Chronicles of Nations - Civ Quest

Star · Mar 6, 2019

And possible Matriarchy as well.

Basically vote is between those who want to risk it for another form of monarchy and those who don't want to risk matriarchy.

10ebbor10 · Mar 6, 2019

Both of you are forgetting the other potential upgrade.

Oshha said:
Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family

I might have been willing to risk it for the mystery box monarchy improvement, but not with the possibility of further entrenching the divine Royal Family.

jjffjhjf · Mar 6, 2019

10ebbor10 said:
Both of you are forgetting the other potential upgrade.

I might have been willing to risk it for the mystery box monarchy improvement, but not with the possibility of further entrenching the divine Royal Family.

I mean, there are a hell of a lot of different ways that could go though. Some good some bad. Though I think weakening the idea of it is a more likely outcome than not.

masterofmadness · Mar 6, 2019

[X] [Settle] Expand further into the lands around Greenbay.

[X] [Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)

Divine Monarchy is already entrenched at this point so why not. I prefer to risk changing it and get rid of our excess legitimacy and stability then let it stay were it is.

Vocalend · Mar 6, 2019

[X][Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)

Keeping in mind that we're overflowing on both Legitimacy and Stability (again for the former), there is never a better time for the pick of Tanistry. Worst comes the worst, a Divine Blooded Royal Matriarchy would be at least a playstyle that hasn't been seen yet.

10ebbor10 · Mar 6, 2019

Vocalend said:
Keeping in mind that we're overflowing on both Legitimacy and Stability (again for the former), there is never a better time for the pick of Tanistry. Worst comes the worst, a Divine Blooded Royal Matriarchy would be at least a playstyle that hasn't been seen yet.

Eh, it's just a genderswap of the Ymarin Kingdom. Boosted Royalty at the cost of greater inequality and all that.

Star · Mar 6, 2019

Vocalend said:
Keeping in mind that we're overflowing on both Legitimacy and Stability (again for the former), there is never a better time for the pick of Tanistry. Worst comes the worst, a Divine Blooded Royal Matriarchy would be at least a playstyle that hasn't been seen yet.

10ebbor10 said:
Eh, it's just a genderswap of the Ymarin Kingdom. Boosted Royalty at the cost of greater inequality and all that.

That really depends, inequality can be pushed till certain line wich will call in Arthyrn's intervention.
I don't know her opinion on gender equality though but i presume that it is similar to general opinion, or better said males will still need to be given chance to prove themselves, even in ruling .

wingstrike96 · Mar 6, 2019

[X][Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)

Oshha said:
Priests (5) = Mood: Elastic

Can we stretch the priests?

tryrar · Mar 6, 2019

[X] [Settle] Expand further into the lands around Greenbay.
[X][Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)

Oshha · Mar 6, 2019

wingstrike96 said:
Can we stretch the priests?

Fixed along with the other faction moods.

Oshha · Mar 6, 2019

Arth = Sacred/Blessed
Wyd = People/Folk
Ryn = Person
Vyr = Servant
Cath = Cat
Wyr = Warrior
Ymar = Magic User
Myr = Metal
Dywr = Water
Lylt = Lightning
Pryd = Earth
Gyrg = Void
Egyn = Ether
Gyl = Light
Tywl = Dark
Layth = Death
Ayr = Air
Aer = Wind
Cad = Leader
Vance = Land
Gal = Death/Fallen
Gwar = Spirit
Lon = Lord
Ion = Heir
Gyd = Eye
Benyth = Blessing

Arthwyd = Sacred People/Blessed Folk
Arthryn = Sacred Person/Divine One
Arthryn-Benyth = Blessing of Arthryn

Arthvyr = Sacred Servant/Priest
Cathgyd = Cateye
Cathwyr = Catclaw/Cat Warrior

Cadlon = Leading Lord
Cadion = Leader's Heir

Oshha · Mar 6, 2019

Vote is closed.
Vote Tally : Chronicles of Nations - Civ Quest - Original | Page 324 | Sufficient Velocity [Posts: 8102-8230]
##### NetTally 1.9.7
Task: Settle
[X][Settle] Expand further into the lands around Greenbay.
No. of Votes: 41

——————————————————————————————————————————————Task: Royal
[X][Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)
No. of Votes: 28
[X][Royal] He will stay quiet. (No change.)
No. of Votes: 24
Total No. of Voters: 53

thefoolswriter · Mar 6, 2019

and here we go

Knight Draco · Mar 6, 2019

THE BALLAD OF THE LOWLANDS

Syril awoke several fists after dawn as he had spent the night restlessly bouncing up and down. His coming of age celebration was today and he could finally be considered an adult! He knew what he wanted to be, a dream shared by many of the People's children, a Cateye. They saved the people in all but the earliest of tales, and from them came many of the People's most famous heroes...

"Syril!" his mother called out loud for him outside his room.
"Shattered stones," he said to himself, he had woken up late and was supposed to be up far earlier, especially during his coming of age. "Coming mother!" he shouted as he haphazardly got ready.
"I told you to sleep early!" she said as she went to get something from outside.
"I tried! Words of the All-Seeress!" he came out and went to follow her, only to see her turn around with something in ha- "Is that a bow!? It's carved so well!"
"I knew you always wanted to be a Cateye, so if you ever end up in one of those tales, make sure to mention your mother." They both chuckled briefly before she said "Now come, Evalyn's Wrath will be upon you if we don't catch up with how late you are."
As the day progressed, the people had joy and cheer spread throughout. Many were talking or playing. Some were trying to climb mountains. As Syril had just finished a conversation with his friends he overheard a few old Maradysh speaking to each other. A lowlander, freakfolk and a boar folk talking about the old times before the Maradysh ever met the Northerners. They talked of tales that their own grandparents had passed down on to them.
"If only my ancestors could see how things worked out, they only had the most despairing of thoughts, those people." said the lowlander.
"The tales of mine say that everything was fine until they went into the lowlands, and even then it was only towards the end that everything ended as it did" said the nomad
"If you stayed out, I don't think the maradysh would even be here today as the disease alone wouldn't be enough to break my ancestors."

Syril's interest was peaked and he asked his elders "What do you elders speak of?"
"Ah, you do not need to concern yourself with those times, they are much too gruesome for you." said the Freakfolk elder.
"I became of age today! I am no longer a child"
"Haha, you heard the man. It's about time he learns the past anyway. Take a seat, you will be here for a while" said the Boarfolk. Syril did as he said and looked at the elders expectantly.
The Freakfolk elder sighed "I suppose I shall begin the tale... Listen well child, as we impart upon you,"The Ballad of The Lowlands""
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE CALM

The people of air and soil lived their lives as they wished, peaceful and prosperous. Until the Great Age of Darkness came.
A free people surrounded by petty despots. A land of Boarfolk traders, the kin of Roc, and even humans gathered together in a peaceful confederation of peoples. Life, while not without challenges, was good. Food was plentiful,

Before the nomads came, before the Great Collapse with the Great Bulbous Death, before the Falling of Feathers, and before the dead walked again. We were the center of the world. A bastion of kindness, of civilization, and order.

A chick could live their life side by side with squeaker and neither would want for anything. Life was good, the future was bright. We had spent generations making connections with our fellow sentients, race was irrelevant. You lived and breathed, laughed and cried, grew and died, and ultimately your race was irrelevant. Thus, since time immemorial had we grown.

Our neighbors thought us queer, their weakness and jealousy clear. We, however, did not begrudge them, we would lead the way and they would find shelter under our wings. Though there were threats that we needed to remain vigilant for, those threats shrank year by year as our small grew large on the fruits borne of our diplomatic efforts.

We had heard the rumbling of a great warleader, and soon we met his band. He came seeking tribute, but we were not afraid. We sent him on his way with scorn, we had dealt with his ilk before. As long as you appeared strong they would continue on to easier prey. Perhaps that was our mistake. Because everything changed when the nomads attacked.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE STORM

Veronov had been part of the Great Host for six winters now, he was an experienced rider and by now a long-since bloodied warrior. The bountiful lowlands was the goal that had been set by the Great Leader and the Boarfolk had gathered a massive host, the largest Veronov had seen in his entire life. Thousands upon thousands of spears, gathered together for one glorious raid of wealth and plunder, an end to the meager years of yore where the children went hungry and the Boarfolk chafed under the arrogance of the Mudfolk.

The time had finally come, to burn the walls and huts of the soft walkers, and Veronov knew he would enjoy it. As the horn sounded from the center, he flicked the bottom of his spear against the flank of Afansi, and the boar moved began to charge in earnest alongside the rest of the tribe. His spear would pierce many of the unworthy this day, and the glory would be great for they had rejected the Great Leader's demand for tribute. All must pay whether at the point of a spear or at the foot of the Great Leader.

So it came to be, that Veronov sat alongside his brother, eating his first fresh meat in weeks, his mouth rejoicing at the at taste of warm meat, and his chest swelled with pride. Today, he had been recognized as a great warrior. Even among those who had been victorious in today's battle he had stood out as exceptional, and he had taken many slaves. One was roasting a second spit of meat.

He exchanged a glance with his brother, Polikov, and cracked a smile once he realized the intentions of his sibling. Polikov growled, throwing away his empty spit and standing up violently, spilling the crumbs of the bread he had eaten on the ground. The slave holding his next meal over the fire whimpered. For a tense moment Polikov barked words the slave clearly could not understand, making angry gestures and threatening noises until the slave started crying. The moment the tears came forth, Polikov and Veronov both froze. Then, a deep, rumbling belly laughter came forth from Polikov, and Verenov joined in a fraction of a second later.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DESTINATION

Even before the Ballad of the Lowlands, none of us Zaradysh had ever remembered a time of peace in the lowlands. After we broke free of the Caradysh and their vile taint, we entered a time of conflict. Tribes would fight tribes and slaves would be taken, but it was nowhere near as destructive as the End Times. When the disease first took hold, we thought it was nothing major, but when it spread ceaselessly from one village to the other and famine had caused a horrible harvest. Many of the Zaradysh, and even the others in the lowlands suffered to it. We were weak and vulnerable. We had expected the Caradysh to take advantage and bring us back into bondage, and so Voryn was in the west eager to confront his undead forest counterpart. Little did we know that of all our problems, the Caradysh would be the least of our concerns.

When Nightmare's Gift effects on us intensified and word of nomads on giant boars attacking from the south, we talked of moving to fight them. However, our original belief that the Caradysh would take advantage of our vulnerability was fulfilled as Urth lead attacks on the closest settlements, and we moved to fight against them. Each time Voryn would arrive and while the village was liberated, his anger at not being able to fight and kill his nemesis grew greater.

Eventually He took the initiative and attacked the Caradysh, their resistance was heavy, but they could only do so much against us in the raid without Urth on their side. Soon enough, two roars echoed throughout the entirety of the settlement. To people who fought each other for so long, they were both recognizable. Urth had arrived, and was in combat with Voryn. I did not see how the battle unfolded due to being on the other side of the settlement, and while I did try to make my way to help Voryn kill those disgusting Caradysh, more and more Caradysh reinforced the defenses. We tried to at least hold our ground, but their magic forced us back, and the raiding party scattered. We don't know what happened to the other Zaradysh from that point on, but we made our way back to the village to rest and treat our wounds. We had one great glory in raiding within the forest itself, even with the casualties. We would not receive a warm welcome.

Instead, we came to find our homes under attack by Boarfolk. They had already broken through the defenses and there was only chaos. There were supposed to be hunters here to protect it, but we learnt later that the plague indeed lived up to its name. As if it could think and wanted to surprise us with a gift. We barely were able to force the nomads back, however the village was no in shape to restored. We had too few people between losses from war and sickness. The village chief decide we should move to a safe place in the east, perhaps join with a stronger village, but it would not come to pass. Every village we came to was either constantly under threat by the nomads, or rendered deathly silent by the presence of the plague. We had walked across the lowlands for days before we found the others who we would join to form the Maradysh. We were alert and cautious, but they were running from the east as much as we were from the west. There was nowhere to go but north, and alone none of us had that high a chance to survive in those lifeless times.

For the sake of survival, for the sake of escaping hell on earth the likes we never thought possible, we worked together. We set aside our differences and our conflicts so that we may live. Even if it was some land we have never been too, surely it was better than the lands in which we were born? For the sake of those loved ones still alive and for the children still living, the generations to follow or those that had gone, we were willing to see through any endeavor. Is it wrong to run away if it is hell itself you run from? Is it wrong to work with those you once sought to kill if it's to see your children grow before your eyes?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUNDERING

My name is Plwmage Aur, and our world ended. Life in the lowlands was never truly peaceful, with the revenants of the woods and the warlike tribes that littered the lowlands like shed feathers. But us Free Folk were thriving, with equal rights for all and a burgeoning cosmopolitan community. You and your canine companion Daggermouth would make it through no matter the odds.

And then the Boar Demons came.

Riding on giant, monstrous mounts, these creatures were mountains of muscle, with a savagery unmatched by any of the Lowlanders. We didn't know why they rode in from the steppes nor how such a large number could survive in such perilous land, but ride in they did. While our peoples were a prosperous, cosmopolitan community, we relied far more on diplomacy than we did on martial might. When the demons rolled over us like a flash flood, our people were unprepared and outmatched.Their beastly boars greatly outmatched our militia and beloved canines, even if Daggermouth and I could take one on together. Whenever we killed a Demon, it seemed as if five more took their place. Although myself and my brethren were blessed with flight, this could not save those of us without such gifts. We fought valiantly; we fought bravely, and we died, outmatched by the Demons and their invincible leader. In the end we were scattered to the four winds, our cities shattered and the Demons stifling the remains like a plague. Thus comes the end of the Free Folk, dead to unknown and inscrutable barbarians.

This is all before the actual plague. If anything shows that the Gods have abandoned us, it is the Plague of Sleep. Our numbers, already dwindled by the assault of the Demons, were further decimated through a plague that had no cure, no remorse, no pity. This godforsaken disease even took my poor Daggermouth, whom I hope has found solace in whatever God is merciful enough to accept a damned, broken people like ours. It is as though the Demons chased us in our sleep; hunted us down in spirit as well as body, even if we knew they were affected just as much as the rest of us. So affected were they that even some of the indefatigable Demons were broken, perhaps with the Plague of Sleep blunting their innate savagery. What remained of our people; the Boars, the Manlings, the Birds, and even the Demons; we had to flee for what was hopefully greener pastures. Those of us who survived the Plague of Sleep found a nice place right up a river, and it seemed as though we could finally live in peace...although in my heart I knew it would not last.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DEPRIVATION

The Allboar… the Allboar forgets us. In our times of need he has gone. For we were weak, and the world spins with the energies of many. The Allboar is great, and he gives us energy, but nothing stopped the plague. Nothing saves your energy. And… and energy did not save you. Our mightiest warriors and greatest leaders fell asleep at their feast hall and never awoke. A babe wailing at its mothers bosom gone quiet, and all beasts of forest, glade and plain alike have fallen silent. A rasping cough where birds once sang.

Veronov was no mewling babe however. His spear sang with glory! And with mount and spear he won great fortune, but great fortune is of no use of when no more Mudfolk farmers yet live to tend their crops. The land lay open before us! No army stood in the way of glory, but no army yet lived to claim that glory. And as the Great Slumber descended, Boarkin turned on Boarkin. No uncommon thing back then, but then these were no clan disputes. Kinsman turned on Kinsman. At first they fought for glory, for power, for the leadership of their clan or horde, but as the Allboar pushed time along its path, desperation grew. Veronov's wealth and glory meant nothing when all his Kinsman were dead, or willing to kill him over a few loaves of bread.

So in the darkest night of the Great Slumber, he escaped. Fled from plague, and the embrace of treachery. Out into the lands where the Cadlons, Priests, and Chieftains of the Mudfolk once held sway, he braved the desolation. With Spear and Mount, he carried the worship of the Allboar away from the end of days, away from the claws of the void. Mudfolk and Boarkin alike tried to tempt him, trick him. Against many foes he wetted his spear and tusks, again he proved his might. Again he showed all the rightness of his survival, where so many Kin had passed he deserved to live, to carry on their memory. To tell their tales, as I tell his to you now. But the Great Slumber had not yet taken all it would take from his life, and his mount, Afansi, was soon asleep, and passed into the Allboars embrace. Through all this he persevered, and in time came to peace, to a band of survivors. In time he came to community, in time he came to find new Boarkin, and they forged among themselves new clans. This band of survivors contained all of the kinds of folk Veronov had know, not just Boarkin but Mudfolk, of both kinds. In one band those who flew, rode, and walked all came together to work hard, and work together. This band grew over time. alone or in small groups, often as families, these others combined with them. A bond between all these families to co-exist and to trust. All still trusted their kin more than any others, but between the warring peoples we made peace, and grew faith in each other. For Veronov, it was a chance to make his Kin anew. In amongst the chaos he raised a family with his newfound wife Vastala, and from their children grew my Father, and my clan.

The Great Slumber had ended, and from its remains our People, the Maradysh, awakened. Our freedom was short-lived as the oppressors soon came… but that is another tale, and another time. For now, know this: You are my Kin, Syril. In the trust forged between our ancestors our bonds were made. You are family, and this tale is yours, as much as it is ours.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EPILOGUE

Syril was still trying to comprehend the full meanings of the tales told to him. More than the rituals or any rites of passage he went through during his coming of age, this single conversation he happened to come by enlightened him the most. He never truly valued all those tales, thinking them nothing but that, tales. The tales gave emphasis to how hard it was for the people to get where they are now, and now served to drive Syril to work for and with the community like his ancestors did.

"Thank you for telling me your tales, I only heard small parts and pieces before my coming of age but hearing the entirety gives a greater meaning to it all." Syril spoke without any anger or interest, but rather deep and serious understanding.
"Aye, it has meaning but us elders can never agree on what!" shouted the Boarfolk.
"The tales obviously teach one never to be complacent and be prepared for any threat, no matter how small it may initially seem! Otherwise, we would never have fallen to them as we have!" proclaimed the Freakfolk.
"Definitely not, while I can see how you would reach such a conclusion, it teaches one to forgo any external goals and focus on your home, lest you lose it." The Lowlander disagreed.
"You both say that, but it's obviously about how the darkest and ugliest places on earth mimic the most bountiful. We entered the land finding treasures, only to find they were cursed." Said the Boarfolk.
"I think-" interrupted Syril as the elders all gave him sharp gazes.
"Well what is it? Some new insight into it may be better then these endless cycles of arguments we have had." said the Lowlander.
"I think that the tales teach of cooperation and unity. While all of the tales started out differently, they all ended with you working together to survive and live on, and it's what lead to us becoming the Maradysh and living here together."
The elders went quiet at Syril's insight and pondered for a moment.
"Well lad, I suppose you are right! A day into being a man and you already can think like one haha!" spoke the Boarfolk
"Aye, we were so focused with the start and what we were before, not what we were now. The Journey is only as good as its end." spoke the Freakfolk...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A blast from the past! This collaborative omake that is from the depths of discordance from which is was forged is brought to you by me, @Raichu1972 (pizzaman), @Pyre , @KlinkerKing , @Lukepop and special thanks to Oshha and anyone else on the discord who looked through it.
~~Normally this is where i'd tell you to support catgirls, but out of respect for my peers I am legally and morally obligated to not do that~~
I apologize for any typos or other mistakes you might find along the omake, and hope you all enjoyed that epic age when we had it!

Brogatar · Mar 6, 2019

Well here comes the catastrophe.

thefoolswriter · Mar 6, 2019

Brogatar said:
Well here comes the catastrophe.

meow

Kiba · Mar 6, 2019

Our fate are sealed. The dice god will decide.

Somebodynobody10 · Mar 6, 2019

They have decided to our detriment.
At least we got tannistry.

thefoolswriter · Mar 6, 2019

Resiste Et Mords shoud be our motto

Knight Draco · Mar 6, 2019

thefoolswriter said:
Resiste Et Mords shoud be our motto

BITE HARD
FOR WE ARE ALL IN SIGHT.

soulcake · Mar 6, 2019

Hey oh boi, its all burning around us.

I take full responsibility, but in my defense, I didnt know literal satan would take over.

veekie · Mar 6, 2019

Oshha said:
Priests (5) = Mood: Elastic,

@Oshha

The priests are still stretchy in places now that it was brought up

thefoolswriter · Mar 6, 2019

Knight Draco said:
BITE HARD
FOR WE ARE ALL IN SIGHT.

because guess who back

Random Member · Mar 6, 2019

Guys, guys, hush! Don't ruin the surprise.

Oshha · Mar 6, 2019

[X][Settle] Expand further into the lands around Greenbay.
[X][Royal] He shall advocate for Morbyn to be declared as his father's heir. (-1 Legitimacy, -1 Stability, Chance of Government Type Change, Chance of Upgrading Divine Royal Family)

It didn't take long for Cadlon Edwyn to finally die. While many mourned his loss, none were surprised by it. One of the People's oldest members, he had reigned for longer than any other Cadlon before him.

Upon his death, his grandson Darvyd became the Cadlon, ruling with Elyri and Elwyn at his side. It would have been a normal state of affairs if it wasn't for the actions of the new Cadion, Darvyd's eldest son Brys.

Something of an oddity, Brys preferred the pursuits of crafters and warriors over those of priests and elders. Beyond these unusual tastes for a Cadion, Brys was even more difference to the norm due to his preferences in sexual partners. Despite having a beautiful and skilled partner in the form of his childhood friend Gwyn, Cadion Brys never tried to reach her summit and instead had more interest in those of his own gender.

While they weren't many nor strong, there had been some concerns about how good Cadion Brys would be once he became Cadlon. Even beyond worries over his willingness to produce a Cadion of his own, some had doubts about how he would fare with interests that are poorly suited for a Cadlon.

Despite these concerns, none of them were voiced until to the surprise of almost everyone, Cadion Brys himself spoke up about them.

Despite being one of the best Catclaws of his generation, Brys expressed concerns about his suitability to be the Cadlon in the future. With help from his best friend Gwyn, he pointed out how he was more of a warrior than a ruler and with the exception of Cadlon Evalyn Boarslayer, all of the Cadlons had been peaceful leaders who had guided the People through times of peace. For that reason, he would make a poor Cadlon even if he is the eldest child of his father.

The Cadion advocated that instead of him, his sister Morbyn should take the title of Cadion and be Cadlon when their father dies. Despite being younger than him, Brys points out how she is more proficient at the art of running a realm than he is.

Brys went even further and voiced an unspoken assumption that had been spreading through society. He claimed how the women of the royal family were better suited to peace than the men. The women of the royal family are blessed with such divine beauty that their bodies were ill-suited and Brys claimed that this is a sign that they should be Cadlons instead of the men.

Cadion Brys pointed out that most of the priesthood is female and most of the military is male due to the divine beauty that the Goddesses grant as a sign of their favour. While that divine favour makes the women more suited for leading, the divine beauty that comes with it makes it harder for them to fight. As a result, it is up to the men to fight battles and wars as the priestesses guide the people.

With assistance from Gwyn, Brys pointed out how this dynamic could be seen with himself and Morbyn. He was an excellent warrior and could lead the People in times of wars while Morbyn was obviously a terrible fighter, but she excelled at peaceful pursuits and could guide the People through times of peace.

The divinely royal beauty that women of the royal family had was a sign of this from the goddesses. The beauty of the women kept them from being warriors, but the divine favour made them better rulers. Since the Cadlons were supposed to lead the People in times of peace, it meant the women should be made Cadlons instead of the men.

While his words were unprecedented and somewhat controversial, most agreed that there was some truth to them. It may not be a good idea to have only women be the Cadlons lest that draw Arthryn's wrath, there was some merit to the idea of picking a Cadion beyond the eldest child of the Cadlon.

Picking the best Cadion from all members of the royal family seemed like a good idea. All of the royal family were all better suited to leading so as long as one of them was on the throne, you might as well have the best one. And there was some merit to having male Cadlons in times of war and female Cadlons in times of peace and the new system would allow for that.

And so, Morbyn was chosen to be Cadion over her older brother Brys.

Government Type Changed
Early Ancient Tanistry
Upper Centralization Limit: 8
Lower Centralization Limit: 0
Admin Strain Free Provinces: 4
Penalty Accumulation: Additional +2 Lower Centralisation required per 1 Province
Player Actions: 2 Secondary Actions +1 Secondary Action per 2 Provinces
Province Actions: 1 Secondary Action per 2 Provinces
Subordinates: 1
Special: -1 Temp Econ Damage per a Province
Special: Increased Range of Potential Heirs

Value Upgraded! Divine Royal Family upgrades to Queens of Peace, Kings of War
Queens of Peace, Kings of War
The descendants of the goddess Evalyn have her blood in them and divinity runs through their body. This fact means that they are better suited to ruling than the rest of the People and can lead their subjects to greatness.
Pros: Better stats for the royal family, Bonus to peaceful actions when you have a female ruler, Bonus to militant actions when you have a male ruler,
Cons: Increased social stratification, Increased gender discrimination,

***

It was a peaceful day with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky as Brys, Gwyn and Garwyl walked down the path. The three Catclaws often spend their free time together and today is no exception.

The presence of his oldest and closest friend Brys and his lover Garwyl is always a comfort to Brys and he often thinks that the three of them are unstoppable together even if he also knows that they aren't actually unstoppable.

That said, he does feel somewhat bad about hanging around Gwyn with Garwyl, as the latter has the relationship with Brys that the former has always dreamed of. It isn't his or Garwyl's fault, but it isn't Gwyn's fault either and Brys feels a bit guilty because Gwyn would make a man very happy if it wasn't for the fact that she considers him to be her Cadyn.

Nonetheless, Gwyn enjoys both his company and Garwyl's and holds nothing against Brys' lover, something that Brys is grateful for.

"Hey Brys," starts Garwyl with his heavy as stone voice and Brys turns his attention to his lover.

But before Garwyl can finish what he is saying, a wave of second-hand fear strikes into the Catclaws a mere moment before they begin to hear the screams. All three Catclaws freeze up before running in the direction of the screams. Brys and Garwyl are ready first as all they have to do is draw their stone knives while Gwyn is slightly behind them as she needs to take a couple of moments to shift from the beautiful form she always insists on having around Brys to more combat-oriented one.

Making their way through the terrified people fleeing whatever is going on, Brys and Garwyl haven't even reached the original scene when they are attacked or rather Brys is attacked.

Despite still being in his prime and one of the People's best warriors, Brys is knocked off his feet by his foe as his attacker slams something sharp into Brys' gut. Letting out a grunt at the pain in his gut, Brys slams faceup into the ground and barely keeps a grip on his knife. Even through he kept his hold on his weapon, Brys is still unable to attack back and for a moment, the son of the Cadlon is certain that he is about to die as he looks up at the half-dead man.

Then Garwyl strikes, a mighty, wordless roar of anger and fear emerging from his throat as Brys' lover stabs his knife into the lanky figure of Brys' attacker.

The man doesn't even flinch as the razor-sharp stone blade pierces his skin and instead locks eyes with Brys even through only one of the man's eyes is still functional as the other one has been torn out of the socket.

And yet Brys is absolutely certain that the man can still see through the empty socket as his attacker's gaze bores into him. Without looking away from Brys, the one-eyed man grabs Garwyl's waist.

Brys' lover's eyes widen as his waist and then hand and then his lower arm begins to die under the man's touch, skin cracking and flaking while the muscle below begins to rot. Even as he processes what is going on, Brys realises that the pain he was feeling is almost completely gone and what that means. He has felt this sensation before as in the past, he has been given diluted nightleaf before as a painkiller.

Brys strongly doubts that his attacker is using a diluted form of nightleaf and not the full and lethal version. He tries to lift his arm, imbuing it with magic, but the poison has already spread too far and Brys' arm doesn't respond to his mental command.

For a brief moment, Brys feels that the situation is hopeless as he dies to nightleaf and Garwyl is killed by the evil magics of his attacker. But only for a moment as Gwyn as caught up with them.

The greatest of the living Catclaws, Gwyn slams her body into the one-eyed man, knocking him away. The man is sent flying losing his grip on both Brys and Garwyl, but the damage is already done. Brys is rapidly losing any sense of his own body while Garwl's lower half has completely rotted away, leaving Brys' lover with only one and a half arms.

His mind beginning to go with his body, Brys mentally says one last prayer to the goddesses, hoping for a last minute intervention from Arthryn and her Daughters. It is a final desperate attempt at surviving and Brys has no expectations of it being successful so when he feels a warm touch, he is shocked.

Within moments, Brys is grasping for breath as his body is restored with both the wound disappearing and his senses returning to him. Sitting upright, Brys is just in time to see Gwyn rip the arm off his attacker, making the man both one-eyed and one-armed.

As the man staggers backwards, a stone club appears in Gwyn's hand, something that shocks Brys as for the many years that he has known her, Gwyn has never successfully completed a spell.

But if the goddesses are willing to save him, perhaps they are also willing to help out Gwyn.

Even as more Catclaws and Cateyes arrive at the scene, Gwyn swings her new club down on the man, the heavy blow cracking the skull open and the club lodges itself halfway into the head.

Even through his head is half gone, the man just lets out a howl of frustration. Even as Gwyn pauses in mild confusion at her foe not being dead like he should be, the man topples over, life finally leaving him.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Brys turns his attention to Garwyl, even as the man clutches his half-gone limb.

Brys just hopes that he has heard the last of that man, but he doubts he will be so lucky.

***

"And we still don't know how he did it?" demands Cadlon Brys, half-frightened and half-annoyed.

"No," replies Gwyn, "I'm not a magic user, but I'm pretty sure it is not possible."

"It shouldn't be," Brys answers his oldest friend, "It's just, no one should be able to do it. To sneak in via a living corpse and attack the royal family. He shouldn't have been able to get so close to father and everyone else."

"It is Urth," states Gwyn with no small amount of hatred and disdain, "That monster has no regard for what should be done nor what is natural."

"Aye," agrees Brys as he thinks back to all that happened.

Cadlon Evalyn Boarslayer, the first Cadlon of the People, had slain Urth over two hundred winters ago and for a long time, the People had thought that was the end of him. Now that belief has been proven wrong in one of the worst ways possible.

Walking about in the still-living corpse of a non-blessed Zaranna-worshipping Maradysh man, Urth had snuck into Greenbay, somehow using his evil magics to remain undetected from everyone, even the goddesses themselves.

He had only been revealed when he struck down Brys' father, Cadlon Darvyd. From there, no one is entirely sure what the monster wanted, but when many tried to stop him, Urth slaughtered them with both fearsome weapon skill and powerful evil magics that the People had never seen before.

Several had died including his father's wife Elwyn while even more were injured and amongst the latter was Brys' mother, Elyri. Urth got away and attacked Brys, nearly killing him before Gwyn slew Urth with the aid of the goddesses.

Yet that did not stop Urth for things got worse from there. Brys' younger sister, Cadion Morbyn had been coming back from visiting a nearby village. While there were no witnesses, Arthryn herself came down to the People to inform them of what had happened.

Urth had attacked her and her guard, using another living corpse-body. Like with their father, Urth was able to successfully slay Morbyn's Catclaw and Cateye guards before killing Brys' sister. From there, he used dark magics to leave his current corpse and to take Morbyn's corpse and restored a false life to it.

From there, the news is downright terrifying as by using powerful and unknown magic, Urth is able to keep Morbyn's Blessing of Arthryn and the Blood of Evalyn even as the spiritual connection to the goddesses is lost when Morbyn's spirit enters the afterlife.

That should not be possible and yet it is. As horrifying as the news is, Brys is grateful that Arthryn has shared that knowledge with the People as without her, they would know what happened to Morbyn or what Urth had done or even that is was Urth for it was Arthryn who revealed their attacker's identity to them.

Since stealing Morbyn's body, Urth has fled back to the Cursed Forest. Brys doesn't know what will happen now, but something must be done and as Cadlon of the People it is his duty.

Unfortunately, Urth isn't all that Brys needs to deal with though Brys suspects that Urth has a hand in his other problem.

Down amongst the Maradysh, they are suffering a plague of undeath as their fallen rise as mindless walking dead. It isn't too much of a problem as the majority of the time, the moving corpses are isolated and easily dealt with sooner or later by the hardy Maradysh.

But it does mean that the Maradysh are occupied for the time being and while they can handle the situation as it is, there is a chance it could grow out of their control, especially if Urth decides to interfere.

Brys sighs. He always figured that he would only be a good Cadlon in a time of war and now he has that chance to be a good Cadlon. He just wishes he didn't.

Priests (5) = Mood: Utterly Terrified, Ability: Add half of faction power to Mystic, Objective: Retaliate against Urth, Success/Failure: ???/???
Elders (3) = Mood: Scared, Ability: Add half of their faction power to another faction, Objective: Settle Land 2 Times within 3 Turns, Success/Failure: -/Minor Crisis
Warriors (4 (5)) = Mood: Terrified, Ability: Add half of faction power to Martial, Objective: Retaliate against Urth, Success/Failure: ???/???
Farmers (1) = Mood: Scared, Ability: Add half of faction power to Econ, Objective: Build a Palisade in 3 Turns, Success/Failure: +1 Temp Econ/-
Crafters (1) = Mood: Scared, Ability: Add half of faction power to Culture, Objective: Study Metal in 3 Turns, Success/Failure: Free Exploration/-

You have two Secondary Actions. Two Secondary Actions make a single Main Action. No plan voting or write-ins.
Please tag actions as [SEC] & [MAIN].

[] [SEC/MAIN] Build Temple = (Target)
S: -6 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Mystic, -1 Temp Culture, +1 Temple (+1 Mystic per a Temple)
M: -12 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Mystic, -2 Temp Culture, +2 Temples (+1 Mystic per a Temple),
-Possible Targets: Greenbay (0/2), Rockbay (0/1), Sunrise Bay (0/1), North Coast Plains (0/3),
-1 Temple slot unlocked for every 2 Settlements in a province

[] [SEC/MAIN] Build Palisade = (Target)
S: -2 Temp Econ, +1 Palisade,
M: -4 Temp Econ, +2 Palisades,
-Possible Targets: Greenbay (1/4), Rockbay (0/1), Sunrise Bay (0/1), North Coast Plains (6/6),

[] [SEC/MAIN] Explore Lands = (Target)
S: -1 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Martial, Chance of new discovery,
M: -2 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Martial, Improved Chance of new discovery,
-Possible Targets: Coastline, Coastal Plains, Cursed Forest, Lowlands, Sea, Sunset Mountains, Sunrise Mountains, Western Coast, Northern Coast,

[] [SEC/MAIN] More Farming.
S: +4 Temp Econ, Chance of Innovation,
M: +1 Econ (0/4) (Limited to 1 per 3 Settlements), Improved Chance of Innovation,

[] [SEC/MAIN] More Fishing.
S: +3 Temp Econ, Chance of Innovation,
M: +5 Temp Econ, Improved Chance of Innovation

[] [SEC/MAIN] More Hunting.
S: +3 Temp Econ, +1 Temp Martial, Chance of Innovation,
M: +5 Temp Econ, +2 Temp Martial, Improved Chance of Innovation

[] [SEC/MAIN] Settle Land = (Target)
S: -5 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Martial, +1 Temp Mystic, +1 Settlement Progress, +1 Econ,
M: -10 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Martial, +2 Temp Mystic, +2 Settlement Progress, +2 Econ,
-Possible Targets: Greenbay (4/12), Rockbay (1/12), Upriver Plains (0/6), Sunrise Bay (1/12), Sunset Plains (0/12), Sunrise Plains (0/12), North Coast Plains, (6/12), North Coast Hills (0/12), North Coast Western Forest (0/12), North River Plains (0/12),

[] [SEC/MAIN] Study Magic.
S: -1 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Mystic, Chance of Innovation,
M: -2 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Mystic, Improved Chance of Innovation

[] [SEC/MAIN] Study Metal.
S: -1 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Mystic, Chance of Innovation,
M: -2 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Mystic, Improved Chance of Innovation

[] [SEC/MAIN] Support Subordinate = (Target)
S: -1 Temp Econ, Chance of relationship change,
M: -2 Temp Econ, Improved Chance of relationship change,
-Possible Targets: Maradysh,

[] [SEC/MAIN] Trade Expedition = (Target)
S: -1 Temp Econ, +1 Temp Diplo, Chance of increased relationship, more knowledge about the outside world,
M: -2 Temp Econ, +3 Temp Diplo, Improved Chance of increased relationship, more knowledge about the outside world,
-Possible Targets: Boarfolk Nomads, Lowlands,

[] [SEC/MAIN] Train Sacred Warriors
S: -1 Temp Econ, +1 Temp Martial, -1 Temp Mystic, Chance of Innovation,
M: -1 Econ, +1 Martial, -1 Temp Mystic, Improved Chance of Innovation,

[] [SEC/MAIN] Venerate the Goddesses
S: -1 Temp Econ, +1 Temp Mystic, +2 Temp Culture, +1 Stability, Chance of +1 Stability, Chance of +1 Legitimacy,
M: -3 Temp Econ, +2 Temp Mystic, +3 Temp Culture, +1 Stability, Improved Chance of +1 Stability, Improved Chance of +1 Legitimacy,

[] [SEC/MAIN] War Party = (Target)
S: -1 Temp Econ, +1 Temp Martial, Chance of damaging target, Chance of losing Temp Martial,
M: -2 Temp Econ, +3 Temp Martial, Greater chance of damaging target, Greater chance of losing Temp Martial,
-Possible Targets: Boarfolk Nomads, Cursed Forest,

Mega-Projects
[] [SEC/MAIN] Sacred Forest
S: -4 Temp Econ, -1 Temp Martial, -2 Temp Mystic, +2 Progress
M: -8 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Martial, -4 Temp Mystic, +4 Progress
-Progress: 0/???

[] [SEC/MAIN] Stone Wall
S: -6 Temp Econ, -2 Temp Mystic, +2 Progress
M: -12 Temp Econ, -4 Temp Mystic, +4 Progress
-Progress: 0/???

***

Not a long author's notes this time due to how late it is for me. Urth is back after two hundred and sixty four years after his defeat and he has killed your ruler, one of your heroes and your heir in addition to dealing the latter.

As per my summary in the discord:
Urth killed Darvyd and Elwyn
and took over Morbyn's body.
and used evil magic to keep the Blessing of Arthryn and the Blood of Evalyn
and is planning to become a deity.
you also have tanistry.
and Divine Royal Family, but with new gender roles.

Questions and further explanations will be given tomorrow. Please keep level heads and stay calm while keeping the salt and defeatism to a minimal. An NPC civ managed to one-upped you thanks to good rolls by them and bad rolls by you. It happens and while I won't deliberately screw my players over, I don't pull my punches when things don't go their way. It isn't the end of the world and you have been in worse positions in the past so don't freak out.

Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong.

The Arthwyd
Early Ancient Tanistry
Upper Centralization Limit: 8
Lower Centralization Limit: 0
Admin Strain Free Provinces: 4
Penalty Accumulation: Additional +2 Lower Centralisation required per 1 Province
Player Actions: 2 Secondary Actions +1 Secondary Action per 2 Provinces
Province Actions: 1 Secondary Action per 2 Provinces
Subordinates: 1
Special: -1 Temp Econ Damage per a Province
Special: Increased Range of Potential Heirs

Early Ancient Palace Economy
Temp Econ Damage: Event, -1 per 1 Centralisation,
Wealth Generation: 1 per Dominant,
Passive Policies: N/A
Additional Actions: None
Special: Negative Centralisation or lower than Minimum Centralisation will lead to collapse.
Special: Increased polity size will raise the level of Minimum Centralisation required.

Stats
Diplo: 2 (3)
Econ: 17 (9)
Martial: 5 (5)
Mystic: 3 (4)
Culture: 1 (1)
Tech: 0 (0)
Wealth: 0 (0)

Legitimacy: 3/3
Stability: 3/3
Centralisation: 3
Hierarchy: 4
Prestige: 27

Statuses
King of the Hill: +1 Temp Diplo at the start of each turn,

Diplomatic Relations
Your opinion/Their opinion/Frequency of Contact
Walking Dead = Ultimate Evil/Unknown/None
Boarfolk Nomads = Disliked/Unknown/Minimal

Subordinates
Type/Loyalty/Dependence
Maradysh = Personal Union/High/Low

Values & Legacies
Chosen of Arthryn: Gain +1 to all Innovation Rolls,
Agricultural Innovators: +1 Temp Econ to Farming actions,
Ancient Centre of Civilisation (Great Bay): Extra Innovation Roll at the start of each turn,
Rush Builders: Extended Projects take less actions, but each action is more expensive,
Copper Blooded: +1 Temp Econ to Econ Generation Actions,

Communal Unity
One must stand by their community with loyalty and kindness for looking after your neighbours and community of the highest importance. As per the teachings of the goddesses, standing united with the rest of your community is a righteous thing.
Pros: Greatly Reduced Internal Discontent, Greatly Increased Resistance to Foreign Intrigue,
Cons: Increase stability loss from taking actions which harm the People, Discourages disunity,

Fair Treatment
While not everyone is equal in the end, they deserve a chance to prove themselves and regardless of who they are or the nature of their birth, they deserve to be given fair treatment.
Pros: Decreased social stratification, Decreased Discrimination,
Cons: Decreased social stratification, Many think you weak,

Sacred Defence
The People do not abandon their own for it is their sacred duty to protect each other. They stand by their neighbours and community through thick and thin and do not yield when it comes to protecting their fellows for that is their duty as commanded by the goddesses.
Pros: Increased Unity during times of crisis, Sacred Warriors, Increased loyalty from religious subordinates,
Cons: Legitimacy loss when abandoning members of the People to harm and danger, increased Legitimacy loss when the threat is from those with conflicting beliefs,

Queens of Peace, Kings of War
The descendants of the goddess Evalyn have her blood in them and divinity runs through their body. This fact means that they are better suited to ruling than the rest of the People and can lead their subjects to greatness.
Pros: Better stats for the royal family, Bonus to peaceful actions when you have a female ruler, Bonus to militant actions when you have a male ruler,
Cons: Increased social stratification, Increased gender discrimination,

Extended Sunrise Mountain Passage
A grand pathway through the Sunrise Mountains, this passage was carved out over generations with hard work and divine aid. Now it stands completing, forging a safe route overland between the Arthwyd in the south and the Merntir in the north.
Effects: +1 Temp Mysticism whenever a travel-based infrastructure project is completed,

Grand Temple
A large stone building that resides on a hill overlooking Greenbay, the Grand Temple is the first temple that the People have built and it is larger than most others. With Bronwyn the Beautiful residing within it as a centrepiece, it is a monument to the oldest teachings of the Goddesses.
Effects: Increased Stability Gains from Venerating the Goddesses, +1 Temp Mysticism at the start of each turn,

Grand Statue
A massive stone statue of Arthryn overlooking North River, this is a monument to the glory and greatest of the Goddess Arthryn
Effects: +1 Temp Culture from Venerating the Goddesses,

Technologies

Carts
Straw/Reed Rope
Wheel
Wicker

Agriculture
Basic Fertiliser (Primitive Compost & Manure)
Basic Irrigation
Primitive Concept of Growth Energy
Two-Field Crop Rotation

Animals
Cats
Dogs
Dire Boars

Construction
Fired Bricks
Mortar

Fishing & Boats
Canoes
Fishing Nets
Rafts
Sails (Rafts)
Walnut Oil
Waterproofing

Hunting
Baits

Materials
Bone
Copper
Gold
Silver
Tin
Stone
Wood

Medicine
Dosage
Herbalism
Painkillers
Poisons

Metallurgy
Copper Smelting
Kilns
Lead Smelting
Silver Smelting
Tin Smelting

Administration
Basic Ideograms
Cuneiform
Stone Record Keeping
Tally Marks

Arts
Earthenware Pottery
Stoneware Pottery
Stone Carvings
Vocal Storytelling

Diplomacy
Expeditions
Gifting
Immigrants
Negotiations
Refugees
Trade

Leadership
Elders
Heredity Succession
Local Leadership Delegation
Monarchy
Priests
Primogeniture

Religion
Priests
Sacred Animals
Shrines
Tribute

Defences
Palisade

Personal Protection
Hide Shields
Wicker Shields
Wood Shields

Organisation
Dedicated Scouts
Hunting Groups
Sacred Warriors
Dire Boar Cavalry
War Dogs

Theory
Ambush Tactics

Weapons
Bows & Arrows
Javelins
Lead Balls
Maces
Slings
Spears
Divine Magic

General
Divine Blessing
Divine Magic

All-Seerist Divine Magic
Future Seeing
Guided Attacks
Increased Accuracy
Scrying
Truth Detecting

Arthrynite Divine Magic
Basic Stone Manipulation
Basic Trait Self-Boosting
Stone-Skin

Ymarnite Divine Magic
Basic Increased Weapon Skill
Basic Wound Healing

Chronicles of Nations - Civ Quest

Should the world be a Low Fantasy setting?

Yes

No

DON'T PANIC

A Dangerous Beast, A Perpetually Fumbling QM

DON'T PANIC

Tea Sipping Advocate of the Devil

Tea Sipping Advocate of the Devil

Gardener of Human Happiness