despite having the same vision did very little work on the smiting side of the creation process, and likewise Rhodri did barely anything on the ritual side of the process. The creation of the blessed steel was done by careful addition of animal bone in just the right amount during a slow smiting process, along with a number of rituals preformed during and after the smiting, these rituals required a number of plants and like the steel also required the bones of animals, all the rituals which were during the forging of the item in question would end with an item or multiple items tossed into the very forge, while the ones after would be done over the finished tool or weapon itself. Of course, Eheubryd would be given a more basic process at first and told if she wanted a more detailed they'd be willing to make an axe or something else and allow her to watch and explain things in between certain steps done, however it was very sequential. One could argue the entire process was a ritual in itself. Regardless, Eheubryd had a plan...

Naturally as a result of this blessed steel, Clan Nist seems well on its way to becoming more than just a Teulu clan, abet possibly being tied and dependent on Clan Howell. Regardless, time will tell what happens.

>Action One. Continue into the depths. They will find a way to destroy this place, or at least leave it. Preferably the former though. Too much has been lost now.

>Action Two. With the blessed steel made, Eheubryd has a plan. She'd ask Rhodri and Arwen to make pickaxes, plenty of mining pickaxes. Something blessed is best to destroy something forsaken.

>>3995076
>>3995081
(addendum)
>>3988641 (diplo)
Before the Dragons leave they ask if they may purchase some examples of Dwarven agriculture, perhaps some seeds of whatever was used to brew their most excellent beer or some livestock.
>>3976792 (diplo)
The Dragons ask if they may purchase a few examples of all the animals and crops (more specifically the seeds which are used to grow them) in order to bring them back home to study, if they are granted the permission required to do so they will gift the monastery the other two fine chests of treasure which they brought along with them.

>>3990585 (diplo)
The Clan of Paitoy has not been able to exert their influence during the two reigns of other dynasties. But the recent influx of agricultural goods has made land farming more viable, and thus they are eyeing the coastal plains and the stretch of forest just east of the tarnish held area south of Roodkhaane. They do not wish to push inland but merely wish for permission to settle there. If the Tarn are okay with this settlement they will be owed a favor from Paitoy which they may turn in at any time (although Paitoy recommends they turn it in at a time when a Paitoy dynasty rules). Any further settlement by Paitoy will be asked about in an unrelated future deal if such a time ever comes.

File: Screenshot_16.png (22 KB, 421x399)

22 KB PNG

With the successful initial settlement of the colony, more dwarves now wish to join their fellow dwarves in their pursuit to the holy land that is often talked about in the capital by priests of the Torzgratt'grutt.
(If possible, abandon first colony settlement/territory in exchange for +1 expansion to claim mountain)
>Continue Journey

Long ranges and wide swathes of grassland to the north are seen suitable to be used in mass farmland. Providing vast quantities of crops without the need to re-purpose quarries or excavate rooms as done previously.
Seeds are collected from the various berries found in the north and recently the south, after being harvested from the many goats and dwarves having already eaten them, leaving seeds and fertilizer.
While this is done, a once popular area used to grow the ingredients for ale by numerous dwarven families before the Gateways were established has now been altered by breaking down the walls separating the old chambers below the earth, making them one large subterranean field of crops.
With the growth of future crops, the Ashbeards will no longer rely so heavily on imports from the south.
>Tula'krel & Vitka'railk

>>3988667
While the dwarves of the south may halt their usage of coal and instead switch to wood which they have now gained a strong supply of, the dwarves of the north have no inhibitions toward coal.
Any and all coal of the south would be purchased from the Gylden.

>>3995454
Disappointed by the first contact with these savage emerald dwarves, but not dissuaded from his duties of diplomacy and desire to befriend what he still believes to be a distant relative of the dwarves, the acting diplomat(s) swiftly place down valuable items had upon their persons such as golden coins, bronze knives, woolen socks, strips of goat jerky, and last but not least, a Lotz'kot of ale.
Then leaving as soon as possible as to not disturb them any further.
Perhaps the gifts will allow for a second diplomatic mission with more success in the future.

>>3995445
1. Mines are established for whatever we can in the time we are able to. Silver would provide a huge boost to our economy, propelling us to the wealthiest we've ever been. The Limestone would contribute to higher qualities of steel, giving our laborers and soldiers far improved tools, arms and armor. Lead, well, lead we don't have much use for at the moment, so it should take a back seat for now...

2. The discovery of a black market in Senday is met with a major crackdown. Those of the Vossik people are deported back to their own nation, while those of the FHR who partake in such illicit activities are tried, sentenced, and put into prison. There would be improved training for militiamen on how to recognize and handle any other black markets like this one...

File: SkitteringInvasion.jpg (170 KB, 900x729)

170 KB JPG

>Diplomacy: Sable Ants
The Kahro graciously accept the bodies provided to them and drag them into a secluded area for dissection. The cocoons are created of Sable and wildlife parts with several designs to test the fittest of this new breed of Kharo.

>Action 1:
Once hatched, the new Kharo are instructed to construct an official hatchery on their southernmost bordering tile, left of the river. Once this task is completed, the offspring are instructed to follow the instructions of the Sable.

>Action 2: Explore the Cave
Kharo warriors and scouts are dispatched to the cave to open communication with the Cree, attempting to learn his mannerisms and teach him their universal unspoken language. The mushrooms are also tested for flavors and effects.

>Diplomacy: Meluzina
The Kahro are curious wanderers and naturally excited upon discovering a new species. Attempting to learn from their past mistakes, the Kharo opt not to watch the snakes from a distance, and instead attempt to introduce themselves peacefully using the dance taught to them by the Sable Ants and an offering of flowers.

File: soghia flag.png (236 KB, 360x239)

236 KB PNG

Using pulled linen and blue dye from native plant fibers, the frogfolk create the first national flag of Soghoia. It is flown throughout the city of River Reed and on all of the beacon towers surrounding the swamps.

File: sketch-1577416302358.png (464 KB, 1080x1481)

464 KB PNG

Civilization: Soghoia
Flag: The Eternal Flame
Political Structure: Elected Leader, Elected Council and Constiution of Laws
Religion: 81% Tadism (Polytheism), 19% Taolism (Monotheism)
Language: Soghoian (fluent), Xyctho-Tarnic (fluent), Kalkahn (basic), Depauns (primitive), Tarnic (primitive)
Culture/Art: Victorian Architecture, Dragon Sculptures/Reliefs/Carvings
Settlements:
• River Reed *Capital* (City Wall, City Gates, Watchtowers, Housing, Roads, Primary Schools, Trade Schools, Guilds, University and Tarn Embassy) [Cement Block, Yellow Glass & Bronze Construction]
• Quagspire (Gas Extraction Plant) [Concrete Block, Yellow Glass & Bronze Construction]
Resources and Technology: map of sigod, marsh gas, crude sulfur, early concrete, gas extraction, crude gas refining, bow, spear, sword, shield, pottery, bronze making, glass making, flat bottomed boats, stilt-scaffolding, concrete buildings, marsh-poppy, fishing nets and swamp tubers.

Action 1: Charcoal is discovered for filtration of water and waste. It is first put to use in a new water treatment plant that pulls water from the swamp, filters it in sand and then charcoal, before it is distributed through the capital city in every structure from sinks, baths, fountains, toilets and outdoor spigots using huge underground concrete pipes. The frogfolk use this opportunity to upgrade their cement structures with stronger concrete. Another set of large underground concrete pipes are laid for sewage and waste. The sewage is sent to a separate sewage treatment plant in Quagspire that filters the waste through charcoal, before dumping it out to sea. A government organization is created called the Food, Water and Disposal (FWD) responsible for the inspection of food and water production, filtration, storage, distribution and disposal of waste. A FWD safety code is created and violations are reported to the council for enforcement. This expansion of the city's infrastructure removes biological waste from the streets and water ways around River Reed and ensures clean drinking and bathing water for the nation's citizens.

Action 2: The frogfolk finish digging out the Sleepy River canal to easily transport materials to and from Quagspire and River Reed. The immediate use of this canal is for the collection and transport of trash out of River Reed. A new landfill is built in Quagspire next to the sewage treatment plant. Large flat boats are loaded with garbage from River Reed and use the canal to remove trash from the city streets. This new garbage collection and disposal project greatly reduces the smell of the city and provides a much cleaner, healthier and aesthetic enviornment that reduces the spread of infection and disease. The collection, transportation and disposal of trash falls under the FWD responsibilities.

File: sketch-1577739345688.png (409 KB, 1080x1493)

409 KB PNG

>>3996020
Canal Image

Rolled 17 (1d20)

rolling for interaction

>>3995823
>Diplomacy: Ashenbeards

With restrictions currently placed on the non-industrial uses of Coal, the demand of Gyldenthrong's metalworking industry is still unable to match the supply available; and so the miners gladly agree to sell the excess of their coal to their Silver kin. The Ashenbeards have more industrial uses for it, anyway.

Although the new forge has made some progress, the Ashenbeard craft is still evidently superior. Biting back some of that wounded professional pride, a couple of the Gylden smiths make the journey up into the mountains, bringing with them gifts of ales, and carrying coin and a Keg each of Gylden Ichor. Perhaps some Ashenbeard smith would be willing to take them apprentice to learn the deeper mysteries of the forge, or even be willing to come down from the mountains for a while to serve as a teacher and master of the forge.

>>3995076
>Diplomacy: Tidal Empire

The preservative qualities of salt sound of interest to the Dwarven representative, and he is sure there will be a market for the product (though he is not certain how large it might be... the only way to tell that is to introduce to market.) But given that the Dragons have already traveled upriver to Cewi'Jotregk, he is sure that the Dragonfolk have stumbled upon a good opportunity; the Cewri spring links both rivers at their head, and having the Gylder flow with the gold of commerce could only be pleasing to Guldfar. There is a small matter of the collection of a tithe on any profits collected that occur on Dwarven soil or flow through Dwarven waters, to fund such essentials to the Gylden state as planned port facilities and river-and-bridge maintenance; but this is standard to the Gylden-kin as well, and he is happy to let the Tidals conduct their business through companies operating out of Gyldholm and other Dwarf towns as long as they obey local law, and offer fair opportunity for work to Dwarven applicants as well as their own kind.

He has a question of his own to ask, though. The first Tidal visitors came with a crown, seeking to trade it for a star, he understands? Have the Tidals found themselves many stars in their voyages? Where might a grounded star be found?

Certainly, the Dragons can purchase a few examples of Dwarven produce for a fair price, though he is not sure how much raw seed might be bought to the Capitol.


>Action 1: Dwarven-Built

The Ashenbeards live in grand mountain halls, but they have so much set, solid stone from which their cities can be cut and carved. We of the Gyldenthrong need to carve and cut our stone from hills and mountains then build it up by own own hands and tools (and Giants); but experience leads to improvement, and advances in our architecture and construction technologies to allow grander, larger, more solid buildings. Dwarven-Built will become synonymous for well-built and lasting; thick, sturdy, solid structures that will last throughout the ages and stand strong against threats.

File: Screenshot (295).png (25 KB, 600x405)

25 KB PNG

>>3995447

>>3995880
Diplo: "try" and communicate with these fearsome creatures.
By try, we mean try to hold our ground as they quite literally charge our ambassador with flowers in their hands. Thoughts of how they'll mangle him run wild through the poor bull's head. Yet his kind are not the type to run away with their tails between their legs, since there are no legs to tuck them within. He can do nothing but hold out the pot and hope that they do not kill him. After all, he witnessed them from afar before. They looked intelligent, capable of reasoning, but this is something else.

1: keep learning the language of the short, hairy ones.

2:explore
We decide to head north, then a ways to the east. North should offer us more food, no doubt, but only Castor may guess what lies eastward.

>>3996252

>Action 2: Open up, Close up.
The world is getting more busy and more crowded. As well as our northern dwarf-kin, we of the Gyldenland have now met and talked to Cewri, Tarn and Tidals; whilst there are rumors of more beings to the North and new strangers to the south, as well as the worrying figures of the corpse-worms. And if we open up, we need also ways to ensure we do not grow -too- open, too vulnerable. The Golden Dwarves work to construct city walls for Gyldholm, wide and thick and strong; but outside of these at the river-side we will build Gyldholm a port on the banks of the Gylder, to let river and sea both flow with golden commerce. Advice is sought from the Tidals for the particulars of the port, for they have more experience with the needs of shipping and shipwrights, and as they are expected to make use of the facilities, might have a few needs-requirements that the Gylden had not given thought to.

>>3988226
The people of the FHR had been living out of their beached ships for the most part, coming out to communicate basically with the large awoo that inhabited the island. Some very basic trade had been going on, mainly Steel arrows and the like from the humans for food that wasn't bathed in salt or other such primitive preservatives. Eren had become somewhat homesick, and had been spending more time with her friend in Preth. The two talked about their lives back home, nearly a month's travel away back north, Gods know how long the return trip would take. Preth was getting excited about a trip the other diplomats had been planning to take up to the Tall awoo's village, which Eren now wanted to accompany her on. They would need bodyguards after all, as a precaution more then anything. It was decided that Eren would join those going out to communicate with the natives. Soon, that day would arrive, and they would set out.

>>3996252
The drakes comply, agreeing to the edicts of the Dwarves. After they return to their ship they send out some dragons to go out and advertise their trading schedule, after a long enough time has passed for the depaun traders to be known about by those with the money to think about buying the other ship of the depauns, the Pilocer makes its rounds around the dwarven coast, taking in new trade requests and mingling with the dwarves who came for trade. Before the representatives leave however they talk of the misunderstanding of first contact, for the inexperienced team they sent was trying to ask for directions to the dwarven capitol but were unable to communicate that. The speaking dragon states that no "fallen stars" or "ground stars" are known by the dragons but promises (likely as a half joke, though the joking part seems to have been mostly lost in translation and cultural boundaries) that if they do come across such things they will be sure to tell the dwarves about it.

>>3995454
1. After the Nuck'lavee and it's flesh of the Grist'carn seed were pulled upon the beach, its Kostr pullers tear off their leads. The beasts of bloodied waters set about sampling local wildlife and digging grotos for their clutches to defend the flesh that feeds them.

Miles away, a team of the flesh dolmen's monks arrive upon the fresh shore in slim tumors reminiscent of flesh covered wombs for comfort pulled by Kostr. The aged Cravers set about settling and expanding the flesh seed to serve as adequate shelter. The Flesh Mission shall house the holy men as they re-emerge from the sanctuary their race has sequestered itself upon for so long.

2.

As all Missions, the Flesh Mission shall be well protected. The Nuck'lavee is grafted into an isolated system that controls the shaped Kostr that carried the monks, who were shaped into 20ft long bone barbed worm tentacles, with the Kostr's original maw being grotesquely altered with scything tusks and larger fangs.

The beasts' simple minds are subverted to the Nuck'lavee's control, and alert the genetic aberration to movement, upon which it determines whether it is Craver or not.

>>3996615

The people in the small village nearby would by this point have gotten use to the people from the boats on the coast. Most of the food they'd trade would be meat products in exchange for the steel products the sea people had. However, occasionally some fruit or grain would be given, and once or twice the carpenter who was part of the party that first met them would return with some crafts, food, and the bottle of wine that they were given a while ago and presumably drank, clearly making their desire for more clear in exchange for the goods they had. However, this was the first time the FHR had actually come to the village and what they saw was likely expected, but still a bit surprising. A proper village with a simple path leading out of the village and to who knows where. The houses weren't tents or made of many sticks but instead proper wood, beams of the stuff rather than just logs in most cases oddly, and the times when there was just logs used, the bark had clearly been removed for aesthetic reasons. Possibly because the village had been here some time or maybe just a cultural thing was the cause of this, but regardless it seemed like a proper town rather than a tribe.

When they came close to the village, it wasn't long for one of the people to come out and motion them to follow them into the village. While walking closer and through the groups of buildings most of the villagers wouldn't pay much mind to the group with the exception of some children who seemed to be quite curios, though they always seemed to have one of their parents nearby and they wouldn't cause trouble. Soon enough the man who came out to get them would open the door to one of the larger buildings which, upon seeing the inside seemed to have a few intricate carvings on the inside that seemed to tell a story in sequence. Inside, there seemed to be some sort of conversation going on with the person who was with the first organized meeting with them, Meilir Howell. Neither him nor who he was talking with would notice the group entering at first. Their conversation would go on for some time, a word that seemed to get used a lot was "Gwrthododd Fanw" which seemed important, yet when they seemed to finish, as the group of people were ready to leave they seemed surprised and confused at the sight of the people who had been standing there for about fifteen minutes, specifically the humans. Meilir would seem fairly happy to see them and presumably try to explain some things to the others before they'd nod. The group that was talking with Meilir were likely not from the village, having similar armor and arms, but people who were unrecognizable and a few who wore clothing similar to that of Meilir. Oddly enough one of them had a pickaxe which looked almost as if made of silver, but also had the faintest hint of green to it and was slightly darker signaling it was of another material to those with a keen enough eye...

>>3996914

After Meilir had explained to the others about the people who came from the sea he'd come over and greet them. The group who previously had been talking to him would simply stand in the back at a moderate distance, watching and listening. They clearly didn't want to interfere but also didn't want to leave without learning a few things from these people who Meilir seemed to have made into a decent trading partner for the village. Naturally, the first Meilir greeted was Eren, and despite the major issues of communication that still existed, they at least were better off then when they first started some time ago.

>>3995454
> DIPLO SHROOM
Joji is buried in a grand tomb outside of River Reed with a memorial park designated in his honor. The remaining frogfolk in his scouting party return back to the capital and the quarantine camp is deconstructed. The area remains a biological hazard zone and access remains restricted.

>>3996918
Some of the diplomats joked to each other about how "at least these people could appreciate silver over gold", in reference to the northern elves seemingly fetishistic love of the stuff. Regardless, the marine security they had brought was mostly human, with a few half elves, some had even grown comfortable around this place to not wear their helmets, revealing darker colored hair, and a shade darker of skin tone, on that skin that usually wouldn't be covered in armor that is. They all generally kinda waved awkwardly towards Meilir, the one Tall Awoo they had actually figured out the name of, and they felt they probably should have made their presence known to that group when they entered. What surprised all of them, even Eren, was that she was the first person that Meilir went to. "Uh, Hi Meilir, I....think you want to talk to the others. Not me." She smiled and backed up, practically dragging a diplomat forward. Eren was far more nervous now that they were in the native's own territory, and she began fiddling with the silver ring on her finger.

The diplomat, after being dragged forward by the larger and relatively imposing Awoo marine to the even taller Awoo in front of him, froze up a bit. He was Fornth Tren Belde, and he was here mostly to be part diplomat, part priest, and had never expected to actually try and communicate with the natives. Internally, he was panicking, but physically, he tried to keep himself looking calm. Whether that actually was working, he had no Gods damned clue. "G-Greetings, Sir Meilir, I am Fornth." He points to himself when he says his name, which they had more or less mutually figured was a good way to tell names. "I represent Clan Belde. Blessings of the Pantheon upon you." He looked back towards Eren, about to say some very not nice things, but he noticed how nervous she already looked, and a scared and nervous Awoo was a recipe for absolute disaster, and definitely not something they needed right now.

File: proposed changes.png (444 KB, 2048x2628)

444 KB PNG

1. Develop the East
The East had long been a land devoid of attention. Outside of the establishment of Tyrhen Voss and the expansion down the river valley into the jungles below, little had changed in the following centuries. The Elezen raised sheep, cattle, goats, and farmed meagre soil for meagre gains. They feuded and fought among their kosts, traded with the Sable, and battled the harsh wildlife for success. Usually they succeeded. Sometimes they failed. It was not uncommon for shepherds to lose part of their flock to swooping gryphons, or for farmers to take up spear and shield to put down trolls in defense of their crops. This was the way of the East. It made them stronger than their western brethren. It also made them fewer. For the East, death was ever present. It wheeled among the clouds and stalked through the alpine forests. The East was the bulwark of the Elezen, and Tyrhen Voss was the wall that allowed movement through the mountains. The East’s population steadily grew along the river valley, where farmland and grazing was more common. Where the valley turned into lush jungle, new settlements arose to tend to the jungle wood. Farms grew along the fertile banks, growing exotic fruits and vegetables. New crops, gathered from the jungle, diversified the food pyramid. While not suitable for the long export over the mountains to the western fields, it was more than enough to stabilize the food situation in the East, and reduce dependence upon imports and rectify the trade imbalance of the eastern kosts. With more food, there were more people, and with more people in the cities and towns and the kosts that dotted slopes and peaks and valleys of Sigord’s Spine, there was a sudden need for improvements. Roads went from the coal and iron mines of the mountains to the farms and cities of the east and central valley. The farmland and timber mills of the far east were linked by river and road to Tyrhen, and by proxy, to the rest of the Republic by an expensive and well-maintained road system that made use of kosts as waystations to keep travelers safe at night from the myriad dangers of the mountains. Through these measures the East was brought up in population and development to better match the west; although its population remained less than half that of the food-rich west. The East, it seemed, would remain the industrial and military heartland of the Republic, from which its most deadly levies would be drawn and where its mineral wealth could be found.

>>3984448
The Tarns resolve to assist the frog folk in any way they require. Knowledge of canal engineering and basic architecture are shared and the Council of Cities personally guarantees the frogfolk iron and copper at-cost for the next three turns.

File: 1569625356900.jpg (171 KB, 1280x801)

171 KB JPG

>>3997170
2. City Improvements
The slow urbanization of the Elezen forced new developments in the construction and maintenance of urban centers. Plagues, building restrictions, and poor food distribution had long been issues that hampered the development of urban centers. While stonemasonry and construction had long been the domains of the Elezen who honored masons on the same level as Champions, the medical arts were practiced almost exclusively by the Othinians. Thus, the revolution in city structure began not in Renthum, but in Terrata. Following the plagues of the Migration the Othinians developed the miasma theory of disease transfer; it was the breath and liquids of the ill and the dead that spread foul disease. Their experiments and autopsies of the dead that had caused so much outrage and consternation were turned to the purpose of improving the health of the city and the kost. A greater understanding of the human body and of disease brought the ideas of universal sanitation into being. The earthquakes that had torn down buildings in Terrata provided ample means to implement those policies. The Terrata City Council, the governing body that made and applied new laws for the city-state turned their newfounded trade wealth to redeveloping the city proper. Streets are torn up, kosts were revamped, and the city was forced to embrace a functioning sewer system that removes waste from the city. New bath houses were constructed to promote cleanliness, and cisterns and wells were constructed and protected to provide clean drinking water. The city also implemented the first food rations that provided a small portion of bread per day to every individual in the city. The measure cut down on starvation and disease by increasing the overall health of the city. Such measure spread quickly from Terrata following its success. A wave of years without any major outbreaks of disease or food riots was incredible, and the success story encouraged the other cities of the Republic to follow in Terrata’s footsteps. Even Renthum, conservative as it was, was forced to adopt the measure following a devastating pair of food riots in the capitol that resulted in the deaths of two members of the Vossaya. The time for a change had come, and even the Vossaya could not ignore it any longer. Renthum was the last city to implement cleanliness and food stability policies. The changes required some entire district to be rebuilt, and the torn down kosts would need to be reconstruction and relocated to make way for bath houses and sanitation centers.

In the east similar changes took place with the growth of those old cities. Where Renthum needed to be built, Tyrhen needed to be partially relocated entirely. The old city walls encompassed the original four kosts that had grown into the city, and much of the city's center was unused. The old kosts were converted into the four defensive pillars that would guard the city and the pass. New kosts were constructed in the center.

File: 1577712271469.png (16 KB, 429x399)

16 KB PNG

>>3995449
S'cie Shadows will no doubt be vital to gather intelligence and our ships will be the Envy of the world!

1. This emotion of Greed is so strange yet over time we're understanding it. To control it we will build a financial city called Avarice to oversee and regulate our economy. This is will surely increase our trade. Perhaps even getting more things...
2. The Eyes of M'ed and the Shadow Step are our greatest tools, but they have one weakness. It takes much time to rely the information we gather. Time is up the essence when researching and vital in war. We will research ways to communicate to each other over long distances.

Diplo:
>>3995081
Flying creatures who speak a warped accented tongue of ours? Most intriguing indeed! F'etic and his team is sent to parley with these new creatures.
"Greetings, new comers. What brings you to our lands?"

Across the Remnant, banners fly, and men march. After all, it's Liberation Day. Being one of the few major holidays inside of the FHR, the people come out in droves to celebrate the anniversary of Humanity's liberation from enslavement. Great feasts are held in Clan holds, and even on the frontiers, doubled or eve tripled rations are broken out so those out on borderlands may have just a bit of celebration before they go back out on patrol. Patriotic songs of all kinds are sung in the streets as the FHRDF, along with private clan militaries, make a show of arms as they march down city streets. In an extremely rare show of arms, the Clan-Sah of clan Varke ordered the seals on the tech vaults broken, and the soldiers of Clan Varke, clad in their red robes, gleaming Steel armor and face masks marched down the main roadways of the parade with Hand Cannons and Flamesprayers. Of course, these weapons were completely useless, but as a show of what the FHS had accomplished, it only served to boost morale all around to see those mighty weapons out of their dark, sealed tombs again. After the parades of the day had ended, the weapons of old cleaned, maintained and re-sealed, and soldiers rested, the feasts began, and good times were had by all, even by the Moon elves. Elves though they may be, this was a National holiday, meant to instill national pride over racial pride, and the pale gray skinned elves did have to admit it was nice to just be looked at as fellow citizens rather then the suspicious glances they would be given on almost any other day. Even for those traders in other nations, they all gathered together, buying up local food and drink, and sang songs in the Human tongue of the feats of humanity of old, of battles fought and wars won. For a day celebrating a violent conflict, for the FHR, the day was one of peace and celebration.

Action 1: Honor
King Twn’s lip curls up in pure contempt at the four men sprawled out before him. The men are barely clothed and covered in fresh cuts and bruises. One’s eye is swollen shut, clear fluid leaking from his wrecked eye. It drips from his face as he kneels before his king. Twn’s temper is already notorious, despite the recency of the young man’s ascension. His father had died leading the party from Jaakal, and his son had stepped up almost immediately, crushing the few murmurs of dissent with an iron fist. The man knows that his only chance of surviving the king’s wrath is to stay stooped and silent, no matter how much it hurts.

“Another group of brawlers?”

“Third ones today, milord,” a soldier replies. “The other two weren’t worth your presence, sir, but these curs tore up a pub down on the southside. Damn near killed the owner too.”

The king pauses, before turning to the wretches before him.

“The penalty for brawling is execution. But I’m in a merciful mood tonight. I’ll grant you lot one mercy, to the first man who can reach my throne to accept it.”

He sneers as the men before him tense up.

“You’re all fighters. Aren’t you? Then let me see how vicious you can be.”

As the men fall upon each other, the king leans over and whispers to a vizier.

“Go down and tell that barkeep the king sends his apologies. Promise him he’ll get his fair compensation. Oh, and give the man a bag of salt for his troubles.”

That matter settled, the king returns his attention to the battle before him. He decides to order the crosses be erected in the center of town. His people need a reminder of what happens to those who forsake their honor.

Twn will force Roodkhane to remember its heritage. Regardless of how many lives it will cost.

>King Twn enacts a strict penal code curbing brawling and instills Roodkhaane with a strong value for discipline and honor. The city’s culture becomes much like early Jaakal’s, before the miners and businessmen invaded.


Action 2: Iron and copper mines
The Xycthos merchants calculate furiously before settling on a course of action. The deaths of these brave souls fills them with grief, of course, but the mines must continue, regardless of the risk. The first to be sunk shall be an iron mine, while the second will harvest the miraculously discovered copper, thank the gods. They know their decision will cause a stir in Jaakal, still on edge from the regrettable event last tyrn. But the businessmen have ways of dealing with those who dare stand in the path of progress. Any miners who try to dissent will be paid handsomely for their silence. And if they still refuse to shut up? A bit of iron should do the trick and save some money besides. The businessmen recline, basking in the brilliance of their own machinations. All for the good of the people, of course?

Of course.

>Iron and copper mines

>>3997545
This is People of Tarn btw.

>>3987097
The Tarns greet the dwarves warmly, careful this time not to cast any aspersions about their size or general characteristics. They gift the dwarves a Xyctho-Tarnic dictionary, which allows for the two to have basic conversations. The Tarns explain their current situation, having quantities of most basic metals, but lacking the precious metal of gold. They do quite a brisk trade in furs and meats, and are always on the lookout for high quality weapons, especially bows, spears, and shields.

>>3988641
The Tarns agree to bring the Cewri illustrations from the next expeditions. They also really News of the new civilizations which have appeared in the north and ask if the Sonarii have any news of new appearances.

>>3988724
At first the diplomats laugh. How could a mushroom make one sick. They don’t have any vapors to speak of! But as the news of Joji’s illness spreads, their laughter is replaced by fear. They agree with the frogfolk that a decision needs to be made to contain these creatures. For now, they resolve to stay as far away as possible from the shroom-men.

The Tarns begin trading glass for copper with the frogfolk. Most glass is combined with silver into crude jewelry, before being traded further south to Tempel, the Gyldenthrong and the Tidal Empire.

File: trn15.png (45 KB, 380x284)

45 KB PNG

>>3995445
With their place in the world better understood, along with their colonies expanded, the ants felt a bit more comfortable having some certainties after having been left so uncertain in their own security after the earthquake. The new palace is quite different from what its predecessor was as well, it's design and inclusion of Jaded columns being quite different to the ant's standard architectural practices. This had inspired various broodmothers and princesses to experiment with designs of their own in construction projects they were part of. Overtime a bit of art and expression started making its way into the design of the ant's colonies, with new chambers being carved with patterns here or there or perhaps a feature that stands out expressed in various places throughout.

actions:
- With their homes expanded and the Catacombs repaired, the ant's continue to consider the consequences of such a sudden and devastating event. What could have been the cause? The ants cannot say, but they can say that it was fortunately a small earthquake. Much more damage could have been done, far more lives could have been lost. The Matriarch assembles the queens along with some of the higher broodmothers to discuss ways to better prepare. During these talks, it was pointed out that all colonies only have a major entrancement with few exit tunnels attached that lead to the surface. After this fact was brought the light, the swarm debated some more until a broodmother from the Crypts suggested massive tunnels that lead to each of the colonies. After further discussion the Matriarch approved of the plan. Immediately the swarm set out to start work on the project with each of the colonies having giant tunnels carved out and reinforced between each of the colonies. With this not only would the ants have additional paths to evacuate but they would create their very first network of highways.

- The Matriarch is in agony. Her injuries have made laying eggs a tear jerking task and her crippled state leaves her more annoyed by the day. She assembles her inner circle. The Matriarch must speak to the Queen, her hopes being that she would know of a way to restore Nethazar to her former self. They begin experimenting on the clump of mercury that the mad queen had. It takes some time and many willing test subjects but they eventually learn that it makes the poisonous gas around itself which drives the ants mad when inhaled. Armed with this knowledge, the Lychgate digs a small chamber just above the mercury deposit and fills it with a layer of water shallow enough for the ants to stand in. The Ants start rotating in shifts, diving their heads into the water and digging into the earth. With the water preventing the gas from filling the chamber and the ants minimizing their exposure to the mercury, the ants begin to mine mercury from Lychgate with only a handful of ants being driven insane in the process. These mad ants are quickly seized and kept in a contained.

File: Map16.png (448 KB, 2048x2628)

448 KB PNG

SCENE SEVEN

>>3995556
>Llychlyn [NM]
This Fanw-forsaken place had claimed life irretrievable, as if it fed on death. The representative of Clan Tudor shook the horrid thought from his mind. Yet this place seemed determined to infiltrate his thoughts, visions of destruction, of awesome horrors crawling their way to Allfshys. He sees red and grey flesh swarming over the city and her inhabitants, of giant ants picking at the bones, of balls of filth and hair pillaging what is left. He weeps, quietly, so terrible are the thoughts. But they must continue. Behind them, the stone eases downwards, another unending corridor. The group marches on, weakly singing their hymn. For hours they walk, or at least it seems such, when at last the ground levels off, and they see a familiar sight. They came once again to a gate of black metal bars, and in the gate stood a key of the same material. Beyond this gate could be seen a faint, white light. One of the soldiers began to laugh, manically, tears streamed down his face. Madness lies thick in the air.
With renewed determination the rituals are once more begun, now with motive more than drive. A specially selected group of smiths and priests are initiated into a new society of sorts, shown the rites and processes, and add their weight to the measure. The secret of the steel would be one jealously guarded, lest it fall into unsavoury hands, or otherwise sullied.

>>3995827
>FHR
Silver and Lime begin to trickle into Andrethi markets, hampered only by the lack of market roads, for so much trade in the FHR is by sea. The crackdown in Senday is swift, and brutal. At least a hundred Elezen & Elezen-Othinian are deported to their port of Terrata, and twice as many FHR citizens are imprisoned. Of the FHR more than half of the accused are Othin-born; The fact is not lost on those of the more xenophobic Clans. The situation is made worse by the Othin Clan Sah protesting that his people are being unfairly maligned by Andrethi courts. An Othinian, he claims, will face a full third longer sentence than those of Andrethi-birth for the same crime! Tensions further rise from the Vossiks, as stories rise of FHR troops rounding up every Elezen in Senday, confiscating their wares and shipping them off. The truth of the story is, debatable. (>>3997170)
(>>3997233) When the seals were broken, a stark reminder of Time reveals itself to Clan Varke. For much of the weaponry had rusted terribly, some had holes worn straight through, while others had fused together. Great care is taken to separate, clean, and patch up enough to join the parades. Though only highly ranked officials of Clan Varke were privy to the state of the weapons, this would serve as a lesson that however great the FHS may have been, and however great the FHR may become, Time is master of us all. Given the fragility of many of the objects, they are once again sealed away before they can be studied by the other clans.