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[Kashyyk]

reserved

[Istrian]

Turn 26
Year 2, Late Autumn

The Watcher glanced around the Palace. It was a long glance but a required one to check if everything was ready to receive the honored champions of the gods. The banquet room was full of tables overloaded with various foods. Multiple servants were waiting outside to take care of the mounts of the incoming champions. Many other servants, similarly clothed in dark suits, were waiting inside to show each guest his quarters. Everyone was expected to stay for at least a few months, it wasn't as if gods were in a hurry anyway and a cold winter was coming up in the mortal world.

Everything seemed to be ready for the guests, so The Watcher moved to the great hall where many gods were already waiting. It motionned to a servant at the door, and the door opened. The servant took out a scroll with the names of the champions to shout out their names as they entered the hall. Slowly, music began to rise. A valse probably.

The Watcher turned to the assembled gods. "Shall we begin ?" it simply said.

And it began...
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   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣Ł⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.....M.⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V...MMMk⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈.......=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

[Navian]

Repeatreport

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

   --------------------------------
00|
  |  ^
  |
  |
  |                       ^
05|
  |                             ┌┘░
  |                   #⌂⌂      ┌┘.░
  |                   ♣k⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |                   Ł⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|                    ⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |                    ⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣
  |                ╗♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣
  |                ╚Y══╩╗⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣
  |                ─────Y▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣
15|                 ....⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣
  |  ^              .....⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌──
  |               ......#╔K▲⌂○──┘..
  |        „┌░░ ░░░░....╔╝k▲▲⌂⌂....
  |        „|„░░░░░„„„┌─╨‼▲▲⌂♣
20|        „|„░░░„„„„„|#⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂.♣
  |        „|„└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣
  |        ─┘~~.|„„„„„⌂⌂▲▲⌂O....
  |       ~~~~░░░           ⌂..
  |      ~~~~░░░░
25|     ~~~~░░░
  |   ~~~~~~~░░          ▲▲▲
  |~~~~┌──░░░░░          oR▲
  |~~~~|~~~~░░░░         ▲▲▲
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~░░░     ♠└──○
30|○───┘~   ~~~♠

92 Katytans
66 Laying Siege
13 Supporting Siege
3 at the Hearth of Portent
6 in Ison's Expedition
4 Elsewhere

23 Human Refugees, Supporting Siege

The Katytans encounter little resistance outside the goblin settlement, and harassment quickly gives way to siege, before the goblin mortality rate can surpass their birthrate. 'Phase 3' of the plan has begun...

Nasha's Return

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Nasha relaxed in the caldera of the Erithrean city. Not bad. No firestalks, though, so all there was to do was enjoy the warmth. when she wasn't busy with other duties. The children were adjusting well.

Of course, the calm routine could not last. Nasha hissed as she became aware of a growing sensation in her third eye. She peeked out of the blindfold, which had fallen over her face, and saw a small white hand tap her knee, and beckon.

Annoyed, Nasha pushed herself away from her seat of relaxation, and felt herself dragged down by the current. Reality blurred, time lost meaning, and she emerged dizzily into a familiar cavern. Nasha removed her blindfold. At least she could see in the dark, now. She saw Katyn gesture with her arms, and the magma covering her swept away, returning to the endless river behind them. It took her several stroke to provide the same service for Nasha.

Looking down at her goddess, Nasha was dumbstruck. Katyn wore no clothes, but she was featureless underneath them, just as Nasha herself was. The Katytan was sure her goddess had borne more resemblance to a human than a Katytan, but comparing distant memories to the present, whatever being Katyn had been modelled after in the distant past, she was no longer one of them.

Katyn paused and tapped her head, tracing Nasha's line of thought. "Yes.. The severe nobility of your current design was neither a rational idea nor did it stem from pure imagination. But come, I did not bring you here to discuss such matters. Surely you must have other questions."

"First of all, I'd like to thiank you for not hitting me in the head." Nasha rubbed it for effect. Katyn laughed. "Of course not. Adjusting to a new visual organ is hard enough as it is., and besides, I did not go to all that work of repairing you juist to undo it again. I am able to transport you while you're still conscious, now, due to my improvements. Now, go on."

Nasha sat. The conversation was awkward and bad for her neck. "Alright. Why have you done all this? What about the children?"

Katyn nodded, and quickly pulled over a chair to sit on, herself. "The children are... gifted to the Erithreans. I still intend to protect them, but I seek an alliance, as you may have guessed. They will have another keeper this winter, as I have need of you elsewhere."

"Again? You've been playing with me an awful lot, Katyn, and not in a good way! What next, will you send me to a polar icecap to trudge through a thousand miles of snow?" She grabbed her chest. "Planning to give me a third one of these to keep me warm?"

Katyn leaned back. "Heavens, no. I know you are stressed, Nasha, I feel you are prepared to a season of rest. Your quest to the Erithreans with the children was just a shakedown, and I'm sorry for subjecting you to that, but it was important. They'll be well-cared for. There's no need for you to worry about battles and sieges!

"I want you to come to the Palace of the Gods with me. The Watcher--an overdeity of some sort, as near as I can figure--has invited all deities and their chosen champions in this region to come, and I believe it is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Besides--too much stress is bad for children, and though you might not look it, you are a child again now.."

A response took some time to come. Nasha pursued many racing thoughts. It was almost too much to process. "You... What? This.. This conflict you've been alluding to..?"

Katyn winced. "I'm sorry. I was under the impression that it was supposed to be kept secret, or I would have told you. It is known as 'The Battle of the Gods'. It's--yes--a game in a sense, but I assure you I do not think of it as such--"

"What is it, then, Katyn?"

"I thought it was my... your... our only hope for... something. I'm sorry. No Katytans have died yet, not in this region. I can't assure you that to stay in human lands would be safe. The rewards for success here are significant, but so are the risks of failure. ...Gambling with priceless creations such.as yourself is unforgivable, I know this, I can hardly forgive myself, but as I have said before, I was more confident then than I am now. Please..."

Nasha sat back for a moment, and shook her head. After a moment, however, she began to smile. "I can't reject an apology from you, of all beings." The smile disappeared. "Still... Forgiveness will take time, and I can't speak on the behalf of all the Katytans who do not know of this... wider world you speak of. Even do not know enough to come to judgement--although I am well aware that I have no power over you that you do not give to me willingly, and you have been very forthcoming with such recently. I would never think of betraying your trust for personal gain."

Katyn smirked. "You have no need to assure me of that, I would never make such a mistake." She recomposed herself for a moment. "As I was saying, there is... a party in the Palace of the Gods. Yes--I am well aware, it is a party to celebrate purposefully mandated war and destruction, it is a 'show-and-tell' for deities to display their finest creations or their best picks form among their followers. You've already met the Erithrean champion. There are many others. I do not know how many will attend.

"What I do know iis that if you and I alike can ignore the creeping injustice of it, there is much to be gained both in the way of knowledge and physical comfort, both of which you will need. In the meantime, your own followers can manage themselves, and I can ensure the children among the Erithreans--" "Liga and Gino." "--Yes. I can ensure that Liga and Gino are taken care of."

Nasha paused, pensive. "Are you aware of Liga's genius?"
Katyn was puzzled. "What?"

"Liga. She is a truly outstanding child, beyond anything I have ever seen. I hate to see her raised in such a mediocre environment."

Katyn was still off-balance from the unexpected comment. "I... see. I will take this into consideration..." She had no idea how to handle this situation, and was horrified. She should have feared this in advance. She should have known this in advance. Time for a change of subject. "We must make ready to attend the party. Come, let me show you."

Nasha followed to find a large wardrobe within the caverns. Katyn flipped a switch and the doors came open of their own accord. Nasha had been merely curious, and expected something amusing. Her expectations had been blown away. She stood with mouth agape.

Katyn smiled, pretending to be oblivious to Nasha's awe. "You like it? I spent about as much time on it as I do on the average Katytan, so I sure hope you do..."

"It's marvelous! Does it really work? How do you put it on?  Where did you get such materials? The craftsmanship--" Nasha suddenly remembered she was speaking to a deity. "Incredible! It goes beyond any artifacts I've ever seen! Is it all for me?"

Katyn grinned wider. "Of course. I know of no one else whom it would fit, much less look good on. I built it onto you while you were still 'off', so it should be perfect--though I still made it adjustable, of course, I know how your weight fluctuates. Would you like to try it on? We can leave as soon as you're ready."

Nasha removed her undergarments awkwardly, unable to tear her gaze away from the wardrobe. "Of course I do! Let's leave as soon as possible--I want to see this in good light!"

Katyn raised her eyebrows and chuckled. "To each her own, I guess."

Nasha Joins the Party

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Among the first of the 'champions' to enter the hall, Nasha strode in proudly. Memories of her time as a Queen, centuries ago rushed back, and old habits along with them. She greeted the gods and goddesses with a little wave, as if they were merely courtiers, and strode in with full regalia and not a hint of self-consciousness

The First Katytan wore a contented smile, even the astounding art and architecture of the palace in the sky could not amaze a Queen. In the back of her mind, there was awe and fear, but this was truly a time for her former self to shine.

In a proud display of gender neutrality, Nasha did not wear a gown or a suit, but instead a combination, with long, black bloodmetal boots and gloves in a strong androgynous style, dark grey chausses, and a shimmering silvery ceremonial robe, intensely decorated with metals, gemstones, and embroidery depicting the Katytan creation myth and racial history in a swirling sequential pattern.

Upon her forehead was a beautiful platinum circlet set with a large star sapphire, around her neck a matching amulet set with many smaller such stones. On her back, worn like a cloak, was a pair of mechanical wings framed with stainless steel, well decorated in their own right, bloodmetal cloth forming the membranes, the substance in its solid form padding the leading edge, tassles draped across them.

Nasha's hair had been restained, now black with many subtle shades of colour and eyebrows blackened to match, white roots showing through, all of it intricately woven with strands of gemstones on metal chains. The colour in her eyes had faded in months away from fire powder, now returned to their natural silvery white.

Her entrance completed and attention moving on to the next arrival, Nasha searched the sea of faces. Who was she supposed to meet?

The Katytans in Erith Lands

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Liga was frustrated. Here they were, preparing for some great battle--'many, many enemies'--and all she could do was spar with Gino and try to teach the Erithreans how to prepare decent food. At least there was a lot of it.

The place was pretty comfortable and there was a lot of freedom, but it was dangerous to go outside. Still, Nasha had helped the Erith weapon and armoursmiths properly equip the two Katytan children, and they couldn't ask for much more.

The attention was nice--many Erithrean children came to watch the sparring. Although the Erithrean magic use awed Liga, it didn't seem to impress the other children, but the speed, strength, and vitality with which Gino and Liga fought sure did.

The Erithreans were lesser creatures, that much was clear. Still, they were friends in a sense, no matter how alien. Liga hoped Nasha would return soon. Gino was depressed, and Liga was tired of playing the adult--she'd done that enough even with Nasha. What was going to happen to them? Only time would tell.

Nanae's Last Month

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The firestalks would soon be ready, and not long after that, it would be time for the expedition to head for home. Overall, an enjoyable learning experience, Nanae pondered, her head cooled somewhat by recent rationing.

The survey reports were done. A true Katytan settlement could be built here as soon as the elders were persuaded--or regardless, if they couldn't. Surely, with the proper offerings, Katyn could not refuse the invitation to send her creations to the Hearth of Portent. Nanae hated to leave, but leaving everything in Ison's hands would be madness. It was almost time...

Oh, she could not bear it. There was no choice. "Ison, gather. Scout southwest, delay but one month. I will return alone, we will meet and complete our plans. Go now." Ison wanted to object, but his expression suddenly changed into one of blithe passive-aggressiveness. "As you wish, Nanae. Do be safe." He left the hovel to her.

Alone again! Perfect. She did not like Ison, but he was competant at some things. The timing would be good, and Nanae could stay until her fire powder was ready. It all worked out.

She relaxed and listened gleefully to the shouts outside as the mountain descended into silence. After a time, Nanae's laughter filled it again as she collected her harvest.

Ison's Expedition

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Whilst Nanae enjoys 'Mental Health Month', let us be off.  I can plot a course for us around the west of the mountains, through Hitengu lands, for glory. We have enough time to scout northward before heading south, assuming Nanae follows our original route, which I suspect."

"Okay. Do you really think Nanae should be alone?"

"...Yes, but perhaps it'd be best to watch her from a distance nonetheless. Asti, stay here and do that, but don't give yourself away. ...Maguo, back Asti up. Once Nanae leaves, you can pursue her as a watch team. She can handle herself, but she'll appreciate the help if she's awoken by a beast attack."

Asti nodded. "Yes, sir. Maguo, let's make copies of the survey maps just in case there's a delay." "Alright..."

"Good. The six of us will be leaving now. Good luck to you three. Lead the way, Selna." The Katytans departed northwest. What else would they find, but battlefields, ruins, and scorched earth..?

[Naze]

Spoiler: Population (click to show/hide)

City-State Ikyon 3744/4700
Central Ikyon 1789
Merchant's District 1789
Lumber Yard 166/1800
176 on Inquisitorial Diplomat Ship
-75 Crew
-100 Inquisitors
-1 Diplomat

Spoiler: Summary (click to show/hide)

Inquisitorial Airship en route to area of encounter
Construction of 80 Keifer Rings completed
Skystone Production, 140 skystones Completed
Introduction of Pike and Testudo formations Complete
70/150 Skystone Production
70/150 Construction of Keifer Rings
1/3 Construction of three Damocles Transports
2/3 Designing of Siege Ballistas
1/2 Reorganization of Legion Organization
1/3 Training of Sapper Cohort

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

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   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣Ł⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣║♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.....M.⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣║♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V...MMMk⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈.......=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==ki▲⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

[Akroma]

Amongst the dragons:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Still blindfolded, Uchiwaka was lead into, what must have been a hall or a cave, judging by the echo. Most likely a hall, considering how smooth the floor was. He was told to wait.
Just a minute later, he heard footsteps approaching, and a voice asking:
"Who is this?"


"I am Uchiwakamaru, and these men have unrightfully taken me hostage. Save me please."

His blindfold was taken, and after his eyes had accustomed to the sudden brightness, he saw yet another dragon, much bigger and much more imposing than the ones who had taken him captive. This dragon turned to his underlings.

"What is the meaning of this!"

The guard stammered a bit, then seemed to find himself.
"Sir he was found outside of Cribez, we only detained him after he tried to make a boat out of a house that was needed"

Skriz looked confused towards Uchiwaka.
"Where did you come from?"

"We are on an island. Naturaly,  came from over the ocean"

Skriz looked even more puzzled.

"IF you came over the ocean then why are you in need of a boat"

"Because I came here without one. And damn, it is tiresome to walk over oceans."

"How do you walk over an ocean, and for the Love of, will someone undo his leg bindings"

One of the guards smashed the rock that had previously held Uchiwaka's legs down. Immediatly, he bend is legs backwards, let blades of light shoot through his sole and freed his tied hands.

"Finaly!"

Immediatly, Uchiwaka began to scratch his nose. The immense satisfaction radiating from Uchiwaka would have been enough to make flowers bloom.

"That was.. impressive"

"Yes, I am a pro at nose-scratching. I had to hold it so long, I imagined every detail of it. What you are seeing is a long planned coreography of scratching moves."

"You are a strange one Uchi"

"Sooo do you mind if I cut off Driv's nose?"

"Yes I do mind and why in the world would you want to do that?"

Uchiwaka let out a sigh, but then turned to Driv. He first pointed at him, and then made a scissor gesture towards him. Driv was not sure wether to be amused or to be very afraid.
Meanwhile, Skriz let his thoughts wander.

"Uchi do you know anything of metalurgy?"

"Not much"

"How about stone?"

"Not much either. I am more of a wood-fan"

"Wood huh, how bout that trick you did with... what was that light?"

"This is called Hijutsu. It works without wood, if need be."

"Interesting, come lets talk in my office. You others are dismissed."

Uchiwaka followed Skriz through a series of hallways.

"So Uchi tell me about yourself, what do you like to do," said Skriz, looking at Uchi from the corner of his eye."Other than scratch your nose."

"Oh,  due to more or elss random circumstances, I happen to have a lot of free time at hands right now. I like free time. Didn't have much recently."

"Random circumstances, huh? Anyway, this is my office."

Skriz office was more of a mess than a working place. Hundreds of small tinkerings and objects were strewn around, hiding paperwork under them. Many of them constantly moved or let out small puffs of smoke in regular intervals. Also many books were strewn across, dealing with metalurgy.

"So, what did you bring me here for?"

"To more or less see what you could do with a bar of metal"
Skriz motioned towards a bar of Iron on the desk.

"Aaaand what do you want me to do with it?"

"For months now I've been trying to split this bar in two with my abilities.To no avail sadly. Was hoping someone from off the isle would have some ideas."

"Why split it? why not make it into something nice instead?"

"Well, more like bend it like I can with the earth, that's my goal"
Skriz stamps his foot once to make a pillar of earth appear from the ground , and again to make it go back in. "Metal comes from the ground yet I can't bend it, I just don't get it"

"I do not possess any magic tricks like this, I guess I have to disappoint you."

"Maybe some kind of meditative technique you may know, anything would work"

Uchiwaka just shrugged.
"Just find out what the metal wants. Everything in the world has a form that is just right for it. If you try to move the metal into just that perfect form for it, the resistance should be miniscule."

Skriz pondered this for a few seconds.

"I think I know what you mean..."

Skriz entered a weird stance, and then thrusted it hands into the ground.
Just in time, he realised that something was wrong and brought his arms up to shield him, as the metal literaly exploded, sending fragments of iron raining down unto him. Uchiwaka bend himself in ways that made anatomy cry to dodge the shrapnel. When he stood straight again, he saw that Skriz was ling on the ground, unmoving. Naturaly, he poked him.

"Oii. Are you alright?"

No response. A short check revealed he had no breath.

"Oh geez..."

After a few awkward seconds of hesitation, Uchiwaka provided him with emergency breathing. After a few tries, Skriz coughed up a swell of blood.

"Geez. Whatever did you think the metal wanted to be?"

Skriz smiled faintly.

"I think I would tell you after you call for one of the Lords"

"Give me a second."

Uchi stormed out of the office. Three seconds later, he returned.

"What is a lord?"

"I'm bleeding out here, just find someone and get them to bring a Lord here, anyone can get one here"

"Ok, ok, no reason to get grumpy."

Uchiwaka disappeared again, and after a while, returned with a lord.

"What the heck happened here!"

The lord threw Uchiwaka an accusing look.

"He blew up the metal"

"How can he do that!, no time, I guess I should see if I can heal him"

The Dracan placed a hand on Skriz stomach.

"Not good, he's got 3 shards of what feels like iron ore in his lungs along with 12 other shards spread through out his body..."

The lord closed his eyes and concentrated. After awhile a large amount of blood that is tinged brown flowed out of Skriz wounds.

"That should do it Skriz. Be more careful."
With these words, the lord left.

"So, Skrizzy, what did you think the metal wanted?"

"heheh, I thought It would want to take the form of a weapon, seems I was wrong."

Uchi shook his head a bit.
"Fool... do you have another block of metal around?"

"What do you need a block of metal for?"

"Just let me show you what I meant earlier."

"What you meant?, sure why not just don't make it explode... It's on the bottom shelf of the bookcase behind you"

Uchiwaka kneeled down next to the metal, and his it with his knuckles, listening closely to the resulting sound.

"Ahhh"

He pulled out his flute from his belt. With his blade he begans working on the metal in an unfathomable speed. Though it appeared to be a blade, Skriz could clearly see how it twisted and bended, perfect for whatever kind of tool it is meant to replace. After just a few minutes, the metal block was changed into the form of what appears to be a fox-mask.

"All done."

"So you think the metal wanted to be a fox-mask?"

"Of course not. You just have to make the metal want the same thign you want, and when you are done with it, the metal must feel clever for exploiting you to reach it's goals, Basic diplomacy."

"Ingenious. Lets take a walk outside, and you tell me more about this."

The two wandered outside, discussing the pro and con of metalworking and diplomacy, as Uchiwaka spotted something.

"Oh, what's that? Some sort of ritual-suicide?"

"Ohh, no my dear. This is the basic training for our elites. Only those that survive it have what is needed to make it to the top."

Uchiwaka silently observed the training, only muttering a single word.

"Intrigueing."

POTG, the party of the gods:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Deep in thought, Uchiwaka observed the nightly sky. He has been so high in the north before only twice in his life, and now he was finaly able to watch the northern lights dance in the sky again. Such a peculiar place. Dragons?
Since when have there been dragons on this planet that lived together in cities?
Storm giants?
Hrun?

Where did they come from?

He was caught so deeply in his thoughts, that he did not notice the strange ways in which the aurora was suddenly creeping closer to him. Only when it formed into a full grown hand, he started to think somethign was amiss. When the hand started to come right down for him, he knew something was deffinetly not just a strange kind of weather.

"Oh dang it!"

Jumping from house to house he fled from the hand that ws nothing but light and colors. He crashed through a roof, and without even noticing that the inhabitants were in full shock, jumped through a window and dashed towards safety, the aurora hand in hot pursuit. Through the market placed he was chased, until he came to the nearby cliffs - which he just ran straight upwards.
Almost, he would have escaped this strange weather, but it seems the rock did not want to play it's usual reliable role today - and broke away right under his feet.
To either his luck or his demise, the hand of light caught him, and began to descend towards the heavens with him.

-----------------

He found himself in a large hall. Marble. Gold. Tables full of food. Music. Some sort of humanoid northern lights wearing a suit. Yes, fate sure works in strange ways.

"What is this place?"

The light-in-a-suit began to speak. It's voice was at the same time close and echoing from far away.

"This, is the palace of the gods. We are throwing a party, and thought we should invite you."

Uchiwakamaru first looked around, a little confused, but then raised his nose a bit higher.

"About time."

"Now my fellow gods, let me introduce him properly. This is Yamato no Hachirou Yuuma Ken'ichi Uchiwakamaru. As the name implies, he was the eight Hitengu that was ever created. Though the first 7 were more or less failed prototypes, so I guess it is save to say he is the very first one. He is 1523 years old, his astronomical sign is dragon, and for the lady-gods amongst us, he is single."

One of the gods who was not part of the game, who took the form of a medusa threw Uchiwaka a cery disconcerting glance. Subtly, he increased the distance between them. Instead of lingering to listen what Tomoshibi had to say about him, he rather took a look at the buffet. A fish with 4 arms, wearing a chef-hat was serving the food.

"Oh, wait a second."
The fish-god let his tounge lash forward - at the tip of it, a normal human hand. With it, he poked Uchiwaka's forehead.

"What was that all about?"

"I just gave you a few new kinds of tastebuds. With only sweet, sour, salty and bitter, you'd have problems enjoying my food."

"Uhuh."

He took a bite of a small green-ish sphere that was constantly rotating and shifting.

"Hey, that's cool. What do you call this?"

"I call this taste "kronge". I hoped you'd like it."

While exploring the buffet, he could hear that the voices of the gods became a bit angry.

"Hey, I recognize that guy! Wasn't he there last game, on the planet Difundain ?"

"Yeah...now that you mention it...Yes, you are right. "Red-Wing Uchiwaka""

"Red-Wing Uchiwaka?! This guy killed my champion. And half of my entire race while he was at it."

"Yeah, mine too. I heared they named him Red-Wing back then because his feathers were always drenched in blood. T'was a damn fine game, eventhough I lost."

At the mention of this name, Uchiwaka dropped his plate. It couldn't be.

"Tomoshibi, what is the meaning of this?"

"Ahhh, Yama-chan, you see back then...1000 years, was it?"

"1130 years. As if I could ever forget."

"Yeaaah, your memory is better than mine in such things. Anyway, we gods sometimes play a game, where we put our races together, and let it go until only one of them still stands. I was close to losing, so I took you from your home, and made you the paladin of my losing-race. And heck, you did your job damn fine."

Uchiwaka fell on his knees, his entire body shaking.

"It was all...just a game?"

"Yeah. Get up and I will show you the gameboard if you like."

"The women...the children..all just...a game..."

"Oh don't be overly dramatic. Here, take a look."

Uchiwaka was teleported to the game room. A gigantic map layed spread out here, and thousands of tiny figurines stood on it. Some gods pushed them over the map with long sticks.

"This is the place from where we controle every action that is taken down there. These figurines are what you'd call "soul" and these sticks are what you like to call "fate". Ever had the urge to do something you don't usually do? That's fate. Ever had a sudden change of mind and got used to an idea you formaly despised? That's fate too. All it takes is a push from the right direction."

Uchiwaka was speechless. Looking over the board, he could see thousands of pieces. A little Ranpu piece. A piece that looked like Kouta. Even a piece for the nice Hitengu woman that made this masterful pie.
Looking around he, saw that next to the gameboard, there was a heap of discarded figures. He deffinetly recognized the one that was on top of the pile. It was Hrafn.

"This...this..."

His eyes slowly wandered to the north western corner of the map. There it was a tiny messing figurine. It was showing signs of wear. Must have been pushed around a lot.

"WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!"

"Calm down Yama-chan. This is just how it goes, and how it will always go. Fate is something no one can get past."

"You made me do all these horrible things! When we attacked the village in Atrekou, and I slaughtered all these inocent people...YOU MONSTER!"

"Don't be overly dramatic. You only fullfilled your fate. There is no one who has to justify his actions other than you."

Uchiwaka snatched his own piece from the board.

"Hey, be careful. If it breaks, it is worse than death. Your entire existance would end."

"At least...at least it would be my own decision. my own fate."

As if he had never stood there, Uchiwaka vanished. Tomoshibi lunged forwards to catch the figurine he had dropped.

"Phew..."

He placed the figurine back to where it was, then returned to the party.

"Sorry fellow gods, But Yamato is not feeling well, so I had to send him back down."

--------------

Uchiwaka awoke from his sleep. For a short moment, he felt like something was not right. But then he turned his eyes towards the sky, and calmed down.

"Ahh, such a beautiful night."

The supply-routes are reset, as there is finaly no one left to constantly support. The soldiers reside in Kawareidou. The Hrun make their way back homewards.
The new city of Tsuito is founded, next to where Echogroth once was.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Cities:
Teiichi X17,Y13, X16,Y13
Inhabitants: 2336
Pop-cap:2480

Kawareidou, X21,Y14
Inhabitants: 1578
Pop-cap:1658

Migurabara, X15,Y11,X15,Y10
Inhabitants: 1134
Pop-cap:1134

Tapufuku, X20,Y12
Inhabitants: 587
Pop-cap:1098

Higashi, X26;Y14
Inhabitants: 708
Pop-cap:1620

Tsuito, X18;Y9
Inhabitants: 500
Pop-cap:1620

In groups:

10 Hitengu building a communication outpost
   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲/▲⌂d⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣C=C⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂c▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~♣YŁ⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲^▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──z┘...≈Y..♣♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣n....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂.M.♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY==v=⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲y⌂⌂Y..♣♣♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.......⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V......⌂⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈......K=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈M..v==⌂▲▲i⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌─=O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠M⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~|S~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

[Dwarfaholic]

The siege continues! Ooh, the suspense!

Cities: Erithnarum (max. 830 (200 for the siege)): 200 (200)(+0) citizens + hero
-- 6 Priests/ mages/ other nobility
-- 21 Craftsmen /inventors
-- 66 Soldiers
--- 35 Spearmen, trained to figh in phalanx
--- 7 Swordsmen, with two- handed swords.
--- 7 Macemen, with huge steel maces
--- 17 Ballistamen, with shoulder- mounted steel ballistae (NOTE: These are smaller ballistae, not siege ballistae, NOTE: Scorpions would actually be a pretty good term)
-- 107 Commoners/ haulers/ foodgatherers/ whatever, ALSO IN THE MILITIA


VS.

The Army of the Black Tower:
Warlord Gaz,
50 Goblin spears
150 Goblin bows
70 Troll Hammers
150 Orc Swords
60 Orc Axes
30 Troll Axes
10 Troll Ballistae
Siege equipment will be built when they arrive.

Summary:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

- The group, now only of 30 Erithreans (32 * .95 = 30.4) Moves two more tiles north, and is now 4 tiles north of Erithnarum. Whee!
- Siege stuff.
- PotG, although Machinatus only makes a quick peep, since, y'know, there's the siege 'n' shit.

Cities: Erithnarum (max. 830 (200 for the siege)): 200 (200)(+0) citizens + hero
-- 6 Priests/ mages/ other nobility
-- 21 Craftsmen /inventors
-- 66 Soldiers
--- 35 Spearmen, trained to figh in phalanx
--- 7 Swordsmen, with two- handed swords.
--- 7 Macemen, with huge steel maces
--- 17 Ballistamen, with shoulder- mounted steel ballistae (NOTE: These are smaller ballistae, not siege ballistae, NOTE: Scorpions would actually be a pretty good term)
-- 107 Commoners/ haulers/ foodgatherers/ whatever, ALSO IN THE MILITIA

[Kashyyk]

Turn 26- Gaz's empire

Drums – louder, quieter, louder

Spoiler: The Black Tower (click to show/hide)

500 Goblins, 200 Orcs and 5 Trolls move west and set up 'Bloated Bastion'

Spoiler: Chaos Citadel (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Deathtrap Dungeon (click to show/hide)

Spoiler: Bloated Bastion (click to show/hide)

Strike the Earth, and incorporate lots of fun in the design.

Spoiler: Construction/research/training (click to show/hide)

Black Tower:
Orc Swords: 120/200
Goblin Spear:s: 100/500
Troll Ballistae: 10/50
Chaos Citadel:
Goblin Spears: 500/500
DeathTrap Dungeon:
Orc Swords:
All Fortress's:
Special Secret Stuff: 4/4

Spoiler: Groups (click to show/hide)

The Army of the Black Tower:
Warlord Gaz,
100 Goblin spears
150 Goblin bows
70 Troll Hammers
150 Orc Swords
60 Orc Axes
30 Troll Axes
10 Troll Ballistae

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣Ł⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.....M.⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V...MMMk⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈.......=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲O⌂⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Cities:

Spoiler: Capital - Black Tower (click to show/hide)

Current population:
G= 1200 (1187.5*1.25=1200)
O= 1170 (1169.6*1.15=1170)
T= 14 (13.9*1.05^5=17.7^)
Popcap:
G=1200
O=1170
T=420

Spoiler: Chaos Citadel (click to show/hide)

Current Population:
G= 1500 (1220.70*1.25=1500)
O= 930 (532665 *1.15^5=930)
T= 38 (29.5*1.05^5=37.7^)
Popcap:
G= 1500
O= 930
T= 240

Spoiler: Deathtrap Dungeon (click to show/hide)

Current Population:
G= 977 (976.6*1.25=976.6^)
O= 304 (304.2*1.15^3=304.2v)
T= 11 (10.5 *1.05^3=10.5^)
Popcap:
G= 1400
O= 1370
T= 500

Spoiler: Bloated Bastion (click to show/hide)

Current Population:
G= 500
O= 200
T= 5
Popcap:
G= 1350
O= 1080
T= 450

Spoiler: Various Equations (click to show/hide)

Construction:
Goblins = 0.2 Con.
Orcs = 0.7 Con.
Trolls = 1.5 Con.

eg. 200 goblins = (200*0.2) 40 Con.

Population support and growth:
Goblins = 25%
Orcs = 15%
Trolls = 5%

Mountain: 250|60|50//2|2|3 (F|N|F//N|N|F)
Hill: 100|150|50//3|2|3 (N|F|F//F|N|F)
Plain: 100|150|20//2|3|2 (N|F|N//N|F|N)
Desert: 250|15|5//3|2|3 (F|U|U//F|N|F)
Forest: 250|60|20//3|2|1 (F|N|N//F|N|U)
Rainforest: 100|60|5//1|2|1 (N|N|U//U|N|U)
River: +100//2|3|1| (xxx//N|F|U)
Water: 100|150|20//2|3|2 (N|F|N//N|F|N)
Glacier: 25|15|50//1|1|2 (U|U|F//U|U|N)
Swamp: 25|60|5//2|1|1 (U|N|U//N|U|U)
Tundra: 25|15|50//1|1|2 (U|U|N//U|U|N)

Spoiler: Summary (click to show/hide)

Black Tower:
Watch Tower ring bonus to vision range.
40 Orc Axes
10 Troll Axes
other soldiers away on conquest

Chaos Citadel:
Watch tower ring bonus to vision range.
100 Goblin Archers
100 Goblin Spears
60 Orc Swords
20 Troll Axes
50 Orc Axes

Deathtrap Dungeon:
200 Goblin Spears

[Emperor_Jonathan]

Spoiler:  The Map: After (click to show/hide)

    0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣£⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.....M.⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V...MMMk⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈.......=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Spoiler: Summary (click to show/hide)

Ynant travels west, sending 10 scouts further ahead, discovering the Hrun city.
Kahn travels west near the river, sends scouts ((10 men)) east along the river finds the Hitengu.
Tnayn travels south, trying to reach uninhabited mountains.
Nanyt travels south, planning to travel through the swamps and beyond.

Spoiler: PotG (click to show/hide)

~To Come~

Spoiler: The Map: After (click to show/hide)

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣£⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────/▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈...M...⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈VmM....⌂⌂⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈...M...=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠M┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Spoiler: The Cities (click to show/hide)

The race of Monoglains.
The chiefdom of Ynant - Leader: Ynant
Monoga, the capital.
Inhabitants: Before - 354
                  After - 435
Popcap: 1380

Horses: Before - 354
            After - 435

Horse Popcap: 2068

Mon - Leader: Kahn.
Inhabitants: Before - 236
                  After - 302
Popcap: 1035

Horses: Before - 236
            After - 302

Horse Popcap: 1551

The chiefdom of Nanyt.
Nanyt, the capital - Leader: Nanyt
Inhabitants: Before - 669
                  After - 823
Popcap: 1380

Horses: Before - 669
            After - 823

Horse Popcap: 2068

The Chiefdom of Tnayn
Semi-nomadic.
Tnayn, the capital - Leader: Tnayn.
Inhabitants: Before -  261
                  After - 321

Popcap: 1173

Horses: Before - 261
            After - 321

Horse Popcap: 1689

Total Population Last Turn: 1540
Total Population: 1881
Population gained: 341
Total Popcap: 4968

[Devath]

Istrian, you missed a move of mine. This is largely due to the fact that I missed it on my map, but would you please append it? I do have my moves explicitly stated.
It should be
   "Mining Colony Group [500(40A)] from (4,28) to (1,28)"

Spoiler: Construction (click to show/hide)

   -City Expansion
      -Roads and Water [7/8]
   -Building Construction
      -Large Drydock [5/6]
      -Housing [1/1]

Spoiler: Production & Training (click to show/hide)

   -Academy
      -Adept Training Group [300] [1/3]
      -Small Levistones
      -Levistones
   -Drydock 1 [M]
      -Small Airship Hull [2/6]
   -Mining Outpost begins Construction
      -Housing [3/6]
      -Mines [2/10]
      -Roads [1/4]
      -Managment Facilities [1/2]

Spoiler: Movement (click to show/hide)

      Mining Colony Group [500(40A)] from (1,28) to (1,29)
   Scouts:
      -Wyrm Riders [10][1] from (4,23) to (7,22)
      -Wyrm Riders [10][1] from (9,24) to (10,22)

Spoiler: Numbers (click to show/hide)

City: Karavett
   Popcap: 3140
   Population: 2595
      Adepts: 380
         Trainees: 300
Wyrms in Desert: 140

Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)

Picture maps no longer provided until further notice. Sorry, I've found other things to do.
   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
20|
  |   ─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~s─┘s~
  |~~~~~~~~~~~~   
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈
  | ~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂S⌂~|~~~
30|○──

[Poltifar]

Spoiler: Goodbye, Friend (click to show/hide)

It was a very solemn time. Danalof and the Buhachi were gathered at Teichii, to put Uchiwakamaru, declared dead in the final battle against the Giants, at rest.

As the body had not been found, the grave was empty. Nevertheless, it was a place to be honoured, as the spiritual resting place of Uchiwaka. Kouta stood sobbing nearby, and none of the Buhachi seemed anything other than sad and miserable. Finally, after a long time of silence, Danalof stepped forward.

"It is with great sadness that we gather here today, to say farewell to Uchiwakamaru, great hero and leader of the Buhachi. He was a peculiar person, Uchi. But beneath his strange ramblings, he was a truly great tactician. Underneath his aloofness, he was the great Hitenguan leader that led his people to many victories. He might have seemed foolish and even sometimes suicidal in his actions, as with his challenging the giant Hrafn to a duel, but he was actually the boldest and bravest one any of us ever knew. Who else would have risked his life on the off chance he might kill the leader of the ennemy and insure peace to us all? But above all else, he was a friend. A truly great friend, to all of us gathered here. Whenever things seemed desperate, he cheered us up and convinced us that we would win. Whenever things were gloomy, he threw in some joke or did some silly thing and thus made us laugh our heads of. Whenever we were about to give up, to just lie down and rot away, he held us up, pushed us on, renewed our determination. That is why he will be remembered as not only the mighty Hero he was, but the great friend he was. May his soul rest in peace."

Kouta began to cry, and Kenta stepped up as Danalof stepped back.

"With the light we come and with the flame we go. As the fire turns our body into warmth, we return to the world what the world has given us. In your stead, this wooden doll that bears your image shall burn, and this will be your resting place. Let us not drown in misery, but instead rejoice that you have found peace and rest, and that you will be always amongst us as a ray of light."

A wooden doll in the image of Uchi is set on fire. All the attending people, even Kouta, stood silent as the doll burned to ashes, which were then buried. As was the tradition of the Hitengu, seeds were then thrown on the grave, to grow on it and symbolise the renewal of life.

Once this finished, Danalof went back to his home. He entered quietly, and didnt even seem to notice his students, who were finishing the packing-up of his equipment and material.

"What's wrong?" Asked Yugi, concerned, and the looks on the faces of the rest echoed the question.

"Nothing... Nothing." Said Danalof, in a faint voice, his face still turned away from his students. "Time to go," said he as he walked out of the door.

"Seems it is raining," whispered Danalof once he was outside.

"Huh, raining? The sky is clear..." exclaimed Akane, who was close behind.

"Yes, it is raining." A single drop hit the ground infront of Danalof.

Spoiler: Actions (click to show/hide)

After giving some directions to the elves, Danalof teleports to Teichii, were he attends Uchiwaka's 'burial' ceremony with the Buhachi. Once that is done, Danalof meets up with his students who went to Teichii by foot last turn and heads back to Echogroth with them, carrying the equipment, also teaching them on the way. They do not reach Echogroth this month.


   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣Ł⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣@⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.....M.⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V...MMMk⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈.......=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Spoiler: Statuses (click to show/hide)

Teaching status:
Yugi (male), Sentry, Mind, 5/6 Basic Mind
Masaru (male),Sword user, Displacement, 5/6 Basic Displacement
Akane (female), Spear user, Temporal, 5/8 Basic Darkness
Hinata (female), Spear user, Light, 5/6 Basic Light
Kohaku (female), Shield user, Water, 5/8 Basic Illusion

[Nhiphanter]

Rezerwed

[mission0]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

More Rp for Uchi's arrival in Xenade to be made...

The party:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Obelisk was still bandaged from the Iron Incident when Obelisk appeared.

"You sure you still want to go to this party Obelisk, you don't look to good"

Skriz just smirked,"It would take more than this to keep me from going"

Obelisk smiles as he said,"Good cause I don't think the rest of the gods would have liked it if they didn't get to meet you"

With that Obelisk pulled himself and Skriz down into the stone where they both reappeared in the Great hall.

Obelisk pushed forward Skriz as he introduced him to the other gods.

Everyone this is Skriz my races foremost scholar and champion. He has lived for 564 years, born in the pits of the very volcano that Xenade sits upon now. He may not look like much all bandaged up as he is but he knows his stuff. With that Obelisk urged Skriz to mingle among the other gods and champions.

Skriz looked on in ah as he looked from one god to the next, he conversed with one god then the next all the time enjoying himself as he met gods of every shape and sort.

As he was conversing with a Medusa looking god that he had yet to learn the name of Skriz thought he saw Uchi, but he disappeared in a flash of light before he could be sure.

Population :

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

City: Xenade (305+(305 * .075)) = 328) / 650
   Location: 2,1
   Diety: Obelisk
   Hero: Skriz
   Earth Lord: 2
   Dracan Elite: 28
   Soldier: 100
   Smithy: 100
   Peasants: 98

   Food Produced: 490
   Food Consumed: 328
   Food Stored: 162
   Food In Storage: 99 + 162 = 261

City: Ragnz (91+(85*.075)) = 97 / 293):
   Location: 2,3
   Earth Lord: 1
   Dracan Elite: 4
   Soldier : 25
   Smithy: 30
   Peasant(Trained): 25
   Peasant: 12

   Food Produced: 135
   Food Consumed: 97
   Food Stored: 40
   Food In Storage: 114 + 40 = 154

City: Cribez (91+(85*.075)) = 97 / 293):
   Location: 2,3
   Earth Lord: 1
   Dracan Elite: 4
   Soldier : 25
   Smithy: 30
   Peasant(Trained): 25
   Peasant: 12

   Food Produced: 135
   Food Consumed: 97
   Food Stored: 40
   Food In Storage: 114 + 40 = 154

Construction:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Smithy construct speed : 5
Soldier construct speed(Only buildings) : 2.5
Xenade:
   Xenade the City(constructed)
   Aqueduct(constructed)
   Forges(constructed)
   Hall of Learning(constructed)
   Armory(Constructed)

   Weapons:
      Dracan Staff: 200

Ragnz:
   Harbor(424/1000)

Cribez:
   Harbor(424/1000)

map:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.y≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣C=C⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂c▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~♣♣y⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲^▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──z┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣n....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂.M.♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂y...♣♣♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.......⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V......⌂⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈......K=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈M..v==⌂▲▲i⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌─=O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠M⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~|S~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

The Dracan Race:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

*Instead of having to look up my race through the forums here it is*

Deity
- Obelisk
- Spheres: Earth(4), War(2), Longevity(2)
- Obelisk views the Dracans as his children.

Morphology
- Dracans are a lizard race that could be described as smaller dragons. Being made from the earth itself  Dracans can withstand being in lava but
only for a time. Their large wings give them the gift of flightmaking high mountain Fortress perfect for them. A larger lung size than most creatures
allows them to fly for a great time along with to great heights. In times of battle these wings would fold onto the warriors back to keep them from
harms way. *seems I forgot to mention earlier that they are humanoids, dragons in human form*

Culture & Society

Capital: Xenade
Symbol: Dd
Location: 2,1

- Hero: Skriz - All but a master at bending earth he is capable of shifting earth even in the worst of conditions. Even if he is getting
         on in years he devotes his time to developing new ways for Earth bending to be used weather for war or for economic use.
        His ability with a Dracan staff is impressive as well as he uses the Dracans natural agility and earthbending capabilities in lethal
       doses in combat.

- Dracans use a type of caste system. Obelisk - Earth Lord - Dracan Elite - Soldier - Smiths - Peasant
   The Earth Lords: are chosen by Obelisk for their experience in fighting and strategics
   along with their overwhelming ability to bend the earth.

   Dracan Elite: rise up the ranks by showing an amazing ability to fight well even against
   overwhelming odds. It's been known for the Elite to be able to take on 100 Dracan soldiers
   without a knick on him. However the Dracan died shortly after of exhaustion.
   They also possess to a smaller extent the ability to bend the earth like the Lords.

   Soldier: These fighters rain death upon their foes from above with crossbows or on the battlefield
   with their unique weapons. A basic wooden staff with a blade attached to each end. This is the standard
   weapon for both Elites and Soldiers.

   Smiths: These are the Dracans that as the name implies smiths the weapons for the military.
   Using their earthbending to pull pure iron from the earth and formed into the traditional twin bladed staff.
   They also build boats and other buildings.

   Peasants: On the lower end of the caste are the peasants who grow food for the military. Using what little
   earthbending they have, they are able to make extremely productive farms.

- Dracans as a Race just want to expand and endure.
- Obelisk is known to walk among his race's capital. However he does not demand that his people worship him, only that
  they treat him as one of their own.

Technology
- The ability to make Iron has been perfected while Steel is known to exist the process to make it has yet to be perfected.
  Seafaring is a well know trade among the Dracans since they are on an island as their own, their ability to fly has allowed them
  to become accomplished at the task since they are able to tell how the wind will flow by just glancing at the sky.

  Ships:
   Trader (Crew 4) : A small fast ship that skips accross the water bringing supplies and trade goods wherever it goes.
   Able to hold 12 warriors if neccessary.
   
   Transport (Crew : A military vessel that carries large amounts of troops across the water. Comes with a top that can open
   up so that troops can fly out quickly and swarm the enemy.
   Able to hold 32 warriors

   Ragnorak (Crew 12) : A ship made up of volcanic materials making it incredibly light. Large rocks are kept on board so they can
   be used as ammo for Earth Benders on board.
   Able to hold 64 warriors.
   
Magic & Divine Powers
- They have the ability to bend the earth to their will to varying degrees. It is different with each Dracan, it is thought that
   those that have a great command of the earth were forged with stronger materials than other Dracans. Also through their
   earth bending they are able to sense even the most minute tremors in the earth, showing the tall tale signs of an eruption or a far off army
   on the march.
-  Since Dracans are made of earth they are able to tolerate the extreme heat, and the extreme cold.

Arrival in the world
- They were brought upon the world by Obelisk after seeing many other gods influencing the world with their
   own races.
- They start with a population of 400.

Population support and growth
Growth Rate: 7.5%
Mountain (75/3)(favor/favored)
Hill(75/2)(favor/normal)
Plain (30/2) (normal/normal)
Desert(30/1)(normal/unfavored)
Forest:(30/2) (normal/normal)
RainForest(30/1)(normal/unfavored)
River (+100/3)(xxx/favored)
Water (7.5/3)(unfavored/favored)
Glacier(7.5/3)(unfavored/favored)
swamp:(30/1) (normal/unfavored)
tundra:(30/2) (normal/normal)

A +1 speed boost would also be available but it would only last for two turns before the next turn gets a -2 speed boost.

[Istrian]

Turn 27
Year 2, Early Winter

The Watcher radiated displeasure. And he was very displeased with the gods' attitude towards the party. Most of them acted as if nothing was happening. While the event did not really require the presence of the champions, refusing an invitation from the omnipotent Arbiter of this game was certainly not a life-saving move. Something needed to be done.

((A guideline for winters : it is reasonable to consider that armies in the field in winter should lose some of their soldiers to the cold and other illnesses in the air. This is not a rule, merely a guideline to make RP more realistic.))

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~♣YŁ⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣@⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY==v=⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲y⌂⌂Y..♣=♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈...M...⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣=♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈VmM....k⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈...M...=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==ki▲⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠M┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~s─┘s~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂S⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

[Navian]

Report:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

   --------------------------------
00|
  |  ^
  |
  |
  |                       ^
05|
  |                             ┌┘░
  |                   #⌂⌂      ┌┘.░
  |                   ♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |                  YŁ⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|                  .⌂⌂▲^▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |                  ♣⌂k▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣
  |                ╗♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲k⌂...♣♣
  |                ╚Y══╩╗⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣
  |                ─────Y▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣
15|                 ....⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣
  |  ^              .....⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌──
  |               ......#╔K▲⌂○──┘..
  |        „┌░░ ░░░░....╔╝k▲▲⌂⌂....
  |        „|„░░░░░„„„┌─╨‼▲▲⌂♣
20|        „|„░░░„„„„„|#⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂.♣
  |        „|„└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣
  |        ─┘~~.|„„„„„⌂⌂▲▲⌂O....
  |       ~~~~░░░           ⌂..
  |      ~~~~░░░░
25|     ~~~~░░░
  |   ~~~~~~~░░          ▲▲▲
  |~~~~┌──░░░░░          oR▲
  |~~~~|~~~~░░░░         ▲▲▲
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~░░░     ♠└──○
30|○───┘~   ~~~♠

94 Katytans
66 Laying Siege
14 Supporting Siege
3 returning from the Hearth of Portent
6 in Ison's Expedition
1 with Ryou
4 Elsewhere

22 Human Refugees, Wintering in Kara's Camp

The Camp in Winter

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Snowfall, and chilly air. The Katytans enjoyed neither. Dressing for the occasion and making use of the flammable materials they'd gathered, they could stay warm through the winter with minimal guard shifts as they huddled in secretive shelters of insulative snow and ice.

The humans could not bear the cold as the larger Katytans could, and were relocated to the safety of Kara's camp. No labour is asked of them this winter, they are simply cared for, supported by Katytan children for whom the cold has no grip.

Time marches on, and underground operations continue. The dark fortress, such as it is, will breathe its last, come spring. For now, the Katytans watch and await the coming of its death throes as it gasps for air.

Ison's Log

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"Normally, I'd date these entries, but until Ringa completes her project, there's not going to be any calendar worth using. Moving along...

"The first fortnight: We've left the mountains under Selna's guidance, and now I lead us into the hills. Hunting is better here, and we are well-supplied thanks in large part to Nanae's efforts. Mad as though she may be, at least she's productive.

"I'm not particularly interested in writing others' drama for them, so if you want to hear about the difficulties the incompetant hunters in this party have wrought upon themselves, you can ask them yourself (and see the scars.) In the end it's all for naught, which is good from my perspective.

"The second fortnight: This region clearly shoes signs of recent conflict. It is unclear what, but it was very destructive and has already been cleared up. Smoking ruins can be seen on the horizon, we will not investigate. This whole land seems cursed.

"The third fortnight: No new events, other than the usual. Complaining, crude antics, stupid accidents. We saw what might be a living High-Tengu settlement northwest, briefly.

"The fourth fortnight: We've entered High-Tengu lands for sure. These hills are farmed. There is a small town southward, but we will not be visiting. We pass eastward."

Raging Retcon Supreme Summary

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

On turn 21, Erak came to the Crimson Inferno in search of Foereaver. At the last minute, he was denied divine protection so it could be granted at the battle with the storm giants, but the Erithreans were able to help.

They failed to find the right lost artifact, however, so instead, a rock golem the size of a skyscraper was summoned into the volcano and threw a tantrum. Erak was flung into a wall, and the Katytans were forced to hide from the flailing behemoth. It then climbed out of the volcano and down to Mimikozga, to cause some wanton destruction, presumably on Wotan's behalf.

Fortunately, it didn't notice the siege gallery, and was crippled by this during its rampage, allowing Erak (with a little help from Oici) to finally defeat it. Once defeated, it exploded, half-buried the entire town, then reformed. Erak found Foereaver and killed it once and for all, then was promptly banished from anywhere the Katytans could ever have the power to banish him from.

Oici, unsatisfied, hit Erak with a glove to challenge him to a duel, but the glove was repelled by divine power hard enough to knock her over. Needless to say, she stayed there laughing at the shameful, witless 'warrior' until he was gone, and her earlier respect for Wotan and his followers has vanished, and she looks forward to their inevitable future slaughter, whoever it might be at he hands of.

Uchi Talks About Himself

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The 'Hitengu Champion' was standing next to the buffet, exploring the oddities. Although Katyn was doing the same, she had a different definition of an 'oddity'. "Fancy meeting you here."

Uchi shot back. "Fancy meeting you here. You see, this is a pretty exclusive party. Whatever are you doing here?"

Katyn dusted off her gown. "Hah, I could ask you the same question. I'm almost ashamed to say, I am one of the deities participating in this game."

Uchi blinked. "Oh, for a second, I thought you were working here, like the fish-chef over there."
"I'm afraid I'm not much of a stewardess." She glazed over somewhat.

"Your name was Katyn, right?"
"Aye, that it is, Uchiwaka. Say, whom do you follow? Or are you a god yourself?" She chuckles.
"I don't follow anyone. From time to time, Tomoshibi tries to give me nudges and hints, but my inner divinity won't be tained just by that."

Katyn nodded. "A bit of both, hmm? Sounds like a fine arrangement."

"So, do you have some people down there? I think I have heared the name of some people which sounds quite similar to your name."

"Yes, the Katytans, of course." Katyn waved to Nasha, beckoning with a finger. "Uchiwaka, this is Nasha, the First Katytan." Nasha afforded Uchi a shallow bow.

"Hi there."
"So, you are the true leader of the Hitengu? Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Leader? Haha, no. I am just the dude who spent the last 200 years doing whatever he felt like. I am just a shadow of my former self, and I am glad someone else has taken the burden on him to be the Hinyuudou."
Katyn chimed in, lightly. "That sounds familiar, somehow..."

Nasha let out a short hiss at the jab, before turning back to Uchi. "I'm not so sure the current Hinyuudou is carrying that burden so well. It wasn't long ago that she tried to use magic to sneak into our prison chambers..."
"Tried? Shows that I am totaly irreplacable. I would have done that succesfully, without magic, in half of the time."
Nasha snorted, raising an eyebrow. "No doubt. All you would have needed to do was ask for me to deliver the letter."
Uchi inspected his fingernails. "That's the boring way to do it, yes."
"Well, we do try to take our security seriously. I'm glad that she's alright."

Uchi sighed. "The tasks of a politican are easy. I am afraid my current task is something not even gods could finish."
Nasha looked away as Katyn left the two 'champions' to talk. "Hmm?"
"I am looking for the perfect blossom. I have spent hundreds of years studying every single one of them. I never managed to find the one I seek. The perfect one. THE blossom."
"Yes, that does sound difficult... I suppose this isn't the one you were looking for?" She produced one of Katyn's steel roses from her sleeve.
Uchiwaka was not amused. "No."
Nasha shrugged. "It was worth a try."
Uchi stood proudly. "If there is anything worth trial, then it is this."

"What do you do in your spare time, when you're not seeking the perfect blossom?"
"Whatever comes into my mind."
"So I'd imagine. Any rhyme or reason to that?"
"Nope. Right now for example, I am stranded on the island of the legendary dragons. Their fighting style is impressive. I think I will try my hand at this."
Nasha nodded slowly. "Interesting. I've not heard of this place. How did you come to be there?"

"Oh, just because of some really bad weather."
"Ah, the Hitengu have sea-worthy ships as well, then?"
"No. Whatever makes you think that?"
Nasha gazed at him cooly at a moment, growing frustrated, before changing the subject.

"Are you up to date with the recent politics in your lands, at all? I'm afraid I've been out of touch..."
"Heck, I have been out of touch even before I got lost on the ocean. I don't even think I was ever 'in touch.'"
Nasha nodded. "A shame. These are trying times for all races... Your people could surely benefit from your guidance."
"Oh, they have always done just fine when I was gone.  I mean, I am just one person, and I don't "guide" anyone anyway."

Nasha feigned puzzlement. "Why not?"
"Everyone walks his own way. Who am I to send them on theirs?"
"A man older and, theoretically, wiser than they?"
Uchi laughed. "Who else knows better than yourself what your way is? I think I am at least wise enough to claim I am not wise."
Nasha was bored. "I see... Perhaps we will meet again, Uchiwaka." She left him, returning to Katyn. "I never want to become like that man."
Katyn shook her head. "You won't. I am not Tomoshibi. I don't play games with my creations."

"You don't?"
"I let you play your own, Nasha. I've manipulated you in the past, but I don't get my kicks from watching my creations writhe and squirm, as many do." She waved for Nasha to sit down with her.

"Most gods get to sit back and watch, intervening only when they feel like it. But for myself, not a week goes by when I'm not in my working, building the future of the Katytans." She held up a finger. "Joining this game might have been a mistake, but the Katytans have my full support."

Nasha said nothing. After a moment she reached over toward Katyn's ear, and with a quick motion, appeared pull her steel rose out of it. "Look! The perfect blossom! It was here all along. Here's another one!" She pulled another out of her own.

Katyn smirked as she tucked the flower into her hair. "If only it were so easy to beat him in terms warfare as it is to beat him in terms of art appreciation. Same goes for everyone. We'd have this in the bag."

Nasha wove her own flower into her hair. "I doubt he's looking for quality. More likely a certain design... It does make me curious. But enough talk about Uchiwaka--Why is he even here? How can he be the champion of his race when he's utterly useless to them?"

"The same way you can... Or perhaps not. I do not know if he has free will. Perhaps Tomoshibi is simply too alien for me to understand. But regardless, you know I do expect you to do better--I expect you to expect that from yourself."

"Of course, Katyn. I certainly do now..."

Ryou and Ginya

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Ryou saw Ginya coming from miles away. She was bundled up from the cold, following the supply train. He flew out to meet her. "Ahh, Lady Ginya, your message came like send from an angel. I was so glad to receive it from you, proving my anxiety to be pointless."

"Yes, well..." She seemed a bit shaken. "I am sorry that we will not be able to put on the show we were looking forward to."

"It matters not. As long as we can get you to the parliament so we can promote your race, nothing bad will happen. Coming so late, I might not be able to win the election, but we will at least stop Hibiki from winning it."

Ryou noticed the scar running along Ginya's forehead, above her eye. "How is the battle going?"

Ginya shook her head, feeling defeated. "There's been no battle. The enemy was forced into their fortress in the first month, they've stayed huddled inside ever since. We intend to smoke and drown them out."

"Let them rot inside, the longer they are inside, the weaker they will become once they finaly surface. At any rate, I've had Kaede pack my belongings already, and I've been sitting on full trunks for 3 days now. Please excuse my impudence, but I must press you to hurry."

"I am already prepared." She indicated her diplomatic pouch. "No offerings, this time, but I am ready to depart. Sadly, we can spare no one else, but I will do what I can."

Ryou whistled for Kaede, who came pulling the wagon behind her. The Hitengu were strong for their size, too, it seemed. Trokonatos was also with them.

"Homewards then."

They departed.

Nanae's Journey

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The fire powder worked even better than it had last winter. Perhaps a quality of the volcano, perhaps simply the build-up over time, but Nanae never felt cold except when she awoke in the morning, lying in a puddle of snowmelt. Even that wasn't a serious problem, breakfast fixed that immediately.

Nanae was aware of being followed--her pursuers were forced to light fires to stay warm, after all--but did not mind. They could not move through these wastes as easily as she, and it was exhilirating to travel alone, nonetheless.

She thought about her visions. They repeated as echoes some nights, never quite the same, and she felt herself reinterpretting them. The Hearth of Portent was nice, but perhaps it was less important than she thought. Time would tell. It was best to keep an open mind.

What had happened at the Inferno since she left? Had Nasha returned? Were the Hrun gone for good? What of ths Hitengu? All still uncertain, especially Erak's fate. Not that she cared, beyond that she'd desired to seal it herself, and would be disappointed if he was already dead or gone.

Nanae stretched, savouring the power in her muscles. She was far stronger now that she'd been a year ago, in part thanks to Nasha, Masi, and their secret spice, but also due to the rigiorous training and other activities she'd been absorbed in of late. Perhaps the change of diet from fish and more fish to meat and fresh fruit had helped matters along.

Still, without the fire powder she'd be no match for any of the elders, or many Katytans at all. Nanae was eighteen years old, still not fully mature. A year or two more would fix that, if she kept up the pace. A new life at the Hearth of Portent lay ahead, as soon as she could summon the mob. So far away...

Yane in War

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

"You 'splain it, Masi. You gotta better handle on these things than I do." Ringa paced before the troops, as the older Katytan cleared her throat.

"We're going after an auxilliary encampment of the goblins. It is sealed away from the main population due to our efforts. We must eradicate it before spring to begin the assault, and now is as good a time as ever. They're weak, but we need to be careful. After some discussion, I've outlined a strategy for us.

"Ringa's first two ranks charge in from the front, heavy armour, reach weapons, shields in the core, flankers with twohanders, delta formation. We can't trap them, there are too many, so expect to have to hold fast while they surround you.

"Before the formation is broken, the other three teams--Yane's, Oici's, and my own--will move in from the southeast hill, northeast gulch and west mountainside, respectively. Through these means, we can throw their camp into disarray and force them to retreat down into the valley, where Icand can hunt down the survivors over the next few days.

"Your roles vary, these tasks are dissimilar. Yane's group must first break the goblin troops attacking Ringa's company. It is primarily a rescue mission, but make sure to maintain a position you can sustain into the next phase.

Oici's task is the hardest, due to the terrain disadvantage, but her troops are the best equipped for it. Their task is to draw out the goblin defenders so that my squad is able to kill as many enemy ranged troops as possible before they find cover. Expect to be under heavy fire, set up your own countermeasures as you see fit.

"This entire operation will be conducted upon the signal of a single flare, that will double as an incendiary bomb into their camp. Your marked positions should be enough to coordinate from that signal, let's keep this uncomplicated. The enemy outnumber us less than two to one. This is meant to be a massacre, not a battle, 100% enemy casualties with 0% friendly is a real objective here. Any questions?"

Ringa translated. "We're gonna kick in the door and give 'em hell, and the others are going to take care o' them and us. All you need ta know is stay alive, and make 'em dead. Ready formation!"

A chorus responded as they moved into a delta V. "Sir!" Ringa made the necessary adjustments. Yane blinked and nodded to Masi. Oici smiled and shouted to her troops with a cheer. Masi called out the order. "All troops move out. Wait for my mark."

Half an hour later, all was ready. Ringa's troops were clear to see as they approached the goblin camp, and the enemy made ready, less aware of their surroundings than they might otherwise be. The horn, the charge. Goblins were trampled and smashed underfoot. Arrows and bolts began to shatter against the Katytan formation as flames  from the fallen flare licked the tents.

Another horn. Oici. Yet another. Yane. The goblins split as they moved to seal the gulch, not expecting to find enemies high upon the rocks, able to leap more than a half dozen meters in a single bound. The hail of fire intensified, swords, pikes, hammers, and shields.

Untouched by the waves of conflict stood Yane upon the hilltop. She took a long drink, brandished her axe, and lleapt down farther than was reasonable, landing amidst a mighty fireball of her own creation that softened her fall, crushing goblin bones. She spun, her mind gone to another place, wreathed in flame and breathing it in great gouts, an ominous musical hum on the air, underlining the entire battle.

Terror in the goblin camp was quickening as the bolts fell and their spearmen holding Oici at bay were engulfed by firebreathers. The chaos intensified as the gulch troops began to lob grenades, advancing slowly up the slope through the mire.

One of Ringa's troops stumbled, then another fell. The goblins were concentrated on them in too much force. Yane turned to them, friends and allies alike clearing away, the heat shimmer and flames making her a nigh-impossible target, unapproachable as she drank once more, and slowly began to run, surging forward as the flames passed her lips.

Bellblossom cut through flesh like water, iron mail like paper. Rivulets of hot blood streamed across boiling ice. The goblin line was forced to become equal to the Katytans who pressed forward, and bolts hailed from the mountainside behind them. At last, all was lost but the will to live, and the remaining goblins, a mere two dozen, ran. Those still in the camp were butchered, and indeed, the Katytans ate well that night.

Yane's breathing remained slow and measured as she pulled out her last trick, and the flames around her exploded, extinguishing themselves in a burst of light and heat. She put down her axe and sat in a patch of clean snow, watching it melt and flow past her, down the hill much like the goblins.

Ringa called to Masi: "Get 'em in, we got two. Four casualties, not bad. Just luck I suppose."

Masi climbed down, waving for the others to lower down the injuried. "Crossbow bolt to the eye, arrow to the spleen. Nothing serious. What have you got?"

"Another eye-short sword did it--and a kidney. You should check them out."
"Will do."

Yane looked down as she heard Ringa call to Oici. "Your folks all fine?"

Oici called back. "Yes, nothing serious. Funny, if anyone should have got injured, it should've been us. Nothing ever goes according to plan, huh?"

"Ain't that the truth."

Yane hummed quietly to herself, cradling her weapon and tearing up. War wasn't much fun at all. Why were there people in the world like this? And why were they green? Were they plant people? Sure seemed like blood and not sap or xylum... Gah! It was hard to stay depressed. Focus! Why did they have to come here and... What was it they were doing, here, anyway? Well, they should have been less mean, and maybe come to talk about it instead of just grabbing up the land and digging a big hole.

Yane slumped. Yes, that was it. Much better. Icand would be getting ready to kill the last ones, now. Well, there always seemed to be more goblins, and they kind of all looked the same, so maybe it wasn't so bad... They kind of made stuff that looked gross too much, anyway.

She stood up and went back to the camp, playing with the axe. It felt a lot lighter than it once did, and she was happy. Her heart felt a lot lighter, too. Oh, right. She was supposed to be sad about the war. Less skipping, more frowning.

[Emperor_Jonathan]

Spoiler: The Map: Before (click to show/hide)

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣£⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────/▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈...M...⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈VmM....⌂⌂⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈...M...=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠M┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Spoiler: Winter in the camps. (click to show/hide)

In every camp snowfall covered tents, houses and animals. The horses were given the rare reprieve of a roof of furs over the various pens.
Most Monoglains were huddled within their tents covered in layers, upon layers of furs. Upon day break instead of riding their mounts, most Monoglains walked, getting their body heat up.

Spoiler: Summary (click to show/hide)

All camps become armies, moving at 2 squares a turn, one for food and +1 for their horses. They merge.

Spoiler: The Map: After (click to show/hide)

   0    0    1    1    2    2    3
   0    5    0    5    0    5    0
   --------------------------------
00|⌂▲▲▲⌂●●●●●█████●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |≈▲D▲⌂D⌂●●●●●●●●≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♣♣.♣♣.....≈≈≈≈
  |⌂⌂D⌂⌂.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣.♣⌂⌂⌂.....≈≈
  |≈.≈..≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.♣♣♣♣⌂⌂^⌂⌂.....≈
05|≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..♣#=#⌂▲▲⌂⌂...┌≈
  |≈≈≈≈≈≈z≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈──────○▲▲⌂⌂..┌┘≈
  |≈≈≈≈...≈≈≈.≈≈≈≈≈.~♣#~⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂.┌┘.≈
  |≈≈┐..⌂⌂⌂≈|..≈≈≈...♣♣⌂⌂▲▲○───┘...
  |♣.|.⌂⌂▲⌂♣Z...z..~y♣£⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂.....♣
10|♣♣|⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣|...≈Y..♣.⌂⌂▲K▲⌂⌂....♣♣
  |♣♣○⌂▲○──/┘...≈Y...♣⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |♣♣⌂▲⌂N♣♣.....≈===♣♣♣Y⌂▲▲⌂⌂...♣♣♣
  |.⌂⌂▲⌂.♣.....≈≈≈┐YY====⌂▲▲⌂⌂...I♣
  |⌂⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣..≈≈≈≈└─────Y▲▲⌂⌂Y..♣i♣
15|⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈.......⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣i♣
  |⌂▲^▲⌂♣♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈V......⌂⌂⌂v▲⌂⌂.II─
  |⌂▲▲▲⌂♣♣♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈...m...=K▲⌂○──┘..
  |≈⌂▲▲⌂♣♣♣⌠┌≈≈≈≈≈≈≈...v==k▲i⌂⌂....
  |≈⌂▲⌂⌂♣♣⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠┌──O▲▲⌂⌂♣♣♣♣♣
20|⌂⌂▲⌂⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|⌠≈≈≈⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠|#⌂▲o⌂⌂⌂O♣♣♣♣
  |▲▲○─┐┌─┐⌠|⌠└─┬─────┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂..♣♣♣♣
  |⌂⌂⌂~└┘~└─┘~~.|⌠⌠⌠⌠⌠⌂⌂▲o⌂O.....♣♣
  |~~~~s~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠⌠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂...~..
  |~~~~~~~~~s≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌠┌─○▲▲⌂⌂.~~.~
25|~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈─┬┘⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~~~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲○⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~┌──≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂oR▲⌂⌂~~~~~
  |~~~~SS~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠|⌂⌂▲▲▲⌂⌂♠~♠~~
  |⌂⌂⌂~|~~~~~≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈♠└──○▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈
30|○───┘~~~~~~~♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠♠⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈≈≈

Spoiler: The Army. (click to show/hide)

General: Ynant.
Soldiers: 1881
Horses: 1881
581 of the soldiers are mounted Lancers, they wear Lamellar Armour, and wield lances, shields and sabers.
1300 Horse Archers, they wear leather armor and wield bows, they carry 2, a stronger one for longer range targets and a weaker one for close targets. They also have a short sword for combat. They have 3 quivers of arrows, each containing 20 arrows.