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[Supernerd]

So... Is this game actually going to be a thing? Its been a couple of days already.

[piratejoe]

He's working on the map but using one of the internets worst image creation/editing tools...

[coleslaw35]

Yeah, evidently there's been a bit of a hiccup with how the map is being developed so alternatives are being investigated and considered.

[Happy Demon]

Also, there's only 5 sheets posted so far.
I think the GM would appreciate more, so he has more terrain to slot together. Thus reducing the amount of filler required to complete the map.

[High tyrol]

I still want to play, but I can't think of any hero ideas. I have everything else for my nation done. It has been frustrating being unable to come up with character ideas.

[Screech9791]

The map is finally finished, if you count the text in the blue blank space constituting unowned land in the map.

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

With that said, it is now Day 1!

You may now start spending project points on whatever you please (Max 2 total per day, Industry focused kingdoms have 75% project point costs rounded down) and start recruiting troops (Amount is 200/day, +100 for every additional kingdom owned, and a flat +100 for having the Force focus.)

If you have any questions, ask me via PMs or the Discord Server.

[coleslaw35]

Spoiler: The Kingdom of Steelhold, Day 1 (click to show/hide)

General Info:
Civilization Name: The Kingdom of Steelhold
Theme: Late Medieval
Day 1
Capital: Steelhold
Acquired Kingdoms: None
Focus: Force

Map(s):

Grey indicates scrublands. Green indicates grasslands. Ohahar and Bastranen are in forests. There is an ocean to the north-northeast. dark little squiggly lines indicate small rivers.

Troops & Heroes:
Troops:

-Steelpikes: Armor is same as in the image. Primarily used to protect the flanks from cavalry charges or to advance in a spearwall towards the enemy to open a hole in their lines for light infantry to exploit.



-Iron Initiates: Sword and shield, leather armored infantry primarily used to flank or exploit holes in an enemy line in order to wreak havoc on rear-line soldiers, such as archers or high value targets like siege weaponry crews. When no such opportunities are foreseeable, they are generally tasked with defending the longbowmen from potential harm.



-Heartseekers: Longbowmen, armed with a shortsword as a backup weapon, wearing padded armor. Obviously not intended for melee and the priority to protect them is paramount.



-Forged Knights: The most trusted and skilled warriors of Steelhold are given the title of Forged Knight. They serve as cavalry when not assigned to command a specific regiment.



Heroes:
A description of each of your heroes & their capabilities would go here.
-Alexander Wolff: Originally a Heartseeker, his impeccable aim and competency in leading archer regiments to battle has made this man stick out as a hero in his own right.



Supplies:
Foreign:

Domestic:
-The stone underneath Steelhold contains lots of sizable deposits of ores and minerals.
-As well, the stone itself is considerably stronger than anywhere else in the world. While this makes for some difficulty in actually acquiring the minerals within, the stone itself is valuable for defensive structures.

Projects:

Descriptions of any notable completed projects that aren't really self-explanatory. This would be the best place for projects that involve building a fortress/structure or any project that requires additional explanation.

Other:

After inner turmoil tore apart the expansive Kingdom of Ascalon, Count Kohl Greiner of Steelhold declares his realm's independence and announces himself King of Steelhold, thus turning the county into a now independent kingdom of its own. Having been the main source of men for the Ascalonian armies, the realm had always been a strong military power and this has carried over to its newfound state of sovereignty. The name Steelhold actually comes from the strong, dark gray stone used to construct defensive structures, rather than the mineral richness of the area.


Troops:
-Steelpikes: 800
-Iron Initiates: 500
-Heartseekers: 700
-Forged Knights:300

Total: 2300

Recruitment:

-Iron Initiates: 200
-Heartseekers: 100

Total: 300

Supplies:
Mineral Rich
Strong Stone

Projects:
Increase Ore Refining Capacity/Quality (1/3)
Train Bloodletters (1/2)

Completed Projects:
None.

Log: The nobles and King of Steelhold deliberate in private on the best direction forward for the nation. In the meantime, Steelhold's industrail capabilities are continuing to be expanded and developed.

[Happy Demon]

Spoiler: The Schwarzwald Reich: Day 1 (click to show/hide)

General Info:
Civilization Name: The Scwarzwald Reich
Theme: Children of the Forest
Day 1
Capital: Birlitz
Acquired Kingdoms: None
Focus: Force

Map(s):


Troops & Heroes:
Troops:
- Waldkind Footman: Armed with an axe and clad in light armor, these children of the forest use magically enhanced speed to outmaneuver enemies. Capable of outrunning any man on foot. Though they are vulnerable to all forms of damage. They're more intended to soften and harass the enemy than get kills. Specifically, break any shield they may hold.
- Waldkind Swordsman: Armed with a sword and unarmored, these children of the forest utilize stealth to get the drop on their enemies. They prefer to attack enemy ranged forces, who are vulnerable yet valuable.
- Waldkind Slinger: Armed with a sling and a pouch of hand picked stones, these children of the forest are elite warriors, having tested their stones a hundred times each. Their long experience affords them an accuracy unheard of from slings. Further augmented by magic, so not even vision slits are secure.
- Waldkind Guardian: Inside these bodies of wood and stone, are children of the forest, only the most revered are permitted this honor. This body is very durable, able to sustain barrages of arrows, flurries of stabs, and stands tall in the strongest of winds. The offensive capabilities are nothing to balk at either, as they can easily pummel a bear to death. However, the Guardian Body makes even a dwarf look agile in comparison. They are not suited for any offensive operation other than breaching defenses.

Heroes:
- Venerable Guardian Brunhilda Stern: One of the venerable elders of the Waldkind, with hair as black as night, glowing eyes, and who adorns the most venerated Guardian Body. But her greatest possession is the sword Gram, which she wields with the Guardian Body. She is also the only Waldkind that can make the Guardian Body move at speed.

Supplies:
Foreign:
- Empty: Nothing here... yet.

Domestic:
- Guardian Body: Powerful if slow constructs of wood and stone. They are products of intensive study, the pride and joy of the Waldkind. Each one is sacred, adorned in religious idols and they all have a unique name.
- Dragonslayer Gram: A sword with a rune covered blade, and a hilt decorated in gold. It is a sword capable of cleaving through iron with ease. Not even the most venerable elder knows where it came from. But there is one, The Mad Elder, who claims it was granted to them by a one eyed traveler.

Projects:

Descriptions of any notable completed projects that aren't really self-explanatory ("mass produce healing potions" for example) go here. This would be the best place for projects that involve building a fortress/structure or any project that requires additional explanation.

Other:

The residents of the Schwarzwald Reich aren't human, they are dark skinned elves that never become adults. They are called the Waldkind, and though they retain their childishness, they are also very wise, thanks to their endless age. They possess exceptional natural healing, which may be part of why they never age beyond a certain point.
However, this comes at the cost of physical strength. And though they easily augment speed with magic. For strength, they need bulky constructs. They also lack the discipline for spear use, preferring to harass the enemy and pelt them with rocks. They also master the arts of old, and see little need for newer arts. Though the world goes on, and they will inevitably have to catch up, or find someone who can do it for them.
Troops:
- Waldkind Footmen: 1 200
- Waldkind Swordsmen: 500
- Waldkind Slingers: 400
- Waldkind Guardians: 200

Total: 2 300

Recruitment:
- Waldkind Footmen: 200
- Waldkind Swordsmen: 100

Total: 300

Supplies:
Guardian Bodies.
Dragonslayer Gram.

Projects:
Construct Dalburg Fortress (1/9)
Invent Schwartzwald Bow (1/5)

Completed Projects:
None.

Log: All is clear for now. We have gathered the foreign reports we've left lying on the shelf for the past hundred years. We've found that the Kingdom of Steelhold is our neighbor. Had we found out sooner, we wouldn't even have bothered making that fort, but might as well keep going. We've had a fair few fights with them over the years, they always lose. Plenty of footmen still remember cutting into their unarmored cavalry, and eating their horses after the battle. We also kept a few of the archers, though some did get close to beating our slingers in accuracy before dying of old age. A bunch also went mad due to there being no girls among them.

Speaking of bows, we've heard that bow making has made a couple of advances over the years. What these advances mean, we'll see once we've finished making our own bows. In fact, we've found out that different woods make for different bows. We've also found we have quite the selection in our forest. Maybe we can do more study later, and find which is best suited for trade. Maybe the people of Steelhold would be interested, we could use some of that steel they have. Gathering our own is such a bother.

[Supernerd]

Spoiler: Woodrock Estate: Day 1 (click to show/hide)

General Info:
Civilization Name: Woodrock Estate
Theme: Noble Estate
Day 1
Capital: Woodrock Manor
Acquired Kingdoms: 0
Focus: Legacy

Map(s):

Woodrock Manor is essentially one massive fortress that covers the majority of this map segment. There are ramparts across the entire perimiter of the manor. There are five towers with high altitude, the outer four contain barracks and the gateways leading into the manor are at their base. The inner tower is the highest point of this map. There is a large body of water on the western side of the map.

Troops & Heroes:
Troops:
Guardsman: These soldiers make up the bulk of the conventional military forces of the Woodrock Estate. They typically wear either chainmail or half-plate armor and fight using either a halberd, or a sword and shield. They lack any extraordinary abilities, but can exploit the weaknesses of specialized enemies.

Assassin: The assassins employed by the Woodrock Estate typically also serve the role of a maid, butler, chef or other service providers. They are unarmored and fight using weapons such as shortbows, daggers and poisons. They are stealthy and nimble, but have little protection against attacks so they tend to struggle in large scale combat. They are best suited to carrying out stealth attacks, defending against stealth attacks, and fighting one on one.

Arcanist: Apprentice spellcasters of the Woodrock estate. They go into battle wielding an magic wand, and a shortsword or mace as an emergency backup weapon and they wear either robes or leather armor. The first spells that the Hedge Wizards are taught to cast is a protective aura that can subvert hostile effects on not only themselves, but a large number of allies around them as well. Most of them can also cast other forms of magic too.

Engineer: The Engineers are the ones responsible for maintaining the numerous traps in Woodrock Manor. In large scale combat they excel at siege and counter siege warfare, manning siege weapons such as Ballistae, Hwacha, Catapults or whatever else they can come up with. These weapons have very long range and destructive power, but they typically require a crew of about five in order to use these weapons at optimal efficiency. These weapons require an extended period of time in order to set them up meaning they cannot be rapidly redeployed.

Heroes:
Alderton Woodrock: The master of the Woodrock Estate, this elderly High Elven man is wizard of immense power. His signature skill is the ability to change the weather which was the key to his immense wealth. By conjuring a raging storm, torrential downpour, freezing blizzard, or a scorching drought he can change the flow of a battle in an instant, but his advanced age prohibits him from directly joining a battle.

Supplies:
Foreign:

Domestic:
Heroic Bloodlines: The High Elves of the Woodrock Estate are quite simply better than other people in most aspects.
The Astral Crown: A powerful artifact that signals the right of one to rule. It greatly increases the abilities of its wearer and provides immunity against mental impairments.

Projects:
Woodrock Manor (15): A massive fortress of an unrivaled scale that covers pretty much the entirety of the Woodrock Estate. On the outside there are high walls, observation posts and defensive fortifications. On the inside is a labyrinth filled with all manner of devious traps and secret corridors. Without careful planning, any would be assailants would be at an insurmountable disadvantage.

Other:
The world is a land of great strife. Centuries ago the High Elf noblman, Alderton Woodrock decided that instead of relying on the likelihood of his enemies not attacking he would instead rely on the fact that he made his position unassailable. The grand fortress known as the Woodrock Manor was constructed over the course of many years, and stood as a monument of military dominance.

An extended period of relative stability had followed, and not once has this ancient fortress faltered. During this time the high elven family grew complacent and arrogant towards what they would refer to as the "Lesser races". But when faced with the technology of this new medieval era that looms upon the world, this once impenetrable fortress had been reclassified as being merely formidable.

For the first time in decades, the Woodrock family was being forced to change in order to keep up with the times...
Troops:
Guardsmen: 2000
Assassin: 450
Arcanist: 300
Engineer: 450

Total: 3200

Recruitment:
Guardsmen: 0
Assassin: 50
Arcanist: 100
Engineer: 50

Total: 200

Supplies:
Heroic Bloodlines: Mass Produced (Inherent to High Elf units only)
The Astral Crown: Equipped by the hero Alderton Woodrock

Projects:
Hero Recruitment: Coming of age ceremony - Hazel Woodrock (1/5)
Unit Training: Tactical Formations - Guardsmen (1/2)

Completed Projects:
Woodrock Manor

Log:
This is Arbiter Aster Stargazer making her report. Arbiter. Teehee. Still not totally used to being called that.

Its been a very slow day today, with the only highlight being the exile of a prominent cartographer. At first I thought that exile was being a bit too harsh, until I learned that I would actually need to make do with the worldmap they recently provided. So I can understand that the Candy Kingdom is directly to the east. The Kingdom of Daíona is to the south and the Kingdom of Steelhold is to the southeast, though there are several inconsistencies with the terrain at the borders as though a large chunk of the map was missing. For some reason the Schwarzwald Reich is in black and white, which is the only part of the map not colored. And don't even get me started on the lands to the north! And if all that wasn't bad enough the map was delivered 6 days later than it was promised!

In spite of this, I must perform my duties as Arbiter. I'll start by sending a courier with an escort to the neighboring kingdoms to establish a contact with the local governments. I am more than just a bit nervous about how this will turn out as I could potentially be held liable for any problems that may arise from this.

Spoiler: Letter to King Kohl of Steelhold (click to show/hide)

Esteemed King of Steelhold,

I am Aster Stargazer, the Arbiter of External affairs of the Woodrock Estate. As your nation has been officially recognized as a true state, and as such there are some formalities that must be attended to. First and foremost, as the Kingdom of Steelhold is a relatively new addition to our maps, I must request an copy of the official seals used within your nation or whatever other means you may use for the purpose of validating your documents for the purpose of ensuring that we do not accept any counterfeit claims of ownership of Steelhold from those who might aspire to plot against you.

Spoiler: Letter to the Council of Elders of The Scwarzwald Reich (click to show/hide)

Venerated Elder,

I am Aster Stargazer, the Arbiter of External affairs of the Woodrock Estate. As you are aware, there has been an extended lapse of communications between The Scwarzwald Reich and the Woodrock Estate. As such, there are a few things that we need to re-establish. Would you kindly inform me of the name of the person responsible for external communication, as well as a list of which laws and customs within your nation which have been added or changed within the past 200 years which you feel would be of important for us to know of.

Spoiler: Letter to the Current Monarch of Daíona (click to show/hide)

To the Lord of Tylisseutherna,

I am Aster Stargazer, the Arbiter of External affairs of the Woodrock Estate. It has come to my attention that our populace has come to some misconceptions about the intentions and nature of your kingdom which I do not care to repeat. If I may be frank, I would humbly request that you set the record straight and inform us about who you are and what your people seek to accomplish. It is my hope that we can put an end to these unsightly rumors once and for all so that we can finally move on to more important manners.

Spoiler: Letter to the the City of the Millenial Tree (click to show/hide)

To the Reigning Monarch of the Cookie Kingdom,

I am Aster Stargazer, the Arbiter of External affairs of the Woodrock Estate. First of all, I must sincerely apologize on behalf of the Woodrock Estate. As you are no doubt already aware, it would have been well within the ability of lord Alderton to put an end to the witch a long time ago. While we were well aware of the travesties that she had committed, we had previously entered into a magically binding treaty with the Witch's grandmother which has only today been rendered void very recently. I have been assured by Lord Alderton himself that not only was he unaware of the consequences to your people as of the signing of that treaty, but it had also predated the witch's birth.

That being said, it is my sincere hope that we can now look to the future. To that end, we will need to know the name of the person to whom we will send any future correspondence.

[Failbird105]

Spoiler: Cookie Kingdom: Day 1 (click to show/hide)

General Info:
Civilization Name: Cookie Kingdom
Theme: Cookie Run/Wars
Day 1
Capital: City of the Millenial Tree
Acquired Kingdoms: None
Focus: Industry

Map(s):
https://i.imgur.com/95IOw3r.png

Troops & Heroes:
Troops:
Jelly Bees - Grapefruit sized insects formed almost entirely out of Jelly. They are capable of flight, and their stingers can reliably penetrate the average Cookies body. However, while they are capable of causing great damage to unprotected flesh and skipping over the frontlines to assault the enemies in the rear, they simply cannot output the force necessary to cause any harm through armor that's tougher than leather. In addition, their bodies being made of jelly makes them somewhat fagile, lighter blunt weapon attacks disperse well, causing almost no harm, but powerful blunt force blows can splatter their bodies completely, and bladed weapons can cleave straight through their squishy forms. Altogether though, Jelly Bees still remain far more cheap to raise, train and feed than equipping, training and supporting a Knight, allowing four to be fielded for every one actual soldier. Plus the honey and environmental benefits provided by having so many bees around certainly makes them a desirable option.

Knight Cookies - Knights, kitted out in sugar reinforced white-chocolate plate armor with jelly joints and a hard candy shield. They wield sharp, purpose made candy swords. Being Cookies, their bodies are hard, and lack internal structure. This means that blades may have a hard time cutting into their bodies, and piercing weapons won't hit anything vital, but blunt weaponry is far more effective, with an almost complete lack of padding to dampen the impact on their ridged bodies a good hit with a blunt weapon such as a warhammer can smash off limbs or cause parts of their body to crumble.

Wildberry Archer Cookies - These Cookies, taking after the untamed origin of their ingredients, are skilled hunters, and used to life in the wilderness, outside of cities and towns. They are competent archers, wielding fairly average bows, wooden with jelly-based bowstrings. The real trick is their arrows which, much like a large majority of other Cookie equipment, use candy instead of metal for their tips. This doesn't generally effect non-biological creature, Cookies included, but against flesh-based life the arrowheads tend to melt and become sticky in the wounds. This means that if the arrows are not removed very quickly they can become very difficult and painful to extract, and even cause quite a bit more damage being removed. Their bodies are less hard than some other cookies as they are filled with jam, but otherwise they still have no real internals, blades have an easier time cutting into them than the average Cookie and blunt weapons are only slightly more effective instead of greatly.

Candy Cannon - The latest in Candy siege technology. A large candy and sugar-glass orb with candy wheels and a Blast Jelly lined barrel on one end. The enthusiastic jawbreakers residing within take their name literally, and love being fired out at unfortunate targets. The Blast Jelly lining the inside of the barrel allows the Jawbreakers to be fired with great force, enough to damage stone walls with prolonged bombardment, but it is a good bit less effective than a regular cannon would be. There is also the fact that the Candy Cannon cannot move or aim itself, and instead must be accompanied by other units. The materials leave a candy cannon costing as much as 10 Knights, but it is arguably worth it for the force it provides.

Heroes:
Wind Archer Cookie - A legendary archer, once the very wind that blew through the forest. He was given the form of a cookie to help him purify the darkness, and protect the land. He can shoot arrows of light from his bow, up to three at once, and with power ranging from normal arrows, to being enough to put a hole clean through a man and hit the one behind him. When they're at their lower levels, they can be directly guided mid-air.

Supplies:
Foreign:
None
Domestic:
Jellies- A strange sort of gummy material made using sugar. Jelly can be shaped in various ways, can gain different properties based on ingredients used to make it, and there even exist living and naturally reproducing creatures made out of it. On its own it's far from durable, and is in fact edible, so it's not really good for weapons, but it's otherwise a very versatile material.

Power Jellies- One of the few leftover creations of the Witch that is to some degree properly understood. They are types of jellies with strange, almost magical properties, and come in four types. Energy Jellies don't do anything on their own but can be brewed into potions that rejuvenate and slightly heal the drinker, Growth Jellies cause the eater to grow to several times their size for a short duration, Blast Jellies propel what they're applied to forward at great speed, and Magnet Jellies cause the eater to attract other Jellies to themself but weakly enough that any Jelly capable of locomotion can resist.

Projects:
Train Knight Cookies to utilize Blast Jelly- By utilizing Blast Jelly, Knight Cookies will be able to charge on foot at cavalry speeds, but they have to be used carefully, because when you're Blasting, there is no stopping.

Other:

Troops:
2900 Jelly Bees(= 725 soldiers)
675 Knight Cookies
450 Wildberry Archer Cookies
35 Candy Cannons(= 350 soldiers)
Total: 2200

Recruitment:
100 Jelly Bees(= 25 soldiers)
75 Knight Cookies
50 Wildberry Archer Cookies
5 Candy Cannons(= 50 soldiers)
Total: 200

Supplies:
Jelllies
Power Jellies

Projects:
Engineer Small Scale Blast Launchers (1/2)

Completed Projects:
Train Knight Cookies to utilize Blast Jelly (1/1)

Log: Things have been going quite well! Work is progressing at speed, soon enough these re-inhabited ruins will be a refurbished city. In other news, we've gotten a letter, apparently we have neighbors!

Spoiler: Response to Woodrock Estate (click to show/hide)

To Woodrock Estate

Greetings! My name is Princess Rose Cookie. And while the apology is appreciated, I'm afraid that we where not in fact aware of such a thing. Nor am I surprised that he was unaware of us. While Cookies seem to have lived in this land for quite some time, this Kingdom, and all of its people, where only made recently. Indeed, we did not know there where others out there for us to meet! That being said, I'm glad that our first meeting with another people was so cordial.

Let it be known that any perceived sleights upon our people have been forgiven, and indeed, I hope we can all look towards a bright future together.

[coleslaw35]

Spoiler: Letter to King Kohl of Steelhold (click to show/hide)

Esteemed King of Steelhold,

I am Aster Stargazer, the Arbiter of External affairs of the Woodrock Estate. As your nation has been officially recognized as a true state, and as such there are some formalities that must be attended to. First and foremost, as the Kingdom of Steelhold is a relatively new addition to our maps, I must request an copy of the official seals used within your nation or whatever other means you may use for the purpose of validating your documents for the purpose of ensuring that we do not accept any counterfeit claims of ownership of Steelhold from those who might aspire to plot against you.

Spoiler: Response to the Woodrock Estate (click to show/hide)

Hallo Arbiter Stargazer,

Your acknowledgement of our newfound sovereignty is most appreciated, however we will not be sending such sensitive documents and markers as a matter of security. You will know when it is us who speaks with you on important matters.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

Spoiler: Ein Brief für das Schwarzwald Reich (click to show/hide)

Hallo Elders of the Reich,

While we of Steelhold disagree with your narrative of our history together, and while our people may be physically different, one can not deny the threat that the Tainted Blood of the west poses to the both of us. They, while mostly half demon, are fully evil and must be watched closely. We would be willing and more able to do so, so long as we knew you would no longer wish to confront us in the field of battle like you did in the times of Ascalon. We are no longer Ascalonians, but we are Steelholders. This shift of identity requires a shift in diplomatic positions, and I'm sure a proper relationship between our peoples could successfully be forged in the fires of change.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

Spoiler: Letter to the Kingdom of Daiona (click to show/hide)

Hallo Höllekinder,

Your very existence is a crime against this world and its people. Do note that the fires of mans' forges will always outburn the fires of Hell. That is all.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

Spoiler: Letter to the Cookie Kingdom (click to show/hide)

Hallo Kekseleute,

Artificial folk as natural as the men of Steelhold... We had not known of your kind for so long, and I fail to understand why. Tell me, do you breathe and feel as any man does? Or is it just that which powers you forth; a mission to solve a lack of life and feeling? Are your pursuits fueled by revenge to betray the witch who created you in her own image, or to simply honor her?

I believe you have much to offer for philosophizers and psychologists everywhere, and for that you commend my respect.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

[Happy Demon]

[The Schwartzwald External Affairs Room]

Spoiler: Log (click to show/hide)

For the first time in hundreds of years, we've got not just one letter, but two. This is most fortunate, as I fear the elders were planning to discontinue my service. But fret not, even if our staff has been reduced to a single person in a single room, I am the best diplomat the world has to offer. I know everything about everyone. Such as how the demons have never once succeeded in any sort of crossbreeding. Once again showing the folly of men. If memory serves, there were plans for something called the Woodrock Estate from the pointy eared humans. They call themselves elves, but they still age just like the rest.

Spoiler: Letter to Woodrock Estate (click to show/hide)

Greetings to you, Arbiter of Woodrock Mansion.

Your letter got to me in the nick of time. There's only one of us left in the Outside Affairs Department. I am Hulder Ostwind, and I'd like to assure you that my skill hasn't grown rusty in the slightest. For we Waldkind never age. So which leader are you at right now? Last we heard it was Alderton Woodrock, but you may know him as the predecessor of Hazel Woodrock.
I don't think we've made any changes. Though I think my report on the recent invention of crossbows may have caused a stir with the other elders. Oh, and we're looking to perform a survey of wood in the future. You menfolk seem to like your bows and spears.

Schwartzwald External Affairs Department
Hopefully I wont be forced to replace this stamp, I do love it so much.

Spoiler: Letter to the Kingdom of Steelhold (click to show/hide)

Greetings to you, Kohl Greiner.

I can assure you we know your history better than you ever will. As plenty of Waldkind remember observing your kingdom even before the time of Ascalon. As for the demons of Daíona. Fret not, our guardians will make short work of them, like the many times they came at us.
We also have no plans to strike at you, seeing as whenever the Daíona people manage to summon a greater demon, they have to make their way through your lands first. Giving us ample opportunity to ready our defense.
But speaking of diplomatic relations, how are your ore veins holding up? I hope you haven't depleted them just yet. It'd be such a shame, as we've been setting up plans for harvesting some of our plentiful wood. We know for certain there were some special trees in here that grow nowhere else. We just gotta find them, is all. Hiding trees in a forest and all that.

Schwartzwald External Affairs Department

Spoiler: Letter to the Kingdom of Daíona (click to show/hide)

Greetings to you and your demon overlords.

So we've found out that the people of Ascalon still haven't forgiven you for stomping through their lands. They also seem to be going by the name of Steelhold now. The report about your crossbows also caused quite the stir over with the military elders. Tell your distant ancestor I said thanks.
I'm sure you're aware of how we kicked your butt the last time you tried attacking us. But we have started to worry over you going over and reducing Steelhold to ruins. This would be bad for us, as they have a plentiful supply of iron ore, which is much better than our bog iron. So I'd like to discourage you from attacking them anytime soon.

Schwartzwald External Affairs Department

[piratejoe]

Spoiler: The Kingdom of Daíona, Day 1 (click to show/hide)

General Info:
Civilization Name: The Kingdom of Daíona
Theme: Half Demons
Day 1
Capital: Tylisseutherna
Acquired Kingdoms: None
Focus: Industry

Map(s):[spoiler]

Troops & Heroes:
Troops:
Ravagers: Lightly armored and armed with nothing but their natural claws, the Ravagers are, arguably, the cannon fodder of the army, and the ones who are a nightmare for other lightly armored infantry should they get close enough. Needless to say, cheep and effective when it comes up to softening the enemy up

Impalers: As the name implies, the Impalers use pikes, and unlike Ravagers, are armored with more than gambeson, having a bit of steel protecting their chest and a helm on top of said gambeson. Their arms and legs however, are not protected, although if something other than a ranged enemy manages to break through the wall of pikes, clearly something has gone wrong somewhere...

Arbalests: Armored similarly to Impalers, but armed with a much different weapon, the Arbalests utilize a heavy crossbow designed specifically for ruining the day of any infantry that gets hit by their volley of bolts, no mater their armor. Additionally, a bit of magic is used so the bolts makes whoever they hit have an even worse day by being on fire once fired.

Barons: Barons are, as one might expect of the name, strong warriors. Specifically they are armored head to toe in plate with chain mail and gambeson underneath the main armor. Additionally, they are armed depending on their preference, having either a pike, long sword, or sword and shield as their main weapon, but all keep a mace as a backup.

Heroes:
Ryreva Kritikou: Originally, Ryreva was one who was considered odd by the simple fact that they had very few overt and easy to see demonic features relating to their heritage with the exception of their height matching that of the descendants of some large demons and their eyes having black sclera and red iris. Other than this, most people just ignored them after a bit of an odd glance, while rivals would claim they had little blood of their ancestors in them. Their life would have been uneventful if it weren't for the fact that they were drawn to a particular blade, one that was under guard. This blade was one that was in the hands of a particular baron and was called Mávithanátoslepdas. For those who tried to pick up the blade, it would always leave a horrible burn on their hands and result in them dropping it. However, Ryreva didn't suffer any burns and instead was able to use the thing with ease. Needless to say, the baron in question and his guards aren't alive anymore, and she has taken their place and respect.


Supplies:
Foreign:

Domestic:
There is an odd smelling and volatile substance known as Sulfur underground. It could prove useful.

Mávithanátoslepdas is a blade, a very special and long blade, twice the size of a normal human. Its pitch black with red rune like writing on both sides of the center of the blade that ends before it reaches the tip while its handle and guard is a seeming contrast as a rose gold. It feels smooth to the touch and depending on who touches it, either cold or burning hot. It also works well at channeling magic through it, allowing the user to do such things as having it coat itself in fire as a classic example. Its a relic from when Demons walked on the lands that would become Daíona, said to be from the most powerful demon that was summoned there long ago.

Projects:

The construction of Nessoria Castle is to make a large fortification that guards the crossing of the nearby river, using it additionally as a moat. The construction is specifically designed to make sure any armies that come across the river have to deal with the fortress before they can continue forward and deeper into the territory, and is designed to make an assault on it as miserable as possible, having different layers of the castle sectioned off and also having a few gardens inside to make it so food during sieges lasts. Naturally, the construction will be made out of stone and there is a courtyard for training.

The construction of Aeryx Castle is to create a castle that overlooks the ocean and makes any invasion coming from it sighted before it can get to anywhere important while also preventing any army from simply continuing on the road its situated on and forcing them to go through much denser terrain in the nearby forest if they chose not to go through it. Naturally, its inside is sectioned off into different layers, has a garden for food inside, and a courtyard for training like the other castle as well.

Other:
Daíona is a kingdom of half demons that was the result of a large tribe of demon worshipers being successful in their rituals and managing to summon demons, many many demons in fact. Naturally, they willingly followed their 'gods' orders, and were 'blessed' with children that were greater than they were. Over time, the demons that were summoned were banished or otherwise forced to return to the underworld, but the half demons that now ruled over the lands still lived and were still there. It should be mentioned that, despite what one might expect, they don't value every sin, as sloth is something they really really dislike for the simple fact that it is very counterproductive to anything. All other sins are valued however, though technically speaking, that doesn't mean they are all 'evil' unless you have high standards for what you consider to be neutral.

Troops: 900 Ravagers
550 Impailers
550 Arbalests
200 Barons
Total: 2200

Recruitment:
100 Ravagers
50 Impailers
50 Arbalests
Total: 200

Supplies:
Sulfur
Mávithanátoslepdas

Projects:
Construction of Nessoria Castle 1/4
Construction of Aeryx Castle 1/4


Completed Projects:
None.

Log: It seems that I of all people, Lohrlagar Karahalios, have been stuck in the position of chancellor. And that damned steward Mazelon seems absolutely incompetent. When I and the martial requested a map of our own kingdom, other kingdoms, and the area's between them, he was supposed to get one for us, but of course instead of actually getting a proper cartographer he decided to just buy a map of every single kingdom, which would have been fine if he actually gave them to us instead of getting someone to make a quilt that looks vaguely similar to the maps. I swear that man is of sloth, that or he has a mix of patience and cruelty...for hell's sake why did I of all people get this position?

It seems that my position is needed however, as it seems new letters are coming in every five minutes...

Spoiler: Letter to Woodrock Estate (click to show/hide)

Dear Aster Stargazer

I'm sorry to say this but the King is unavailable at this time, and as such I, Lohrlagar Karahalios, his chancellor write this in his place. Our people are not violent savages who demand sacrifice like those from Steelhold might think, as while our fully human ancestors many years ago did such things to summon fully fledged demons, we do not do such things now or have any plans to do such things in the future, and even if we did, the knowledge on how to was lost. While those from Steelhold may call us evil, we only embrace the true nature of all mortal beings instead of fighting it, for who would not want more and to be proud unless they were purposely restraining themselves in the belief of rewards after death they would never receive? Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Pride, and Envy are natural, and these feelings can and will lead to a happy productive person while repressing them is unhealthy and will lead to naught but stress and despair. Those with Lust, Gluttony, Greed and Envy will be driven to work hard to get what they don't have and more of what they do, those with pride will wish to prove it and make works of art to be proud of, and those with Wrath will channel this anger into martial skill and into their training. If people really wish to fight against that nature, so long as they don't force others to, we could care less for it is their own choice.

Regardless, the main thing we wished to do was simply be left alone, if the other kingdoms wished to trade, so be it, but otherwise, we would simply remain mostly uninterested in external affairs. However, such a thing has been shown to be impossible, for I received a letter recently from the king of Steelhold that practically is a declaration of war without stating it and a desire to wipe our kind from this plain of existence. Because of this, for the time being we plan on readying our fortresses and wait for them to throw themselves against our walls before we counter attack. Hopefully, you seek to avoid such conflict, as I'm sure you yourself would rather keep to yourself more than anything else.

Best regards, Lord Chancellor Lohrlagar Karahalios.

Spoiler: Letter to Steelhold? (click to show/hide)

To my alcoholic rival, to dear Fyrelvyn who has never worked a day in her drunken life.

I have but one request from you, not for my sake but for your own. Stop sending people to kill me! Myself and my guards already captured five of them, one of them with some kind of explosive using sulfur, one with poison, another with a sword, and yet another two with crossbows. If you don't stop sending killers, I'll send a very fast working one to Acila and I certainly won't have to send another. For Hells sake why do you even want my position so badly? I'd honestly give it to you so you could suffer if I was able to but annoyingly that isn't an option for me. Honestly the only reason I could possibly think you'd do this for is because I have an actual 'prestigious position' if you can even call it that, and seeing how much you like me compared to the others in 'prestigious positions' I'm your target.

With much ire, Lohrlagar.

Spoiler: Another Letter to Steelhold (click to show/hide)

To the wretched king Kohl Greiner.

It is good to know that your low character which is the subject of some Acila plays seems to be just as true off the stage as on it going off your letter, may the high lords of hell destroy your house.

Lord Chancellor Lohrlagar Karahalios.

Spoiler: Letter to the Schwarzwald Reich (click to show/hide)

To the Schwarzwald External Affairs Department

We have already noticed such with a letter that they sent calling our mere existence a crime. I must however say I am completely unaware of any sort of conflict between our kind and your own, maybe a minor tribe of exiles attacked you in the past, but not the kingdom proper. I will say however we have no intention of attacking the kingdom of Steelhold, we would much rather they waste their manpower and skilled soldiers sieging our castles and throwing themselves against our walls and spears, and after take their lands unopposed. After all, destruction of the lands you wish to take will only result in you getting less out of them than you would if you didn't destroy them. Though I wouldn't be surprised if they burned their own lands to prevent our army from having food when we go on the offensive and claim we did it despite such actions being incredibly foolish. Also I should mention we are no longer ruled by demons, for the last one was forced back to hell at least a hundred years ago.

Best regards, Lord Chancellor Lohrlagar Karahalios.

[coleslaw35]

Spoiler: Ein Brief für das Schwarzwald Reich (click to show/hide)

Hallo Elders of the Reich,

I'm sure you shall be glad to know that our veins of Earthly metals are numerous and rich. We would be more than willing to trade some of these valuable resources so long as goods of your own can be provided in exchange.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

Spoiler: Letter to the Kingdom of Daiona (click to show/hide)

Hallo Höllekinder,

I find it odd that your people have plays at all, and the fact that the ones you do have include me is most flattering. After all, to be recognized as having a "low character" by those who themselves are of low character is entirely hypocritical, and downright hilarious. I'd suggest you stick to comedies since your nation seems to be one.

Lebewohl,
-Kohl Greiner

[Screech9791]

I just would like to make it clear, whenever it's midnight EST, it's counted as a new day.