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[Man of Paper]

Spell: Faltering Step (Lurch of Fear Revision)

Faltering Step is a simplification of Lurch of Fear, reducing casting time and area fairly drastically, targeting individual entities and only mildly affecting those surrounding the target. Faltering Step is an immediate cast that plants the targets feet to the ground for the short duration of the spell. It is intended to be available even to Common-level casters. When empowered, the downward pull affecting the feet spreads throughout the body to various degrees based on the caster's power and the target's strength of mind/will.


The Ancestral Guard (Ancestral Prophet Revision)

The Ancestral Guard consists of two ancient warriors handpicked by the Ancestral Prophet to engage in close quarters combat and keep the Prophet out of reach of enemy hands. Their skeletal forms have been fused to highly decorative golden steel armor and they wield a large two-handed sword that'd be considered unwieldy by mortals but is manipulated perfectly by these magic-infused warriors.

Of course while their combat prowess from their old lives has carried over and augmented by their undead resilience and magical bindings, the real star of the show are those swords. The hilts of the swords are decorated with Glass Steel. As with the Ancestral Guard themselves, the weapons are linked to the Ancestral Prophet and may be temporarily enchanted by them to create a spell's effect on strike.

While incredibly powerful and intimidating, the Ancestral Guard are limited by their distance to the Ancestral Prophet. Their bonds and binds weaken with distance and so they naturally stay very close to the source of their power.

[Knightwing64]

The Dark Enhancement V2

The effectiveness of our base units have gone down and down, and we are tired of it. Any basic troop that stands out in training is to be given a mild dark enhancement and curse to increase the power and durability of everything they are using and/or wearing. Although each piece of equipment empowered in this way increases the aggression of the wearer cumulatively.

Faltering Step: 0
The Ancestral Guard: 1 (Knightwing64)
The Dark Enhancement V2: 1 (Knightwing64)

[Rockeater]

Faltering Step: 1 (Rockeater)
The Ancestral Guard: 2 (Knightwing64, Rockeater)
The Dark Enhancement V2: 1 (Knightwing64)

[Powder Miner]

Faltering Step: 2 (Rockeater, Powder Miner)
The Ancestral Guard: 3 (Knightwing64, Rockeater, Powder Miner)
The Dark Enhancement V2: 1 (Knightwing64)

[Man of Paper]

Faltering Step (3): Rockeater, Powder Miner, MoP
The Ancestral Guard (4): Knightwing64, Rockeater, Powder Miner, MoP
The Dark Enhancement V2 (1): Knightwing64

[NUKE9.13]

Demon Team: Revision Phase T5
TURNTURNTURN

Spell: Faltering Step (Lurch of Fear Revision)

Faltering Step is a simplification of Lurch of Fear, reducing casting time and area fairly drastically, targeting individual entities and only mildly affecting those surrounding the target. Faltering Step is an immediate cast that plants the targets feet to the ground for the short duration of the spell. It is intended to be available even to Common-level casters. When empowered, the downward pull affecting the feet spreads throughout the body to various degrees based on the caster's power and the target's strength of mind/will.

Faltering Step: Normal: (2+4)=6: Above Average
Mind your step. Mind your step. Mind your step.

While it involves several differences, the underlying structure of Lurch of Fear is suitable for adaptation into Faltering Step. Significantly reduced scope and a simpler effect enable it to be cast by Acolytes. It was also possible to leave out some of the problematic elements of Lurch, thus streamlining Faltering Step into a spell that can be cast fairly rapidly. Soul Magi can cast it at a moment's notice, providing them with a reliable last-ditch defensive option, though ideally it would never come to that.
The spell has a range equivalent to Magic Missile, but must be targeted more precisely- one can fling Magic Missiles in the vague direction of the enemy and hope to hit something, but Faltering Step is not a missile; if the range is off, it will not affect the target, even if cast in the right direction. Timing the casting so as to catch the target (as moving the focus mid-casting is still challenging) is in a way less of an issue than with Lurch due to faster casting speed.
The effect on those caught will range from being dragged flat to the ground, totally immobilised, to briefly stumbling (depending on the resistance of the target and strength of the caster). Acolyte v Cultist, the effect is likely to be like the cultist stepped into thick mud- some risk of falling over initially, followed by significantly slowed movement for a few seconds before the spell wears off. 


Faltering Step is a simple but effective means of restricting mobility. It is Common

The Ancestral Guard (Ancestral Prophet Revision)

The Ancestral Guard consists of two ancient warriors handpicked by the Ancestral Prophet to engage in close quarters combat and keep the Prophet out of reach of enemy hands. Their skeletal forms have been fused to highly decorative golden steel armor and they wield a large two-handed sword that'd be considered unwieldy by mortals but is manipulated perfectly by these magic-infused warriors.

Of course while their combat prowess from their old lives has carried over and augmented by their undead resilience and magical bindings, the real star of the show are those swords. The hilts of the swords are decorated with Glass Steel. As with the Ancestral Guard themselves, the weapons are linked to the Ancestral Prophet and may be temporarily enchanted by them to create a spell's effect on strike.

While incredibly powerful and intimidating, the Ancestral Guard are limited by their distance to the Ancestral Prophet. Their bonds and binds weaken with distance and so they naturally stay very close to the source of their power.

The Ancestral Guard: Hard: (2+1)-1=2: Utter Failure
Excuse me?
You think that I need a bodyguard?
And then suggest a pair of mangy skeletal sword-flailers?
I would rather die. I mean that literally. I can recover from death, I would not be able to recover from such unbridled humiliation. 

...well, fortunately the project wasn't going very well anyway, so you didn't lose much. And if you try again, you'll just need to tune things to fit his aesthetic tastes a bit more- you get the feeling that he'll forget about his objections if you can just find the right shade of gold.
While you have nothing workable to show for your efforts, you did gain some insights into the creation of elite warriors.


It is now the Strategy Phase. Decide where to deploy your Unique units. Also decide whether to side with the Myriadites or the Revisionists.

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

Nar-Carok: The diabolical leader of your faction, a being of immense power. There is very little he cannot do. Needless to say, he is Unique


Champions:
The Vampire Lord: An ancient Vampire, unearthed from the Buried City by Nar-Carok and his cultists. Relatively weak during the day, but comes to unlife at night as he rampages through enemy camps, though his stamina is limited. He is also familiar with the general behaviour of nobility, making him a decent director (but not actor) in Influence provinces. Unique
   Gem of the Daywalker: A Soul Gem, attuned to the Vampire Lord, that he can fill with souls of his victims. This reservoir of power can then be used to alleviate his weaknesses, most notably sunlight. He can also manually draw extra strength from the gemstone, though this is inefficient.
   Vampiric Thralls: Retainers of the Vampire Lord, who have been fed a small amount of his blood. Though alive, they inherit most of his strengths and weaknesses (at a lower intensity). They serve as extensions of his will, acting in his stead in Influence provinces and providing backup in combat. They cannot travel separately from their Lord. Unit Size: ~20

The Impossible Thief: [I stole my own description. I'm great. Best thief. I can steal literally anything.] Unique

The Ancestral Prophet: An ancient lich, who looks down upon regular Soul Magi as novices. His unique (ludicrously extravagant) regalia features dozens of Soul Gems which come pre-charged (though they need to be unsealed using souls, so cannot be used immediately), as well as a Glass-Steel Essence Trap that captures essences of spells cast by/around/at him, allowing him (or select allies) to cast hybrid spells. Highly resilient, though unsuited for melee combat. He can cast Rare spells. Unique



Mundane Units:
Cultist Spears: Being equipped with only a rusty dagger, a makeshift spear, and a wooden shield, combined with their lack of training, mean these are not elite warriors- they'd lose a one-on-one fight with a real soldier-, but they're cheap and plentiful. Like regular cultists, their dedication makes them more resilient mentally than civilians. Unit Size: ~50 Common

Cultist Archers: Cultists who have some experience with a bow are valuable assets in combat, harassing the enemy from a distance. They aren't sharpshooters, and their bows are designed for hunting, not piercing armour, but they're better than nothing. Like regular cultists, their dedication makes them more resilient mentally than civilians. Unit Size: ~25 Common

Hateful Bowmen: Archers wielding Hateful Bows- imbued with fragments of hate-filled souls, improving range, power, and accuracy (as the arrows will make slight adjustments in flight towards hated targets). The archers fire faster as well, although this comes at the expense of overexertion, meaning they take longer to recuperate after a battle. Unit Size: ~20 Common

Acolytes: Cultists who have begun their exploration of the magical arts, studying under their demonic patron. They can cast any Common spells (unless noted otherwise). Their physical strength leaves something to be desired, but their mental fortitude is even greater than regular cultists. Unit Size: ~25 Uncommon

Cultist Missionaries: Cultists with a modicum of charisma and subtlety, sent forth as emissaries of their eldritch master. Unarmed and untrained, they serve no role in combat. Unit Size: ~10 Common   

Masters of Rites: Cultists wearing elegant black robes trained in funerary customs of the region. They offer free funeral services, but weave inflammatory messages into the accompanying sermon, driving attendees to seek revenge for the fallen in ways the Masters encourage. They have also been given local cemeteries to manage by the priesthood. Unit Size: ~10 Uncommon


Summoned/Mutated Units:
Those Who Remember: Skeletal warriors, driven to return to the battlefield by relentless hatred of all things Good. They wield two-handed weapons and sometimes wear decaying ancient armour. Suffused with burning hatred and animated by the amalgamation of warrior souls, they are remarkably skilled and agile, as well as being quite strong. They are more vulnerable to magical damage, and are lacking in self-preservation instinct. Unit Size: ~50 Uncommon
   Those Who Recall: An even more hateful variant, charging into combat unarmed, intending to leap into the middle of enemy formations where their overflowing hatred will cause them to self-destruct (explosively). May be set off prematurely by ranged damage. Unit Size: ~10 Uncommon
   
Ratmen: Rats living in the Wastelands, who mutated over time through a process of "Survival of the Skittish" into short, humanoid... Ratmen. They wear home-made bone 'armour' and wield a mixture of scavenged small blades. Unit Size: ~100 Common
   Skitterpriests: Zealous followers of Nar-Carok whose screeching sermons drive their brethren into a frenzy that mitigates their inbred cowardice. Command units.
   
Soul Magi: Ancient spellcasters, revived- undying souls inhabiting a mummified body. Their magic is many times more potent than that of Acolytes, and they can cast Uncommon spells. Their physical forms are quite resilient, but this relies on a steady stream of Evil souls. Other souls can also be drawn into their Soul Gems to boost the power of their magic further. Unit Size: ~15 Rare

Cryptarii: Humanoid roaches, possessed of natural chitin armour (the equivalent of thick leather), and are trained to fight in tight formations with their spear, gladius, and rectangular shield. Unit Size: ~30 Common

Hound Spiders: Giant wolf spiders, captured from deep beneath the Buried City, imbued with dog souls to make them obedient. Fast, agile, and possessed of night vision. Saddled, then ridden into battle by Hateful Bowmen wielding compact recurved bows (albeit not very good ones). Unit Size: ~8 Uncommon


Spells/Rituals:
Magic Missile: Known by many names, the simple technique of blasting your opponent with raw Mana/Good/Evil is a tried and true method of making things go away. Efficacy increases with caster's mental might, and decreases with the target's. Common

Novice Ward: A very simple magic barrier that will reduce the impact of attacks both mundane and mystical. Won't last long, but can be useful in a pinch. Common

Agony of the Soul: A powerful damage-dealing spell. An orb of lightning is fired at Magic Missile range, which upon impact causes major damage, then chains to nearby entities (preferably Good ones) dealing less damage with each jump. When empowered with a Soul Gem, there is an additional effect of 'soul-thunder', wherein the tortured wailing of the consumed souls emanates from the point of impact, fraying the souls of those in the vicinity. Uncommon

Lurch of Fear: A spell that disrupts gravity in an area- first briefly reversing it, then negating it for a few seconds, leaving enemy forces helplessly treading air before dropping to the ground again. When empowered, the negation is replaced with a chaotic roiling (in a larger area), sending the affected tumbling, and churning up the surface (resulting in poor footing even after the spell ends). Uncommon
   Faltering Step: A scaled-down and simplified gravity-manipulation spell, that simply pulls down on a small area (unlikely to effect more than a single individual). Common

Dark Seduction: A simple spell that causes the target to have an improved opinion of the caster, ranging from undying devotion to a twinge of approval, depending on the strength of the caster and resistance of the target. Will also slowly taint the target's personality if used repeatedly, and cause brain damage. Common
   Dark Empathy: Sort of an inverted version that enhances the caster's emotional receptiveness, and giving them a weaker but aura-based Dark Seduction effect. Also causes brain damage, so use is limited to a few minutes a day. Common
 

Infiltration Techniques:
Proselytise: Cultists go forth and spread the Evil word, finding those sympathetic to their cause and slowly winning them over. Not the fastest way of gaining converts, but it keeps the cult growing. Common


Funeral Services: The default activity of Masters of Rites (not usable by others). Free funerals, with provocative sermons that steer the audience towards Evil. Uncommon
   New Age Recovery Centers And Rehabilitation Of Kin: Counselling centres that allege to provide support to the bereaved, which allow the Masters of Rites to focus their manipulation on specific targets, enabling them to direct their thoughts and actions more effectively. Uncommon

Spoiler: Tokens & Misc Bonuses (click to show/hide)

YOU SAW NOTHING

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

THPENOS (Influence)
Bountiful Quarries: 3/5 | 2/5
Gridlocked Polis: 3/5 | 3/5
Restless Satrapy: 2/5 | 2/5

CHEGITHA (Combat)
Sheltered Fjords: 8/8 | 0/8
Rolling Hills: 1/8 | 7/8
Deserted Urbs: 0/8 | 8/8

XYRANIA (Influence)
Pirate Haven: 3/5 | 3/5
Schism'd Capital: 2/5 | 3/5
Raiders' Roost: 2/5 | 3/5

WESTERN PROTECTORATE (Combat)
Windcarved Mesas: 8/8 | 0/8
Vast Steppe: 8/8 | 0/8
Pestilent Marshes: 0/8 | 8/8

Spoiler: Influence Factions (click to show/hide)

Reminder: This spoiler provides a brief summary of the factions in each Influence province- their goals, wants, and bonuses. When considering these elements, bear the following in mind:
   Goal: To reach 5/5 control, your supported faction must dominate the province, and you must dominate your supported faction (either converting or replacing their leadership). The other faction does not need to be eliminated, but they must not be able to operate freely. You do not technically have to help your faction achieve their goal, as you could also just crush their opposing faction and elevate their position without pursuing their goals, but their control of the province will seem more credible if their goals are being advanced.
   Want: A faction's wants are not absolute- they are guidelines as to what will most please (and aid) a faction, but more generic infiltration actions can still be effective.
   Bonus: A faction will only provide a mechanical bonus if you have 3+/5 influence in the province. Any action where a faction's bonus is applicable will be easier, with the difficulty reduction depending on the level of Influence you have. At 3/5, it is roughly +0.25; at 4/5, +0.5; at 5/5, +1. If you aren't certain whether a faction's bonus is applicable to a proposal, you can always ask me.

Bountiful Quarries:
   Angels sided with the Communalists.
      Goal: Communal ownership of the mines and quarries.
      Want: Unite the workers, protect the revolution from reactionaries.
      Bonus: Mass Production
   
   Demons sided with the Meritocrats.
      Goal: Reform the administration for greater efficiency.
      Want: Uncover corruption, ensure their members are promoted.
      Bonus: Efficient Management


Gridlocked Capital:
   Angels sided with the Centrists.
      Goal: Build a broad political coalition.
      Want: Persuade politicians to join the coalition.
      Bonus: Negotiation
   
   Demons sided with the Extremists.
      Goal: One-party state.
      Want: Rile up voters, suppress rival voters.
      Bonus: Intimidation
      
      
Restless Satrapy:
   Angels sided with the Assimilators.
      Goal: Assimilate the Satrapy into Thpenos. 
      Want: Educate locals on Thpenian culture, prevent conflict.
      Bonus: Conversion
   
   Demons sided with the Federalists.
      Goal: Provide the Satrapy with local autonomy.
      Want: Sabotage the government, rile up locals.
      Bonus: Harmony (of distinct elements)
      
---

Pirate Haven:
   Angels sided with the Privateers.
      Goal: Regulating pirates, so they act as state-sanctioned privateers.
      Want: Persuade pirates and magistrates to work together, organise/facilitate backroom deals.
      Bonus: Stealth
      
   Demons sided with the Blockaders.
      Goal: Build up Xyranian navy, defeat the pirates at sea.
      Want: Military tech (especially naval), discourage locals from pirate sympathies.
      Bonus: Discipline
      
      
Schism'd Capital:
   Not determined yet.
   
   
Raiders' Roost:
   Angels sided with the Reliquars.
      Goal: Stockpile and safeguard relics.
      Want: Find relics, protect Reliquar vaults. 
      Bonus: Security
      
   Demons sided with the Archaeologists.
      Goal: Acquire and study relics.
      Want: Find relics, unlock their secrets.
      Bonus: Finding Things

[Powder Miner]

As we saw last turn, investing in combat with actions is not necessarily a guarantee that we'll win a combat turn, especially because our rolls were not very good, to say the least. I think the prophet will probably bitchslap whatever lane he's in, especially if he's there with Nar-Carok, but I'm not entirely sure if Lurch and Step will be enough to overturn a lane if they've also invested well; but if we're able to reapply the effect of the Vampire, that might be enough. I'm pretty certain that bringing the Thief along will be able to cuck the fucking shit out of the Doctor and cause other problems like screwing over their elementals, and with the Gem of the Daywalker I don't think the Angels have the ability to handle an undoc'd Vamp.

Also, the Myriadites fit the Buried City in terms of fluff, and the Revisionists don't quite, imo.

Deploy Nar-Carok to Rolling Hills: (1) Powder Miner
Deploy Nar-Carok to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Nar-Carok to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Vampire Lord to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Vampire Lord to Pestilent Marshes: (1) Powder Miner
Deploy Vampire Lord to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Impossible Thief to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Impossible Thief to Pestilent Marshes: (1) Powder Miner
Deploy Impossible Thief to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Rolling Hills: (1) Powder Miner
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to (insert influence province here): (0)

Side with Revisionists: (0)
Side with Myriadites: (1) Powder Miner

[Man of Paper]

In light of how some rolls went, I begrudgingly agree with Powder on the deployment of the thief to combat as opposed to influence. This turn ended up fairly limp, so we're just going to have to accept that we'll be sacrificing something, and I don't think the position of the front lines is what we should be compromising for some influence lane work.

Myriadites are really the obvious choice for us when you think about it. I briefly mentioned before that they really do reflect how we've constructed our own cult, so we can all be best demon buds.

Deploy Nar-Carok to Rolling Hills: (2) Powder Miner, MoP
Deploy Nar-Carok to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Nar-Carok to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Vampire Lord to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Vampire Lord to Pestilent Marshes: (2) Powder Miner, MoP
Deploy Vampire Lord to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Impossible Thief to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Impossible Thief to Pestilent Marshes: (2) Powder Miner, MoP
Deploy Impossible Thief to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Rolling Hills: (2) Powder Miner, MoP
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to (insert influence province here): (0)

Side with Revisionists: (0)
Side with Myriadites: (2) Powder Miner, MoP

[chubby2man]

Deploy Nar-Carok to Rolling Hills: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Nar-Carok to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Nar-Carok to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Vampire Lord to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Vampire Lord to Pestilent Marshes: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Vampire Lord to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Impossible Thief to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Impossible Thief to Pestilent Marshes: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Impossible Thief to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Rolling Hills: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to (insert influence province here): (0)

Side with Revisionists: (1) C2M
Side with Myriadites: (2) Powder Miner, MoP

[/quote]

No strong opinion on the strat side.

I like the Revisionists. I think they are clear choice for us considering how we unite various factions and races under our banner. I don’t think our influence designs particularly synergize with one faction over the other, but I do think that the Angels have a potential strong synergy with their mind bending Worms being interesting to a faction determined to shift people’s minds to one way of thinking.

 So while I really do think the flavor of each faction could work with us either way, I think the angels don’t really mesh well with the Myriadites so we should stick them with each other.

[Knightwing64]

Deploy Nar-Carok to Rolling Hills: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Nar-Carok to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Nar-Carok to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Vampire Lord to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Vampire Lord to Pestilent Marshes: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Vampire Lord to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Impossible Thief to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Impossible Thief to Pestilent Marshes: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Impossible Thief to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Rolling Hills: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to (insert influence province here): (0)

Side with Revisionists: (2) C2M, Knightwing64
Side with Myriadites: (2) Powder Miner, MoP

[/quote]

[Twinwolf]

Deploy Nar-Carok to Rolling Hills: (4) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M, Twinwolf
Deploy Nar-Carok to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Nar-Carok to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Vampire Lord to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Vampire Lord to Pestilent Marshes: (4) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M, Twinwolf
Deploy Vampire Lord to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Impossible Thief to Rolling Hills: (0)
Deploy Impossible Thief to Pestilent Marshes: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M
Deploy Impossible Thief to Raider's Roost (1): Twinwolf
Deploy Impossible Thief to (insert influence province here): (0)

Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Rolling Hills: (4) Powder Miner, MoP, C2M, Twinwolf
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to Pestilent Marshes: (0)
Deploy Ancestral Prophet to (insert influence province here): (0)

Side with Revisionists: (2) C2M, Knightwing64
Side with Myriadites: (3) Powder Miner, MoP, Twinwolf

Mostly fine with stuff but just don't like the idea of sending an influence-focused hero into combat; Raider's Roost could have some interesting loot with all the relics and stuff.

[NUKE9.13]

Demon Team: Strategy Phase T5
TURNTURNTURN
Design phase, two designs, go.

Spoiler: Equipment (click to show/hide)

Nar-Carok: The diabolical leader of your faction, a being of immense power. There is very little he cannot do. Needless to say, he is Unique


Champions:
The Vampire Lord: An ancient Vampire, unearthed from the Buried City by Nar-Carok and his cultists. Relatively weak during the day, but comes to unlife at night as he rampages through enemy camps, though his stamina is limited. He is also familiar with the general behaviour of nobility, making him a decent director (but not actor) in Influence provinces. Unique
   Gem of the Daywalker: A Soul Gem, attuned to the Vampire Lord, that he can fill with souls of his victims. This reservoir of power can then be used to alleviate his weaknesses, most notably sunlight. He can also manually draw extra strength from the gemstone, though this is inefficient.
   Vampiric Thralls: Retainers of the Vampire Lord, who have been fed a small amount of his blood. Though alive, they inherit most of his strengths and weaknesses (at a lower intensity). They serve as extensions of his will, acting in his stead in Influence provinces and providing backup in combat. They cannot travel separately from their Lord. Unit Size: ~20

The Impossible Thief: [I stole my own description. I'm great. Best thief. I can steal literally anything.] Unique

The Ancestral Prophet: An ancient lich, who looks down upon regular Soul Magi as novices. His unique (ludicrously extravagant) regalia features dozens of Soul Gems which come pre-charged (though they need to be unsealed using souls, so cannot be used immediately), as well as a Glass-Steel Essence Trap that captures essences of spells cast by/around/at him, allowing him (or select allies) to cast hybrid spells. Highly resilient, though unsuited for melee combat. He can cast Rare spells. Unique



Mundane Units:
Cultist Spears: Being equipped with only a rusty dagger, a makeshift spear, and a wooden shield, combined with their lack of training, mean these are not elite warriors- they'd lose a one-on-one fight with a real soldier-, but they're cheap and plentiful. Like regular cultists, their dedication makes them more resilient mentally than civilians. Unit Size: ~50 Common

Cultist Archers: Cultists who have some experience with a bow are valuable assets in combat, harassing the enemy from a distance. They aren't sharpshooters, and their bows are designed for hunting, not piercing armour, but they're better than nothing. Like regular cultists, their dedication makes them more resilient mentally than civilians. Unit Size: ~25 Common

Hateful Bowmen: Archers wielding Hateful Bows- imbued with fragments of hate-filled souls, improving range, power, and accuracy (as the arrows will make slight adjustments in flight towards hated targets). The archers fire faster as well, although this comes at the expense of overexertion, meaning they take longer to recuperate after a battle. Unit Size: ~20 Common

Acolytes: Cultists who have begun their exploration of the magical arts, studying under their demonic patron. They can cast any Common spells (unless noted otherwise). Their physical strength leaves something to be desired, but their mental fortitude is even greater than regular cultists. Unit Size: ~25 Uncommon

Cultist Missionaries: Cultists with a modicum of charisma and subtlety, sent forth as emissaries of their eldritch master. Unarmed and untrained, they serve no role in combat. Unit Size: ~10 Common   

Masters of Rites: Cultists wearing elegant black robes trained in funerary customs of the region. They offer free funeral services, but weave inflammatory messages into the accompanying sermon, driving attendees to seek revenge for the fallen in ways the Masters encourage. They have also been given local cemeteries to manage by the priesthood. Unit Size: ~10 Uncommon


Summoned/Mutated Units:
Those Who Remember: Skeletal warriors, driven to return to the battlefield by relentless hatred of all things Good. They wield two-handed weapons and sometimes wear decaying ancient armour. Suffused with burning hatred and animated by the amalgamation of warrior souls, they are remarkably skilled and agile, as well as being quite strong. They are more vulnerable to magical damage, and are lacking in self-preservation instinct. Unit Size: ~50 Uncommon
   Those Who Recall: An even more hateful variant, charging into combat unarmed, intending to leap into the middle of enemy formations where their overflowing hatred will cause them to self-destruct (explosively). May be set off prematurely by ranged damage. Unit Size: ~10 Uncommon
   
Ratmen: Rats living in the Wastelands, who mutated over time through a process of "Survival of the Skittish" into short, humanoid... Ratmen. They wear home-made bone 'armour' and wield a mixture of scavenged small blades. Unit Size: ~100 Common
   Skitterpriests: Zealous followers of Nar-Carok whose screeching sermons drive their brethren into a frenzy that mitigates their inbred cowardice. Command units.
   
Soul Magi: Ancient spellcasters, revived- undying souls inhabiting a mummified body. Their magic is many times more potent than that of Acolytes, and they can cast Uncommon spells. Their physical forms are quite resilient, but this relies on a steady stream of Evil souls. Other souls can also be drawn into their Soul Gems to boost the power of their magic further. Unit Size: ~15 Rare

Cryptarii: Humanoid roaches, possessed of natural chitin armour (the equivalent of thick leather), and are trained to fight in tight formations with their spear, gladius, and rectangular shield. Unit Size: ~30 Common

Hound Spiders: Giant wolf spiders, captured from deep beneath the Buried City, imbued with dog souls to make them obedient. Fast, agile, and possessed of night vision. Saddled, then ridden into battle by Hateful Bowmen wielding compact recurved bows (albeit not very good ones). Unit Size: ~8 Uncommon


Spells/Rituals:
Magic Missile: Known by many names, the simple technique of blasting your opponent with raw Mana/Good/Evil is a tried and true method of making things go away. Efficacy increases with caster's mental might, and decreases with the target's. Common

Novice Ward: A very simple magic barrier that will reduce the impact of attacks both mundane and mystical. Won't last long, but can be useful in a pinch. Common

Agony of the Soul: A powerful damage-dealing spell. An orb of lightning is fired at Magic Missile range, which upon impact causes major damage, then chains to nearby entities (preferably Good ones) dealing less damage with each jump. When empowered with a Soul Gem, there is an additional effect of 'soul-thunder', wherein the tortured wailing of the consumed souls emanates from the point of impact, fraying the souls of those in the vicinity. Uncommon

Lurch of Fear: A spell that disrupts gravity in an area- first briefly reversing it, then negating it for a few seconds, leaving enemy forces helplessly treading air before dropping to the ground again. When empowered, the negation is replaced with a chaotic roiling (in a larger area), sending the affected tumbling, and churning up the surface (resulting in poor footing even after the spell ends). Uncommon
   Faltering Step: A scaled-down and simplified gravity-manipulation spell, that simply pulls down on a small area (unlikely to effect more than a single individual). Common

Dark Seduction: A simple spell that causes the target to have an improved opinion of the caster, ranging from undying devotion to a twinge of approval, depending on the strength of the caster and resistance of the target. Will also slowly taint the target's personality if used repeatedly, and cause brain damage. Common
   Dark Empathy: Sort of an inverted version that enhances the caster's emotional receptiveness, and giving them a weaker but aura-based Dark Seduction effect. Also causes the caster brain damage, so use is limited to a few minutes a day. Common
 

Infiltration Techniques:
Proselytise: Cultists go forth and spread the Evil word, finding those sympathetic to their cause and slowly winning them over. Not the fastest way of gaining converts, but it keeps the cult growing. Common


Funeral Services: The default activity of Masters of Rites (not usable by others). Free funerals, with provocative sermons that steer the audience towards Evil. Uncommon
   New Age Recovery Centers And Rehabilitation Of Kin: Counselling centres that allege to provide support to the bereaved, which allow the Masters of Rites to focus their manipulation on specific targets, enabling them to direct their thoughts and actions more effectively. Uncommon

Spoiler: Tokens & Misc Bonuses (click to show/hide)

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Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

THPENOS (Influence)
Bountiful Quarries: 4/5 | 3/5
Gridlocked Polis: 3/5 | 3/5
Restless Satrapy: 3/5 | 3/5

CHEGITHA (Combat)
Sheltered Fjords: 8/8 | 0/8
Rolling Hills: 4/8 | 4/8
Deserted Urbs: 0/8 | 8/8

XYRANIA (Influence)
Pirate Haven: 3/5 | 3/5
Schism'd Capital: 3/5 | 3/5
Raiders' Roost: 2/5 | 3/5

WESTERN PROTECTORATE (Combat)
Windcarved Mesas: 8/8 | 0/8
Vast Steppe: 7/8 | 1/8
Pestilent Marshes: 0/8 | 8/8

Spoiler: Influence Factions (click to show/hide)

Reminder: This spoiler provides a brief summary of the factions in each Influence province- their goals, wants, and bonuses. When considering these elements, bear the following in mind:
   Goal: To reach 5/5 control, your supported faction must dominate the province, and you must dominate your supported faction (either converting or replacing their leadership). The other faction does not need to be eliminated, but they must not be able to operate freely. You do not technically have to help your faction achieve their goal, as you could also just crush their opposing faction and elevate their position without pursuing their goals, but their control of the province will seem more credible if their goals are being advanced.
   Want: A faction's wants are not absolute- they are guidelines as to what will most please (and aid) a faction, but more generic infiltration actions can still be effective.
   Bonus: A faction will only provide a mechanical bonus if you have 3+/5 influence in the province. Any action where a faction's bonus is applicable will be easier, with the difficulty reduction depending on the level of Influence you have. At 3/5, it is roughly +0.25; at 4/5, +0.5; at 5/5, +1. If you aren't certain whether a faction's bonus is applicable to a proposal, you can always ask me.

Bountiful Quarries:
   Angels sided with the Communalists.
      Goal: Communal ownership of the mines and quarries.
      Want: Unite the workers, protect the revolution from reactionaries.
      Bonus: Mass Production
   
   Demons sided with the Meritocrats.
      Goal: Reform the administration for greater efficiency.
      Want: Uncover corruption, ensure their members are promoted.
      Bonus: Efficient Management


Gridlocked Polis:
   Angels sided with the Centrists.
      Goal: Build a broad political coalition.
      Want: Persuade politicians to join the coalition.
      Bonus: Negotiation
   
   Demons sided with the Extremists.
      Goal: One-party state.
      Want: Rile up voters, suppress rival voters.
      Bonus: Intimidation
      
      
Restless Satrapy:
   Angels sided with the Assimilators.
      Goal: Assimilate the Satrapy into Thpenos. 
      Want: Educate locals on Thpenian culture, prevent conflict.
      Bonus: Conversion
   
   Demons sided with the Federalists.
      Goal: Provide the Satrapy with local autonomy.
      Want: Sabotage the government, rile up locals.
      Bonus: Harmony (of distinct elements)
      
---

Pirate Haven:
   Angels sided with the Privateers.
      Goal: Regulate pirates, so they act as state-sanctioned privateers.
      Want: Persuade pirates and magistrates to work together, organise/facilitate backroom deals.
      Bonus: Stealth
      
   Demons sided with the Blockaders.
      Goal: Build up Xyranian navy, defeat the pirates at sea.
      Want: Military tech (especially naval), discourage locals from pirate sympathies.
      Bonus: Discipline
      
      
Schism'd Capital:
   Angels sided with the Revisionists.
      Goal: Revise the faith to create a new orthodoxy that all can agree on.
      Want: Theological research and debate, protect the faith from further splintering.
      Bonus: Refinement
      
   Demons sided with the Myriadites.   
      Goal: Open Xyrania to conflicting belief systems.
      Want: Spread alternate beliefs, promote tolerance.
      Bonus: New Ideas
   
   
Raiders' Roost:
   Angels sided with the Reliquars.
      Goal: Stockpile and safeguard relics.
      Want: Find relics, protect Reliquar vaults. 
      Bonus: Security
      
   Demons sided with the Archaeologists.
      Goal: Acquire and study relics.
      Want: Find relics, unlock their secrets.
      Bonus: Finding Things

[Man of Paper]

Amalgam Worms and Worm Cultists
The Amalgam Worm are semi-intelligent fleshy tubes a dozen meters long who live in and feed on dirt and rocks beneath the surface. Their incredibly muscular bodies propel the creature forward in what initially might be seen as random thrashing, but serves a purpose covered in a moment. Amalgam worms don't have teeth, and instead rely on the previously mentioned muscles and multiple stomach chambers filled with a variety of acids to thoroughly break down materials that pass through the worm. The materials that can't be used by the Worm are pushed out of the worm's rear in a thick sludge. The acid bath treatment the worm's stomach contents receive create a dense generic grey paste that hardens into solid blocks when heat-treated. The worm's flailing while it digs is used to widen the hole it is creating and leaves small pools for the...evacuated contents to build up into for collection. These tunnels hold shape thanks to a thin layer of slime secreted by the worm’s skin. This keeps it from getting too hurt ans it travels while allowing them (and others) to pass through the tunnel regardless of the material burrowed through. Amalgam Worms aren't always starving, but they are never fully satisfied. They can digest materials outside of a lithovoric diet, but do not receive as much sustenance and would prefer to stick to their favorite meal. The output of the Worm is consistent regardless of input.

Worm Cultists are the cultists responsible for training and directing the Amalgam Worms. The Cultists follow behind their Amalgam Worm with a torch and a whistle, and command the Amalgam Worm through various different whistle bursts. The torch is used by the handler so that they can see, and not for directing the Worm. We may be Evil, but we're not evil.

Hunger Of The Void

Hunger Of The Void is not as dramatic or terrifying as the name may suggest. Probably.

All spellcasters should be capable of casting HotV, bringing forth a strange dark sphere in a targeted area of the space around them. This strange, pulsating, black-purple swirling mass absorbs arrows, spells, even light itself. As the mass draws in and devours incoming attacks it begins to fade to grey. Once the mass greys out completely it fires off based on the caster's relative location as if they were throwing it. When it strikes an object, the projectile bursts open and releases a mildly intoxicating and disorienting gas concentrated based on the amount of material and magic absorbed by the Void.

When empowered, the payload in the projectile goes from a light intoxicating gas to highly concentrated caustic solution, in large part because the Hunger Of The Void can be maintained for longer before it satisfies it's hunger.

Flying Carpets

Flying Carpets are fairly sturdy carpets that fly. They are generally large enough to carry three or four normal human-sized things as well as the "pilot", who uses a grip on the front corners of the carpet to control it in flight. Leaning forward and backward adjust speed (faster and slower, respectively), while releasing the corners causes the carpet to come to a stop. Although not expected to haul large amounts of cargo, Flying Carpets should provide the forces of Nar-Carok with additional mobility both in and out of battle.

ADDITIONAL PROPOSAL!!!

Soul-Tethered Ancient Creature Summoning

STACS is the method by which the forces of Nar-Carok have learned to temporarily conjure facsimilies of select creatures at will. A group of "explorers" found a previously undiscovered temple similar to those that brought about the Soul Magi, yet oddly different, and clearly much older. Massive stone tablets lined the entrance hall leading to the central chamber, and once translated they unlocked the secrets of STACS. The STACS Tablets instructed on ways to bind creatures to altars which could infuse soul gems with the essence of the creature they contained. Purer soul gems allow for more powerful souls to be infused, with the soul gems gaining a lustrous, reflective quality the more powerful the bound soul is. The process of infusion by the altars also burn a hieroglyph into the soul gem to easily identify what exact creature is tethered to it. Some magic is required to trigger the gem's effect, meaning their use is restricted to casters, and the caster's skill determines both the rarity of STACS they can use and the number of simultaneous summons they can maintain. A creature can be summoned in a position chosen by the caster (ex. face down in defense mode), with maximum distance from the caster being determined by their skill level. Once killed, a summoned creature will be ripped back into the soul gem it is tethered. Creatures within their gems and in a caster's possession will recover as the gem absorbs souls, meaning they can potentially redeploy summons multiple times throughout a battle. Each creature gains a special additional effect if they are Empowered Summoned.

[In short, flavor for soul gem-style summoning with holographic rare gems that totally isn't a bastard combo of yugioh and pokemon. Since it's conjuring but different I figure it won't make things more difficult than boring normal conjuration flavor, especially as we have all this (I gesture everywhere) soul gem experience.]


Slavering Ghoul

With a STACS Altar immediately available to cult, there was obviously a test performed of the STACS system. This has resulted in the successful [please, whatever god of dice and gambling nuke has made] summoning of Slavering Ghouls. Slavering Ghouls have mottled grey skin stretched tightly over their deceptively small muscles, with a noseless, black-eyed face and a mouth crammed full of pointed teeth. Their long, lanky limbs end in large claws they use to grip onto and rend their caster's targets. Slavering Ghouls run on all fours and use this stance to better pounce on their prey. Slavering Ghouls, like all STACS summons, are obedient to their summoner.

When Empowered, Slavering Ghoul gains the following effect: Acid Spit

Once a turn before your attack Empowered Slavering Ghouls can spray the contents of a now-active acid cavity in a high-pressure stream from the mouth at a target. The acid spewed by the Empowered Slavering Ghoul mimics that of a "living" ghoul's stomach acid and can eat through or severely weaken most materials. If the target has them, the Ghouls prefer to target eyes.

Pachy Chargers

It's not to uncommon to find eggs in the forgotten ruins and labyrinthine tunnels that cross over one another impossibly beneath the surface. Our "excavators" have come across a large cave full of seemingly perfectly preserved eggs from a time and place that can probably be explained logically. Either way, dark magics can be applied to the eggs to accelerate their development and growth. Out of these eggs comes our new best friend - the Pachycephalosaurus. The evil magic that has helped create these creatures manifests itself visibly as thin wisps of blackish smoke emanating from ruby red eyes.

The corrupted Pachycephalosaurus is a strong, nimble crime against the natural order. These solid creatures are saddled as they grow large enough to support a rider and are trained to follow both physical and verbal commands from the rider. The scales of the Pachycephalosaurus are nice, but additional protection is provided to their front, sides, and upper legs using (metal) scale barding. The Pachies are trained to use their thick skullcaps to bludgeon foes as they charge and to aid their rider in combat, and their tails come with a leather sleeve that tops off the tip with a solid steel ball for extra oomph. Pachy riders use a spear and shield to fight from Pachyback, and have a curved one-handed blade as a backup weapon. Heeled steel boots and greaves protect the legs of the riders and give them sturdy grip in the stirrups, while their upper body is protected by ringmail over padded armor. Their steel helmets include a faceguard that can be flipped up and down. 

Pachy Chargers are expected to be costly to properly train and equip, so it is within our best interests to ensure that the Pachy Chargers are drawn from the highest tier of warrior in the cult.

[Rockeater]

Amalgam Worms and Worm Cultists (1): Rockeater
Soul-Tethered Ancient Creature Summoning (STACS) + Slavering Ghoul (1):Rockeater

[Man of Paper]

Amalgam Worms and Worm Cultists (1): Rockeater
Soul-Tethered Ancient Creature Summoning (STACS) + Slavering Ghoul (2): Rockeater, MoP
Pachy Chargers (1): MoP

Voting for chargers instead of the worms because, as much as I like the worms, I don’t think they or stacs do much to combat the advantages provided by the angel heavy cav. While pachy might not counter their cav, it will hopefully provide us similar advantages and result in something closer to net zero. Worms could definitely be hella useful, but they’re probably going to be most effective against static formations and fortifications.


ANOTHER PROPOSAL:

Loreyers

Loreyers are orators whose skills rival the Masters of Rites, but while the Masters of Rites are experts on religious texts from wherever they work, Loreyers are experts on the historical, especially when it comes to law.

Loreyers are well-versed in regional dialects, culture, and mannerisms out of necessity, and ensure they use the appropriate toolset based on the target audience. Regardless of the status, standing, or size of the target audience, the goal is always the same: manipulate their vast knowledge of historical events and precedents in order to align targets with beliefs that would benefit the Cult of Nar-Carok. Loreyers work closely with Demon-aligned factions (as well as Demonic agents) free of charge in order to act as lawyers, advisors, negotiators, and perhaps even lawmakers or councilors in royal courts. Wherever history can be misused or law corrupted in order to benefit Demonic goals, and maybe hinder Angelic efforts, a Loreyer should be able to reach out and provide their skills (within seven to ten business days).