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Kingdoms of Legend

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Z: ...Then shouldn't our starting units be listed as 190s units, instead of 290s units?
 
I just write said:
Z: ...Then shouldn't our starting units be listed as 190s units, instead of 290s units?
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Oh god no wonder everyone was confused, yes I see the problem. At some point today or tomorrow when I'm writing up the update I'll go back and change everything from 3rd century to 2nd century, apologies for the confusion
 
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Turn 3: The First Beat of the Drum
  • Threadmarks
    • Ulfyre

    194 A.E.






    ​

    In the far east lies paradise, known as Aeya to its inhabitants. To the west of Aeya are the lands of Hofael, and past the Tyber-Alsuwar mountains is Ulfyre. But much has been said of Aeya, and of course we speak of Ulfyre often. But what of the land between paradise and the golden valley? What of Hofael, once called the tattered hem of paradise?

    After the tragedy and the exodus, millions fled east. But even more fled west. And the first land they came across was Hofael. For centuries before the exodus its fields and forests witnessed innumerable wars and strife. Through the ages its warring tribes, looked down upon by those in Aeya, slowly formed into kingdoms. And though nowhere near the glory of paradise, the kings of Hofael grew adept at conquest and formed their own cultures and traditions around it.

    And so it was no surprise that when the once-proud peoples and tribes of Aeya fled into Hofael during the exodus, they were met with shield walls, spears, and resentment. The kingdoms of Hofael let few settle in their lands, driving the people of Aeya further west towards Ulfyre. But that is not to say that everyone allowed themselves to be chased away. The mightiest of Aeya stood their ground and fought the kings of the endless plains, and through a century of warfare changed Hofael forever. For just as in Ulfyre, many long-standing kingdoms were ground down and overtaken by those fleeing Aeya, and now Hofael bears the new legacy of the descendants of paradise.

    It is any wonder what kingdoms the exiles will raise there, or what the remaining Hofael kings will do to stop it...



    ​
    @I just write

    (1) Sorceress of the Riverlands

    Bellonie's Action

    A great hall rose up in the settlement of Esmur-Caurlem in the northern riverlands. It was the seat of power of the Sorceress Georgette Alexandrine Simone Fay, arguably the last true heir to an order as old as the kingdom of Lehvant. The hall was not extravagant in the way lords and masters traditionally adorn them, but neither was it plain. It was exactly as the necromancer wanted it, which was comfortable and warm. The sorceress herself sat in a cushioned throne surrounded by burners and bowls of fire. Fragrant incense clouded around the undead woman's head, and her expression was hidden behind a curtain that had been set up to separate her and the rest of the hall. Only Georgette's silhouette could be seen by those gathered before her. Her shadow raised a hand, signaling she was ready. The iron maiden, Bellonie, bowed as well as her oblong and metal form would allow. The Hassid scholar next to her did the same. The man was pale, his brow drenched with sweat.

    Little wonder, considering those standing guard around the hall were undead.

    "I brought him my lady," Bellonie said, her body still tilted in an awkward, floating bow. The scholar bowed as well, staring intently at the floor. Bellonie bumped into him. "Introduce yourself."

    "Veranca!" the scholar exclaimed, still staring at the ground. "And let me be the first to give thanks for inviting me into your hold! Much have we heard upriver of the great sorceress of Esumur-Caurlem!"

    Georgette said nothing, her silhouette remaining enthroned behind the curtain.

    "If it would please you my lady," Bellonie said. "We will begin construction."

    Georgette's shadow nodded.

    "And..." the scholar began, looking hesitant. "If I could possibly request one more thing..."

    Georgette tilted her head behind the curtain. After a tense moment, she nodded for the scholar to continue.


    [Event] The Hassid Scholar wishes to invite his diaspora brothers and sisters to settle in the Sorceress's domain. The Hassid are known to be among the most learned in the nine lands, however their pursuit of knowledge sometimes comes at the expense of others.


    Isov's Action

    Hey hey hey, is that the wanderer I see?
    It is! Look at the cloak he wears! The boots! Such finery for a dead man!
    Sshhh! Are you out of your mind? The sorceress won't tolerate you speaking badly of her poet...
    Right...right...say, what do you think he's doing out there? Standing in a field like that? And who are those two with him?
    Hmm, those would the ghostly maidens gifted to him by the sorceress, no? I hear Lady Fay is attended to by many such undead servants. As for what he's doing...not sure? It seems he's just...looking at the ground?
    Maybe it's a poet thing?
    It must certainly be a poet thing...



    @JbeJ275
    (2) The Elf Lord of the East

    Tamric's Action


    What do you think...?
    *Sniff* about what.
    About running around these lands with Lord Renark's cold-blooded heir...
    Hmmm *slight shrug* I mean, he hasn't said much to us, he doesn't seem that bad for a princeling...to be honest I'm more worried about whether I can use this bow they gave us...
    Sheh, you think you'll have to use it? Tamric didn't gather us for battle. Who would we fight? River pirates? They don't come to the shore when traveling through out lands
    The western monster tribes? The southern hill dwarves?
    Nobody's fighting anybody. Ulfyre's killed enough of us to satisfy any thirst for bloodshed...
    Well, still, I'd like a moment to try this bow out.
    Well then go and ask Tamric.
    Oh by the stars no, YOU ask Tamric.
    What, weren't you the one who said he wasn't that bad?
    Yes, but he is undoubtedly unnerving, which is different than being bad. Regardless, tell me if anyone's coming, I'm going to try out this bow...
    By the blood-soaked shores Sheh, you have a penchant for idiocy...


    [Event] An errant arrow has led to the discovery of pirate settlement's along the Kline River in the Greshnere Wood. They are roughly of equal number to the Greshnere elves. Eradicating the pirates would secure the land, but would also be the first real combat elven warriors have seen in many decades, and thus would carry some risk.


    En's Action

    The Greshnere wood rose up like a majestic wall of green and gold. The canopies of the large and ancient trees wavered in the wind, letting in faint beams of sunlight to the ground below. Among the bases of the trees was the settlement of Samiira, home of clan Yewhold. The homes were finely carved and positioned, with decorative wreathes and totems hanging from the ridges.

    In the center of Samiira was a massive pit. Teams of elves, fairies, and a handful of dryads worked to remove dirt from the bottom. Overseeing it from the branch of a large tree was En. Next to her was a master craftsman with antlers, Nolin. The man frowned, itching at his chin.

    "Well..." he began, watching as several fairies collided midair and dropped their tiny buckets of dirt. "This...is not going as well as I thought it would..."

    En nodded. She gazed at a rather large dryad who had just tripped over an elf. The fey exhaled and rubbed her forhead. "No...it isn't, is it..."

    "Who normally builds your homes and halls? How is it possible that your work teams are so inept?"

    "It's not that," En said, then held out her hand. Nolin passed her a wine skin. The fey took a drink, then wiped her mouth with delicate fingers. "Everything was built in Renark's father's time, and the builders are long-buried and their knowledge with them. For years all these pixies and tree spirits and elves have known are endless feasts followed by deadly famine, like an unending cycle."

    "Yes I'm aware," Nolin said. "My kin could often hear their revelry...and their suffering..." he glanced at En. "What changed then? Why do all this now?"

    The fey didn't answer for a few moments. She continued to watch the builders below, her expression growing somewhat distant. "Nothing changed. Renark was simply bidding his time. We all were..."

    "Even you? What could you be waiting for?"

    En nodded.

    "Especially me...I've grown to desire the same think as Renark."

    "Which is...?"

    "A new kingdom of paradise here in Ulfyre..."



    @CommanderBlade
    (3) The Wild King of the South


    Ozymana's Action

    Quiet...hurrgggggg
    Whatszit? Whatszitt??
    Look, ground-side, eyes see?
    Eyes no see.
    Shut flapping jaw and look with eyes...really look...
    ........
    .......
    oh...is that...? River? Green river?
    No...no river. Ozymanna, servant of wild king...
    Giant serpent?? What in rua's name is snake doing?? And wait, is that...?
    Warriors...many spears...
    No get, Ozymanna lead war party? There is no war here...
    Can't say, no bird sing sweetly for this...it must be ill omen...
    Should we tell others?
    We must.
    ....oh....hmmmm
    hm?
    Do you think...do you think the wild king is here for us?
    .....
    .....
    ah. We have been feasting much these seasons...
    Should we feast on the snake?
    Hmmm. Much meat...Let us tell the others.
    Yes yes! Let's!

    [Event] Ozymanna has discovered a nest of deathshrooms. They can be easily avoided, but also exhibited signs of reason and cooperation. This is not a good thing, as they are wholly dedicated to using any advantages for hunting prey. If they are left alone for too long, they could wander north. But engaging them may result in losses.

    Kee'Ah's Action

    A spear hurtled through the air. It struck the stomach of a goat-man tied to a tree, impaling him. A score of centaurs raised drinking horns and cheered. Kee'Ah turned to them, raising a wing in a gesture of triumph. In her other wing she held a second spear. The harpy turned back towards the goat-man. She hefted the spear, took aim, then let it fly. It sank through the monster's head, pinning it back against the tree. The entire clearing erupted in roars. Centaurs kicked wildly in disbelief, while others exchanged trinkets over wagers. Kee'Ah raised her chin in satisfaction. A centaur approached her, with two others in tow. They set down a barrel. Ale sloshed over the rim. Kee'Ah nodded in thanks, then dunked her head in and began drinking.

    "HA HA HA!" the lead centaur boomed. He was the tallest among them, with dark, straggly hair and a broad chest. He beat a fist against it. "I like you Kee'Ah Old Feather! You kill and drink like centaur!"

    Kee'Ah held up a wing, signaling she would need a moment. She kept her head submerged in the barrel as she drank. Finally she reared back, gasping and dripping with ale. The harpy let out a shriek of satisfaction, then turned her head and spat. "I drink like harpy, not horseman. Horseman can't drink like me!"

    The lead centaur let out another boisterous laugh. "A second challenge so soon after the first? You are mad harpy! Mad!"

    Kee'Ah hopped from foot to foot, doing a little jig. "No matter, no matter! Plenty time for challenges," she paused and eyed the centaur. "But also time for other things. Deep talks and big words, and good things for the future, eh?"

    The centaur eyed her curiously. "Perhaps harpy...perhaps...we have heard news of your king and his movements...you've have already been seen flying skies to another tribe..."

    Kee'Ah shrugged. "I fly where I please, the sky is mine." she pointed a wing at him. "But what is yours?" she gestured. "This field? That hill over there? No no, my king offers much more..."

    A small smile appeared on the centaur's face. "I'm listening harpy..."



    @TheShadowOfZama
    (4) The Enchanter of the Western Marsh


    Johade's Action

    A small gathering stood on the edges of a marshy field. Birds cawed in the air as they searched for seeds. A low wind built up, then died down. Among the group was Johade, dullahan servant of the western enchanter. Despite lacking a head, he gave of an aura of displeasure.

    "Well little tradesman," he said, clapping a man next to him on the back. "It seems you are not as good at your craft as my master had hoped!"

    The man swallowed. He wore a long robe tied up around his legs with rope, and a large satchel rested on his back. He unslung it and began quickly rummaging through its contents. "Time...I simply need more time..."

    Johade let out a hearty laugh. "Luckily for you, my master has plenty of it! But I would caution against further failure little tradesman...not even myself and my kin are excused when we err..."

    The man found what he was looking for and produced a glass mason jar. "It's..." he began, gesturing at the marsh. "It's the soil. It needs tending, it needs my remedies..."

    "Yes yes," Johade said, dismissing the statement with a gesture. "Come along, I wish to show you something."

    The man furrowed his brow in confusion. The dullahan towered over him, clearly waiting. The man swallowed again, then quickly stuffed the jar back in his satchel and slung it over his shoulder. Johade turned and began walking. The gathering behind them, robed men, followed with heads bowed.

    "Allow me to tell you a story," Johade said, his tone whimsical and amused. "About a kingdom long ago, and a city that stood on this very spot."

    "Oh?" the man said. He sloshed through the marsh, trying to keep up with the dullahan's confident steps.

    "Yes! The city was known as Loith, and was far larger than Mosshelm," Johade stopped and swept his gauntlet across the horizon. "Imagine if you will little tradesman, nothing but gardens, towers, and stone houses. A keep of precious metals and glass, and bells that rang with the rising and setting of the sun."

    "oh..." the man said, clearly awed.

    "When the sun was at its zenith, noble maidens would sing to announce noontime meals, and at the start of each new season, the greatest feast one could imagine was held for all to attend."

    "By Rua, it sounds...amazing..."

    Johade turned to the man, resting a heavy gauntlet on his shoulder. His tone was calm, but held an edge. "I'm glad you understand little tradesman. My master wishes to make Mosshelm into a new Loith. I desire this as well. So I will ask you again. Is time all you need to give us what we want? Or do you need...a better reason to work?" The dullahan's other gauntlet rested on the hilt of his sword.

    The man shook his head. "N-no! A week, no, five days! That's all I need! I will do as you ask!"

    The dullahan chuckled again, then took his hand back from the man's shoulders. "Good. I am very pleased to hear it little tradesman."



    Johade's Daughter's Action

    Ahhhhhhhh *splat*
    Ho! You good ther siree?"
    oohhhh, my head...what happened?
    hahaha! You got thrown down into the pit is what happened! Welcome to the grandest labor in the Brettin Bogs!
    What's happening? I don get it! One minute I was in the fields picking horseflower, the next, some men come and tussel over here-ways!
    Ahh yes, it's a thinker isn't it? Look up though, and you'll find yer answer.
    Eh? You mean...what is that? Up there looking down at us?
    That ther my friend is a banshee known only as Johade's Daughter. She's watching over us to down here to maken'sure we work proper!
    She looks...quite fierce?
    haha, tis but a trick my friend. Stare at her for a bit, you'll see...
    Is that wise? I've no wish to anger a banshee...
    Do it, I won't turn you wrong, trust me.
    Very well...
    You see? She won't look at you. Turns away from anyone who stares up at her. That angry face is but a bluff. Little ghost is trying to act tough, but is too shy to play overseer...
    Oh that is quite funny
    Careful though, few weeks past she screamed a gathering of workers into the waters. Best just to mess with her once, don't rouse what you don't have to.
    You're the one who had me starin...
    Pah, tis in the past. Best get to work though.
    What work? Why are we in this pit?
    Look down.
    .....by the gods! Is that a skull!
    hahaHA! Look at you, scared of a dead body! This is the Brettin Bogs siree, ain't nothing BUT dead bodies buried here! And we're raising them!
    By Rua than the rumors are true...
    Ho boy, better start working like I said! Think ol' banshee girl's gotten over her fear of us! She's staring right hard at you now!
    Gah! Hand me a shovel! I'll dig, I'll dig!



    @SteelWriter77
    (5) The Goblin King of the Western Hills

    Henny Bonefinger's Action

    "Pretty Pretty Henny says...GIVE ME YOUR FINGERS!" the hag pounced the goblin and dragged her nails across his face. The goblin screamed, tumbling backwards into a table and upsetting goblets and platters piled high with food. The goblins, giants, and dwarves sitting around the table beat their fists and howled with laughter. Henny reached out and grabbed the goblin off the table, preparing to rip off his fingers. A low, loud banging stopped her.

    The bog hag glanced over her shoulder. The Goblin King Ruk Goldtooth, ruler of the Yulda valley, signaled with another bang of his scepter that Henny should cease her violence. The bog witch frowned, but nodded. King Barryroot, Goldtooth's guest, chuckled and sipped from his drinking horn.

    "Strange creature you have there King Ruk..."

    The goblin king nodded in agreement. "Aye..." he said, the words slipping out like a raspy breath.

    "She's a right rabbit in the sack there, liable to kill an underdweller soon as look at him."

    "Aye."

    "So why keep her around?"

    A small smile appeared on King Goldtooth's face. "Fancy a wager?"

    "Oh? What kind of wager my fine host?"

    "Pick any of your warriors. See if they can best Henny."

    "HA!" King Barryroot said, slamming the table with a fist. "Now THERE's a fine dance if I ever saw one! I'll take that deal. Two golds and a silver say my Hodgpy over there can stomp your bog hag into the ground." he pointed a gnarled, ring-laden finger towards a towering goblin with bulging muscles sitting at the table.

    King Goldtooth's smile grew slightly larger. "Aye, and if Henny wins, I want the rings you've been flashing around my hall."

    "Hm," King Barryroot said, inspecting his rings. "Very well." He raised slightly from his cushioned chair. "HODGPY!" the large goblin looked up from stuffing a chicken leg into his mouth. King Barryroot pointed at Henny. "Kill the bog hag."

    Hodgpy rose with an angry bellow. He grabbed a club leaning against his chair and hopped up on the table. Henny slowly turned to him. She looked the tall goblin on the table up and down, then glanced at King Goldtooth. Her master gave her a small nod.

    Henny Bonefingers grinned.

    Hodgpy jumped down from the table and lumbered towards her. He speed quickened as he raised his club. Henny waited. The goblin swung with both hands. The hag took the blow to the side of the head. She cackled as it carried her around, her bony nails digging into the weapon. When Hodgpy realized she was hanging on, he tried to shake her off the club. Henny curled around it like a spider, then crawled up his arm. The goblin tried to grab her, but she skittered around to his back. Henny rose up behind his shoulders and wrapped her long fingers around his head.

    "Pretty pretty Henny got youuuuuuu,"

    "RAAAAARG!" the goblin yelled. Henny twisted hard. His neck cracked and the goblin teetered. The bog hag cackled as she rode him down to the ground.

    The feast hall grew silent. Henny straightened up on the corpse of the goblin, then kicked as his head. King Goldtooth glanced at his guest. King Barryroot's expression was startled.

    "How about best two out of three," Goldtooth said. "We could even raise the stakes..."

    King Barryroot frowned for a moment. It quickly faded, then turned into a smile. "Aye, let's keep going then. THICKROOT! Get out there and bash the hag!"



    Runtun's Action

    What's all this then? Big feast in the cavern hold and we all have to gather out here?
    Shush you. Ol' Runtun's called this meeting. And look. Them goblins over there. All armed nice n' pretty
    Oh! You don't think they're going to turn those weapons on us do you?
    No stupid, you got worms in your head? Each one of em' got an armful of those weapons. How they supposed to use them all?
    Dunno...why carry em like that then?
    Word from the wind is that the Goblin King Goldtooth is raising a warband.
    Huh...aint been one of them since he did take the Yulda Valley...
    Aye, and now ol King Barryroot from the western stonehill is in his hall feasting? Me'thinks something big is happening in the valley...
    Oh, could be, could be...or, and hear me out here, perhaps they're just here to give us present? I do fancy me one of them spears!
    By the gods in their graves Stumple, you are by far the daftest goblin I've met round the hill...
    Don't lie, you want one too.
    ....so what if I do.
    They look nice those spears.
    They do, they do.
    Shiny.
    ...hm
    Think we should go and ask for em?
    I think you should shut yer lips. Look yonder. Runtun's coming...


    @Zedalb
    (6) The Northern Ogre Prince


    Saya's Action

    A small, pudgy satyr stood on a bluff overlooking a rocky valley. Behind him, in the shade of the trees lining the ridge, was the Saya the Wise. The sphinx was curled up, clearly comfortable, and licking her paw. She paused long enough to glance at the satyr's back.

    "Well?"

    "Hmph," the satyr said, taking out a pipe. He stuck it in his mouth, struck a match against his deerskin vest, then lit the pipe and puffed. "I see a few places might work." he puffed a few more times on the pipe, letting out smoke rings. "Aye, I see one right below us bout fits your master's needs."

    "Hmm," Saya said, rising. "Is that so." Her wings unfurled, her tail curling around one of her legs. "He needs a lot. Do you see a lot?"

    The satyr nodded, still puffing on his pipe. "I do."

    "Good. Then we'll get to work right away." The satyr glanced back at her. She met his gaze with a smile. "Your eyes betray you. You wish to ask a question."

    "Hmph," the satyr said. He chewed on his pipe end, as if thinking. "You're one of them bird women right?"

    "If you're referring to a harpy, then no, I'm nothing like them."

    "Still, that prince of yours, he's a fierce sort."

    Saya nodded, her smile remaining. "He is."

    "And you? Are you fierce?"

    "I am, in my own way."

    "He's got a pretty fine keep, up on that hill of his."

    Saya eyed him, her expression almost one of mirth. "Watch your words my horned companion. I spoke truly when I said I was fierce. Speak ill of my prince, and I'll have to find another like you. I'm sure you can guess why..."

    "Meant no disrespect, simply observing how strange it is that one pretty as you is with one as fierce and feared as him."

    "Strange as it may be, I serve the prince now and forever. Everyone does around the lake." her tail flicked behind her. "Something to keep in mind..."

    The satyr nodded, then turned back to the ravine. He pointed with his pipe below. "We'll start there. Gather your workers."



    Reega's Action

    Huff huff huff....huff huff huff...
    Hey...
    No talking huff huff, I'm about to fall...
    Right...me too....
    Huff huff, so don't talk to me...
    But...we've been running in these hills for so long! Why!
    Huff huff, if you have breath to ask why, you have breath to run!
    But what do you think Reega's thinking? Look at me! I'm six-hundred pounds of ogre muscle! I wasn't made to run!
    Seems like you can much as your jabbin with me!
    I'm just wondering is all!
    Look huff huff, we're made to crush things right?
    Oh yeah, I can crush real good...
    Huff huff, but Reega right?
    Right...
    He can crush stuff AND run huff huff
    He can. He's fast. Real fast.
    Like lightning he is huff huff, so it stands to reason he wants us to be like him.
    Strong AND fast?
    You've got it now...
    Will we be as loved by the lady ogres then?
    HA huff huff, no, not you Bobelch...not you....just keep running...



    @Vanestus
    (7) The Eastern King Under the Hill


    Snullywatch's Action


    Hoooo, no there's something you don't see everyday!
    What?
    Look closely son. See where I'm pointing?
    Hm? You mean cross the river da?
    Yup, see those figures?
    ....I do! I see them now!
    Those are dwarves son, sons of the earth.
    Dwarves da? What are those?
    Small and hardy folk, dangerous too. I'd heard word they were settled up in the ruins of Calius. Seems it was true.
    Why are they dangerous da?
    Well...just like any monster of the forest or the hills, they don't take kindly to those outside their tribe. Specially not us mortal men.
    Are they magic da? Like in the old stories?
    Well...can't say really. Dwarves might be magic, might not. Don't know terribly much about them, only to stay away.
    What do you think they're doing da?
    Looking for something, or possibly tracking. See all that equipment they got with them? Same as any land-bound tradesman. I'd bet my hat they're looking for something.
    What will happen if they see us da?
    Haha, don't you worry none about that son. You don't mess with dwarves, and dwarves won't mess with you.
    Really da?
    Hmm....well, not that you mention it, I don't know for sure about that either. Best to just stay away.
    Okay da...



    Gus's Action

    'Hey Gus!"

    The giant oxen continued chewing, his ears tilted lazily around his head.

    "Gus I know you can hear me dammit!"

    The giant oxen glanced down without moving his head. He could just barely make out a troll peering up at him. "Hm," Gus said, swallowing.

    "Well," the troll said, putting his hands to his hips. "You had me go out and gather a bunch of dwarves, gnomes, and trolls, and so I did! We're all waiting for you."

    Gus frowned, pondering the creature's words. After a moment he lowered his head and ate another tree, then chewed it.

    "Is that a no you oversized calf?"

    Gus let out a belch, then gestured with his hoof for the troll to start moving.

    "Oh apologies, am I in your way? You don't have to push me around just cause you're bigger!"

    Gus ignored him and started walking. Each step he took shook the ground. The troll jogged to keep up with him.

    "You know, we know you can talk! We've heard you talk with the lord all the time!"

    "Hm," Gus said, staring lazily ahead.

    "But we're just going to get the silent treatment eh?"

    Gus glanced down at the troll. A small hint of a smile appeared on his face, then he stared straight ahead again.

    "I saw that! I saw that! You're choosing not to talk!"

    "Hm," Gus said, speeding up. The troll had to break into a run. "Hey wait up! Hey! Dammit Gus! Wait up!"



    @The Villain
    (8) The Horned King of the Southern Crag



    Heccafet's Action

    Murmurs coursed through a large cavern. The opening looked out to an evening sky, but the interior itself was lit with torches and burners. It was the gathering hall of the Horned King, lord of the mountain hold of Rulauna. Within the mountain were a thousand caves and tunnels, all of them filled with monsters. King Simaldrus Haraltain's gathering hall was among the biggest. Hundreds of monsters waited with tense anticipation. There were harpies, and then the tazann, muscled figures shaped like men, save for the sharp beaks curling from their heads and the long talons on their hands. Those with feathers made up the most, but there were also ogres, satyrs, and a few cyclops. At the head of the cavern was King Haraltain. The tazann lord sat in his throne, a golden goblet in his claws. Next to him was Heccafet, the bird king's loyal spider servant. She rose on her eight legs, towering over everyone gathered in the cavern.

    "Thank you," she said, her voice surprisingly quiet. "Thank you all for coming here..."

    "Speak up!" a harpy yelled. Many murmured in agreement.

    Heccafet gazed upon the harpy, though her expression was unreadable. She finally broke eye contact and turned back to the cavern. "Our king has gathered us all today so that we may establish a new order of things. A new kingdom for a new age..."

    "What are you talking about!" a large gryphon called. "I don't understand those words!"

    "Then listen." Heccafet said. Her voice was still quiet, but the cavern obeyed. It was due to the way King Haraltain was now staring at everyone beside the giant spider. His expression seemed bored, but his eyes simmered with cold anger. "Now," Heccafet said. "We will first speak of caves and tunnels, homes and roosts. Our king wishes for a census to be taken."

    "What's a census!" a cyclops yelled. Many others voiced the same question. Their words echoed around the cavern until the king silenced them with another look.

    "A census is a count," Heccafet said. "To number our heads. It is a good thing, for once we know our numbers, we will know what we can do. And afterwards, we will then speak of chieftains and tribute."

    "Tribute?" a harpy called. "What do you mean!" others shouted and stomped their feet. King Haraltain rose from his chair, passing his goblet to a servant. His voice was as quiet as Heccafet's, but somehow echoed around the cavern.

    "A word to the wise. If when I return you have not begun the count, there will be consequences. Only the worthy will serve in my new kingdom."

    Those in the cavern were silent. Heccafet bowed as the king left, and after a beat many others followed suite. When he had left, the giant spider turned back to the gathering. "Now, line up by clan, here where the satyrs are drawing the chalk lines. Quickly now."

    The cavern began to fill with activity as the monsters obeyed.



    Druug's Action

    I've never seen a creature move like that. He's like a boulder.
    All cyclops are. Like mountains of flesh, unstoppable, deadly.
    Where do you think he comes from? He's breaking through those trees like grass!
    See in that distance? That mountain, rising up lonely in the sky?
    Yeah...?
    That's Rulauna, a mountain full of caves and monstrous birds.
    So the cyclops serves the birds?
    Oh yes, no doubt. There's a king in that mountain that's gathered those of the beak and feather. You can see harpies circling the peak day and night if you watch for them.
    And cyclops too?
    And cyclops...
    You know, if that big lug keeps going that direction, he's going to run into...
    I know. The way he's moving, I think that cyclops knows too...
    And he's going straight towards it?
    Probably wants to see it with his own eye.
    Will he fight it?
    No. I wouldn't. But he'll come back with those bird men, mark my words.
    Hm. That might be a good thing then. That thing has been terrorizing the land for years now.
    Hm. Maybe so...


    [Event] Druug has discovered the lair of a manticore to the south of Ruluana. Although the creature tends to stick to its territory, it may occasionally hunt around the mountain. Fighting it however will carry some risk.



    @Fellgrave
    (9) The Scourge of the North


    Hildrid's Action

    "Hildrid Hildrid!"

    The tall woman didn't respond, instead walking with a map held in front of her. She paused as several small bodies tackled her, then resumed walking. Hildrid was hardly swayed, instead walking as if there weren't half a dozen children hanging off her. The children laughed as they held on, doing their best to bring her down. "Come on Hildrid!" a girl called. "Fall down you giant!"

    "I think not," Hildrid said, doing her best to hide her smile. She strode onward, moving her limbs and swinging the children back and forth. "If you want victory against me, you must earn it."

    The children laughed as they were flung off. They hit the ground and rolled away. The warriors following Hildrid chuckled. "Go on you," one of them men yelled. "We're doing work on the winter queen's orders, and if you get in our way, that's the traitor's noose!"

    The children's eyes went wide. Hildrid nodded solemnly, now able to hide her smile. "I'm afraid so children. Run along back to the village now."

    One of the boys frowned, putting his hands on his hips. "First tell us if you're a sky maiden!"

    "Yeah!" the other children called.

    "Will you really take us up into the sky after we die?"

    "Is it true you can fly like a bird, with wings and a flamming sword??"

    The warriors laughed again. "Only if you die bravely," one called. "So you better start practicing!"

    The children grew quiet and amazed. They gazed upon Hildrid. The tall woman simply exhaled and shook her head. "Do not listen to these men children. Go along now, I have my work I must tend to."

    The children exchanged glances. "Will you come play with us afterwards?"

    Hildrid arched an eyebrow. "Do I look like one who plays? Don't make me repeat myself, or nobody is going to the sky when they die."

    "Oh no!" the children cried. They turned and ran, headed for the distant settlement of Rhunseld. Behind it rose the mountain called Nouv. The warriors watched the children disappear with amused smiles, then turned back to Hildrid.

    "Must be hard to yell at the children," a man said. "They seem to grow on you sky maiden."

    Hildrid turned away from the warriors and resumed walking. "Not at all. I find them tiresome."

    Though the warriors couldn't see it, they could hear the lie in her voice. As Hildred led the way, her expression seemed that much more content.



    Buric's Action

    Oh damn it all here comes Buric
    That madman? The one who talks to himself?
    That's the one! Look how he walks, it's as if he's got a bee trapped in his skins!
    Or perhaps it's a dance? Hard to tell.
    What's he doing?
    Gathering people it seems like. Oop. Now he's yelling at them.
    By the guiding wolf look at him go!
    He's really getting worked up now.
    Hold up. What's this?
    Men, looks like they serve Lady Nightchill.
    They've got shovels, what are they doing with them?
    Passing it out it seems.
    Oh I see now, he's going to put them to work!
    Doing what you think?
    Digging something obviously.
    Wait Urson, Buric's coming this way now!
    Damn me to forsfun he's bringing shovels, run! Run!"
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • I should mention you don't have to necessarily address [Events] if you don't want to. You can put them off for many turns, but they will eventually have to be dealt with. And, if those who have them chose to deal with them this turn, let me know, because there will be some combat involved.
     
    Lop said:
    I should mention you don't have to necessarily address [Events] if you don't want to. You can put them off for many turns, but they will eventually have to be dealt with. And, if those who have them chose to deal with them this turn, let me know, because there will be some combat involved.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    So I do have a question about what happened regarding the goatmen from last turn
     
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    i am happy that Berryroot appreciates a good game of chance, such things are a way of the world after all.

    And i am glad that Ruk knows what is important in life, it's all about presentation.
     
    Lop said:
    I should mention you don't have to necessarily address [Events] if you don't want to. You can put them off for many turns, but they will eventually have to be dealt with. And, if those who have them chose to deal with them this turn, let me know, because there will be some combat involved.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    C: Er, unless that scholar is planning on shanking us if we don't allow his fellow Hassid in, I'm not sure why that would be the case for us? That said, we are planning on resolving that ASAP.
     
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    Golden Valley Tavern Discord Server (no tabs)
  • Informational
    • discord.gg

    Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games

    Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.
    discord.gg discord.gg

    I made us a discord, I will be posting the maps and other things as well as announcements for updates and will also have rooms for negotiations and stuff, it's a way for quick small communications and stuff.
     
  • Informational
    • Lop said:
    So each village/settlement/group you bring under your reign is another "unit" you can raise. More population = more units. And other things. You have the goatmen now basically.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    So right now we can raise up to three units each right? One for the the Hall, the Village and the Fields, whatever form those might take.
     
    Lop said:
    Checked it over and it's good, your location will be (9) on the map. DM 2 actions you want to do this turn when you get the chance, and welcome aboard!
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...


    Do you got a specific format you want these actions to follow? And is there a general limit as to what one can do with actions, or is it fairly free form?

    Any word limits you want? I like writing detailed orders typically, but I can tone it down if you prefer more simplistic to the point submissions.
     
    Cosmo Rat said:
    Do you got a specific format you want these actions to follow? And is there a general limit as to what one can do with actions, or is it fairly free form?

    Any word limits you want? I like writing detailed orders typically, but I can tone it down if you prefer more simplistic to the point submissions.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Some players leave it vague and general, others hyper-specific, 2 servants, 2 actions per turn. Almost anything you try will require prerequisite steps, though what they are depends on what you want. So far most actions have been raising light warbands, diplomacy, and the searching for resources
     
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