Turn 10 –Stirring GiantSummer, 1005AD Smoke and Mirrors (Cauldron): The armies of Pork descend upon Central Cauldron, fighting their way past man and mirage alike to cleanse the territory.
The Deeps (Shadevale/Greyland): The sea monster continues to strike at shipping vessels, appearing to enjoy the huge variety it now has available.
Fireshows (Biting): Quiet again on the Farland coast.
Here be Monsters (Terret): Forces of the Storm Empire have secured the monster cave in North Terret, ending the threat once and for all.
Leader Name: Baron Cothecs
Your forces in North Hodgwin have now recovered, and are ready to serve you.
Upon your query, your advisor turns to you and explains that on it's own, Foundation Necromancy is not all that useful as a Necromancer is a weak combatant for his cost. However, it is an excellent proof of concept for Necromancy as a branch of magic. Now that you know the basics, you'll be able to develop it further, such as by creating spells to raise the dead or curse your enemies. Or turn your enemies into the undead. Who knows really.
Finally, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the Easterling Isles for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £855 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
It seems the Empire wants to wring money out of you again. What do you do?
Ester (+£500): Palace, Farm. Grain.
(+£25: Grain)
(+£100: Farm)
Hodgwin Nth (+£230): 4 Spearmen, 2 Trireme, 1 Longbowmen, 3 Archers, Sir Jack de Fou. Herbalist, Walls.
(upk:-£605)
Units Abroad:
Portley Nth: 1 Caravan.
Cash Reserves: £592
Net Revenue: £250 (£855 - £605)
Trade Pact (Bannerstock): +£134 [Access Swine]
Trade Pact (Pollock): +£149 [Access Gold, Cattle]
Total: £1125
Hero Promotions:
Sir Jack de Fou – Slugger, Stalwart, Ranger, Marksman, Blitzer, Harasser
Tech:
Herbalism
Necromancy (Foundation)
Leader Name: Arzarikad
I led the first team down into the cave myself. The climb was horrendous, and if it wasn't for the safety ropes our comrades on the clifftop held, several men would have fallen to their deaths. Eventually, and after losing several spears, a shield and a helmet to the rocks below, we reached the opening.
Inside, the stone was scarred and scorched. The charred bones of long forgotten meals littered the sides of the entrance as it led into the depths. Despite the flickering of our torches, I was certain of a light up ahead. Now wanting to face another lizard unprepared, I had the men form ranks, and we advanced warily.
Around a wide bend, we discovered a natural cavern that had clearly been used as the beast's nest. More bones, littered the edges, but as the floor got closer to the center, the bones gave way to half-rotted beast skins, straw and random metallic items. These varied from farming tools to small piles of coin and seemed to be arranged in some bizarre way. In pride of place was a well made suit of maille, embossed with the Storm Empire mark upon its breast.
This paled however, compared to what lay at the center of this hoard. Nestled together were a hlaf dozen leathery, scaled eggs. Each one seemed to pulse randomly with an internal light. At the very center of them sat a small statuette of gold, engraved in some arcane markings and resembling (if you squinted just right) the wyvern that called this place home.
Whilst examining the hoard further, one of the men noticed that an egg seemed to be pulsing much more rapidly than the others, this rate was increasing also and as we backed away the shell burst open, revealing one of the beast's young.
The baby (approximately the size of a cat), seemed unperturbed by our presence, and once it had blinked the fluid from it's eyes, it ambled towards the nearest soldier. It didn't hostile and so against my better judgement, I ordered him not to strike. As we watched, it curled itself around his leading leg, gave a small hiccup of smoke, and fell asleep.
Seeing no danger, I ordered the hoard, eggs, artifact and baby to be recovered for in the name of the Empire.
On further examination, it has been discovered that the artifact is crucial in some way to the development of these eggs. If an egg was to be removed from its presence, the pulsing would become erratic whilst the exterior turns dry and starts to crack. Prolonged absence causes the unborn young to perish. The hoard has been added to the treasury.
Finally, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the Isle of Storm for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £993 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
It seems the Empire wants to wring money out of you again. What do you do?
Artifact acquired: Wyvern Eggs – Required to build a Wyvern Hatchery.
Storm Cen (+£500): 5 Spearmen, Ziri Sanzir the Bard. Palace, Mines. Marble.
(+£25: Marble)
(+£200: Mines)
(upk:-£130)
Storm Est (+£112): 4 Spearmen.
(upk:-£80)
Terret Nth (+£149): 5 Spearmen. Commander Phillip de Montfort. Cattle.
(+£7: Cattle)
(upk:-£130)
Cash Reserves: £152
Net Revenue: £713 (£993 - £340)
Trade Pact (Alliance): +£136 [Access Citrus, Furs]
Trade Pact (Yorturim): +£97 [Access Gems, Fish, Swine, Art]
Trade Pact (Brimstone): +£255 [Access Dyes, Beer, Lumber, Copper]
Trade Pact (Corax): +£42 [Raided] [Access Stone]
Trade Pact (Pork): +£112 [Access Cotton, Grain]
Bonus: +£100
Total: £847
Leader Name: First Speaker Bartiro
Your courier returns with £600 in mint condition Pork coinage. He also carries the tome on Diplomacy I intended for the Alliance, stating that they refused to pay now, promising instead payment for next season. As you hadn't explicitly given permission for a deal of that nature, he chose to withhold the technology.
Finally, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the West Marches for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £2682 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
It seems the Empire wants to wring money out of you again. What do you do?
Maver Est (+£727): 1 Engineer, 3 Light Macemen, 6 Spearmen, 1 Commander Maria Vulk. Palace, Farm, Bakery, Brewery. Dyes.
(+£36: Dyes)
(+£100: Farm)
(+£218: Bakery)
(+£145: Brewery)
(upk:-£380)
Maver Cen (+£101): Pasture. Cattle.
(+£5: Cattle)
(+£200: Pasture)
Maver Nth (+£104): Farm.
(+£100: Farm)
Maver Sth (+£182): Lumber.
(+£9: Lumber)
Dalton Wst (+£120): Farm.
(+£100: Farm)
Dalton Sth (+£139):
Dalton Upr (+£196): Mines. Copper.
(+£0: Copper)
(+£200: Mines)
Cash Reserves: £897
Net Revenue: £1866 (£2556 - £380)
Trade Pact (Alliance): +£136 [Access Citrus, Furs]
Trade Pact (Storm): +£99 [Access Marble]
Trade Pact (Pork): +£112 [Access Cotton, Grain]
Trade Pact (Corax): +£42 [Raided] [Access Stone]
Trade Pact (Yorturim): +£97 [Access Gems, Fish, Swine, Art]
Total: £3249
Technology:
Adaptive Farming I
Chaos Magic (Foundation)
-Summon Blights
Diplomacy I
Fermentation I
Weaponsmithing I
Leader Name: Guildmaster Urist
State Religion: Syndicalism
With only minor pomp and ceremony, the Guild official declares Syndicalism to be the State Religion, and produces two lodge masters to spread the word.
Not long after, you receive an envoy from the Empire. He greets you warmly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, I visited your lands and met your people. Since then we have had a profitable, trusting relationship with one another. But, as you have so rightly pointed out, we could do more to make this relationship better. It has been noted, that unlike the Bannerstock Guild, some organisations have chosen to reject the hand of the Empire. This insubordination is not acceptable, and must be dealt with. I carry with me an contract that will allow certain Guild sponsored merchants access to the Imperial market. The only caveat, is that the Guild must agree to support the Empire in it's endeavours to re-civilise the world, be this through the exchange of words at table, or the exchange of arrows and blades on the battlefield. I trust that you will make the right decision, allowing the Bannerstock Guild and the Empire to flourish together.”
What do you do?
Brent Cen (+£642): 2 Priest. Palace, Pasture, Tannery. Swine.
(+£32: Swine)
(+£200: Pasture)
(+£321: Tannery)
(upk:-£50)
Brent Sth (+£74): 1 Spearmen, 1 Logan Coalsplitter.
(upk:-£50)
Alestrom Sth (+£80):
Units Abroad:
South Ichor Coast (-£70): 1 Caravan, 1 Trireme.
Cash Reserves: £163
Net Revenue: £1179 (£1349 - £170)
Trade Pact (Bannerlands): +£190 [Access Sheep, Iron]
Trade Pact (Illustrious): + £85 [Access Grain]
Trade Pact (Pollock): +£149 [Access Gold, Cattle]
Trade Pact (League): +£169 [Access Horses, Tea, Fish, Furs]
Tithes (Syndicalism) +£40
Tax (Empire): -£268
Total: £ 1707
Technology:
Leatherworking I
Organised Religion
Leader Name: Grand Marshal Galina Petrova
Bannerland forces and Beater forces engage
Bannerland Forces
Spearmen: 8 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Green Banner General Rurik Markov
Beater Forces
Spearmen: 4 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
A Bannerland Spearmen [Rurik] has utterly destroyed a Beater Spearmen! [68 vs 32]
A Beater Spearmen has defeated a Bannerland Spearmen [Rurik], but sustained heavy damage. [74 vs 70]
A Bannerland Spearmen [Rurik] has routed a Beater Spearmen! [93 vs 69]
A Bannerland Spearmen [Rurik] has defeated a Beater Spearmen, but sustained heavy damage. [62 vs 56]
Green Banner General Rurik Markov has been wounded in combat.
Bannerland Forces
Spearmen: 6 Intact, 2 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Green Banner General Rurik Markov [Wounded]
Beater Forces
Spearmen: 0 Intact, 3 Damaged, 1 Destroyed
The Attackers have crushed all resistance!
1 Spearmen have escaped.
Your forces quickly envelop and defeat the defending tribesmen.
Finally, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the West Marches for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £2682 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
It seems the Empire wants to wring money out of you again. What do you do?
Tech Trade Complete: Machinery I acquired.
Sordell Wst (+£550): Palace, Pasture, Tannery. Sheep.
(+£27: Sheep)
(+£200: Pasture)
(+£275: Tannery)
(upk:-£50)
Sordell Est (+£56): Mines, Forge. Iron.
(+£0: Iron)
(+£200: Mines)
(+£17: Forge)
Sordell Sth (+£92):
Farland Wst (+£125): 1 Spearmen.
(upk:-£20)
Farland Sth (+£111):
Beater Sth (+£70):
Beater Est (+£95): 6+2 Spearmen, 1 Green Banner General Rurik Markov [Wounded].
(upk:-£190)
Icedale Est (+£38):
Icedale Wst (+£44): 9 Spearmen, 1 Red Banner General Jevgeni Petrova.
(upk:-£210)
Cash Reserves: £91
Net Revenue: £1430 (£1900 - £470)
Trade Pact (Bannerstock):+£134 [Access Swine]
Trade Pact (League): +£169 [Access Horses, Tea, Fish, Furs]
Total: £1824
Tech:
Diplomacy I
Leatherworking I
Machiner I
Necromancy (Foundation)
Leader Name: Councillor Arlva
League forces and Parnassus forces engage
League Forces
Light Macemen: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 4 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Light Cavalry: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Engineer: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Skirmishers: 2 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Strategos Kortak
Parnassus Forces
Light Swordsmen: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 3 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Walls
The attackers siege forces negate the defenders fortifications.
A League Light Cavalry [Kortak] has utterly destroyed a Parnassus Light Swordsmen! [91 vs 65]
A Parnassus Spearmen has routed a League Light Cavalry [Kortak] ! [70 vs 54]
A League Skirmishers [Kortak] has routed a Parnassus Spearmen! [97 vs 75]
A League Skirmishers [Kortak] has utterly destroyed a Parnassus Spearmen! [98 vs 59]
A League Skirmishers [Kortak] has utterly destroyed a Parnassus Spearmen! [83 vs 47]
League Forces
Light Macemen: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 4 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Light Cavalry: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Engineer: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Skirmishers: 2 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Strategos Kortak
Parnassus Forces
Light Swordsmen: 0 Intact, 0 Damaged, 1 Destroyed
Spearmen: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 2 Destroyed
Walls
The Attackers have crushed all resistance!
1 Spearmen have escaped.
Your engineers batter down the town gates, allowing your cavalry to charge through and into the defending forces. The enemy swordsmen are scattered and the impetuous horserats continue their charge into the awaiting block of spears. Here they are turned aside, horses rearing up and bolting from wall of spikes.
Your new skirmishers however, make short work of the remaining defenders. Advancing with shield and javelin, they look remarkably similar to the spear rats before them. When they launch their projectiles into the mass however, the parallels end, and rank upon rank of the defending militia fall before your forces even get into melee. The battle is won and the whole of Parnassus is yours.
You discover that the town is home to a number of veteran skilled armourers, who offer you their skills.
Not long after, you receive an envoy from the Empire. He greets you warmly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, I visited your lands and met your people. Since then we have had a profitable, trusting relationship with one another. It has been noted, that unlike the Torkal League, some organisations have chosen to reject the hand of the Empire. This insubordination is not acceptable, and must be dealt with. As an Imperial Organisation, you are obliged to assist in Imperial matters, and as such I carry a contract which upon your signature, will confirm your intent to support the Empire in its endeavours to re-civilise the world, be it by the exchange of words at the table, or the excgange of arrows and blade son he battlefield. Naturally, some compensation will be provided if it comes to force. I trust that you will make the right decision, allowing the Torkal League and the Empire to flourish together.”
What do you do?
Unification Bonus: Tech Acquired. Armoursmithing I - Improves all light infantry/cavalry defence rolls by 3. Improves all heavy infantry/cavalry defence rolls by 6. Unlocks Shieldmaster I Hero Promotion.
Tech Trade Complete: Acquired Leatherworking I.
Parnassus Cen (+£500): 1 Palace, Sawmill. Lumber.
(+£25: Lumber)
(+£100: Sawmill)
Parnassus Wst (+£125):
Parnassus Est (+£154): Light Macemen, 4 Spearmen, 0+1 Light Cavalry, 1 Engineer, 2 Skirmishers, 1 Stategos Kortak.
(upk:-£390)
Presst Nth (+£87): Stables. Horses.
(+£4: Horses)
(+£200: Stables)
Presst Upr (+£97): Farm. Tea.
(+£4: Tea)
(+£100: Farm)
Presst Sth (+£29): Fishery. Fish.
(+£1: Fish)
(+£100: Fishery)
Presst Wst (+£93):
Presst Est (+£69): Furs.
(+£3: Furs)
Cash Reserves: £424
Net Revenue: £1291 (£1691 - £390)
Trade Pact (Bannerland): +£190 [Access Sheep, Iron]
Trade Pact (Bannerstock): +£134 [Access Swine]
Tax (Empire): -£159
Total: £1880
Techs:
Machinery I
Infantry Tactics I
Leatherworking I
Leader Name: Talarys Revande
Alliance forces and Owldale forces engage
Alliance Forces
Longbowmen: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 2 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Selina the Scholar-Guard
Owldale Forces
Light Swordsmen: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 4 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Walls
The attackers are unable to break the enemy fortifications.
A Owldale Light Swordsmen has defeated a Alliance Longbowmen [Selina], but sustained heavy damage. [63 vs 61]
A Alliance Spearmen [Selina] has routed a Owldale Spearmen! [80 vs 62]
A Alliance Spearmen [Selina] has defeated a Owldale Spearmen, but sustained heavy damage. [66 vs 64]
A Owldale Spearmen has routed a Alliance Spearmen [Selina] ! [70 vs 57]
Selina the Scholar-Guard has been wounded in combat.
Alliance Forces
Longbowmen: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 0 Intact, 2 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Selina the Scholar-Guard [Wounded]
Owldale Forces
Light Swordsmen: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 2 Intact, 2 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Walls
The Defenders have won out!
Selina the Scholar-Guard has been captured.
The sparse reports you received from your attack on West Owldale were not promising. Selina's longbowmen were defeated in melee when the enemy swordsmen sallied forth to deal with their volleys. She rallied her spearmen to defeat them, before leading an assault on the town walls with primitive ladders and climbing ropes. Unfortunately the defenders were waiting and in the combat that ensued Selina was captured and your forces scattered to the four winds.
With this defeat your advisors are concerned. The Aliance now has no standing army whatsoever. They would be a push over to a gang of angry teenagers at this point. They implore you to train more soldiers at once.
A few weeks later you receive a letter and a lock of hair. Apparently Selina was indeed captured, and unless you pay West Owldale £200 for her in one piece, they'll send her back in multiple.
Meanwhile, an envoy from the Brimstone Republic arrived, bearing documents pertaining to Diplomacy I. However, on promising payment next season for the technology now he protested, stating that he was not informed of such a deal. Not having the money to spare, you were forced to let him leave without handing the information over.
Your researchers study textbooks on archery technique and tactics. They make real progress, but will need more time.
Finally, you receive an envoy from the Empire. He greets you, before reciting:
“Three years ago, I visited your lands and met your people. Since then we have had a profitable, trusting relationship with one another. But, as you have so rightly pointed out, we could do more to make this relationship better. It has been noted, that unlike the Alliance of Revakne, some organisations have chosen to reject the hand of the Empire. This insubordination is not acceptable, and must be dealt with. I carry with me an contract that will allow certain Alliance sponsored merchants access to the Imperial market. The only caveat, is that the Alliance must agree to support the Empire in it's endeavours to re-civilise the world, be this through the exchange of words at table, or the exchange of arrows and blades on the battlefield. I trust that you will make the right decision, allowing the Alliance of Revakn and the Empire to flourish together.”
What do you do?
Owldale Nth (+£500): Bakery, Brewery, Farm, Palace. Citrus.
(+£25: Citrus)
(+£150: Bakery)
(+£100: Brewery)
(+£100: Farm)
(upk:-£30)
Owldale Sth (+£173): Walls, Hunting Lodge. Furs.
(+£8: Furs)
(+£200: Hunting Lodge)
(upk:-£10)
Beaton Nth (+£104):
Units Abroad:
Cauldron Lwr – 1 Caravan
Troud Est – 1 Caravan
Pollock Wst – 1 Caravan
Cash Reserves: £39
Net Revenue: £1320 (£1360 - £40)
Trade Pact (Brimstone): +£255 [Access Dyes, Beer, Cattle, Lumber, Copper]
Trade Pact (Storm): +£99 [Access Marble]
Trade Pact (Pork): +£112 [Access Cotton, Grain]
Trade Pact (Corax) : +£42 [Raided] [Access Stone]
Tax (Empire): -£100
Total: £1767
Techs:
Fermentation I
Weaponsmithing I
Leader Name: Marcos the Researcher
You receive an envoy from the Empire. He greets you, before reciting:
“Three years ago, I visited your lands and met your people. Since then we have had a profitable, trusting relationship with one another. It has been noted, that unlike the Novatechs, some organisations have chosen to reject the hand of the Empire. This insubordination is not acceptable, and must be dealt with. As an Imperial organisation you must must agree to support the Empire in it's endeavours to re-civilise the world, be this through the exchange of words at table, or the exchange of arrows and blades on the battlefield. Naturally, some compensation will be organised. I trust that you will make the right decision, allowing the Novatechs and the Empire to flourish together.”
In other news, your researchers have returned successful! They carry many scrolls, detailing how best to improve a territory, from housing to education, transportation to population growth.
Tech Gained: Infrastructure II. Allows Basic Income up to £500/turn.
Petris Sth (+£526): 1 Archers. Palace, Farm, Walls. Grain.
(+£26: Grain)
(+£100: Farm)
(upk:-£60)
Cash Reserves: £3
Net Revenue: £592 (£652 - £60)
Tax (Empire): -£100
Total: £495
Tech:
Agriculture II
Infrastructure II.
Leader Name: Leader Nirur
You receive an envoy from the Empire. He greets you, before reciting:
“Three years ago, I visited your lands and met your people. Since then we have had a profitable, trusting relationship with one another. It has been noted, that unlike Pollock, some organisations have chosen to reject the hand of the Empire. This insubordination is not acceptable, and must be dealt with. As an Imperial organisation you must must agree to support the Empire in it's endeavours to re-civilise the world, be this through the exchange of words at table, or the exchange of arrows and blades on the battlefield. Naturally, some compensation will be organised. I trust that you will make the right decision, allowing Pollock and the Empire to flourish together.”
Tech Trade Complete: Herbalism – Unlocks Herbalist.
Pollock Wst (+£500): 1 Light Macemen. Palace, Pasture. Swine.
(+£25: Swine)
(+£200: Pasture)
(upk:-£50)
Pomford Nth (+£141): 1 Spearmen. Mines. Gold.
(+£14: Gold)
(+£200: Mines)
(upk:-£20)
Ostley Cen (+£105):
Ostley Wst (+£110):
Ostley Lwr (+£190): 8 Spearmen, 1 Engineer, 1 Shara Steelweaver. Cattle.
(+£9: Cattle)
(upk:-£240)
Cash Reserves: £116
Net Revenue: £1184 (£1494 - £310)
Trade Pact (Bannerstock): +£134
Trade Pact (Illustrious): +£85 [Access Grain]
Trade Pact (Bannerlands) +£190 [Access Sheep, Iron]
Trade Pact (Corax) +£42 [Raided] [Access Lumber, Stone]
Tax (Empire): -£294
Total: £1457
Tech:
Herbalism
Imperial Law
Leader Name: Raven Bloodbeak
Your merchants have confirmed the creation of four trade routes this season, as well as the generated wealth from your caravan!If only the Sea Serpent wasn't preying on your merchants, you'd be rolling in money.
Finally, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the Northlands for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £702 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
Shadevale Wst (+£525): 1 Longbowmen. Palace, Sawmill. Lumber.
(+£26: Lumber)
(+£100: Sawmill)
(upk:-£85)
Shadevale Est (+£30) Stone.
(+£1: Stone)
Abroad:
West Northron Coast (-£225): 1 Longbowmen, 1 Light Macemen, 1 Trireme, Falcon Brightwing.
Cash Reserves: £56
Net Revenue: £392 (£702 - £310)
Trade Pact (Yorturim): +£58 [Raided] [Access Gems, Fish, Swine, Art]
Trade Pact (Storm): +£59 [Raided] [Access Marble, Cattle]
Trade Pact (Pollock) +£89 [Raided] [Access Swine, Gold, Cattle]
Trade Pact (Brimstone) +£153 [Raided] [Access Dyes, Copper]
Trade Pact (Alliance) +£81 [Raided] [Access Citrus, Furs]
Trade Pact (Pork) +£67 [Raided Cotton, Grain]
Bonus: +£1800
Total: £2755
Techs:
Machinery I
Leader Name: Yorturim
Struck down with a mysterious sickness, you have to leave the management of your kingdom to your trusted advisors.
Meanwhile, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. They never heard from them again. As such, I have been sent by the Imperial Governor of the Northlands for two purposes. First, to discover the fate of my predecessor. Second, I am to deliver a second demand for Payment of Taxes Owed. My associates have performed a brief inspection of your lands before I made my appearance today, and we have calculated that approximately £972 of back payment is due, along with an oath that payment will be more prompt in future. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
Greyland (+£505): 3 Light Macemen. Palace, Mines, Walls. Gems.
(+£50: Gems)
(+£200: Mines)
(upk:-£160)
Northron Wst (+£4): Fishery. Fish.
(+£0: Fish)
(+£100: Fishery)
Northron Est (+£29): Swine.
(+£1: Swine)
Cloud (+£43): Artists.
(+£10: Artists)
(upk:-£10)
Cash Reserves: £2059
Net Revenue: £762 (£972 - £170)
Trade Pact (Corax): +£42 [Raided] [Access Lumber, Stone]
Trade Pact (Storm): +£99 [Access Marble, Cattle]
Total: £2952
Tech:
Diplomacy I
Painting
Organised Religion
Leader Name: Princess Gruntsnuffle
Royal forces and Caulder forces engage
Royal Forces
Light Macemen: 3 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 6 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Engineer: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Countess Mangalica
Caulder Forces
Archers: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 3 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Illusory Ward: 4 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Illusionist: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
A Caulder Illusory Ward has defeated a Royal Light Macemen [Mangalica] and expended itself in the process. [75 vs 66]
A Caulder Illusory Ward has utterly destroyed a Royal Light Macemen [Mangalica] and expended itself in the process! [92 vs 60]
A Caulder Illusory Ward has defeated a Royal Light Macemen [Mangalica] and expended itself in the process. [88 vs 79]
A Caulder Illusory Ward has utterly destroyed a Royal Spearmen [Mangalica] and expended itself in the process! [81 vs 36]
Countess Mangalica has been slain in combat.
A Royal Spearmen has defeated a Caulder Archers, but sustained heavy damage. [60 vs 58]
A Royal Spearmen has routed a Caulder Spearmen! [64 vs 46]
A Caulder Spearmen has defeated a Royal Spearmen, but sustained heavy damage. [63 vs 55]
A Caulder Spearmen has defeated a Royal Spearmen, but sustained heavy damage. [65 vs 58]
A Caulder Illusionist has defeated a Royal Spearmen, but sustained heavy damage. [58 vs 47]
Royal Forces
Light Macemen: 0 Intact, 2 Damaged, 1 Destroyed
Spearmen: 1 Intact, 4 Damaged, 1 Destroyed
Engineer: 1 Intact, 0 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Countess Mangalica [Deceased]
Caulder Forces
Archers: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Spearmen: 0 Intact, 3 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
Illusory Ward: 0 Intact, 0 Damaged, 4 Destroyed
Illusionist: 0 Intact, 1 Damaged, 0 Destroyed
The Attackers have crushed all resistance!
1 Spearmen have escaped.
1 Spearmen have been captured.
Your forces enter the deserted, foggy streets of Caulder, searching for the sorcerer at the rumours heart. With each step, the fog thickens, until each pig and can barely see the comrades at each shoulder. Suddenly, an eldritch shout is heard and seconds later figures appear out of the mist. Their bodies are distorted by more than just the fog, appearing as crazed demons and monsters. Steeling their hearts, your forces strike the beasts.
Clearly they were less than they seemed, for they as easily as any pig or man, and yet they struck back with equal power until naught but a few our your macepigs left standing. As the last demon fell, the fog seemed to lift slightly and once again foes are seen in the mists, your spearpigs advance into the melee, although these are clearly no more than men.
It is only once the fog clears, and the last defender is felled, that the light of day reveals the truth. Where before the ground was littered with the bodies of pig and demon, only pigs remained. Each one felled by mace blows...
Meanwhile, you receive another envoy from the Empire. He greets you stiffly, before reciting:
“Three years ago, the Empire sent a delegation to your people. As promised, I am the tax auditor for the Governor of the West March. My associates have already performed a brief inspection of your holdings, and have calculated that you owe approximately £224 in tax. My assistant holds a number of treatise detailing our calculations, which I'm sure will be more than sufficient. I have here the agreement for the calculated tax, all you need do is sign on the dotted line. Please be aware that I have been authorised to recover this amount by any means I deem necessary. I trust it will not come to that.”
Tech Acquired: Illusion (Foundation) – Unlocks Illusionists. Unlocks Illusionist Hero Promotion.
Tech Acquired: Illusory Defences – Unlocks Illusory Ward. Requires Illusion (Foundation)
Tech Trade Complete: Tech Acquired – Diplomacy I, Fermentation I.
Pork Cen (+£500): 1 Spearmen. Palace, Farm. Cotton.
(+£25: Cotton)
(+£100: Farm)
(upk:-£20)
Pork Est (+£247): 1 Spearmen. Walls, Farm. Grain.
(+£12: Grain)
(+£100: Farm)
(upk:-£30)
Cauldron Cen (+£130): 0+2 Light Macemen, 1+5 Spearmen, 1 Engineer. Grain.
(+£6: Grain)
(upk:-£270)
Cash Reserves: £461
Net Revenue: £800 (£1120 - £320)
Trade Pact (Alliance): +£136 [Access Citrus, Furs]
Trade Pact (Brimstone): +£255 [Access Dyes, Beer, Cattle, Lumber, Copper]
Trade Pact (Storm): +£99 [Access Marble]
Trade Pact (Corax): +£41 [Raided] [Access Stone]
Tax (Empire): -£5
Total: £1792
Tech:
Diplomacy I
fermentation I
Artifacts
Artifacts are unique objects of great power. They are beyond current comprehension and will require prolonged, sustained and dedicated research to even begin to understand. Artifacts can be used to build artifact buildings. If the artifact building is destroyed maliciously, the artifact will be lost forever, however the building can be demolished carefully in order to successfully recover it.
Wyvern Eggs – Required to build a Wyvern Hatchery.
Armoursmithing I - Improves all light infantry/cavalry defence rolls by 3. Improves all heavy infantry/cavalry defence rolls by 6. Unlocks Shieldmaster I Hero Promotion.
Illusion (Foundation) – Unlocks Illusionists. Unlocks Illusionist Hero Promotion.
Illusory Defences – Unlocks Illusory Ward. Requires Illusion (Foundation)
Infrastructure II. Allows Basic Income up to £500/turn.
Wyvern Hatchery £1000. Upkeep £50/turn. Requires the Wyvern Eggs artifact.
Illusionist: £1200. Attack 6, Defence 12. Illusion Caster. Support. Tech: Illusion (Foundation). Upkeep £100/turn.
Not uncommonly seen on the stage, illusionists can turn their hand to warfare with only slight difficulty
Illusory Ward: £250. No attack, Defence 25. Immobile, One-Shot, Illusion. Upkeep £5/turn.
Coming in myriad forms, these wards are almost sentient, and attempt to seek out the best way to defeat the foes of its master
Wyvern: £2500. Attack 25, Defence 20. Flier. +15 General modifier vs non-flier, non-ranged, non-buzzer units. +10 General modifier vs buzzer units. Requires Wyvern Hatchery. Retreat chance 50%. Upkeep £150/turn
These beasts of scale and fire soar across the battlefield striking indiscriminately against their foes
Illusionist: £1200. Upkeep £100. Allows the hero to act as an illusions for the purposes of spellcasting and summoning. The illusionists attack and defence do not increase. He gains all effects applicable to an illusionist. This does not affect the heroes behaviour in combat. Tech Illusion (Foundation)
Shieldmaster I: £100. Upkeep £5. The hero is notable skilled with their shield, as well as in parrying away blows with their weapon. His personal defence scores are increased by 4. Tech Armoursmithing I.
As you may have noticed, I've added some indicators for where trade routes start and end. It's not the best solution, but at least this way people have a chance of working out which trade routes are used by whom. As always, I no doubt missed something, so please let me know if you spot anything.