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[micelus]

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Dariel 'the Incapable' Goldspeaker

(121AD - 131AD)

Spoiler: Rolls (click to show/hide)

Efficiency: 16- 5 (Social Order) + 5 (Army Loyalty) - 10 (Nobility Power) = 10 {Poor Rule}
Strength Lies in Knowing Your Tools: 1 {CRIT}
The Teutorgen Hegemony: 75 - 5 (Social Order) - 10 (Nobility Power) , -1 (Council Power) +5 (Economic Prosperity) = 69
An End to Hostilities: 22
I am the Council: 15 -5 (Council Power) = 10
Closest to the Flames, a Melting Pot = 32 -5 (Social Order),+10 (Noble Power) +5 (Economic Prosperity) = 42

The choice to not choose one of Aldemar's own heirs was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. At least, to Dariel of the Goldspeakers.

In old lores, it was said, the Goldspeakers spoke to the small men of the mountains. Through their inquiries, it was they who had learnt the allure of gold and shown the tribe its beauties. Now, Dariel would do his illustrious ancestors one better and show the tribe the strengths of Goldspeaker rule.

At least, so had been Dariel's dream. In the chronicles, Dariel's rule would go on to be a disaster for the clan. Seeing that the clearest manner to cementing his rule was through military support, he attempted to strengthen ties of loyalty with the fighting men (and occasional women) of the tribe. Now perhaps such a policy would have worked for most kings, perhaps without too great an effort. Dariel Goldspeaker however, had gained a bit of a reputation. Whilst outwardly seeming like any illustrious noble of the tribe, rumours had abounded of his callous nature. Eventually, such rumours were confirmed or accepted by some of the influential elders and venerated tribe members. Chiefs, shamans, metalworkers and thanes; all would say - with perhaps some exaggeration here and there - that Dariel and his kin had little loyalty to the tribe and would sell it out for a handful of gold. The fighting-aged people of the tribe as such, held little loyalty to a double-faced weasel. Indeed, they wondered as to how exactly he had convinced so many to support his rule - which again, lead to rumours of blackmail and intrigues.

Perhaps wishing to find a new base of power within the tribe - and fearing that the nobles would centre their support around another candidate - Dariel sent out envoys to invite other tribes into the sparsely inhabited lands claimed by the Teutorgens. Many tribes had come from the legendary and cold homelands of the northeast and were thankful for the generosity of the Teutorgens. Whilst this ruffled the feathers of more than a few clans, the sheer number of tribes that soon entered Teutrorgen vassaldom did much to improve kingly prestige. The majority of these tribes have settled in the southeast, whilst others have integrated into the greater Teutrorgen population. These new tribes are the Asivogens, Werenii, Suben and Lurielii. Mainly nomads of the tundra, these tribes are yet to be civilised enough to put down permanent steadings or settlements. With time however, they may yet see the benefits of the settled life.

One tribe however, the Luutvh, has decided to settle around the headwaters of the realm. These people do not share ancestry with your or the other tribes of the homeland. They are darker in perplexion and smoother of manner. Their ears and eyes are slightly curved and  both their men and women wear heavy garments of sealskin and bear. Interestingly, the women seem to lead the tribe. The storytellers say that in the homeland, such peoples sailed over the waters with boats of bone, skin and nail. From what Dariel's envoys are able to figure out, the Luutvh have been exiled from their people because of a conflict over "whales", a kind of pig that can turn into a fish. Such an odd people.

With his new subjects, Dariel felt himself in a confident enough position to deal with the so-called Manda's Children. Sending agents to to sabotage their stores of food and tools. For the most part, such schemes backfire. Most agents are detected, with most being sacrificed to Manda. A few are kept as slaves or sent back as a warning. Regardless, news of this has embarrassed the tribe.

Spoiler: Manda Children Event Rolls (click to show/hide)

Do the Manda Children conduct a counterattack? 32 (yes)
Manda Children Offense Roll: 97
Chief Defence Roll: 1 {CRIT}
Death (IF <60 = Yes): 60 (....incapable?)

The Children of Manda, after years of raiding the tribe, have marshalled an immense raid on the lowlands. The Luutvh are the first to be attacked, and whilst putting up a good fight, are quickly forced into hiding and retreat. It seems that the goddess of the mountains has indeed blessed her people. It seems that soon after, the Manda Children are everywhere, attacking both the hinterlands and the tribal holds. Dariel attempts to put up a fight - as befitting of a king - but finds himself repeatedly defeated in battle. His warriors, while of decent stock,  find themselves defeated again and again. Retreating from a sortie, he finds himself surrounded by the mountain men in significant numbers, and while cutting down several of them, soon finds himself brought low. Just before the doom-bringing strike was cast however, reinforcements from the Werenii arrive and rout the mountainmen from the king's presence.

Though alive, Dariel is far too wounded to continue his rule, having lost the ability of speech or movement.

It is with some panic, that the nobles once again cast their lots to choose a new king. The Goldspeakers make a weak argument for selecting someone from their line, but the questionable rule of Dariel has made such a motion unpopular amongst those gathered. Others suggest Aldemar's sons, with some saying that Dariel's poor rule was a sign of the ancestors' discontent with the previous election. A few make scandalous suggestions to elect the chief of the Manda's brood, or a chief from one of the vassal tribes. The Werenii, as it were, currently have some prestige for their rescue of Dariel and his retinue.

Due to the circumstances of the election, and the continued Mandan attack, it is likely that a well-selected leader would soon gain the working loyalty of the warriors and council. At least, until the threat has passed...

State of the Tribe

Form of Government: Tribal Elective Chiefdom
Language of the People: Teutorgen / Teuvaurgen (cultural syncretism with Vaukelgern)
Language of Court / Nobility: Teutorgen
Tribe Religion: The Old Ways (Ancestors Worship) (Goddess of the Mountains Waters banned)
Ruling Dynasty: Goldspeaker

Economic Prosperity
Starvation - Famine - >> Stagnating << - Healthy - Prosperous - Bountiful

Social Order
Revolt - Unrest - >>Disquiet<< - Stable - Contented - Social Order

Military Strengh
Rag-tag armed civilians - Informal militia - >>Shabby raiders << - Tribal warriors -Fierce fighters - Thou finest

Warrior Loyalty [renamed]
Kingmaker -  >>Disloyal<< - Falling -Improving -Loyal - Steadfast

Nobility Power
Dominant - >>Autonomous<< - Strengthening - Weakening -Marginalized - Absolute rule

Nobility Loyalty
Revolutionary - Upset - Discontent - >>Quiet<< - Approving - Devoted

Council Loyalty
Revolutionary - Upset - >>Discontent<< - Quiet -Approving - Devoted

Vassal Tribe Loyalty [NEW!]
Revolutionary - Upset - Discontent - Quiet - >>Approving<< - Devoted

Issues

The Mandan War Pressing issue. Whilst seemingly few in number, the worshippers of Manda seem to possess a mastery of strategy and tactics - perhaps derived from the Goddess herself. Whilst a ghastly thought, they have proven themselves masters of war and now, the state of the tribe is in question.

The Vassal Tribes Dariel's invitation of foreign tribes has helped to populate the frontier and turn it from wilderness into productive steadings and settlements. However, there are grumblings amongst some Teutorgens that these tribes compete with tribe members for resources and living space. Whilst loyal for now, it is possible that these vassal tribes could pose problems - or boons - in the future.

New Neighbours:. The migration of tribes from the northeast have seen the settling of many new tribes amongst the mountains, as well as the west and north. The Comagri have been overwhelmed by a warlike tribe called the Situvens, with most Comagri fleeing west into the untamed wilds. A coalition of small, peaceful tribes have settled between the Teutorgens and the Ruthini. They are organised as a confederacy of tribes called the Ars League.

Goats? Travellers from the east speak of the Ekral's domestication of mountain goats. Apparently, they have tamed the aggressive beasts for purpose of food, fur and bearing heavy burdens. This has substantially improved the tribe's lifestyle.

Tuatha raids: An ever looming threat, the Tuatha are quiet for now. However, it seems that many of the Comagri that fled into the wilds have disappeared.

And any issues or goals the player might think of!

Modifiers

Elective Legitimacy: Ruler not chosen through negotiations between High Chief and Council will have an harder time to reign. -5 to effectiveness rolls if character is in this case.

Strong relations with neighbours: +5 to rolls involving neighbours' diplomacy.

All craft's Teutorgenship is of the highest quality: Teutorgen crafters are well renowned in the region, and their products are valued in the area. +5 to rolls involving economy and trading.

Crisis The Council and Nobles are more amiable to support their king - as long as they are an acceptable candidate -  due to recent events. +15 to rolls involving Council/Noble loyalty.

Map of the know world by 131 AD:

Spoiler: Vassal Map (click to show/hide)

As. = Asivogens
Sub. = Suben
Lu. = Luutvh
Lur. =Lurielii
We. = Werenii

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Vote

As Manda's Children grow in power, many paths are open to them.

A) the Children stabalise as a tribe, becoming like other tribes in these lands.
B) carried on by their zeal, the Children conquer the lowlands around them, forming a high kingdom.
C) the Children break down due to internal conflicts, forming related tribes throughout the mountain range.
D) the Children reconciliate with the mainstream tribe, with both sides reaching a modicum of tolerance.
E) the Children conquer the Teutrorgen tribe, enforcing a Mandan cult on the rest of the populace.

[Prophet]

D

[Glass]

D would definitely help yes.

[ConscriptFive]

E

ICly, they seem to be on quite the rampage. D is kinda a cop out.  Seems like there should be some more narrative and gameplay to decide something consequential, rather than "the grand menace we created and provoke over the last three turns just kinda decided to give up."  At least if we're going to do that, E is the most interesting result.

(Also, as POF "the Impious," I'm totally not biased here...)

[micelus]

((If E is chosen, its not going to be nice and preachy sort of reconciliation, but I'll keep that in mind next time!))

[ConscriptFive]

I mean, if we're going to chicken out and end the war without our annihilation, E is the most interesting result.  A and B just kinda punt the conflict to the next turn.  C and D are both anti-climatic and will require some deus ex machina.

Also, looks like it's my turn...

Avatar : Tall and thin, with a striking resemblance to his father, High Chief Aldemar 'the Bridge' Aldemargen
Name : Brutus Aldemargen
Age when becoming leader : 36
Religion : Ancestor Worship, though wary of the might of Manda given recent events
Leadership Style : Direct and hands-on, as he doesn't trust the competency of the Council anymore.  He's been side-lined before, and the last ten years have been a waking nightmare.  The Council's folly have brought his people to the brink of disaster, and we won't let them further destroy this tribe.
Leader Personality : Political, and mildly paranoid, he was heir apparent until the Council inexplicably usurped his dynasty for a relatively unknown one.  Has raised a political alliance to retake his rightful place from the enfeebled chief, and seeks to save the tribe from the Council and the Children of Manda (possibly in that order!)  Notably superstitious.
Biography : It was only ten years ago when the Council stunned the tribe, anointing the relatively unknown Goldspeaker dynasty.  The Aldemargen's had paid their respects to the Starwatchers and 'The Bridge' proved to be a fine chief.  Phineus' favorite daughter was even Brutus' loving wife!  Brutus, son of 'the Bridge', should've have been chief ten years ago.  So, what foul witchcraft brought 'the Incapable' to the throne? ...was it Manda?  Or was 'the Impious' correct after all, and their current fate the result of the tribe (or should we say, 'the Council') forsaking a dutiful ancestor?  Honestly, he's not sure, but he has to try...  Still, if there's one thing that Brutus has in his favor, it's that hardly anyone disagrees that the Council made a grievous mistake ten years ago.  The tribe breathed a collective sigh of relief at his restoration, (imagine the kind of damage 'the Incapable' could've done in another ten years!)  But is it already too late for him to save the Teutorgen people?

Goals :
The Graves of the High Chiefs:  While we worship the memories of our ancestors, their deceased bodies are quickly buried and forgotten.  Should we not venerate their resting place as well?  We shall begin this sacred tradition among our people by constructing burial mounds atop the graves of previous High Chiefs.  Annually, each deceased High Chief shall have a specific remembrance day, where their history and achievements are recited.  Not only will their spirits' be pleased, but these new ceremonies shall bind us together as a tribe.  (The bones of Ugrel and 'the Starseeker' may be forgotten to us, but surely some elder recalls where 'Gleaming-Eye' was buried sixty years ago?  'The Impious' and 'The Bridge' were buried only in the last thirty years.)

The Feast of 'The Alchemist':  Before he founded the Cult of Manda and became 'The Impious,' Phineus Starwatcher was undoubtedly a wise and beloved chief.  He saved our ancestors from starvation, and provided lasting innovations upon our two tribes.  We can at least come together with the Children of Manda to honor that shared legacy.  We shall invite them under a flag of truce to celebrate his remembrance day (preferably at his properly venerated burial mound.)  A meal of fish on copper plates will be served, in honor of what 'the Alchemist' brought to our ancestors.  Hopefully this will forge a lasting peace, and become an annual ceremony of shared legacy between us and the Children of Manda.

The Northwest Delegation:  If belligerence of the Children of Manda wasn't bad enough, the sudden migration on our norther borders has displaced the the long friendly Comagri Tribe.  The Situven may prove a threat to us as well.  We shall send a delegation to them to establish friendly relations and trade.  If the situation with the Children of Manda worsens, they may prove a powerful ally.  Similarly, contact with the Ars League should also be made.  Another buyer of our copperware is always appreciated.

The Goats of the East:  What if you had an animal, but you didn't have to hunt it?  They live in harmony with you, and you can harvest them just like they're another crop!  Even better, you can just cut their fur off and it'll grow back later.  Apparently, this is how the Easterners of the Ekral tribe do it, and so should we.  We shall hire guides from our Vaukelgern allies to assist a trade delegation to the far East.  We shall learn the Way of the Goat from the Ekral, and bring them back to our lands to prosper.

The Keep:  While out ancestors hunted and gathered for generations, agriculture has changed everything.  Much like our crops, our peoples have rooted themselves to their lands.  As our settlements become permanent, is it possible we can build a safehaven from hostile raids?  A house on high ground.  Earth dug and piled as walls surrounding it.  Perhaps a trench and a palisade/stakewall around it?  Then, we need only post our warriors at the entrance gaps.  They may ravage our fields, but they won't be able to raid this 'keep' without fighting every one of our warriors to the death.  Should Brutus' various diplomatic efforts fail, this could prove our last resort before we meet the fate of the Itnovini and Comagri.  (OOC:  Motte and bailey is probably a stretch.  Probably more of an old English burh?  But maybe a proto Viking ring fortress?  Those were all logs and earthworks.  It's all a bit of a leap from tee-pees, but that's why I'm only trying to build one.  Gotta start building sometime.  Guess we'll see what the dice have to say about it.)

[Rockeater]

Want either A or B but E seems appropriate enough

A mix of D and E could also be interesting, a reconciliation, but a costly one with many of consul position held by them and a delicate balance held by every ruler unless a civil war erupt.

[Glass]

A mix of D and E could also be interesting, a reconciliation, but a costly one with many of consul position held by them and a delicate balance held by every ruler unless a civil war erupt.

That sounds fair, and a more likely result.

[Ixarys]

Let’s see how it is on this side of the game...

E as well. Can’t wait to see our first monotheistic faith trying to assert itself in the region.

[Ghazkull]

D

[Yellow Pixel]

E

[micelus]

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Brutus 'the Friendly' Aldemargen

(131AD - 146AD)

Spoiler: Rolls (click to show/hide)

Efficiency: 80- 5 (Social Order) + 5 (Army Loyalty) - 10 (Nobility Power) = 70 [decent rule]
The Graves of the High Chiefs:  81 +5 (Social Order) = 86
The Feast of 'The Alchemist': 77 +5 (strong relations with neighbours) -15 (General dislike of making peace with the Mandans in this manner) = 67
The Northwest Delegation: 59 +5 (Strong relations with neighbours) = 64
The Goats of the East: 65 +5 (Strong relations with neighbours) = 70
The Keep: 19 = 10

With little dissent, another Aldemargen is elected to lead the tribe once more. With the full support of the Council, Brutus Aldemargen receives a free hand to do what is necessary to ensure the survival of the tribe. Though distrustful of the institution, the hope of clan Aldeamrgen rests on cooperation with the other nobles.

Brutus, a man who had over decade of raid and war with the heretics of the mountains, thought that the tribe's salvation would be found in matters of spirituality. The chiefs of the past -even the one who had given birth to the monotheists - had been fonts of strength and wisdom in their times. Now perhaps, it was time to earn their favour from the other world, by respecting their earthly remains? So it was that messengers and respected elders were sent to the known graves of the respected dead and made it known that such graves were to be spruced up. Furthermore, the shamans of the tribe were to create new rituals in order to please the chiefly spirits. Regardless of the material resources and time required to carry these tasks out, the morale of the tribe has increased tremendously. The zeal of the mountain worshipers have perhaps, pushed the tribe to take up a similar zeal for their own beliefs.

Continuing on with the adoration of the chiefs, Brutus made it known that the chief once known as the Alchemist would now be celebrated for the good he had done...regardless of his other actions. Furthermore, such an occasion would be used to foster a semblance of peace with the heretics of the highlands. Despite general opinion being against this, the support that the man of the Aldemargen clan had acquired made it possible for the council to acquiesce to this. Emissaries were sent to the mountain clans, and amazingly, they did find it a good idea. Under the flag of truce did the Children come down and celebrate the feast of their joint deceased chieftain. It was hoped that an annual celebration of this feast would one day heal relations between the two sides.

The tribe has always been known for its talents of diplomacy, and the reign of Brutus Aldemargen saw little need to change this. With the migration of new tribes into this land, it became prudent to rejigger their relationships. The Comagri had been losers in recent years, and while there had long been a friendship between the two tribes, it would be folly for the Teutorgens to aid them. Instead, Brutus sent out feelers to determine if it was possible to make friends with these 'Situvens' and their northerly ways. Brutus' envoys return after a few days and tell him in plain terms that the Situvens do not currently wish to war further; they are still busy with discovering their newly-taken lands. Deftly, they were able to make a good impression on the Situven leadership, which ought give them pause at harrying the Teutorgens. However, the envoys do say that there is some evidence that the Situvens are raiding the League of Ars and that there is some trouble here and the Ruthini and remaining Camagri.

Envoys are also sent to the Ars League. After a few days, Brutus is regaled of tales about the complexity of the Ars League's Council. They say that the Ars League has a great tent in which their leadership meets. It is moved throughout the tribal territories on a system based off the time of year. Each tribe has a number of representatives composed not only of chief and noble, but all members of society. Seemingly, they choose members by vote amongst the tribesmen and are each responsible for one sort of business or another. The envoys have also revealed an interesting offer from the League's leadership: they desire an alliance against the Situvens as they fear their warlike customs.

Whilst envoys were sent west, traders were sent east. To the lands of the Ekral went the tribe's traders and their Vaukelgern guides. It was many weeks before they returned, but when they did, they brought with them a herd of the odd-looking creatures. Somewhat smaller than an auroch but bearing the face of a plains goat, these creatures were known to eat all manners of plant and garment. These creatures were able to carry heavy loads, and when needed, could be slaughtered for their leather and flesh. Quickly, the goats were distributed amongst the tribe's finest and wealthiest. Soon enough, small herds of goats could be seen all around the tribe, as well as in the vassal territories.

Despite the success of Brutus' diplomatic endeavours, his attempts to improve the defences of the tribe's primary settlement is met with failure. Whilst the land was bountiful with lumber, constant targeted raiding by the Mandans made it difficult to build any structure worth defending. A bad string of landslides and torrential rain has also dampened any attempts at trenches or palisades. With all these interruptions, the tribesmen tasked with the keep's construction barely have any time to work on the actual keep. With their need to attend to their own families and professions, the keep finds itself in an eternal quagmire, never quite being finished.

Perhaps if it had, the events of year 146 would have turned out differently. In that year the hierophants of the Mandans prophesied that their time was in ascendance. Calling upon their followers, they bade them to sweep over the Teutorgens and retake the chiefdom for the glory of the mountain. The attempts of friendship that the chief of Aldemargen had fostered with the acolytes of the goddess, while true and friendly, were trivialities to the love of Manda. And so, through lightning battle, the Mandans took the tribe's principal settlement. The Council was slaughtered with Brutus falling in battle, though he did take many with him.

Elsewhere, the clan holds were also beaten and broken into submission, with many of the noble class taken as slaves or made to serve. Though successful, many hierophants fell in battle. This of course, presents an opportunity. For the whole of the cult's existence, charismatic clergymen known as hierophants had ruled over bands of clans. Only rarely was there an organised hierarchy amongst the Mandans, and most of this was directed at harrying the lowland peoples. With the death of many hierophants, it is now perhaps possible to re-constitute a new chieftain. After all, they had just gone and taken over the parent tribe...

State of the Tribe

Form of Government:
Language of the People: Teutorgen / Teuvaurgen (cultural syncretism with Vaukelgern)
Language of Court / Nobility: Mandanite Teutorgen
Tribe Religion: Mandanism, Old Ways (Discriminated)
Ruling Dynasty:

Economic Prosperity
Starvation - Famine - >> Stagnating << - Healthy - Prosperous - Bountiful

Social Order
Revolt  - >>Unrest << - Disquiet - Stable - Contented - Social Order

Military Strengh
Rag-tag armed civilians - Informal militiaShabby raiders - >> Tribal warriors << -  -Fierce fighters - Thou finest

Warrior Loyalty
Kingmaker -  Disloyal >> Falling << - -Improving -Loyal - Steadfast

Nobility Power
Dominant Autonomous- >> - Strengthening <<  - Weakening -Marginalized - Absolute rule

Nobility Loyalty
Revolutionary - Upset - Discontent - >>Quiet<< - Approving - Devoted

Council Loyalty
Revolutionary - Upset -Discontent  >> - Quiet << -Approving - Devoted

Vassal Tribe Loyalty [NEW!]
Revolutionary - Upset - Discontent - >> Quiet << - Approving - Devoted

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Vote

How shall the newly-united tribe choose its leaders? This vote takes precedent; no other issues may be presented until this vote is sorted out.

A) One tribe, one chief.
B) Hierophants shall lead the clans, as always.
C) An assembly of hierophants shall lead the tribe.
D) Another suggestion?(2 lines left)

[Rockeater]

A

Well, the council is quiet at least

[Ixarys]

Let’s go with A. Can’t conquer the region if the ruling leaders are bickering with each other.

[ConscriptFive]

I guess Brutus did alright, he just was up against the unsurmountable.  At least we got some creative destruction out of it.

That being said, let's lay down the Divine Right of Kings.  It's what Manda wills.

A