- Location
- Huezil
Epitaph - A Civilization Quest
- Thread starter Chehrazad
- Start date
- Original Alt. History
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
I don't think strike-outs get rid of your vote. You might want to edit out the X
BungieONI
Seven gremlins in a trench coat
- Location
- Lickwidget
- Pronouns
- She/Her
They never have. Gotta remove the X.
- Location
- Denmark
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Hey peeps, as usual, the update is delayed until tomorrow, where it should be finished. Really, my "update every monday/tuesday" is really more of an "update once per week, pretend it was monday/tuesday" policy at this point. I haven't updated to the proper time even once! 
Fourth Update: Hegemony
- Location
- Denmark
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Perfectly in time as always:
Warfare in the Greatwater Valley was ultimately something sporadic and spontaneous. It could happen for any number of reasons and often ended either in decisive battles or with crushing attrition. One thing it was not, however, was conclusive. Even to a large coalition, such as the one which an Eskerag formation had broken the flank of at Namzen, traditionally lacked the power to sack a large settlement such as Eskeragal. That was changing, however. As the power of the nascent states grew, especially upriver in Hoxma, concentration of power became greater and what had once been tiny settlements and nomadic settlements became increasingly proficient at wielding their arms to destroy their foes.
After the Battle of Namzen, which had decisively ended in favour of Hoxma and Eskeragal, the power of both had grown over the following century. Eskeragal was establishing itself as a powerful and allied port of the Empire of Hoxma and it became tradition for the two to exchange royal daughters. As for the coalition, Eskeragal soon became predominant. Askomekane remained the primary rival and enemy of Eskeragal, but under the wings of Hoxma, there was little the other settlement could do to challenge it. Askomekane maintained its coalition, increasingly paranoid of the growing power that Eskeragal benefited from. Over time, some members would defect; Gishmabel famously secured the protection of Eskeragal preceding its defection from Askomekane and its sister-settlement Axtezab.
Eskeragal came to benefit greatly from its alliance. Richer and wealthier than ever before, the incorporation of near-lying settlements was accelerated by far as the patronage of Hoxma secured peace and immigration to Eskeragal increased. This cannot truly be called a golden age for Eskeragal, as it was fundamentally simply enabled by existing in the shadow of Hoxma, but it was a time in which Eskeragal grew as it hadn't before, and one in which the seeds of what would later come to be identified as a hallmark of Eskerag culture would be sown for the benefit of future generations. The most noticeable way this benefited Eskeragal was by...
[ ] ...Raising her above: Eskeragal had historically been a power on the coast, but always second-rate compared to Askomekane, which was larger and more powerful in terms of military. With the diplomatic association of Hoxma and Eskeragal, this changed. Over the coming century, Eskeragal would take a stronger role in the affairs of the People as a hegemon in its own right. Askomekane would increasingly find its coalition dwindling, its power waning as it steadily became diplomatically isolated. Eskeragal, in turn, found itself growing as new houses and buildings sprung up with immigration from the People all over the coast. (+1 Sedentism)
[ ] ...Crushing her enemy: The feud between Eskeragal and Askomekane had not ended with the defeat of the coalition. As a result of growing Eskerag superiority, Askomekane launched another attack backed by the coalition, but this time found itself severely outmatched. In the end, Eskeragal and Hoxma sacked Askomekane proper and tore down its walls. The bounty was divided between them and Eskeragal carried off the chief icons of Askomek gods back to the settlement itself. Askomekane was not permanently destroyed, but a Hoxman prince sat in the palace and every year tribute traveled from Askomekane to Hoxma. (+1 Urbanization)
[ ] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
Eskeragal had always had a naval heritage. In the beginning, it was small boats with room for a single person, barely propelled forward by more than paddling down rivers. Over time, more elaborate boats were designed, new ones emerged and old ones fell out of favour. Sails were added and oars were refined to be more than tiny paddles. Slowly, Eskeragal had experience and reputation for its skills at sea. Elaborate naval battles beyond simple pirate-chasing were still uncommon in these times, but in those few there were, Eskeragal tended to perform well. In the shadow of Hoxma, a new network of trade was opened up to Eskeragal as upriver merchants used the vast harbour that Zaharal IV had built for their benefit, while foreign merchants came to Eskeragal proper in greater numbers than ever, aware that goods from the entire Empire of Hoxma could be purchased there.
As Eskeragal benefited, so did many other peoples by the sea. A new type of boat had recently been introduced from the south, a variant of a sort of primitive galley, these new boats did not only render Eskerag sailors capable of sailing further than they had before, but doing so with fewer stops on the way. This opened up a whole new world of direct trade, where previously the islands off the coast and long journeys that hugged the coast as tightly as possible had been the only possibilities in terms of trading. Such long journeys, which had to rely on the coast, meant that often, the more effective choice was to simply trade with someone closer for what you need, rather than aim for the potentially better quality that might be acquired at the original source.
It is not uncommon for people who display mastery in a subject to dedicate themselves to truly audacious feats in that subject, and it is no different in states. As the sailors of Eskeragal grew better at their craft, longer and longer routes became the order of the day. Eventually, Askohal I, the chieftain of Eskeragal at the time, sponsored a naval expedition, which was to demonstrate the true prowess of Eskerag sailors. Some historians have argued that this expedition was also launched in a context where Eskeragal was fading in terms of favour at the Hoxman court, and that Askohal I needed something to impress the distant emperor with, but there is no substantial evidence for this. Regardless, the expedition was an enormous success and set out from Eskeragal to travel…
MD: The following are ranked from first to last in terms of how much impact your expedition will have. The higher the vote, the more impact on the people you visit but the lower the vote, the more impact they have on you and the less it will be remembered.
[ ] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[ ] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[ ] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
In the end, despite the growing influence of Hoxma, Eskeragal was not subject to Hoxma. A tool and faithful ally in Hoxma's arsenal to subdue the coast and the hill-residing barbarians among the Metal-Workers and related peoples that would subdue the growing empire, but ultimately not a subject. It was not part of the vast territorial domains of the empire, it was not subject to the laws and decrees of the Hoxman emperor, it did not send tithes to the palace to be redistributed and consumed, it did not even speak the same language as the Hoxman people did. However, this did not prevent the culture of Hoxma from being felt by the Eskerag people. It simply meant that the cultural meetings between Eskeragal and Hoxma were more roundabout.
It began with material culture. With a greater and greater presence of Hoxmans in Eskeragal, their idols and icons were brought with them. Sometimes, they were mere traders who brought amulets and talismans against evil, other times, they settled here and built their own shrines and sometimes even received permission to build temples directly from the king. In this time, there wasn't really a coherent notion of religion as a category to which one belonged. Divinities were a fact of life, and it was mostly just a matter of which gods one worshipped and honoured. Certain traditional gods of Eskeragal were recognized in Hoxma, for example after the writing of the Storm King Cycle, it became common in Hoxma to symbolize Eskeragal through the Storm King.
Over time, Hoxman idols in Eskerag temples became Hoxman gods in Eskerag prayers. Not all of them were imported, of course. The Hoxmans had a traditional god of the river's anger, who was subsumed into some of the sea gods which were subdued by the Storm King. However, in other places, the Hoxman gods became part of Eskerag religious life and worship, eventually taking important positions in the assembly of the gods and having their own priesthoods ordained and skilled in interpreting their will. Scholars consider the most important example of this is that of the Wild Lady, who was likely a fairly unimportant hunting goddess before. After the Hoxman influence, her domain and importance expanded hundredfold, although primarily due to her Hoxman equivalent being a hundred times more important as well. Over time, the Hoxman goddess came to swallow her domain entirely, though she would still be referred to by her old name in Eskeragal. A fertility goddess, the most important feature she took on from Hoxma was that of...
[ ] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[ ] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[ ] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[X] ...Harbour of Zaharal: Built by the eponymous chieftain Zaharal IV, the harbour of Zaharal is considered by modern scholars to be one of the first artificial harbours built in this region. Built large to contain the growing fleet of ships that would make port and depart from Eskeragal, the harbour of Zaharal was at the time a marvel of engineering. The construction of the harbour led to a smaller dependence on agriculture and far greater economic pull, leading to a steady migration from the largely rural population surrounding Eskeragal, journeying into the city and staying near it far more regularly than had previously been the case. Therefore the harbour is sometimes credited with a large part of the founding of Eskeragal as a proper state. (+1 Urbanization, +1 Sedentism. Can be expanded later).
[X] ...With Hoxma: The chieftain of Eskeragal and the king of Hoxma had become blood-brothers and exchanged daughters in marriage, therefore Eskeragal joined the war on the side of Hoxma. At the Battle of Namzen, the army of Askozal III of Eskeragal intervened in a battle between the armies of Hoxma and Uraskomek against a coalition consisting of the settlements Askomekane, Axtezab, Gishmabel and the Metal-Workers. In this battle, Eskeragal sought to…
-[X] Break the enemy: Contributing with a surprising charge, the army of Eskeragal attempted to break the morale of the coalition army and make them to rout. (Very risky decision, but can have great rewards for Eskeragal.)
[X] ...The Storm King Cycle: Containing the earliest known reference to the myths of Eskeragal, the Storm King Cycle is a later name for this text. The text itself is an epic poem, concerning the exploits of the Storm King, a divine figure worshipped in Eskeragal as the crown prince of heaven and chief warrior against barbarian gods. This epic covers the story of the Storm King's subdual of the dragon-filled ocean on the behest of his father, his exile to the earth, his founding of Eskeragal and his driving out of the barbarian gods of the Dye-Makers, which allowed Eskeragal to triumph, as well as his return to heaven at the end.
[X] ...With Hoxma: The chieftain of Eskeragal and the king of Hoxma had become blood-brothers and exchanged daughters in marriage, therefore Eskeragal joined the war on the side of Hoxma. At the Battle of Namzen, the army of Askozal III of Eskeragal intervened in a battle between the armies of Hoxma and Uraskomek against a coalition consisting of the settlements Askomekane, Axtezab, Gishmabel and the Metal-Workers. In this battle, Eskeragal sought to…
-[X] Break the enemy: Contributing with a surprising charge, the army of Eskeragal attempted to break the morale of the coalition army and make them to rout. (Very risky decision, but can have great rewards for Eskeragal.)
[X] ...The Storm King Cycle: Containing the earliest known reference to the myths of Eskeragal, the Storm King Cycle is a later name for this text. The text itself is an epic poem, concerning the exploits of the Storm King, a divine figure worshipped in Eskeragal as the crown prince of heaven and chief warrior against barbarian gods. This epic covers the story of the Storm King's subdual of the dragon-filled ocean on the behest of his father, his exile to the earth, his founding of Eskeragal and his driving out of the barbarian gods of the Dye-Makers, which allowed Eskeragal to triumph, as well as his return to heaven at the end.
Warfare in the Greatwater Valley was ultimately something sporadic and spontaneous. It could happen for any number of reasons and often ended either in decisive battles or with crushing attrition. One thing it was not, however, was conclusive. Even to a large coalition, such as the one which an Eskerag formation had broken the flank of at Namzen, traditionally lacked the power to sack a large settlement such as Eskeragal. That was changing, however. As the power of the nascent states grew, especially upriver in Hoxma, concentration of power became greater and what had once been tiny settlements and nomadic settlements became increasingly proficient at wielding their arms to destroy their foes.
After the Battle of Namzen, which had decisively ended in favour of Hoxma and Eskeragal, the power of both had grown over the following century. Eskeragal was establishing itself as a powerful and allied port of the Empire of Hoxma and it became tradition for the two to exchange royal daughters. As for the coalition, Eskeragal soon became predominant. Askomekane remained the primary rival and enemy of Eskeragal, but under the wings of Hoxma, there was little the other settlement could do to challenge it. Askomekane maintained its coalition, increasingly paranoid of the growing power that Eskeragal benefited from. Over time, some members would defect; Gishmabel famously secured the protection of Eskeragal preceding its defection from Askomekane and its sister-settlement Axtezab.
Eskeragal came to benefit greatly from its alliance. Richer and wealthier than ever before, the incorporation of near-lying settlements was accelerated by far as the patronage of Hoxma secured peace and immigration to Eskeragal increased. This cannot truly be called a golden age for Eskeragal, as it was fundamentally simply enabled by existing in the shadow of Hoxma, but it was a time in which Eskeragal grew as it hadn't before, and one in which the seeds of what would later come to be identified as a hallmark of Eskerag culture would be sown for the benefit of future generations. The most noticeable way this benefited Eskeragal was by...
[ ] ...Raising her above: Eskeragal had historically been a power on the coast, but always second-rate compared to Askomekane, which was larger and more powerful in terms of military. With the diplomatic association of Hoxma and Eskeragal, this changed. Over the coming century, Eskeragal would take a stronger role in the affairs of the People as a hegemon in its own right. Askomekane would increasingly find its coalition dwindling, its power waning as it steadily became diplomatically isolated. Eskeragal, in turn, found itself growing as new houses and buildings sprung up with immigration from the People all over the coast. (+1 Sedentism)
[ ] ...Crushing her enemy: The feud between Eskeragal and Askomekane had not ended with the defeat of the coalition. As a result of growing Eskerag superiority, Askomekane launched another attack backed by the coalition, but this time found itself severely outmatched. In the end, Eskeragal and Hoxma sacked Askomekane proper and tore down its walls. The bounty was divided between them and Eskeragal carried off the chief icons of Askomek gods back to the settlement itself. Askomekane was not permanently destroyed, but a Hoxman prince sat in the palace and every year tribute traveled from Askomekane to Hoxma. (+1 Urbanization)
[ ] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
Eskeragal had always had a naval heritage. In the beginning, it was small boats with room for a single person, barely propelled forward by more than paddling down rivers. Over time, more elaborate boats were designed, new ones emerged and old ones fell out of favour. Sails were added and oars were refined to be more than tiny paddles. Slowly, Eskeragal had experience and reputation for its skills at sea. Elaborate naval battles beyond simple pirate-chasing were still uncommon in these times, but in those few there were, Eskeragal tended to perform well. In the shadow of Hoxma, a new network of trade was opened up to Eskeragal as upriver merchants used the vast harbour that Zaharal IV had built for their benefit, while foreign merchants came to Eskeragal proper in greater numbers than ever, aware that goods from the entire Empire of Hoxma could be purchased there.
As Eskeragal benefited, so did many other peoples by the sea. A new type of boat had recently been introduced from the south, a variant of a sort of primitive galley, these new boats did not only render Eskerag sailors capable of sailing further than they had before, but doing so with fewer stops on the way. This opened up a whole new world of direct trade, where previously the islands off the coast and long journeys that hugged the coast as tightly as possible had been the only possibilities in terms of trading. Such long journeys, which had to rely on the coast, meant that often, the more effective choice was to simply trade with someone closer for what you need, rather than aim for the potentially better quality that might be acquired at the original source.
It is not uncommon for people who display mastery in a subject to dedicate themselves to truly audacious feats in that subject, and it is no different in states. As the sailors of Eskeragal grew better at their craft, longer and longer routes became the order of the day. Eventually, Askohal I, the chieftain of Eskeragal at the time, sponsored a naval expedition, which was to demonstrate the true prowess of Eskerag sailors. Some historians have argued that this expedition was also launched in a context where Eskeragal was fading in terms of favour at the Hoxman court, and that Askohal I needed something to impress the distant emperor with, but there is no substantial evidence for this. Regardless, the expedition was an enormous success and set out from Eskeragal to travel…
MD: The following are ranked from first to last in terms of how much impact your expedition will have. The higher the vote, the more impact on the people you visit but the lower the vote, the more impact they have on you and the less it will be remembered.
[ ] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[ ] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[ ] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
In the end, despite the growing influence of Hoxma, Eskeragal was not subject to Hoxma. A tool and faithful ally in Hoxma's arsenal to subdue the coast and the hill-residing barbarians among the Metal-Workers and related peoples that would subdue the growing empire, but ultimately not a subject. It was not part of the vast territorial domains of the empire, it was not subject to the laws and decrees of the Hoxman emperor, it did not send tithes to the palace to be redistributed and consumed, it did not even speak the same language as the Hoxman people did. However, this did not prevent the culture of Hoxma from being felt by the Eskerag people. It simply meant that the cultural meetings between Eskeragal and Hoxma were more roundabout.
It began with material culture. With a greater and greater presence of Hoxmans in Eskeragal, their idols and icons were brought with them. Sometimes, they were mere traders who brought amulets and talismans against evil, other times, they settled here and built their own shrines and sometimes even received permission to build temples directly from the king. In this time, there wasn't really a coherent notion of religion as a category to which one belonged. Divinities were a fact of life, and it was mostly just a matter of which gods one worshipped and honoured. Certain traditional gods of Eskeragal were recognized in Hoxma, for example after the writing of the Storm King Cycle, it became common in Hoxma to symbolize Eskeragal through the Storm King.
Over time, Hoxman idols in Eskerag temples became Hoxman gods in Eskerag prayers. Not all of them were imported, of course. The Hoxmans had a traditional god of the river's anger, who was subsumed into some of the sea gods which were subdued by the Storm King. However, in other places, the Hoxman gods became part of Eskerag religious life and worship, eventually taking important positions in the assembly of the gods and having their own priesthoods ordained and skilled in interpreting their will. Scholars consider the most important example of this is that of the Wild Lady, who was likely a fairly unimportant hunting goddess before. After the Hoxman influence, her domain and importance expanded hundredfold, although primarily due to her Hoxman equivalent being a hundred times more important as well. Over time, the Hoxman goddess came to swallow her domain entirely, though she would still be referred to by her old name in Eskeragal. A fertility goddess, the most important feature she took on from Hoxma was that of...
[ ] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[ ] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[ ] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Last edited:
- Location
- Hell
[X] ...Crushing her enemy: The feud between Eskeragal and Askomekane had not ended with the defeat of the coalition. As a result of growing Eskerag superiority, Askomekane launched another attack backed by the coalition, but this time found itself severely outmatched. In the end, Eskeragal and Hoxma sacked Askomekane proper and tore down its walls. The bounty was divided between them and Eskeragal carried off the chief icons of Askomek gods back to the settlement itself. Askomekane was not permanently destroyed, but a Hoxman prince sat in the palace and every year tribute traveled from Askomekane to Hoxma. (+1 Urbanization)
City time? City time
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Cavalry tech boost? Maybe.
City time? City time
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Cavalry tech boost? Maybe.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
[X] ...Raising her above: Eskeragal had historically been a power on the coast, but always second-rate compared to Askomekane, which was larger and more powerful in terms of military. With the diplomatic association of Hoxma and Eskeragal, this changed. Over the coming century, Eskeragal would take a stronger role in the affairs of the People as a hegemon in its own right. Askomekane would increasingly find its coalition dwindling, its power waning as it steadily became diplomatically isolated. Eskeragal, in turn, found itself growing as new houses and buildings sprung up with immigration from the People all over the coast. (+1 Sedentism)
I want to do crushing your enemy for thematic purposes and urbanization purposes alike, but then I remember how much trouble cities caused in AN's quest and it makes me want to not grow too fast that we are unprepared for upholding city infrastructure.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
I really want to have that cultural osmosis and potential future protectorate of the Wine-Makers, but this is too important.
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Tempted to go for beasts, but I am interested to see what introducing cyclical features into our civ's culture could do in the long run.
I want to do crushing your enemy for thematic purposes and urbanization purposes alike, but then I remember how much trouble cities caused in AN's quest and it makes me want to not grow too fast that we are unprepared for upholding city infrastructure.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
I really want to have that cultural osmosis and potential future protectorate of the Wine-Makers, but this is too important.
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Tempted to go for beasts, but I am interested to see what introducing cyclical features into our civ's culture could do in the long run.
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- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
I suggest you use some other adjective in one of those places.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
The Wine-makers tempt me strongly, but I'd prefer to lock down trade routes for copper and grain, because quality copper is going to be very useful for quite a while and grain is always going to be needed. I like Opening Trade more because it expands the reach of our trade empire, thus giving us access to more goods and knowledge.
As for the deity… I like Rebirth because it introduces a cyclical element to our civilisation, but I'm not too concerned with which one of those wins.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
The Wine-makers tempt me strongly, but I'd prefer to lock down trade routes for copper and grain, because quality copper is going to be very useful for quite a while and grain is always going to be needed. I like Opening Trade more because it expands the reach of our trade empire, thus giving us access to more goods and knowledge.
As for the deity… I like Rebirth because it introduces a cyclical element to our civilisation, but I'm not too concerned with which one of those wins.
- Location
- Planet Earth
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Going for increased trade and complete control of a major trade route should be pretty damn useful, and picking rebirth as it adds a route to a deity of the afterlife/reincarnation that sounds rather interesting.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Going for increased trade and complete control of a major trade route should be pretty damn useful, and picking rebirth as it adds a route to a deity of the afterlife/reincarnation that sounds rather interesting.
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children
Even if we fall in the later ages, perhaps with this we could found great colonies, a New City that will have its own shot at hegemony. And will not get crushed by some swamp hicks, hopefully.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children
Even if we fall in the later ages, perhaps with this we could found great colonies, a New City that will have its own shot at hegemony. And will not get crushed by some swamp hicks, hopefully.
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- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
Outright I believe we need more centralization we don't need to be balanced between our three stats at all but we shouldn't be too lopsided and both of the options are pushing us more towards a lopsided nature, especially "Crushing the Enemy."
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
Since we're already incorporating Hoxman culture I don't feel as interested in the South as either of the other two options, even with that very useful Centralization dot available for the selection. On the west, undoubtedly that is a really good and quality option, it will make us rich and give us powerful control over needed and valuable resources, control that will certainly be challenged at some point resulting in a conflict that will certainly be interesting. Yet I find myself enamored with the Northward trade option, there are so many ways this could develop and who doesn't love some wine? While we're being influenced by Hoxma we'll be doing the same in turn and perhaps we will get to direct their advancement ever so slightly towards our needs.
Outright I believe we need more centralization we don't need to be balanced between our three stats at all but we shouldn't be too lopsided and both of the options are pushing us more towards a lopsided nature, especially "Crushing the Enemy."
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
Since we're already incorporating Hoxman culture I don't feel as interested in the South as either of the other two options, even with that very useful Centralization dot available for the selection. On the west, undoubtedly that is a really good and quality option, it will make us rich and give us powerful control over needed and valuable resources, control that will certainly be challenged at some point resulting in a conflict that will certainly be interesting. Yet I find myself enamored with the Northward trade option, there are so many ways this could develop and who doesn't love some wine? While we're being influenced by Hoxma we'll be doing the same in turn and perhaps we will get to direct their advancement ever so slightly towards our needs.
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BungieONI
Seven gremlins in a trench coat
- Location
- Lickwidget
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
I'm really amused by imagining what happens when this interacts with the Storm King Cycle.
[X] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Sounds fun!
[X] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
I'm really amused by imagining what happens when this interacts with the Storm King Cycle.
[X] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Sounds fun!
- Location
- somewhere
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children
I'm all in on controlling the important trade routes to earn power and riches, proto-venice here we go.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The rebirth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the rebirth. Every winter, the world would die, and every spring, it would rise again. Similarly, the Wild Lady would die and be reborn with the world. This goddess who stood between the world of the living and the world of the dead would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children
I'm all in on controlling the important trade routes to earn power and riches, proto-venice here we go.
- Location
- Hollister
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
[X] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[X] ...South: Going west and then south, the Great Kingdom of the River-Children awaited Eskeragal. Ruled by the Great King from his palace, all the people around the Vast River bowed to him and all grain was his to own. He redistributed it, moved it and taxed it at his leisure and his authority was so great that even the temples served simply the purpose of furthering this vast, centralized system of redistribution. Likened more to a god than to a mortal man, the influence of the Great King on Eskeragal cannot be underestimated. Nobility dreamt of being the Great King, while the palace did its best possible to become like him. Monuments in the style of those that dotted the vast capital of the River-Children were introduced to Eskeragal, even their language was imported and the trade was lucrative. (+1 Centralization. You gain a wealthy trade route and will begin to take cultural cues from the River-Children. Historians will take note of the voyage, but you are just one visitor among many.)
[X] ...The hearth: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the hearth. A safe childbirth, a safe home and a safe family were all important to the ancient Eskerag people. Ever the dutiful and motherly wife, she fed the other gods by taking care of the sacrifices given with her excellent cookery and would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
- Location
- Jersey
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
We are the trade guys, so more trade is good. Centralization is lagging way behind the other two stats so a boost to that is probably good too.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
Food and metal sounds much better than booze. Since the purpose of the expedition was to gain recognition, going with to the place that already has droves of prospective partners seems weak. Plus the Great King's legend may inspire wannabes to override our native culture.
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
This seems closest to her original conception prior to Hoxman influence and I'd like to keep that.
[Stannis] Fewer [/Stannis] Fewer countable objects, like stops. Less singular mass things, like stopping.
We are the trade guys, so more trade is good. Centralization is lagging way behind the other two stats so a boost to that is probably good too.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
Food and metal sounds much better than booze. Since the purpose of the expedition was to gain recognition, going with to the place that already has droves of prospective partners seems weak. Plus the Great King's legend may inspire wannabes to override our native culture.
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
This seems closest to her original conception prior to Hoxman influence and I'd like to keep that.
[Stannis] Fewer [/Stannis] Fewer countable objects, like stops. Less singular mass things, like stopping.
NothingNow
Corpse Wrangler
- Location
- Tampa
[x] ...Opening her trade:
[x] ...West:
[x] ...The hearth:
Honestly, I could've gone for the various other options, but like the Potnia Theron also being the queen of the gods is so weird I just can't.
[x] ...West:
[x] ...The hearth:
Honestly, I could've gone for the various other options, but like the Potnia Theron also being the queen of the gods is so weird I just can't.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Okay, since I have made it my mission to maximize trade, first pick is obvious.
Second is a bit more complex, in that with our structure I think that the best bet for long term cultural survival will be to spread and diffuse into new lands, maintaining cultural contact rather than necessarily forming a coherent polity, and influencing the development of the Wine-Wakers should have them turn into us via trade, colonization, and cultural hegemony.
And finally, I think that the Wild Lady being one of beasts and hunters has an interesting interaction with the Storm King. The Storm King is a tamer of chaos, and his wife being a goddess of sea beasts is an interesting extension of that. While there are some obvious unpleasant readings, there can also be one of how even great enemies can come together in the end. Plus you can probably have a ritual hunt of the king going out to sea to hunt a whale or shark to symbolize the old stories, and that has a chance of spurring further boat development to reduce the number of fatalities for the king.
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
Okay, since I have made it my mission to maximize trade, first pick is obvious.
Second is a bit more complex, in that with our structure I think that the best bet for long term cultural survival will be to spread and diffuse into new lands, maintaining cultural contact rather than necessarily forming a coherent polity, and influencing the development of the Wine-Wakers should have them turn into us via trade, colonization, and cultural hegemony.
And finally, I think that the Wild Lady being one of beasts and hunters has an interesting interaction with the Storm King. The Storm King is a tamer of chaos, and his wife being a goddess of sea beasts is an interesting extension of that. While there are some obvious unpleasant readings, there can also be one of how even great enemies can come together in the end. Plus you can probably have a ritual hunt of the king going out to sea to hunt a whale or shark to symbolize the old stories, and that has a chance of spurring further boat development to reduce the number of fatalities for the king.
- Location
- Earth
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[X] ...West: Westwards from Eskeragal, there lies an island populated by the Copper-Traders, at this point in time, famed most of all for their high-quality copper. Further west yet, however, much further west, lies another island not far from the coast of the Calf-Land. Bountiful in fertile soil and agriculture, this island was settled by the dolmen-building Grain-Farmers, who traded in olive oils and wine. Poor in metals, however, they imported their materials from the mainland itself, but with the arrival of Eskeragal, the possibility for imports from the Copper-Traders through the medium of Eskeragal suddenly became very real. As time went on, this trade route became more permanent as Eskerag traders would sail between the two, moving grain in exchange for copper and vice-versa. The Grain-Farmers gained their tools and weapons, the Copper-Traders gained their food and grain and Eskeragal? Well Eskeragal grew very rich. (You will gain control of trade routes for copper and grain. Historians will take note of the voyage and recognize your role in spreading material culture.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
DkArthas
CAPITAL IS TO BLAME
- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- They
[X] ...Opening her trade: To the far east, there was a whole sea of trade to which Hoxma had exclusive access through the river, by which Hoxman boats traveled upstreams. Now, they found themselves joined by Eskerag boats as a royal decree from the emperor formally permitted Eskeragal to trade on the eastern "monsoon sea". An immense amount of new riches were brought to Eskeragal by this new route and the palace took swift advantage of this. The power of the palace increased by several orders of magnitude as the trade brought wealth and power for Eskeragal, which the palatial taxation quickly transformed into wealth and power for the palace. (+1 Centralization)
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.
[X] ...North: To first the west and then north, a series of tribes, vaguely united in confederation lived by their inland sea. They traded here, they made wine and spoke languages unrelated to any in the area. These were the Wine-Maker tribes, undeveloped and barely sedentary. Urban centres in this region were only loosely urban and tended more towards particularly large villages. Previously, trade with powers from the Greatwater Valley had only been indirect, but after the Eskerag voyage, trade regularly increased. Over the coming centuries, the Wine-Makers would steadily take on more and more Eskerag qualities and make use of their art and art inspired by it, along with several new gods introduced. (Trade routes to the Wine-Makers secured. No other benefit other than accelerating the sedentarization and urbanization of the Wine-Makers. Contact will be studied extensively in the future.)
[X] ...The beasts: The Wild Lady would eventually take on the aspects of a fertility goddess through the domain of the beasts. The multiplication and diversity of nature was essential to the prosperity of Eskeragal. The Wild Lady, as mistress of the beasts and ruler of animals came to patronize hunters and trainers alike, ruling in the dual office of the hunt and domestication of animals. She would eventually become consort to the Storm King and mother to his children.