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[deadlycairn]

The Khallem's Story: Ambush Continued:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

We have searched long and hard for food and game for us. We hunger, but still we search. Finally, one day in the cold winter, we found something. Strange creatures riding on nother strange creatures. At first we surrounded them and prepared to attack them, but then one spoke, and we reconsidered. The winter had been long and hard, and we needed an ally.
"What are you creatures, and what are your mounts, and what business have you here?" We hissed, having no time for petty pleasantries.
"We are members of the glorious Empire and these are our horses. We were on a scouting mission, but are sheltering from the winter.
"Horses? Such interesting creatures. We will offer you shelter and rest inside our caves, if you give us a pair of your horses.
"Our group only has as many horses as is required for us, but we know someone who has more. Take this to them, and we'll give you two breeding pairs."
"That is acceptable. Well, Imperians, I hope the relations between us are long and mutually beneficial. Follow us, to the caves."

We had trekked long and hard, but now they were nearly there. They found a strange structure, filled with the sent of the horses. This was the place. They presented their note, and made off into the underground with their newly acquired mounts.

Long story short, my men intercept Istrians scouts and make a deal with them. Safety and shelter in return for horses, With two breeding pairs, the focus is now on them, and on other hunting efforts, to supply food for the Caves.

[Navian]

Spring, Year 4

The Solarans learned the hard way that it's not safe for explorers to scout this world solo... But they have what they need, for now, as so long as they stick together and continue their diligent study of New Things, their Village will prosper to some extent.

The Empire works on clearing away some farmland for their new Outpost. They now have two Outposts and a Town, as they trade with their new neighbours. The Phoenicians are a little leerly of the human settlers' border claims, however, and agricultural efforts in the area are driven back somewhat by an unseasonable drought.

The Khallem ease in. They still have a Village, doing well, but it's time to site a new nest. The Chaos of the Midwest affects them only mildly, due to their well-established defenses and foodstocks. They discover something unique while delving their new lodgings...

The Aviators encounter trouble. Their new Outpost is  destroyed, most of its population already slain or fled into the hills, and great destruction has been wrought by the Megadwarven Gigaguards. Kaboom, kabang, kapow, kawhammie. This elite and maniacal fire team doesn't take at all kindly to trespassers, it seems. Rockets are launched harmlessly, but spectacularly, in the direction of the Aviators' Village. Some visitors arrive at the formerly-woodsy Lumber Camp to the east.

The Astroglians have a Village, a Hamlet (to the west) and two Outposts. Kobold raids caused minor suffering, but the adorable little animals are now friendly. Sometimes. At least for now. Contact with the CCC... Happened.

The Shash-Hash Village is up and running, mon. What they be doing with old Polty? Seems that there's a small undead army in the area, now.

The Suin Town stands alone in all its glory, for now. They make contact with peaceful Merfolk, the nature of which is up to their leaders.

The Biomorphs establish a Hamle-- Oh damn. Agh! Ahh! Ow! Eek! Well, they have an Outpost now. That kind of hurt, what with the three waves of beast attacks and the panicked Mud Elves and all. On the plus side, they can now accept some suitably mutated refugees, and the ruins aren't totally uninhabitable...

Due to a fit of suicidal rage, Szaryummy civilization is at an end. Although many of them still survive, it remains to be seen whether any can survive the year. Under condition of anonymity, one deity commented that their god made for a pretty good barbeque, though the meat had to be cooked very thoroughly.

*The Chaos in the Midwest*

Many things occur toward the end of the third year in this region, both tumultous and dire. Though the Imperial Seafarers survive the terrible storms and beasts that accompany this event, they never taste true extent of it.

Altogether, the death toll of the six civilized races involved is nearly five hundred--a large fraction of this world's population. Beware the swamps of the region. They are now quite deadly.

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  ~~~~~~~~....♠┌─○⌂⌂▲⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂.....┌┘...“““
  ~~~~M.....♠♠≈┘k⌂⌂▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂.....♠│♠♠♠...“
  ..........m≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂▲▲▲W⌂⌂│⌂⌂......♠└┐♠♠♠♠..
  ....⌂⌂...♠┌┘♠⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲▲▲▲#───┴─┐.V...♠♠♠│♠♠♠♠♠♠
05◘M⌂⌂⌂○─m.≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂X▲▲▲▲▲▲⌂v⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂└─┐.v════S┐≈≈≈♠◘
  ...~⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈♣⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲t⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂.○.⌂⌂⌂└┬─┐...≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  .~~~~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂@▲▲▲⌂⌂.T♠♠♠♠..│.....│.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  ~~~C~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠♠♣♠♠♠♠♠≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈......▀
  ..~~⌂⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.....~
10◘.....⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂○♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂K≈≈≈≈▲▲≈≈≈≈...~~◘
  ...♣♣♣♣...≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂k..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈.......~
  ..♣≈≈≈≈▌▐≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..≈≈≈≈≈○⌂⌂⌂⌂......~~
  .≈≈≈≈♣...a.“““≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.........~~~
  ≈≈♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣.┌──┘““≈≈⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈P~~~.....~~
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  ≈≈≈...A─┘..♣♣#♣♣♣“““⌂⌂⌂..“┌E════e╝~~~~~...≈≈≈≈
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  ♣○≈≈⌂⌂⌂...♣♣♣♣♣♣⌂♣♣♣⌂♣“⌂R─┘⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂....♠♠♠≈≈≈≈
20◙≈≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂.◘.♣♣.◘♣⌂⌂⌂◘⌂“♣♣◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘.⌂⌂⌂◘⌂⌂⌂.◘♠♠♠♠◙


Legend:

 ♠♣ Forests or Jungles
 ≈≈ Sea or Lake
 ~~ Deserts or Wastelands
 .. Savanna, Scrubland, Grassland, Floodplains, Moors
 ““ Marsh, Swamp, or Bog
 ◙◘ Invisible Wall Generators
 ▌▐ The Gods' Dam Bridges
 ○─ Water Source and River
 ⌂▲ Rocky-to-Foreboding Terrain, Hills and Mountains
 ╔╝ Established Trade Route

Player Races:

T: Suin
S: Zazackachahaha
M: Astroligans
E: The Elchandaar Empire
X: Xra Krag
H: Khallem
V: Aviators
G: Shash-hash
U: Solarans
B: Biomorphs

Active Non-Player Races:

K: Who Knows?
A: Angels of Elrath
D: Mud River Elves
P: Phoenicians
W: Megadwarves
C: Celestial Cacti Clan
k: Some Kobolds
R: Trolls?

[Istrian]

People and Governors

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The sun was rising on a fine spring morning, its light making the walls of Imperia Ohanis radiate with a blinding glow. As every morning, people got on with their duties, some going to the fields, or setting to work in their shops. And a quite large number of people had assembled in front of the Ohanis Palace, heart of this world's government. To avoid any violent demonstrations, extra guards were dispatched from the nearby barracks.

Their representative had asked to see the governor as soon as possible. She had asked that at least a month ago, but the governor being a busy man, had delayed the meeting. So now he was more or less forced to meet her if he didn't want a revolt on his hands.

Though first he had to finish his discussion with DeWalde, a rich vineyard owner who had come to show the governor what fine wine had produced the grapes he had grown the previous year.

“This one is sweeter. Much better for dessert. We'll also need it when we receive the Phoenicians.” said Llynoth.

The palace's sommelier scratched some notes on his papers after tasting the wine, but he didn't say a single word. Father Kaelius, who somehow managed to be invited to the meeting, was also having a good time tasting these Ohanis wines, the first of their kind.

“Rest assured, your Excellency, I will have much better to offer next year.” said DeWalde.

The three men chatted for a little while then DeWalde left. Llynoth sighed and motioned for the next visitor to come inside. He also called for the General, as his advice would be much needed. The next in line was a plump woman in her forties, who happened to be the representative of the people who had assembled in front of the palace. She began to drone about lands south and west of the city being better for farming and that many peasants here wanted their own lands. Llynoth listened patiently, waiting for her to finish. He already knew what she was talking about and knew how unfeasible that plan was. The monologue was interrupted by Trolshurga entering.

“Ah, General, could you please explain why we cannot let a farming community be established on the plains.” said Llynoth
“Actually, I have nothing more against the project. There are no news about the ratmen. We have received reinforcements, so we can ensure the safety of the farms.”
“See ? Now, give us the farming permits, Excellency.” said the woman.
“Umm, wait, what about the Phoenicians ? We don't know how far they claim their land stretches. We should at least wait to contact them and...”
“I believe they aren't a threat. It's nothing my soldiers can't deal with.”

With a sigh Llynoth took out a sheet of paper, expensive paper imported from the Empire, and wrote on it the authorization to deliver farming permits for the plains to the east. Then he put all the official seals required and handed it to the woman who immediately left. A few minutes later, a cheer rose from the people assembled outside, and they began to gather their belongings to move to a new community.

Travis

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

All in all, the winter had not been as harsh as Travis and his companions had expected. Apparently the creatures that had ambushed them before were intelligent and unwilling to harm them. They had just been looking for food, and had found their party and mistook them for walking meat. An understandable mistake.

In the beginning of spring, the expedition set out again, taking their leave from the Khallem, as the creatures called themselves, after leaving them a note saying to deliver two breeding pairs of horses to the holder of the note in the name of the Imperial Cartographic Office. Travis warned them about the dangerous greenskins that populated the area near Akhernaton, then left.

They took the trails west, after asking Khallem hunters about the quickest way to get through the mountains, and arrived to a lush forest. Going through was slower. Even though wild beasts would usually avoid a confrontation with an armed and mounted party, it was better to be on the safe side.

The forest took them to a small lake and Travis decided to go around it by the southern forests.

A Visitor

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The beginning of spring brought a visitor to the Tower as well. A woman of the desert in her later twenties, white-haired despite her apparent youth, wearing the robe of a Tower Sage. A rank given to those who have donated at least a great work of academic research to the Tower. She was immediately led to Kerzon's office in the Tower.

“Shahira. So good to see you” he said embracing her. “I am glad you received my message. How are things at the Main Tower ?”
“You ask me that question, old wolf, while knowing the answer fully well.” she answered with a smile. “Your wife and daughter send their greetings. They say they really wish to join you here.”
“I wish they would come here too, but I doubt the Imperial Migration Office would give its consent. What have you been doing lately ?”
“This and that. Research on Demons more than anything else. Their society is so difficult to comprehend. But I won't bore you with the details. Tell me about the creatures you mentioned in your message.”
“I don't know much. Green skin, big muscles, strange eyes. I think those who live closer to their tribes can tell you more. They tend to attack lone travellers for no apparent reason. That is why I called you. The Governor wants a solution to this problem, and I guessed you could help.”
“I'll be delighted to. Demons tend to get boring after a while, I'll go study those 'greenskins' instead.”

They spent a pleasant time chatting, then Shahira left with the next caravan bound for Akhernaton. And Kerzon returned to his duties. Recently, mages had felt a portal opening somewhere in the north. A crude portal, without control, just a rip in the veil between worlds. Something like that could mean a saturation in the flows that would need to be investigated immediately. Though right now, with the only ship gone, they had no choice but to wait.

Wild Chase

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A caravan slowly progressed through the rolling plains east of Imperia Ohanis. It consisted of three horse-pulled wagons, a dozen mercenary guards, some mounted, some not, and the wagon drivers. Another two mercenaries scouted forward, looking for traces of what they were seeking. Everyone was a bit tense as rumors had gone wild about the firebirds sighted in the area. Some had said they were warlike slavers, others thought them docile and timid.

Frederick Santor, prospective merchant and owner of the caravan knew better than to listen to rumors. Merchant, son of merchant, grandson of merchant, he knew that where there were people, there was profit to be made. Using his contacts within the administration he was the first to obtain a permit to trade with a culture that didn't even have diplomatic contact with the Empire. Yet.

He had to go by what was called 'merchant instinct'. He took a bit of everything he found, loaded it on the caravan, hired a few guards and set off to the rising sun, to look for the fabled Phoenicians. He did not have much though. A few rare woods, some metal tools and weapons, common foodstuff and DeWalde wine. He also managed to 'obtain' a small pouch of gems from the dwarves, in case the Phoenicians did not like Imperial gold coins, freshly minted at the new Ohane Imperial Coinage Office.

He had great hopes of finding a settlement, or at least a group of Phoenicians who would lead him and his caravan to their city. He had few clues, though the most useful was that they had boats. Those who have boats have a port. So following the coast will eventually lead them where they wanted to be.

One fine day they sighted ships in the distance, though it seemed the ships hadn't sighted them, or if they did, they completely ignored their presence. At least it meant that the port wouldn't be too far ahead, so the caravan went on. And eventually they found the city they were looking for.

Phoenician Trade

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

A town stood in the middle of the glistening sand. Frederick and his caravan approached it slowly, but quickly found that they were the ones being approached instead. By a party of twenty-odd firebirds in chain armor. Some of them wore loose robes too. And all of them looked armed.

Frederick ordered his caravan to stop, despite the desert heat. It was always better to avoid offending foreign cultures by not knowing their culture. The Phoenician group quickly reached the caravan.

“So the 'western empire' returns.” said one of the firebirds, likely to be female if judging by the voice.
“Hello to you as well.” said Frederick, dismounting from his horse and offering a deep bow to the Phoenicians “Let me introduce myself. Frederick Santor, merchant.” he pointed to the caravan behind him “As you can see I am here to trade with you.”
“I see... Know that my name is Likesh Whitesmoke. I study foreign cultures such as yourselves.” said the speaker “Approach with caution. Even we would prefer not to endure this heat for long. We will follow you.”

With a motion of his hand, Frederick set the caravan to move toward the town. He also approached Likesh and asked her questions about Phoenician trade customs and their society as well as what their needs would be. Likesh turned out to be a mine of information, some of it useless to a merchant but a mine nonetheless.

Apparently the Phoenicians did not have a common exchange measure, instead relying on barter. They were rather low on food, and would really appreciate some, as well as wood which they used for shipbuilding. Spices were abundant, be it simple salt or more exotic stuff, which made Frederick rather happy as spice was easier to transport.

The Phoenicians seemed to be under the rule of a very charismatic leader and the wealthy people of the city. Frederick was told that meeting the leader was impossible, even though “He is Really Something” and had great plans for a great palace. Unfortunately the Phoenicians had their own marble mines, so selling them that was impossible. However there might be space for gold, but that was a negotiation to be saved for later, when Frederick would have the means to supply large amounts of gold.

As for the town itself, it was made up of square buildings of adobe and clay, with small windows.  While simple in shape, the pattern they formed was very advanced. The city was built on various elevation levels and required a great deal of climbing for the caravan to reach the marketplace. The residents simply fly between rooftops and Frederick wished he had wings or at least some kind of magic to do the same thing.

Eventually they were led to a shaded market. As Likesh had said earlier, the goods on display were mostly metal crafts -likely made of bismuth bronze-, magical items and clothing, food and drink were indeed scarce. Despite being common, it all looked very colourful, both metals and cloth. Not an inch of material was left un-dyed, every tone very vivid, in a stark contrast to the city itself, built of the same material, of the same colour, and the same architecture.

Frederick set to barter with local merchants, quickly selling his wood and whatever food would not be required for the return trip. Since his iron items were restricted from sale, he had them delivered to the ruler of the city, as gifts for good hospitality. Though mostly because Frederick didn't want to bother carrying them back home.

He quickly bartered his way into a large amount of salt, enough to fill a whole wagon, a few trinkets and magic items as “cultural souvenirs” to bring back home – even though he planned to sell anything even remotely magical on the black market, once one would appear. He filled another wagon with various cloths while the third wagon was sold as wood. You are either a merchant, or you aren't. Finally he bought as many pouches of spice as he could afford and carry.

Within the week he also negotiated trade contracts, as he would come back with more wagons, more products and would buy more, much more. He even took the luxury (for a starting merchant) to negotiate the best price he could by playing on trade competition. After all, there were many Phoenician merchants in this town but he was the only Imperial. Therefore, good occasions for getting better prices.

After that he happily set off for Ohanis, getting ready to reap the rewards for his investment.

The Radiant

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Winter had passed uneventfully and the crew of the Radiant prepared to depart the cove where they had lived for a full season. Before leaving they loaded whatever meat they managed to get from hunting and fishing and finished repairing the little damage the winter had done to the ship. Then they set sail.

After a few days of equally uneventful sailing, they were attacked by the weird tentacles. These tried to latch on the six-mast frigate but ballista and crossbow fire quickly led it away. Some sabers managed to cut a few of the tentacles, which turned out to be a tasty source of food. Dante made a mental note to begin a hunting operation on the creatures once back to Ohanis.

For now, they headed south and west, passing by a foreboding swamp where they avoided stopping, preferring to look for another place to land. They had nearly reached the Mystical Shrub and would certainly beat the Cartographic Office in this chase.

Return to Ohanis

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

After a couple of weeks on the road, or rather, in the plain, Frederick's caravan caught sight of Imperia Ohanis. Everyone was tired from the trip but very happy. The mercenaries and the wagon drivers had also traded a bit in the Phoenician city and would profit a bit from it. And everyone was eager for a warm bath and a soft bed. Frederick had other plans though and set them in motion the following morning.

First he sold the goods he brought back to various merchants for good profit, then he went to the palace, to ask for a special kind of permit. He started by buying some land on the coast, then obtained what was required to build a dock and a small shipyard. That would be the start of what he envisioned as his great merchant empire. He knew it would need time and more money to reach fruition. That time he would spend driving caravans to the Phoenicians, which would earn him money.

His plans for sea trade had to be kept as secret as possible, since other merchants would be quick to  react to take advantage of the new open markets. Competition would quickly become fierce over land and the one with a step ahead would win. Though for now he estimated he had enough time for a couple of caravans before other merchants began catching on.

Colonial Council

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

“Can we just calm down so that I can hear what you are saying?” asked Llynoth who had no clue as to what everyone was talking about.
“Good news, good news.” answered Belhammer in her usual loud voice “Akhernaton has enough mushroom farms to support itself so you can stop sending food our way. Which in turn means we can send more ore your way. And everyone is happy, right ?”
“Bad here. Smarabriva has trouble with wild and dangerous animals. I have dispatched a platoon of my soldiers to deal with it, though a few farmers and herders will die before it is dealt with. They also seem to be suffering from drought.” said Trolshurga.
“A messenger pigeon from Captain Thawes says he has reached some sort of gigantic bridge, far in the west. Apparently there are also winged humans living nearby.” said Kerzon “And my friend from the Tower has arrived and is looking for what to do with the greenskins.”
“T-this DeWaaalde wine is sooo good.” droned Kaelius in his usual half-drunk daze. “We shud enc-hiccup-ourage moaaar.” Then he slumped under the table.

Excelsior Herald article

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

We found it !
by Kaylorn Volsang

This time, dear readers, yours truly has the pleasure of reporting that we found it.

After two years of travel, numerous reefs, storms, monsters and other assorted calamities, the crew of the Radiant, finest (and only) ship of the Ohane fleet, has found the shrubbery the Emperor wants.

As I write these lines I am admiring this small, green shrubbery with tiny reddish leafs that grows only in the western regions of Ohane. I am very careful to not touch it, as it's poisoned thorns have already sent one of the sailors into a deep sleep. Let us hope he will wake from it one of these days.

I am also pleased to report that the members of the Thawes expedition are likely to be the winners of this Shrub Race. Frigate Captain Dante Thawes himself has commented the event as being the crowning moment of his service in the Imperial fleet. At the ceremony he will attend at the Imperial Palace once the expedition is back, he is also going to say a few words directed to the families of those sailors that have given their lives for the success of this endeavor.

Yes, dear readers, this expedition has not been without tears. Winter can be harsh, even to seasoned sailors like the crew of the Radiant. Terrible sea monsters, with delicious tentacles, have also attacked the ship in the course of the trip.

On side news, the expedition also made contact with a new culture. Dove-winged humans live in the plains where the Shrub grows, and this startling discovery will certainly earn much more rewards and recognition to Captain Thawes and his crew than the Quest itself.

These bird-men also seem to live near a gigantic bridge, spanning across the sea. So far they have stated not having erected this bridge, and it seems their architectural tastes do not contradict this. Who built this bridge ? When was it built ? Such are the mysteries of this world.

Summary

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Radiant reaches the bridge and the angels and gets the Shrub. Travis reaches the lake and goes around it.

Khallem come to Akhernaton, trade their debt note for some horses, then go away without even sharing tea !

Akhernaton develops its own supply of food (mushrooms farms). Comfortable lodgings are dug out by happy dwarves. Mining operations intensify.

Shahira, anthropologist, arrives to Ohanis, then sets off to Akhernaton to look for a solution to all greenskin problems.

Frederick Sator, independent merchant makes contact with the Phoenicians and establishes semi-permanent trade route. He invests his money into shipbuilding.

Smarabriva founded. The community is the happy home of farmers, herders and assimilated professions. They have a slight problem with local wildlife (more next turn) and with a drought.

Mages feel a portal opening somewhere north but can't do anything about it yet.

DeWalde (a nameless NPC) makes a name for himself in the wine industry (completely irrelevant but still nice to know whose name is on those wine bottles the Empire sells abroad).

Unresolved. Will Travis meet the Mud Elves ?

Unresolved. Will Travis meet the Biomorphs ?

Unresolved. A probe from Astroligans seems to have reached Ohanis.

Maps

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00◙~~~~◘~~~.◘...♠◘⌂▲▲⌂◘▲⌂“⌂◘⌂≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘..“│◘.“““◙
  ~~~~~~~~....♠┌─○⌂⌂▲⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂.....┌┘...“““
  ~~~~M.....♠♠≈┘k⌂⌂▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂.....♠│♠♠♠...“
  ..........m≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂▲▲▲W⌂⌂│⌂⌂......♠└┐♠♠♠♠..
  ....⌂⌂...♠┌┘♠⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲▲▲▲#───┴─┐.V...♠♠♠│♠♠♠♠♠♠
05◘M⌂⌂⌂○─m.≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂X▲▲▲▲▲▲⌂v⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂└─┐.v════S┐≈≈≈♠◘
  ...~⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈♣⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲t⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂.○.⌂⌂⌂└┬─┐...≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  .~~~~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂@▲▲▲⌂⌂.T♠♠♠♠..│.....│.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  ~~~C~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠♠♣♠♠♠♠♠≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈......▀
  ..~~⌂⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.....~
10◘.....⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂○♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂K≈≈≈≈▲▲≈≈≈≈...~~◘
  ...♣♣♣♣...≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂k..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈.......~
  ..♣≈≈≈≈▌▐e≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..≈≈≈≈≈○⌂⌂⌂⌂......~~
  .≈≈≈≈♣...a.“““≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.........~~~
  ≈≈♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣.┌──┘““≈≈⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈P~~~.....~~
15◘≈≈♣♣♣♣.┌──┘“““““““..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈╔═╝~~p....≈≈◘
  ≈≈≈...A─┘..♣♣#♣♣♣“““⌂⌂⌂..“┌E═════╝~~~~~...≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈≈──┘..♣♣d♣≈≈♣#♣⌂⌂⌂...♣♣│♣♣......p~~...≈≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈..⌂..♣♣♣♣e≈≈b♣⌂⌂H..⌂⌂e⌂│♣♣♣...E......♠≈U≈≈≈
  ♣○≈≈⌂⌂⌂...♣♣♣♣♣♣⌂♣♣♣⌂♣“⌂R─┘⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂....♠♠♠≈≈≈≈
20◙≈≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂.◘.♣♣.◘♣⌂⌂⌂◘⌂“♣♣◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘.⌂⌂⌂◘⌂⌂⌂.◘♠♠♠♠◙

[mission0]

Lol, I missed a bit. Seems my schedule is getting tighter as things go on but I think I can still find time to play ^_^.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 Skriz was getting impatient. It has been two years since he had last seen Obelisk which was very unlike him. He would normally visit daily. Something was wrong and just sitting around here wasn't going to help Obelisk if they could help him at all.

 Looking around Skriz decides even if they can survive as things are. They would need to thrive to get anything done. He recruits a few people to help him then sets to work on improving the improvised outpost they had made. A central den was the first thing that he wanted improved so that more people can live together. Second thing he wanted done was an organized farming other than the small individual gardens everyone was using. Finally defensive improvements need to be made.

I know it's not long but it's better than nothing >_>

[deadlycairn]

Damn it, I really need to start reading other people's posts, or at least Istrian's, but I can't bring myself to. Attention span too low. So two more (stupid) questions.
1. These Greenskins Istrian refers to are the trolls, right?
2. What is this 'something unique' I found? PM me if it's a secret.

I realise I'm not very good at this, but I'll get better, I promise!

[Emperor_Jonathan]

((Navian :  What happened to my traveler? AND my third outpost? settlement?

e: AND WHO ARE THE MERFOLK))

[TheNewerMartianEmperor]

This Means War:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Most computers can't get angry, or indeed feel any other kind of emotion, Asmovos was an exception. He was going to wipe these "Megadwarfs" from the face of the planet. Preparations had already begun, he had recalled general Arck from the mountain outpost, has turned over several factories to arms and amour production, started training troops and had started construction on flying transports. The whole thing was going to take about a year to come to fruition, but come next winter he would raise hell.

Tunnel to road and general rejoicing throughout the populace:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Benny was worried, Asmovos had told him what was to be done with the Megadwarfs, and he thought it too extreme. He didn't say so of course, but wasn't there still a chance of coming to a peaceful resolution? Sighing, he turned back to his work, the first part of the trade route was done, the rest being roads along valleys, with small bypasses through rock. Trade was still occurring with the Aviators, but their trade ships were staying far away from the Megadwarfs, slowing the process. In other news, more and more systems of the city are completed, the first this year was the climate control system, followed by the cement roads and mass transportation systems to the outposts and the mountain town. The farming facilities had finally been moved inside, although Asmovos said that he had plans for it. All in all the town continued to grow.

Herrings?:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Benny had just received the first report from the lakeside outpost. It seems that the lake is rather unusual, being warm, with a slight odor of rotten eggs. Despite this it was full of fish, massive fish. The village had caught enough to load up a trade caravan (Astroligan caravans are a type of truck). Benny was rather intrigued by this lake, and had sent a research team to find out what was making all these fish so big.

Weapons Factory:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The factory sector hummed with life, built outside the spike, it was very cold on the outside, and nearly too hot to stand on the inside. Benny was walking down a catwalk, looking at the rows of machines with a look of concern on his face, he turned to face the factory foreman next to him. "How many weapons have been made?" He asked. "Only about a dozen or so" Said the foreman. "Why so few?" Benny asked with a look of mild surprise on his face. "because, the pain lances (a type of energy weapon primarily made to cause immense pain instead of physical damage) are hard to make, if you get one thing wrong they don't work." He explained. "What about the Skyhawk?" He asked, referring to the flying transports Asmovos had mandated. "They're coming along great, just a few weeks and they'll be good to go!" Replied the foreman with a look of smugness on his face. With this Benny decided to take his leave of the factories, and headed to somewhere with more hospitable temperatures.

The Mountain Outpost:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

General Arck looked behind him, at the town he was leaving. He was going back up north, to help train the army that was going to smash the Megadwarfs. The town had grown greatly since the last winter, the windowed rooms in the side of the chasm had tripled in number, while the inner, more comfortable high class rooms had doubled. The town was self-sufficient, having enough agriculture to feed themselves, they had also built a light industrial base, to process the metals there. The chasm-side defenses had also improved, with mounted turrets and spotlights as well. The town was going great.

Military Re-deployment and Magical testing. :

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Asmovos was, for lack of a better term, happy. The testing of magical items was successful, but as he started experimenting more and more on them, it became more and more dangerous. He was enacting his plan to move the labs to the new outpost set up in the wastes, where the army was being trained. The army was being re-deployed to the difficult terrain of the wastes, the area around the city not being suited to training. They were doing drills, practicing War Games and trying very hard to be an effective fighting force, they were doing pretty well too.

Strange readings:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

After testing various magical artifacts with several Technical items, Asmovos had come to the conclusion that: Less complex items on either side conducted the other, Medium leveled ones were completely nonreactive to each other, and high level ones were destructive to the other side. There were still a few things he needed to test, but he now understood the basics of this magic.

Maptastic!:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

00   05   10   15   20   25   30   35   40   45
  |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
00◙~~~~◘~~~.◘...♠◘⌂▲▲⌂◘▲⌂“⌂◘⌂≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘..“│◘.“““◙
  ~~~~~~~~....♠┌─○⌂⌂▲⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂.....┌┘...“““
  ~~~~M.....♠♠≈┘k⌂⌂▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂.....♠│♠♠♠...“
  ..........m≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂▲▲▲W⌂⌂│⌂⌂......♠└┐♠♠♠♠..
  ....⌂⌂...♠┌┘♠⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲▲▲▲#───┴─┐.V...♠♠♠│♠♠♠♠♠♠
05◘M⌂⌂⌂○─m.≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂X▲▲▲▲▲▲⌂v⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂└─┐.v════S┐≈≈≈♠◘
  ...~⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈♣⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲t⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂.○.⌂⌂⌂└┬─┐...≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  .~~~~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂@▲▲▲⌂⌂.T♠♠♠♠..│.....│.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  ~~~C~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠♠♣♠♠♠♠♠≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈......▀
  ..~~⌂⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.....~
10◘.....⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂○♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂K≈≈≈≈▲▲≈≈≈≈...~~◘
  ...♣♣♣♣...≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂k..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈.......~
  ..♣≈≈≈≈▌▐≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..≈≈≈≈≈○⌂⌂⌂⌂......~~
  .≈≈≈≈♣...a.“““≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.........~~~
  ≈≈♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣.┌──┘““≈≈⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈P~~~.....~~
15◘≈≈♣♣♣♣.┌──┘“““““““..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈╔═╝~~p....≈≈◘
  ≈≈≈...A─┘..♣♣#♣♣♣“““⌂⌂⌂..“┌E════e╝~~~~~...≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈≈──┘..♣♣d♣≈≈♣#♣⌂⌂⌂...♣♣│♣♣......p~~...≈≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈..⌂..♣♣♣♣♣≈≈b♣⌂⌂H..⌂⌂e⌂│♣♣♣..........♠≈U≈≈≈
  ♣○≈≈⌂⌂⌂...♣♣♣♣♣♣⌂♣♣♣⌂♣“⌂R─┘⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂....♠♠♠≈≈≈≈
20◙≈≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂.◘.♣♣.◘♣⌂⌂⌂◘⌂“♣♣◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘.⌂⌂⌂◘⌂⌂⌂.◘♠♠♠♠◙


Legend:

 ♠♣ Forests or Jungles
 ≈≈ Sea or Lake
 ~~ Deserts or Wastelands
 .. Savanna, Scrubland, Grassland, Floodplains, Moors
 ““ Marsh, Swamp, or Bog
 ◙◘ Invisible Wall Generators
 ▌▐ The Gods' Dam Bridges
 ○─ Water Source and River
 ⌂▲ Rocky-to-Foreboding Terrain, Hills and Mountains
 ╔╝ Established Trade Route

Player Races:

T: Suin
S: Zazackachahaha
M: Astroligans
E: The Elchandaar Empire
X: Xra Krag
H: Khallem
V: Aviators
G: Shash-hash
U: Solarans
B: Biomorphs

Active Non-Player Races:

K: Who Knows?
A: Angels of Elrath
D: Mud River Elves
P: Phoenicians
W: Megadwarves
C: Celestial Cacti Clan
k: Some Kobolds
R: Trolls?

[Pandarsenic]

Spoiler: The Biomorph Alliance - Development (click to show/hide)

The Biomorphs, under the direction of a Truemorph by the name of Tensser Morrow, reinforce a basement and outfit it to function as a granary, while also expanding their farming and developing a rough militia under Tensser Morrow's command to protect their fields and people. They will attempt to contact anyone they encounter who is not overtly aggressive. Any aggressive party will be infiltrated if possible.

Also, will there be random stuff like bandit attacks?

[Emperor_Jonathan]

Also, will there be random stuff like bandit attacks?

((
Judging by the merfolk I just met who I had no idea about; yes.
))

Spoiler: Merflok Encounter (click to show/hide)

TO COME!

Spoiler: Downfall (click to show/hide)

It was the middle of winter, the start of the year. Inside Groks wooden longhouse, a long building, half underground, with Groks throne opposite the entrance. There was a fire directly in the middle.

The entrance flew open, one of the lower ranking Grok followers, entered. His name was Nai, he strode to the first in the middle and crouched beside the fire, Grok on the other side.

"Grok, I bring news."

"Has that blasted Narok been captured?"

"No but it is more important news. I bring something..."

"What is it? What do you bring?"

"I bring.."

Nai stood up, he thrusted his hands straight out, hands up, facing Grok.

"Your downfall."

Groks face was a mixture of horror and shock, a fireball appeared on Nai's hand, it grew larger, about the size of a soccer ball. He flew it straight towards Grok, the flame ball stretch and thinned, into a line of fire. It light Grok with magical intensity, his horrific screams were heard for all around, finally after a few minutes Groks final breath drifted from his mouth. His screaming stopped, as well as his heart - although he didn't have much when he was alive. His body was still on the wooden throne, the only thing burnt was him. The throne was untouched. Groks fingers and hands were locked in a 'boxing' pose, his skin and whole body fried to a blackened crisp. Nai walked to him, after stopping the fire from his hands, he took the crown and placed it on his head. Then picked Groks body up and carried outside. Outside there was a large gathering outside, every person living there. Nai cam striding out, crown on his head. He threw the blackened crisp of Groks body into the snow.

"Listen all, now is the time of prosperity, the time of Nai."

The settlement was renamed to Nai, Nai was much smarter than Grok, he increased efficiency.

[deadlycairn]

<RESERVED>

[Poltifar]

Spoiler: Heart of Evil (click to show/hide)

One dark spring night, when the air still retained its cold winter grasp, the mage stood in his lair's makeshift lab. Laying on the stone table infront of him, a human. A living, breathing human male, strapped down with crude but strong leather straps. He was his small tribe's greatest fighter, and had singlehandedly destroyed almost a dozen kobold zombies. It was a small loss for the mage, as his army was still growing steadily and a few kobolds more or less didn't make a difference, but this warrior's power had impressed the mage enough to spare his and his family's life. No, the mage wasn't getting soft or anything. He had far more horrible intentions in mind.

"I'm going to ask again," spoke the mage, "Will you join me willingly as an undead of great power? You would have immortality, and power beyond your immagination. You would rule nations, control vast undying armies. All for the price of your insignificant life and free will."

"Never. I would rather die than serve a monster like you."

"Oh come on, why do heros always have to go like this? It's a cliche worse than the villanous ones I follow. If you just say yes, you'll be much better off than if you say no. What would you gain of refusing?"

"I would retain my honor. I refuse to associate with you, no matter the price." The warrior spits onto the mage's face.

Hissing in anger, the mage raises his hand which instantly starts glowing white-hot. Then, he places his hand on the warrior's chest. The warrior clenches his teeth and endures the agonizing pain that would cause most other living to scream and beg for mercy. Removing his now cooled hand, the mage examines the mark left on the warrior's skin. "I think that settles it. I could continue torturing you, as you would break eventually. But why do such a tiring and time-wasting thing? I'll just transform you into an undead with or without you being willing. But first... I'm feeling... bored. Let's have some fun, shall we?"

The mage clapped his hands twice, and three of his Elite obsidian-blade wielding undead entered the room, each leading a bound humanoid. "Papa!" screamed one of the humanoids, a small girl. The second humanoid was an older women, face bleak and full of tears. The third one, a teenaged boy, was strugling and trying to break away from the undead's grip. The undead barely moved no matter how much the boy struggled. "I'll get you out of there, dad!" he shouted in anger.

"No..." said the warrior in a faint voice, a voice now devoid of the previous pride and justice. "Honey... Anna, Rob... Why... You, you... You MONSTER! Let them go, they have nothing to do in this! Your fight is with me alone!"

"Fight? This isn't a fight. I already lost, as you refused, didn't I? So now, I have no reason to keep these inferior beings alive. And since I'm bored, they'll be atleast of *some* use... hehehe."

The mage turned to the humans. He then gestured, and from the shadows stepped out a huge figure of darkness. It was one of the mage's more powerful creation, the giant shadow jaguar. With another gesture, the older human female was released by the skeleton holding her. The monster of shadow immediately jumped on her. In a cacophony of the melded humanoids's screams and the sound ripping of flesh and bone, the mage stood silent, watching the scene. After a few minutes, all that was left of the older woman was some shreds flesh and shards of bone floating in a pool of blood. The smaller human girl was crying profusely, the boy was starting, jaw opened, the look on his face completely blank. The warrior was crying too, all his former determination and unphasedness shredded away as the one he loved was shredded.

"Well, that was rather boring," said the mage matter-of-factly. "Let's see what we can cook up next... oh wait, I know what... lets cook up YOU!" shouted the mage with glee, pointing to the small girl who almost suffocated from the fear.

"No! Leave her! I accept the offer! I'll... I'll do whatever you want! STOP!" shouted the warrior as the mage slowly advanced to his daughter.

"Wha~at? I can't hear you!" said the mage, with an undertone one would hear from a playful and disobediant child. He approached the little girl more and more, until he was right next to her. "Now, little missy, don't cry, you look radiant today. As radiant as the sun. No, wait, you aren't that radiant..." The mage gently touched the girl. She spontaneously combusted into white-hot flames. Among her screams of agony and her remaining family's screams of despair, the mage continued. "Now you are!"

"You... you... I'LL KILL YOU" shouted the teenaged boy. Summoning all the strength granted by overwhelming anger, he broke from the skeleton's grip and grabbed it's obsidian-bladed weapon, running towards the mage while shouting as high as his lungs would allow.

The mage patiently waited during the few moments it took for the boy to reach melee-range from him. The boy's weapon was raised, and came down at great speed, aimed right at the mage's heart. The blade stopped mid-air, though. "What, going for the heart?" asked the mage, amused. "Well that won't work. 'Cause I don't have one." And the boy flew backwards from the force of a blow of Air, bashing into a wall 10 meters back. The mage slowly stepped towards him, while the boy, his anger replaced by unimaginable fear and the pain of dozens of broken bones, layed paralyzed, watching the approaching abomination.

"Like father, like son, eh? Wanting to do the heroic thing, slay the evil beast, and live happily ever after? Well we aren't in a fairytale, boy. Here, the strong wins, not the rightous. Strength and Might outmatch any so-called 'justice'. Power is itself 'justice', and thus the only path to victory. And this time, Evil wins."

The mage grasped the boy's head with both hands. The boy screamed such a horrible scream that nearby crude glass instruments shattered. The boy's body seemed to shift, to turn, to twist in unimaginnably disgusting ways, so much so that the warrior father started retching uncontrollably among his tears and screams. The boy's body was turned inside-out, organs ripped through the body, his intestines strangling his own neck, his heart held, still pumping, in the evil mages hand. "You see, 'good' is a weakness. Having a heart is a weekness. Their is only one path to power, the path of hatred and evil, the path of the heartless." The mage stood watching this abominable show of Chaos, until finally all that was left was a mangled corpse that would make the most evil of Shash-Hash vomit and would haunt anyone's nightmares for the rest of their existance.

The mage dropped the silent heart onto the corpse and wiped his hands on his black cloak, a black far surpassed by the darkness of his own heart. He turned back to the warrior, who by some miracle had not died from nothing but the shock upon seeing such abominations done to his dearest loved ones. "Wh... Why... Why?" was all the warrior could whisper.

"Why?" said the mage mockingly. "Oh, you mean why I killed them even when you had accepted the proposal? Oh, my. You seem to still not have catched on. There never was a proposal. I was just toying with you. I could have easily transformed you into an undead without your consent. But were would have been the fun in that? Even had you accepted from the very beginning, I would still have killed these worthless things soon after. It was much more enjoyable to see you suffer this much. To see you mind bend and shatter to these visions. Now, that was an evening well spent, wasn't it?"

This time, the warrior's mind finally broke. As he uttered on his last breath, once again, an almost silent, "W..h..y....." his spirit was released.

But that wasn't enough for the mage. He approached the dead body, and with a grasping motion, pulled out of thin air a small shimmering flame. The warrior's very soul and spirit. Now, even in death he would find no rest, as his soul, twisted and bent from the ordeal he had faced, would be trapped in an undead husk for the rest of eternity.

What could have been a smile behind the metal mask appeared on the mage's face at the thought, and he laughed with a laughter that would make the very dead shake in fear.

[Navian]

Summer, Year 4

The Aviator settlers escape the destruction of their Outpost and return home, where the Zazacks have now arrived. The Astroligans train up a small military and build them some equipment, in preparation to strike at the Megadwarves.

The Biomorphs live off the land for now, and pick up a lot of animal forms while they're at it. One young hero has even developed the ability to turn into a mighty five-headed hydra. The Imperial expedition in the area wisely decides to avoid them at this juncture, and are recieving the limited hospitality of a new Mud Elven settlement, in return for the use of their strong arms in construction efforts.

The Xra Krag demonstrate their power to kobolds both living and undead. Despite the apparent defenselessness of their Hamlet and its lack of a military, it turns out that they can be very dangerous with farm tools, or even bare fists. A new school of thought may be developing along these lines.

The Shash-Hash seem to have a new leader for their Village, and are helping to support Poltifar's Lair. On the far edge of the world, the Solarans... Float around.

While Akernaton is now self-sustaining in some ways, until the neighbourly situation improves, it must devote a great deal of manpower to guard duty and patrols. They can feed themselves or booze themselves, but not both at the same time.

While the Imperial sea vessel is wrecked by a combination of monster attacks and a storm, the shrubbery is saved by a self-sacrificing seaman, and paraded in overland by the survivors. Incidentally, however, another thunderstorm rains on their parade, despite forecasts to the contrary. Hmm.

Nai flourishes, but the best resources in the area are tapped out already. The baby boomers now being born are going to need new lands when they come of age, or Nai's rule is unlikely to be looked upon too kindly when the poverty rate begins to rise. What news of Narok?

As for the Itatrionians... They suddenly find that most of a county has dropped off the face of the planet. A Town is gone, a local Hamlet, and a number of castle Outposts. How do you lose a county?

The inhabitants will have to adjust to their new surroundings. Their farms, mines, and mountains are gone, seemingly endless dry plains and seas now surround them, with no more feudal neighbours. What awaits them?

The Map:
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  |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
00◙~~~~◘~~~.◘...♠◘⌂▲▲⌂◘▲⌂“⌂◘⌂≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘..“│◘.“““◙
  ~~~~~~~~....♠┌─○⌂⌂▲⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂.....┌┘...“““
  ~~~~M.....♠♠≈┘k⌂⌂▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂....v♠│♠♠♠...“
  ..........m≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂▲▲▲W⌂⌂│⌂⌂......♠└┐♠♠♠♠..
  ....⌂⌂...♠┌┘♠⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲▲▲▲#───┴─┐.V...♠♠♠│♠♠♠♠♠♠
05◘M⌂⌂⌂○─m.≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂X▲▲▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂w⌂└─┐....♠♠S┐≈≈≈♠◘
  ...~⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈♣⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲t⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂.○.⌂⌂⌂└┬─┐...≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  .~~~~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂@▲▲▲⌂⌂.T♠♠♠♠k.│.....│.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  ~~~C~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠♠♣♠♠t♠♠≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈i.....▀
  ..~~⌂⌂c≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..I..~
10◘..~~~⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂○♣♣≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂K≈≈≈≈▲▲≈≈≈≈...~~◘
  ....♣.....≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂K..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈i......~
  ..♣≈≈≈≈▌▐≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..≈≈≈≈≈p⌂⌂⌂⌂...I..~~
  .≈≈≈≈♣...a.“““≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.........~~~
  ≈≈d♣♣♣♣♣♣♣.┌──┘““≈≈⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈P~~~.....~~
15◘≈≈♣♣♣♣.┌──┘“““““““..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈╔═╝~~P...i≈≈◘
  ≈≈≈...A─┘..♣♣#♣♣♣“““⌂⌂⌂..“┌E═════╝~~~~~...≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈≈──┘..♣♣♣♣≈≈♣#♣⌂⌂⌂...♣♣│♣♣......p~~...≈≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈..⌂..♣♣♣♣D≈≈b♣⌂⌂H..⌂⌂e⌂│♣♣♣..e.......♠≈U≈≈≈
  ♣○≈≈⌂⌂⌂a..♣♣♣♣♣♣⌂♣♣♣⌂♣“⌂R─┘⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂....♠♠♠≈≈≈≈
20◙≈≈≈≈◘⌂⌂..◘.♣♣.◘♣⌂⌂⌂◘⌂“♣♣◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘.⌂⌂⌂◘⌂⌂⌂.◘♠♠♠♠◙

Legend:

 ♠♣ Forests or Jungles
 ≈≈ Sea or Lake
 ~~ Deserts or Wastelands
 .. Savanna, Scrubland, Grassland, Floodplains, Moors
 ““ Marsh, Swamp, or Bog
 ◙◘ Invisible Wall Generators
 ▌▐ The Gods' Dam Bridges
 ○─ Water Source and River
 ⌂▲ Rocky-to-Foreboding Terrain, Hills and Mountains
 ╔╝ Established Trade Route

Player Races:

T: Suin
S: Zazackachahaha
M: Astroligans
E: The Elchandaar Empire
X: Xra Krag
H: Khallem
V: Aviators
G: Shash-hash
U: Solarans
B: Biomorphs
I: Itatrion

Active Non-Player Races:

K: Who Knows?
A: Angels of Elrath
D: Mud River Elves
P: Phoenicians
W: Megadwarves
C: Celestial Cacti Clan
k: Some Kobolds

Map expansion may be coming soon!

[Poltifar]

Nhip asked me to take control of the Shash-Hash while he takes his 10-day internetl-less trip to India. Nothing fancy and no RP as I don't want to mess things up, just basic actions:

The Shash-Hash decide that they are living in a waaaay too cramped part of the jungle, when they more or less have the right to have ALL of the jungle. As such, they send a small settler group to the south-west, setting up a new settelment in a boggy and marshy part of that jungle. At the same time, the Shash-Hash back at the village notice that it might be problematic if someone attacked them unprepared. They hadn't met anyone that might pose much of a threat to them yet other than that mage in the hills who was supposedly their 'ally'. But hey, could they really trust that guy? So they started working on filling the jungle surrounding their village with traps of all sorts. Sure, some of their own would die in them by accident, but it wouldnt make such a difference, since they killed each other dayly anyways and any who couldnt evade traps were too weak to deserve to live.

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00◙~~~~◘~~~.◘...♠◘⌂▲▲⌂◘▲⌂“⌂◘⌂≈≈≈◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘..“│◘.“““◙
  ~~~~~~~~....♠┌─○⌂⌂▲⌂▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂.....┌┘...“““
  ~~~~M.....♠♠≈┘k⌂⌂▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂≈≈⌂⌂....v♠│♠♠♠...“
  ..........m≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲⌂⌂▲▲▲W⌂⌂│⌂⌂......♠└┐♠♠♠♠..
  ....⌂⌂...♠┌┘♠⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲▲▲▲#───┴─┐.V...♠♠♠│♠♠♠♠♠♠
05◘M⌂⌂⌂○─m.≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂X▲▲▲▲▲▲⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂w⌂└─┐....♠♠S┐≈≈≈♠◘
  ...~⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈♣⌂⌂⌂⌂▲▲▲▲t⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂.○.⌂⌂⌂└┬─┐...≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  .~~~~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂@▲▲▲⌂⌂.T♠♠♠♠k.│.....│.≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈▐
  ~~~C~⌂≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠♠♣♠♠t♠♠≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈i.....▀
  ..~~⌂⌂c≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂♠G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..I..~
10◘..~~~⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂○♣G≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂K≈≈≈≈▲▲≈≈≈≈...~~◘
  ....♣.....≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂⌂K..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈i......~
  ..♣≈≈≈≈▌▐≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈..≈≈≈≈≈p⌂⌂⌂⌂...I..~~
  .≈≈≈≈♣...a.“““≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈.........~~~
  ≈≈d♣♣♣♣♣♣♣.┌──┘““≈≈⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈P~~~.....~~
15◘≈≈♣♣♣♣.┌──┘“““““““..⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂≈≈≈≈≈≈╔═╝~~P...i≈≈◘
  ≈≈≈...A─┘..♣♣#♣♣♣“““⌂⌂⌂..“┌E════e╝~~~~~...≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈≈──┘..♣♣♣♣≈≈♣#♣⌂⌂⌂...♣♣│♣♣......p~~...≈≈≈≈≈
  ≈≈≈..⌂..♣♣♣♣D≈≈b♣⌂⌂H..⌂⌂e⌂│♣♣♣..........♠≈U≈≈≈
  ♣○≈≈⌂⌂⌂a..♣♣♣♣♣♣⌂♣♣♣⌂♣“⌂R─┘⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂⌂....♠♠♠≈≈≈≈
20◙≈≈≈≈◘⌂⌂..◘.♣♣.◘♣⌂⌂⌂◘⌂“♣♣◘⌂⌂⌂⌂◘.⌂⌂⌂◘⌂⌂⌂.◘♠♠♠♠◙

My own rp will come later, probably in another post.

[Istrian]

Observation – Action

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The people living at the inn were doing their best to protect their home. Children's screams of terror could be heard from outside, as well as shouts to keep the door closed at all costs. The sound of moving furniture indicated the innkeeper was trying to cover all entrances as best as possible.

“Dun' let those greenskins come inside” came a shout from a man at the inn.

Yet resistance was futile. What could three adults and as many children do against a tribe of those vicious creatures, bent on destruction. They had been foolhardy enough to build an inn this close to Akhernaton and were paying the price for their greed.

“This proves my point, doesn't it ?” said Shahira to no one in particular while taking notes on the situation.

She had arrived to Akhernaton less that two months ago, had found a guide to escort her through the dangerous mountains. Serena didn't like babysitting people, even less people from the Tower. But it was never safe to refuse a Tower request. So she had come along. And now the two women were calmly sitting on an outcropping of rock, watching the inn being attacked by greenskins.

“So, the tribe that did not get food attacked an inn. Looks like I was right. Those that were given substantial amounts of food are quietly waiting beside their springs. I wonder if they can be taught to farm.” continued Shahira while chewing on her pencil. “What is that sound ?” she asked as a horn blazed in the distance.

“Probably the Imperial army.” answered Serena “They have intensified their patrols in the area after the first attack.”
“No. No. No.” said Shahira suddenly standing up “They are going to ruin the whole experiment. Can't we stop them somehow ? I really need this data.”
“Looks like it's too late already.” said Serena as the mounted patrol appeared.
“Darn, I already know they are afraid of mounted people.” complained Shahira “I will have to write an official complaint on the matter.”

Serena shrugged. It was always best to not interfere with the Tower.

Travis

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Travis and his companions gazed at the plains they had reached after leaving the forest. He knew they had reached their goal as it looked like the right kind of plain. Now was the minor matter of finding the right kind of shrub, and to bring it back home. Everyone set on looking for it, searching behind every tree, every rock, every blade of grass even, as no one had an idea of the size of the thing.

“I found it, sir” said one of the soldiers.

Travis immediately came and looked at what was found. It looked indeed like the right shrub. Green with reddish leafs. Travis noticed the thorns on it, and carefully dug it from the ground, taking great pains to avoid damaging the root and touching the thorns. It was always best to be careful with unknown plants.

They also began collecting various herbs that didn't grow close to home, even though they didn't know if most of these would be useful, they weren't too heavy to carry around and might fetch a good price from an alchemist or a mage.

Now the party could start the long trek back home. Which would hopefully be faster as they really needed that to beat Captain Thawes' crew.

Cleansing Smarabriva

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

“Hold formation !” shouted Elwyn's voice.

The soldiers had formed a line of halberds and were doing their best to avoid being surrounded by the dire wolves that were attacking the small farming community. While the danger those wolves could pose to an armed and armored soldier's life were minimal, it was still possible to end up somewhat injured, which was never good for morale. The other danger was being crushed to death by a mass of wolves.

The wilderness around Smarabriva was indeed as dangerous as the farmers had reported. The wolves were exceptionally aggressive and had attacked isolated and non-isolated farms alike. Cattle had died or disappeared as well. It was only natural for the General to send one of his lieutenants with a squad of soldiers to take care of the problem.

Food wasn't critical at the moment, some would even say that there was still plenty from Ohanis' overproduction. Yet it was always better to be on the safe side, especially since the Phoenicians had an increasing demand of food. Some had even reasoned that if the firebirds came to depend on the Empire's food production, they would be easier to integrate within the Empire.

Eventually the skirmish ended and the soldiers were given a bit of respite. Elwyn looked at the new recruits that had been sent from the Empire. Despite being young and having little battle experience, it was clear that discipline had quickly taken over. A full year of training did wonders to morale. Although it was clear that a few of them had only wanted to patrol the streets instead of seeing actual battle.

At least the wilderness was nice enough to avoid continuous onslaughts on the small food-exporting community. There was still a lot to be done though, before this could be called a safe place.

Frederick's Plans

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Frederick Sator, the first merchant to open trade with the Phoenicians, looked at the drydock and small port his workers had finished building while he was away, trading with the firebirds. Trade was lucrative, and now, after his second trip, he had enough money to repay the loan he took from the few rich nobles that had somehow migrated to the city.

He could also pay the materials and workers required to build at least a small ship for trade with the Phoenicians. Of course he knew it wouldn't be enough. There were tentacles at sea, so it was better to avoid getting overconfident and arm a proper expedition before attempting to reach his favored trade partners by sea. He was certain that he would have enough ships to attempt such a thing by the following spring.

“Ah, Mr. Sator. It seems you are quite prosperous.” said a voice behind him.
“Nice to see you too Mr. Silvar.” said the merchant to the head of the Imperial Bureau of Commerce. “Might you be here to buy a ship perhaps ?”
“Not really. That is, not yet. It seems that your recent activities with the Phoenicians are somehow upsetting other merchants. And their guilds.”
“I have all the permits required to trade with our peaceful neighbors.”
“Of course you do, you wouldn't want to be labelled a criminal after all. Still, someone like you, without a guild to back  you...” Silvar let his sentence trail.

The threat was only thinly disguised, and Frederick knew that very well. It was always difficult to do business as an independent merchant. Without powerful allies to back you politically, your success might not last long. And Frederick had already crossed the line of 'too successful' and had attracted the unwanted attention of the guilds, even though at the moment there was only one of them present on Ohane. It was indeed the right time to start looking for allies.

Storm's Aftermath, Let Sleeping Gods Lie 2

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

“Damn.” said Dante looking back at the hull of the huge ship. “Looks like we'll have to trek through the mountains.”

The storm had struck unexpected, unannounced. As much as they tried to escape it by mooring their ship in a safe cove they had found on the way, they could not save it from the raging seas. Thunder. Lightning. Roaring monsters. Everything had taken a bite of the finest ship ever built by the Empire. Now a huge gaping hole could be seen in the middle of the hull. Repairs were possible, but there was not enough wood.

Many brave sailors had been taken by the sea as well. A brave crew member by the name of Pickins had died risking his life to protect the Emperor's shrub, and through his stength of will to serve the Empire managed to return as an undead, to protect the shrub again if need be. Dante wanted to curse the sea, as well as the Emperor for this stupid quest. Yet he knew that such things were fully possible when at sea. He would be back later with enough men to repair the ship, but until then the survivors did their best to protect it against the weather.

In another place, probably somewhere underwater, a sea goddess was laughing. She now had her revenge on those that had slain one of her children, and eaten its remains. She laughed hard. A voice behind her said.

“Well, well. Looks like you are having a lot of fun here.” said a human voice, belonging to a man in his mid-thirties with short black hair and a purple and green silk robe.
“Who are you ?” she asked of the newcomer. “What are you doing in my domain ?”
“Your domain ? You should take a better look around.”

And she did. While laughing she had not noticed the walls of her underwater palace having been replaced by grey stone. She also saw that she was surrounded by 17 figures, equally spaced with the speaker closing the circle. Each was holding an object in his hand, but the only one she could see was what the speaker was holding. A glowing sky blue crystal.

“To answer your question.” said the speaker. “We are in a special place in your world, though very far from your domain.”
“How is this place special ?” asked the goddess
“Because this is where a sea goddess is going to spend an eternity trying to remember the words of another god and ponder them to understand her mistake.”

Suddenly the speaker lifte his crystal and chains of blue light extended from under the goddess' feet, binding her hands, feet, tentacles and throat. The chains slowly solidified to look like metal. The goddess pulled with all her might, adding her divine powers to her own strength. The chains held.

“I would suggest you do not waste your strength trying to break free. Your successor is going to need it to reign on your land.”
“Successor ? Reign in my land ? What do you mean ?”
“Is it really that hard to understand ? Now that you are no longer taking care of the raging seas and their inhabitants, there is going to be a void left in the universe. And the universe hates voids. One wiser than you will replace you. And he is going to borrow a fair amount of your power through these chains that bind you.” the speaker motioned for one of the hooded people to approach. “Let me introduce Velekias. He is the one who will succeed you.”
“Your wish is my command, Emperor.” said the one named Velekias, who previously was a rogue hydromancer long imprisoned in the Tower's cells for wanting to be a god, and who now was given his wish by the very man who prevented him from reaching his goal.

Emperor, the word resonated and the sea goddess remembered the words that were said before. “Do not interfere with the Empire.”

Underworld

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Dark clouds covered the night sky above Ohanis. Even the full moon was not visible this night. A lone figure, cloaked against the wind and rain, walked up to a door in a dark alley. This door was no different from other doors and this alley was no different from other alleys, yet it seemed the cloaked figure wanted to go to this specific door.

A hand knocked on the door. Not the usual knock, but something closer to a code, or perhaps a password. A bolt slid, then another, and a third one. The door opened and the cloaked figure was led inside. And shown a chair beside a table. The figure sat after hanging his cloak on the back of the chair.

“Well well, if it isn't Mr. Sator” said a man sitting on the chair opposite to him. “What could possible make Ohane's wealthiest merchant come to my humble abode.”
“I was told you could help me, Mr. Lyle.”
“No need for the 'Mr.', just call me Lyle. Now, what kind of services would you require from this lowly clothier ?”
“Information.”
“Oh, I so seldom leave my shop. How could I possibly know anything useful to you, Mr. Sator.” said the man called Lyle in a very unconvincing voice.
“I am ready to pay.”
“Now you are talking my language. What kind of information do you require ?”
“You must know of what the Goldings are doing, right ?”

The Goldings were the merchant guild currently controlling the Bureau of Commerce. And the only guild present on Ohane, thanks to some shrewd agreements with the Emperor. Even though their monopoly was only for five years, that would still give them enough time to consolidate their position before the arrival of other guilds.

“I heard of your recent troubles with their head.” said Lyle. “And of course, it happens that from time to time I might have information that might be useful to you. Now for the matter of the price...”
“I am willing to pay as much as required, though no more than what a membership in their guild would cost me.”
“I will make sure to send you the information you need, Mr. Sator. If next time you could bring me some trinkets from the Phoenicians, I would be very happy too.”

Both of them knew what kind of trinkets Lyle was referring to. The kind of trinkets that would sell readily on the black market. It was only normal that the development of the city would attract people from the underworld. The only pleasure Frederick found in dealing with them was that it was cheaper then dealing with the Goldings and less dangerous than not doing anything. Now at least he knew that Lyle's eyes-and-ears would report any of the guild's moves that would be dangerous to Frederick's business.

Summary

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Shahira begins studying the trolls to find ways to control them.

Travis leaves the Mud Elves, finds the bush and begins his move back home. Lakor the dwarf decides to stay among the elves, to give them a hand rebuilding, he will go back home later.

Dante is on the way back too, but suffers a shipwreck and has to continue on land.

Trade with the Phoenicians continues as usual. A private drydock and dock are build in Imperia Ohanis.

Ohanis begins to grow beyond its walls. Development of the city's economy leads to the development of an underworld society.

Taming of the wilderness around Smarabriva continues, this time with soldiers to solve the problem.

Akhernaton slowly expands with dwarven migration from Ohanis. The place looks more and more like a real dwarven settlement.

Study of the ratmen's poison continues.

The Emperor gets wind of the fate of the Radiant, and decided to deal with the troublemaker in the usual fashion.

Unresolved. Do I meet the Biomorphs on the way back ?

[deadlycairn]

Damnit - I got distracted. OK, I'll type it now, sleep deprivation or no.

A Hidden Wonder:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

We felt a ripple of shock spread through the hive. Something had happened. One of us, a digger, had uncovered... something.
Rushing to the scene, we roughly pushed those in front of us out of the way, until we reached the source. There, in an alcove breached by a tunnel, was another Khallem. But he was not one of us. The mental link that connected all was not present with him. As We came closer, we noted other abnormalities as well. He was strong, and well muscled, abnormal for a Khallem, but most importantly he had some kind of beetle-like wings on his back. Suddenly, his eyes sprang open. With an ear-splitting screech he launched himself out the tunnel, further than any Khallem can leap.
"What are you?" We asked in wonder.
"My name is Eye" it hissed in return. "And I have come to save you"

Threat Neutralisation:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Eye had explained to the Khallem the usefulness of allies, and traderoutes, many times before they agreed to this mission. They still distrusted him, but they did respect him, and that was all that mattered. However, near the traderoutes were these 'Greenskins' that their newfound allies feared so much. Well, they would no longer be a problem. Using the information about their location, 50 Khallem, led by Eye, tunneled out ot the threat's location. They would not initially fight them head on, for the allies had spoken of the greenskin's size and strength. First, they would use brains. A network of tunnels all around the foul beings home, weakening the ground. Then, in many places, pit traps. After a week of such tactics, Eye decided it was time to attack. In the dead of the night they crept towards their enemies. When they were all but on top of them, Eye let out an earsplitting screech and, as one, they entered the fray.

Lucky Greenskins:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

 Only to be brought up short by a mental imperative from Eye. Out of the darkness stormed an enraged woman, backed up by another, rather pale, man. Both were clearly members of the Khallem's new allied race. Some of the woman's enraged tirade carried over to Eye, and he winced,
"How dare you interfere with an Imperial experiment - you oversized spiders!"
Eye had no idea what a spider was, but it probably wasn't good. After the woman had calmed down, the pale one - he called himself a vampire - came over. He explained that the greenskins were actually very passive creatures - the scout's mounts had frightened them. He appreciated their gesture, but the greenskins were now being studied by the empire. However, little harm had been done, and he applauded the idea of a traderoute.

Eye began issuing the orders for an underground tunnel/traderout, glad that the Khallem had no concept of blame.

Finally! No more hivemind! Good to be free. Anyway, I've created a hero, a strong Khallem who's not part of the hivemind - calls himself Eye. He has beetlelike wings on his back that allow him to leap great distances. Also, my men have attacked the trolls, in hopes of earning favour and creating a traderoute with the empire - with Eye leading them, the Khallem are much less inwardly-focused.

EDIT: Crap. THIS is why I should read other's posts. Oh well, no harm done (apart from the poor greenskins)