Strange Tides

[DragonParadox]

Strange Tides
​

Many things have the Helens been, children of the gods under the gaze of Olympus, shepherds guarding flocks and singing songs in honor of Pan, tillers of the soil who offered thanks to Demeter as they reaped that which would become their daily bread, mourners wailing before the grave that is the entrance to the Underworld, and warriors reaping foemen upon the bloody field of war. However, the boldest and most cunning have ever been the mariners, looking to the realm of Poseidon to the horizon and beyond, to new lands undreamt.

Perils await you over the water whether you be driven by the lure of treasure and land fit for the plow or if you seek sanctuary from tyranny and war—strange peoples, stranger creatures, but also the chance to make a new realm that will grow rich in gold and in song, mighty in peace and gracious in war, a port for the wary mariner, a city to call home.

From which city did you spring? What do you carry with you in the holds of your ships? What do you treasure in your hearts?

[] [Parent City] Orchomenos:

Spoiler: Description

Risen from the marshes, the city has no great love of Demeter, and even its graves are lined with stone rather than clay and earth, for they hold that by the grace of Hephaestus was their realm raised from the mire and by his intercession they hope the dead might pass into their proper place. At times the spirits wander for the Lame One is no shepherd of souls, but he is crafty and dutiful both so he sees to his people's needs in the end. Surrounded by the rich plains of Boeotia the city has less of a sailor's craft than many but much need for timber just the same to build its many ships for trade and war. Many are the bards who sing its praises with honeyed verse and soft lyre stirring.

Advantages:

Tradition of Grand Architecture (draining swamps, damming rivers etc...)
Beloved of Hephaestus
Skilled bards and poets

Disadvantages:

Less skilled sailors
Discontent harvest gods
Penalty to diplomacy with nature spirits

[] [Parent City] Miletus:

Spoiler: Description

City on the surprise shores of Helios blessed and blighted both. The roofs of its temples shine as beaten gold, and yet from hence come their lords, the Hittites, who claim great tribute of cattle and sheep. Still, though the yoke of empire lies uneasily upon its shoulders, the Miletans learned much from their lords, of the counting of tallies and spells pressed into wet clay, of how foreign gods may be propitiated and their anger staved. From Crete they are said to have crossed the sea many lifetimes ago and from them they learned a trader's arts who were said to have studied at the feet of Hermes far traveler in times long past. By the stars they are guided not only upon the sea but the shore also.

Advantages:
Scholars of the Mystic Arts
Skilled Traders
High-quality Scribes

Disadvantages:
Contentious Spirit (more likely to suffer internal unrest)
Foreigners in a thousand ports (Suffer diplomacy penalties with Greek city states who will see you as more Hittite than Greek)
Astrological obsession (will suffer more from inauspicious signs in the sky be they true or simple conjuncture)

[] [Parent City] Mycenae

Spoiler: Description

The city beyond the Lion's Gate whom all the Greek world looks to for guidance, though some may grumble at that solemn truth. Before the chariots of Mycenae and one who would seek to take the city unaware has yet to contend with the great walls raised by the sons of Poseidon whom it is said no mortal arts can breech. Not yours are yet those ancient glories but they may yet be, for yours is a branch of a great tree whose roots go deep, sons of Perseus and heirs of Zeus.

Advantages:
Hegemon's Heirs (Can hold more vassal states safely, income from vassals increased)
Chariots of the King (Increased Chariot Strength and Cost)
Cyclops' Craft (Can create stronger fortifications; ancient pact allowing one to call on Cyclops builders)

Disadvantages:
The Pride of Princes (Increased social stratification lowered administrative skill)
Envy's Bite (Diplomacy penalties with all major Greek City States)
Lordly Disdain (Lower morale of infantry)

[] [Parent City] Knossos

Spoiler: Description

Yours is a realm so ancient that only the Titans remember its roots, for the waves have sung of your deeds ere the birth of Poseidon and only Gaia knows when the first plow was drawn through Cretan soil. A land of old arts yours is, learned from Aegyptus before the Helens came down to rule among the hills and valleys. Yet now uneasily the hand of a Greek lord holds sway over the palace where Minos once feasted. The people obey, but grudgingly, for talk of ancient glory is slow indeed to fade. Will you embrace the conqueror's ways or seek the paths of old?

Advantages:
Artistic Excellence (Increased wealth from finished goods)
Cultural Refinement (Greater chance to influence other cultures through trade and marriage and other forms of soft power)
Ancient Mariners (Bonus to diplomacy with Egypt and Mesopotamia)

Disadvantages:
Gaze of the Past (Harder to research and adopt new ideas)
Children of Minos (Poseidon turns a dark eye towards you)
Uneasy Rule (Social Friction with the Hellenized Ruling class)

Upon what shore did you find yourselves by the navigator's skill and the whim of Poseidon who churns the sea?

[] [Location] Drepane

Spoiler: Description

Sickle Isle, so named for the form the land takes as it rises from the waves of the Western Sea, is in many ways so akin to home a as to bring tears to a weary sailor's eye. In the north a lonely peak rises among cedar-dotted hills that echo with the haunting music of pipes such as no mortal can ever play, but the high places quickly give way to lowlands with fat black soil ripe for the plow. Safe harbors there are aplenty, enough to ward one from the wrath of any storms save those the Earth Shaker himself has sent, and beyond their mouths fish dart through the waters in silvery multitudes. Yet the careful traveler cannot help but wonder, why then has no fortress yet been set upon this land, only scattered fires in the night, the work of the sons of Pelasgus? That one who is not only careful but wise in the ways of wind and tide knows raiders oft come here from the north, hungry for tin more than gold and silver, for bronze is rarer in the northlands, but not courage at arms.

Colony: You come here to secure the western trade routes, following a vision granted by a priestess of Hecate which has been hard in earning. An eye the witch took for her price though wisdom she granted in return. She claimed that there are many spirits of the waters here thirsting for the praise of men and great temples filled with gold and torchlight.

Exiles: Lost are you, travelers on a storm-tossed sea never to see your home again, for what the fires did not claim the foemen stole away, and yet from the blood-soaked fields must all life spring. You sail with the blessing of Persephone carried on the wailing wind.
Starting Resources for Exiles: Population 15, Supplies 30, Wealth 5, 1x Galley-Squadron, 1x Sailors-Unit, 1x Garrison-Unit

[] [Location] Hyboria

Spoiler: Description

Dark and cold are the waters. Akesons Pontos many call them, a sea of ill omen, filed with strange lonely spirits that love storms and hate the sunlit waters, but you have sailed them just the same, along strange coasts where men know not your tongue you traded pottery, wine and oil for amber and the pelts of great bests. To the farthest shore you have traveled, knowing that the gods love boldness in a traveler and cheer it on. Here at the ends of the world you shall draw your weary boats onto the shore and from the tall silent forests that have stood here since the world's beginning carve another fleet such as will be the envy of all the world. Yet there are other things than man and beast wandering under the ancient bough, not known in the lands of Hellas. What sacrifices would they ask of and by what chants they may be warded off even the wisest among you know not, but beyond the forest the rumble of centaur hooves is heard. The woods shall be your fortress ere you can raise walls of stone.

Colony: Sent in search of trade with the lands beyond the plains, if the sea of grass ever truly ends, you are accompanied by many wise and learned in the way of earth and sky, though you cannot help but wonder how many of them were sent here to remove their words from the ear of the faithful.

Exile: Banished from your lands by the folly of a tyrant king who turned his back on the sea after it stole away a daughter and three sons, you carry with you all the holy treasures of the shrine of Poseidon and thus may raise it again upon this strange shore. Be wary, though, lest you leave such relics unguarded, for there are many fools who would steal even from the gods.
Starting Resources for Exiles: Population 10, Supplies 20, Wealth 30, 1x Galley-Squadron, 1x Sailor-Unit, 1x Garrison-Unit

[] [Location] Aziris

Spoiler: Description

It is told that Demeter when she was still young once asked Gaia to tell her about all the lands of the world and the plants that grew therein. She listened with rapt attention, but when she was told about the endless wastes of Ta Descheret and that no plant dared to grow under its scorching heat, Demeter refused to believe such as place could exist. So she set forth towards this land and found it barren. Gripped by a deep sorrow, the goddess walked along the shore for a year and day, indecisive on whether to leave or to explore further. All the while she wept and where her tears fell, the land began to bloom. And as she saw what she had done, Demeter's sorrow lessened and she returned home. Libya they call these lands today, its fertile hills inviting, yet to the south Ta Descheret looms, and no one can tell what strange people and creatures might brave the red sands to come to these hills.

Colony: When the priestesses of Demeter called forth the people to join them on their journey to the lands touched by goddess, many scoffed at the notion, but others greeted their request with open arms. The oracles are divided, for they foretell great fortunes to many if they would sow their seeds in Libya and great peril to others.

Exile: A daring voyage it was called, but nearly the doom of this grand trading fleet it had become. Of all the ships braving the open sea to reach the rich lands of Aegyptus, only a handful had survived Poseidon's wrath. Yet survive they did and the winds had not washed them ashore on barren lands, but in a place where there might yet still be hope.
Starting Resources for Exiles: Population 5, Supplies 10, Wealth 40, 2x Galley-Squadron, 3x Sailors-Unit

[] [Location] Hyphyria (Exile start only)

Spoiler: Description

It was the eve of destruction for your city. Calamity had beset your home as plague and fire ravished those within the walls. The wrath of the gods had come upon you, but the priests and oracles were all in agreement that it was not a misdeed that had brought it forth, but the prayers of your neighbors. The prayers of those who called themselves your allies in the current war, now revealed as traitors. So when you army returned, the men found their wives and children dead, and those they had fought beside marching upon the walls to tear down what little was left. But then a strange woman arrived at the king's palace, her skin as dark as coal and the wings of a bat wrapped around her shoulders. What she spoke off with the king, no one knew, but on the next day, he gave a strange order. The fleet would be loaded with what little that was left, only the king and those warriors not fitting on the ships staying behind. And while they laid down their lives in a hopeless fight, the survivors went west. Always to the west, as their king had told them to. To a goal that they did not know, but would recognize when they beheld it, somewhere behind the western winds.
Starting Resources for Exiles: Population 15, Supplies 15, Wealth 10, 3x Galley-Squadron, 2x Sailors-Unit, 2x Infantry-Unit, 2x Archer-Unit

How did you arrive on these foreign shores?
[] [Journey] As an exile from your home, thrown upon this shores by fate. (Exile Start, see locations for details)
[] [Journey] Send from your home to claim new lands. You will receive aid from your old home, but also will be called upon to send tribute and aid in times of war. (Colony Start)
-[] What did you bring on your journey? (You have 90 Wealth to spend. Remaining Wealth is kept and available in the colony.)
-[] Write-In

Spoiler: Mechanics

Population - How many people live in your colony. Each unit of Population consumes 1 unit of supplies each turn.
Supplies - Basic goods such as food and wood to supply your population.
Wealth - Trade goods, ranging from tools, over fine wine to gold and silver.

Military Units:
Galley Squadron - 5 medium sized galleys, useful for trade, exploration and naval warfare
Sailors - Well-trained sailors and fighters, useful for boarding combat and naval invasions.
Garrison - Lightly-equipped troops that usually defend a city, but can be send to battle in a pinch.
Infantry - Basic spear fighters.
Archers - Basic ranged fighters.

Price List	Wealth
Population	2
Supplies	2
Galley Squadron	10
Sailor Unit	7
Garrison Unit	5
Infantry Unit	7
Archer Unit	6

---

 

[DragonParadox]

Mechanics​

Dice Rolling
All rolls are made using a dice pool, which size is determined by the skills of the person attempting it or the ruler of the polity performing the action, if no specific character is performing the task. For regular checks, you roll a number of dice equal to the skill rank and add up the results.
Example: 3d6 -> 6 4 1 Result: 11

For basic success checks, this result must be equal or higher then the set difficulty of a task to succeed, with a result that is much higher or much lower then the DC determining the degree of success or failure.
For opposed checks, both opponents roll the dice pool of a given skill and the person with the higher result wins.
For random event checks, the result value is compared to the random result chart instead.
For both opposed checks and random event checks, there can be a fixed bonus or malus for the check which is added or subtracted from the result.

Spoiler: Random Result Table

Random Result Table
2 or less	Critical Failure	9​	Major Failure	16​	Major Failure	23​	Major Failure	30​	Major Success
3​	Major Failure	10​	Failure	17​	Success	24​	Failure	31​	Success
4​	Failure	11​	Failure	18​	Major Success	25​	Success	32​	Failure
5​	Critical Failure	12​	Critical Success	19​	Major Failure	26​	Success	33​	Success
6​	Success	13​	Failure	20​	Major Success	27​	Major Success	34​	Failure
7​	Failure	14​	Major Success	21​	Failure	28​	Critical Success	35​	Major Success
8​	Success	15​	Success	22​	Success	29​	Major Failure	36 or more	Critical Success

Furthermore, a dice pool can be modified by Success Dice and Failure Dice.
For each Success Dice added to a pool, roll one additional dice and discard the lowest individual result before adding up.
Example: 3d6 + 2 SD -> 6 3 3 2 1 Result: 12
The most common source of Success Dice is a specialization of a skill, but other circumstances can also grant them. You can never have more Success Dice then base pool dice, no matter from what source they have been gained.

For each Failure Dice assigned to a check, you do not roll any additional dice, but have to drop the result of one dice.
Example: 3d6 - 1 FD -> 5 3 2 Result: 8


Skills and Specializations

Diplomacy: How well a person can speak to others and convince them of something.
- Charm: Used to convince people of your good intentions and to make a good impression. Often rolled in the beginning of a meeting to determine the disposition of both parties to each other.
- Persuasion: Attempting to convince someone of something. The bread and butter of diplomacy.
- Deception: The art of lying through your teeth without getting caught. Often used for intrigue.

Combat: The skill in personal combat.
- Close Combat: All fighting done with swords, spears, axes and the like.
- Ranged Combat: The usage of bows, slings and javelins.
- Endurance: How well the character can withstand damage.

Warfare: The ability to lead troops into battle.
- Command: Used to give order to specific units during battle.
- Tactics: Used to determine the initiative order during battles and to determine the starting positioning.
- Strategy: Used for campaign planning and to coordinate armies on the march.

Rulership: How well the character can rule a polity.
- Administration: Used to keep the wheels of the state turning and to interact with institutions.
- Trade: How well the character is versed in economic matters.
- Law: Used to pass laws and to rule on legal matters.

Learning: How educated the character is.
- Art: The fine arts, including poetry, oration and theater.
- Sciences: The knowledge about the natural world, such as math and architecture.
- Mysticism: The knowledge about spiritual matters, the gods and other strange creatures roaming the world.

Skills usually rank from 1 to 7, with 1 denoting ineptitude in a given field, 2 being the average and 7 representing a true paragon in this ability. Specializations can never be higher then the rank of the skill to which they belong.

 

[DragonParadox]

Characters​

King Isidoros
Middle-Aged (- 1 FD on Combat checks)
Flaws: Shy (-1 FD on Diplomacy checks)
Qualities: Head for Numbers (+1 SD on Trade and Sciences checks)

Skills:
Diplomacy 2 - 1 FD (Shy)
Combat 1 - 1 FD (Middle-Aged)
Warfare 2
Rulership 5
- Administration 2
- Trade 0 + 1 SD (Head for Numbers)
Learning 4
- Sciences 0 + 1 SD (Head for Numbers)
- Mysticism 1

Argurios Alexis
Adult
Flaws: Glory-Hound (when in combat or war, must make a DC 12 check on the relevant ability or pursue the course of action that brings him the most glory)
Qualities: Old Nobility (+1 SD on Diplomacy when interacting with Greek nobility)

Diplomacy 3
- Charm 1
Combat 4 +1 = 5
- Close Combat 1
Warfare 3
Rulership 1
Learning 2

Equipment:

Vestments of Hephaestus
Artifact Spear and Artifact Armor
Base Damage: Combat + 1
Armor Rating: 8
Qualities: Piercing 2 (Ignores 2 AR.)
Special: Wearer gains +1 to Combat while wearing the Vestments.

Semni
Age: Adult
Culture: Barbaroi
Faith: Worship of Gradivus

Flaws: Disgraced (-1 FD on Diplomacy checks against nobility)
Qualities: Favor of the Low-Born (+1 SD on Diplomacy checks against low-born)

Diplomacy 4
- Charm 1
- Persuasion 1
- Deception 2
Combat 1
Warfare 2
Rulership 2
Learning 3
- Art 1
- Mysticism 1

Oikomenos Procopius
Culture: Orchomenian
Middle-Aged (- 1 FD on Combat checks)

Flaws: Ill-Mannered (-1 FD on offensive Diplomacy checks)
Qualities: Stubborn (+1 SD on defensive Charm and Persuasion checks)

Diplomacy 4
- Persuasion 1
Combat 3
- Endurance 1
Warfare 1
Rulership 4
- Trade 2
Learning 3

 

[DragonParadox]

Hyphyria​

Minor Refugee City
Region: Unknown
Culture: Greek - Orchomenean
Religion: Greek
Patron Deity: Hephaestus

Civilization Modifiers:

Advantages:
Tradition of Grand Architecture:+1 SD for infrastructure projects, unlocks additional actions
Beloved of Hephaestus: +1 SD for interactions with Hepheastus
Skilled bards and poets: +1 SD for Learning- Arts rolls

Disadvantages:
Less skilled sailors: -1 FD for all naval rolls and for all rolls by Sailor units
Discontent harvest gods: -1 FD for farming rolls
Ill at ease with nature spirits: -1 FD for Diplomacy rolls with nature spirits

Status
Population: 17
Supplies: 4
Wealth: 19
Building & Military Cap: 13 / 17

Income
Supplies: 5d6 +1d3
Wealth: 3d6 +2d3

Expenses
Supplies: 17 (Consumption by Population)
Wealth: 2 (Building Upkeep), 5 (Military Upkeep)

Buildings
Simple Temple of Hephaestus
5x Farmstead (1d6 Supplies per turn)
1x Woodcutting Camp (1d6 Wealth per turn, 1 Wealth Upkeep)
1x Shepherds (1d3 Supplies + 1d3 Wealth per turn)
1x Pottery Kilns (1d6 Wealth per turn, 1 Wealth Upkeep)

Trade
Mountain Shepherds: 1d6 Wealth per turn
Earth Folk: 1d3 Wealth per turn

Military
- 1x Galley Squadron
- 1x Sailor Unit
- 1x Infantry Unit
- 2x Archer Uni

 

[DragonParadox]

Relationships​

Mortals

Mountain Shepherds - +1
Thanks to Semni's honeyed words and the show of fine Hyphyrian pottery the locals are now more well disposed than not, though their good will is as yet rather shallow.

Woodfolk - +3
Though the first contact was far from peaceful, these strange people have stood by their word. Never did they bother you since you stayed away from the forests they claim and there is still the offer to send an envoy to them to maybe establish some ties with them.

Divines

Hephaestus - +13
The patron deity of your people never joined with the other gods efforts to bring down your old home and though no one knows for certain which of the gods had sent the signs guiding your exodus, it is likely that it was the smith. That you've built him a temple, humble as it may be, in this time of strife has apparently pleased him greatly and the priests say that the signs from him are favorable.

Demeter - +4
By many seen as the chief architect of Orchomenos doom, the goddess of the harvest is also acknowledged as instrumental in ensuring that Hyphyria did not suffer famine in its first few seasons. It is not for men to hold grudges against gods, though in the secret places of their hearts many do

Poseidon - +1
During your journey to Hyphyria, the lord of the waves has clearly shown his hand, but his reasons for doing so remain a mystery. The best his priests could say of it is that the Earth-Shaker does not seem displeased.

Zeus - 0
His cult is a minor on in the city and for now there are no signs of his will, for good or for ill

Hades - 0
His cult is a minor on in the city and for now there are no signs of his will, for good or for ill

 

[Azel]

An End And A Beginning​

Orchomenos. City in the marshes. Home of architects and poets, renowned through the world. By Hephaestus grace it had grown to what it was and the people loved him for it, yet not all the gods smiled upon its walls. Demeter never truly forgave the city for replacing blooming ponds with cobble and brick. For the longest while, this seemed fine, the favor of one god enough to deter the wrath of another. But there were more gods than two.

As Gla and Thebes called for aid, the army marched. To Athens they went, set on reigning in the ambitious king that was gathering forces to attack Thebes himself. Yet as they marched, the sky darkened over Orchomenos and rain poured into the channels while the oracles spoke of a great calamity coming. First the grains grew sickly, their stalks deformed and rotting on the field. Then it spread towards the granaries, mold blooming in the stores. Food grew scarce in the city, the people forced to starve themselves or risk eating tainted bread and meat. The wrath of Demeter had finally come and it was not only her work that brought ruin.

The temples filled with those seeking to appease the gods, just as the channels succumbed to the torrential rains, flooding farms and homes alike. But there was nothing that the priests could do, their patrons set on their path. And finally, the oracles were granted the knowledge why. Before the war had even begun, a great festival had been held in Thebes and ample sacrifice given to the gods. And a pledge was given for even greater gifts, should they aid the Thebans to bring Orchomenos low.

And thus the hoplites returned to see their home in ruins, their own reports of treachery received with a very acceptance of those who still lived in the city. They had been bled dearly by the Thebans campaign and they knew that their army was still ready to march anew. Soon enough they would come to finish what the gods had started. Many came to the doors of the palace to ask for orders from the king, but the doors remained closed to all of them. Two sons he had lost in the war and his daughter was dead from sickness and hunger. So he shut himself in with his grief, waiting for the end like so many others who had chosen despair over flight.

Then she had come to the steps of the palace, a woman with skin as dark as pitch, wings like a bat folded around her like a fell cloak. None dared to ask her name or ask if she was goddess, nymph, or something other yet. None dared to bar her way when she came before the palace doors. If she had come to heap further misfortune on Orchomenos, then there was little the people could do to stop her after all. But that was not her purpose. For a whole night, she spoke to the king in private and what was said between them, no one knew. When the doors to the king's private chambers opened again, she was long gone and the king himself was changed. Gone was the listless old man many saw in the days before, but neither was it true vigor that had returned to him. He had purpose again, yet no hope he had found, for his fate and that of the city was sealed already, though not that of its people.

On the king's orders, the fleet was prepared and every ship manned with as many people as it could carry. Their holds were filled to the brim with food and tools, supplies for a journey that no one knew the true length of. The soldiers that were left were sent along, defending the refugees instead of laying down their lives in a futile last stand. And as the final galley was loaded on the shores of the lake Kopais, the king revealed their goal to them. To the west they would sail, against the western winds and ever onward and beyond. Where they were headed even he did not know, but he was certain that they would arrive. In the rain the ships left, never to return to their home. The city might have endured, the homes rebuilt and the fields tilled again, but it would not truly be Orchomenos once more, just a mockery existing at the whims of the Thebans.

For many days the journey dragged on. First they went south, evading the fleets of Thebes and Athens on their way to circle around Greece. For the longest while, Poseidon was kind to the refugees, the open waters almost eerily calm as they rowed on towards the setting sun. But when they first found land west of Greece, the weather turned on them. A few thought their journey over and eagerly turned their ships to the shores, but wind and waves gripped the galleys of all who dallied. The shore was no salvation and the sea threw them upon it with fury, their ships splintering like kindling and all on board crushed or drawn down into the waters. So the fleet traveled on, now slightly lessened, the wind guiding them along these unknown coasts, though also promising retribution if it was not heeded.

The people grew restless as they traveled along the coasts. Many reported seeing villages and fires on the land and clamored to land and trade with the locals or to ask for a place where they could settle down. Others spoke of yet stranger things, of eery lights shining in the forests and hushed whispers carried by cold winds. Each day, the fleet moved slower than before, the people becoming more willing to risk the winds and waves than to travel on eternally. Then, one day, a storm came over them. If Poseidon had grown tired of toying with the exiles or had been angered by their delays the people did not know, but they did not give up. An attempt was made to save the fleet by leaving the sea in favor of a wide river, the rowers working with renewed ferocity to escape the waves rolling over the decks of the galleys.

Despite the fears, though, the maneuver succeeded. Not a single galley ran aground or was smashed against the shore, and as they traveled further upwards the river the wind and rain lessened. Among a set of hills, they finally made landfall the journey having come to an end. No one among them knew how the land they had reached was called. No name was known for the river or the sea. Before them, no Greek had ever gone this far and even though the lush green hills and familiar looking forests kindled fond memories of home, there was something other about this place. But the supplies were almost spent, the people weary and few of the ships still in good enough shape for further voyages. Here they would have to stay, for better or for worse. Far away from the treacherous Thebans, but also far from anything they ever knew.

Hyphyria they named this place. The city beyond the western winds. Here the legacy of Orchomenos would rise.


Many things will had to be done before a campsite became a city in truth, but who lead the people in these early days?

[] [Leader] Strategos Alkaios
The last general of Orchomenos, promoted after his predecessor died upon Athenian spears. Young and brash many called him, but with a keen eye for tactics and beloved by the people for his oration.

[] [Leader] Oikonomos Isidoros
The keeper of the palace under the late king. An old man by the measure of his peers, though still strong and with a wise mind. Few knew him that well, for he was a recluse, but a well-learned man with a knack to organize things.

[] [Leader] Theoroi Nikanor
A close confidant of the king, the diplomat had many friends and allies in the court of Orchomenous and around the Greek cities. Though those things mattered little now, his tongue and wits were still sharp as ever, be they used to find allies or deceive foes.


What would be the first thing the Hyphyrians built in their settlement?

[] [Construction] Farms
Summer was already upon the lands and little time was there left to sow the few seeds the refugees had brought. The harvest would not be plenty, but they needed food for the winter just the same.

[] [Construction] Temple of Hephaestus
Not all gods had turned their back on Orchomenous in it's last days and so would it not behoove the people to offer thanks to their patron for his protection? Someone must have sent the strange woman after all, and convinced Poseidon of guiding the fleet's voyage.

[] [Construction] Temple of Demeter
Here here in this strange earth was a chance to start anew. The people would give due reverence to the Lady of the Harvest, so that her wrath was quenched. The fall of Orchomenos would not repeat itself.

[] [Construction] Palisade
Of soldiers the new settlement had many, yet there was no telling what dangers lurked beyond the hills. Even though a palisade was no true wall, it would have helped greatly to see the people safe.


The people knew nothing about the lands they now wanted to settle in and though there was danger in the task of exploring, there was also danger in not knowing what might be around them.

[] [Exploration] Explore the land. (Pick up to 2)
-[] The mountains to the east.
-[] The forests around the hills.
-[] The shore to the north.
-[] The shore to the south.
[] [Exploration] Don't explore for now.

AN: Nothing truly exiting happening so far, but this epic journey deserved to be told in detail. Don't worry about the notion of broken ships. This is just a reference to the fleet originally being large enough to carry a decent chunk of a city's population, but now only two squadrons are still sea-worthy.

 

[DragonParadox]

Wise Man's Fears ​

Most know fear at the sight of strange hills, not knowing what might slink out of them. The pious cling to the memory of the Gods' wrath falling upon the city of their forefathers, but the truly wise look around them to their fellows and wonder, how long will the scraps of food gathered in haste last them all? How long until the leaves turned brown and then the trees would be left bare before winter's deathly kiss?

Little wonder that they chose to raise up Oikonomos Isidoros, a man with grey in his beard, a man of steady counsel, whose wisdom had been respected far and wide in the days when Orchomenos yet stood.

In their trust the people were rewarded. The clang of hammers rang over the crests of dry hills as ships no longer fit to be put to sea were pulled apart, and from their planks new walls and roofs were raised. Not the most sturdy it is true, but a roof is something to be cherished by the exile upon a foreign shore. No great forges were raised belching plumes of black smoke, only the light of a thousand cook-fires like fireflies in the night. So was Hyphyria truly born in toil and in hope.

Built Makeshift Houses

***​

The man who had once been guardian of the palace of Orchomenos smiled, the gesture almost painful. So little had it been used of late. "You see, Theoroi, our arts have not failed us, nor do the gods hate us so that they would see us starve. With plows we shall tame the earth and from such humble roots we will be born again."

Oikonomos was all too aware of how rehearsed the words sounded, but they needed to be said and to be heard. Noting had come so close to breaking the spirit of their people as the curse of Demeter but now it seemed as though the goddess had relented perhaps they had simply outrun her wrath. Whatever the case they would not starve... before winter at least.

Farming action: Critical Success.

Three Farms Built (Each produce 1d6 supplies per season)

Gain 11 Supplies

Alas that as news from the scouts made far less encouraging hearing. Few were there among the sons of Hyphyria who knew the ways of the wilds, and even those brave souls knew not these forests, these hills and gullies, nor the habits of the beasts and the temper of the river gods. Storms, hails, and floods all conspired to hamper their progress, though it was a far stranger happening that finally saw them turn back.

Two men stood in Oikonomos' meager hall to present their tale to the leader, one Glaukos cold as sleet the gaze for which he earned his name. "There is nothing to find there, nothing but treacherous fiends who seek to do us ill. I swear upon my name and honor that..."

"That you are a sniveling old fool," golden-haired Augewas proclaimed. "Those were no fiends but men, and you seek only to hide behind others."

"Friends, are we so lost to our brotherhood in these lands that we should spit venom one upon the other?" the old seneschal interjected, though his tone was not half so forgiving as his words.

It soon came to light that on the eighteenth day of the expedition the scouts had seen a crown of green fire upon a nearby hill, and Glaukos commanded that they withdraw in haste, fearing evil spirits, but Augewas being still in the first blush of youth and brashness chose to sneak away the next day from camp and investigate the place where the fire had been. There he found only the remains of burnt driftwood and in the ashes the marks of human feet, shod in wood like the farmers were wont to.

The young scout had sought to persuade the older to follow the trail leading onward into the hills, but Glaukos had been adamant they they aught to return lest ill luck befall them, and there they were returned with naught but a trail and a hope to show for it.

Hills Exploration: Marginal Failure (+5 bonus if retried next season)

Such hope was still far more than still far more than the sailors could offer. Fierce winds had cast them against the shore, shattering a galley against the treacherous rocks outright with two more foundering in the attempt to come to its aid. It was oft said that a seaman's craft was not most prized in Orchomenos and thus it was proved that day twice over. The commander of the expedition, a man who had been made captain by virtue of blood than merit, refused to return bent-backed to his fellows and instead insisted on pressing on.

Would that had more of Glaukos' caution, Oikonomos thought to himself. The ships had sailed into a strange fog where a man could hardly see his hand before his face and from that fog but one of the surviving galleys had emerged with tales that made an ill hearing. Half-a-dozen among the crew, the captain among them, claimed to have seen the dark coils through the fog, as though belonging to some titanic serpent.

Easy enough to speak of foes beyond mortal ken to escape censure, the Lord of Hyphyria said to himself, for had he not so recently heard such a tale, but a chill went down his spine at the thought just the same.

Coastal Scouting Crit Failure: Lost 1 Galley Squadron

Autumn approaches and with it you begin eating into your stocks more and more. What shall you do next as you for your first winter in this new land?

[] [Construction] Woodcutting Camps
The boards of ships might serve you as shelter for now, but to truly grow Hyphyria will need a source of native lumber. Best to send men with swords before those with axes, for one never knows what the forests hold

[] [Construction] Temple of Hephaestus
Not all gods had turned their back on Orchomenous in its last days, and so would it not behoove the people to offer thanks to their patron for his protection? Someone must have sent the strange woman after all, and convinced Poseidon of guiding the fleet's voyage.

[] [Construction] Temple of Demeter
Here in this strange earth was a chance to start anew. The people would give due reverence to the Lady of the Harvest so that her wrath was quenched. The fall of Orchomenos would not repeat itself.

[] [Construction] Palisade
Of soldiers the new settlement had many, yet there was no telling what dangers lurked beyond the hills. Even though a palisade was no true wall, it would have helped greatly to see the people safe.

You have learned but a little of these lands and none of it good, but you will not quail before the the unknown like fearful children.

[] [Exploration] Explore the land. (Pick up to 2)
-[] The mountains to the east.
-[] The forests around the hills.
-[] The shore to the north.
-[] The shore to the south.
[] [Exploration] Don't explore for now.

OOC: Exploring by sea was not the best idea since you had a civ mauls and a rather unskilled leader in such matters. On the plus side you are well on the way to not starving.

 

[Azel]

Watchers In The Woods​

When the leaves had turned yellow and red, the hills had become beautiful. It was as if a sea of gold had descended upon the world, mighty waves crashing over the land. And amidst it all, three rocks of brown jutted out of the yellow. The hills had become crested with huts, simple things and far removed from the sturdy stone of Orchomenos, but homes nonetheless. All of this Isidoros beheld from the terrace of his palace, sitting on the hill closest to the river and having been named Lofo Tou Palatio by the people once the structure had been built. It too was a simple affair, made from what few logs had been gained from the forest and the stones cleared from the fields. But while it lacked in splendor, it was still a palace. A sign of a city. A symbol for the people to rally around. As young as Hyphyria was, it needed such a place perhaps more dearly than a city that had stood since the days of the Titans.

Alas, no matter how nice the vista was, he still worried. Winter was close, and the fields already lay fallow. Isidoros did not know if Demeter had spent her wrath entirely or merely not yet found their new lands, but the harvest had been decent and the granaries stocked quite well. Yet he knew it was too little. Less grain went into them than out, and while they would last the winter, there was no chance that they would last another. More land needed to be tilled, and this might yet become a problem.

Gained 11 Supplies from farming and Population consumes 15 Supplies.
Current Supplies: 22

His gaze wandered to the forests to the south and east of the hills, the marshy land between dotted by farmers digging for onions and other roots. Beyond them, he should have seen the logging camps he had ordered to be erected, but there was nothing. A few trees still lay where they had been felled or stacked yet no man was going close to them anymore. They had seen to it. It begun shortly after the first trees had been felled. The workers swore up and down that they felt watched whenever they stepped into the forest. Then they began to see strange lights and some of them had gone missing. Tools began to go missing, axes and saws disappearing if left out of sight for just a moment. Soon enough, all of Hyphyria spoke about these strange events. Some saw the wrath of the gods returning, others guessed that people might live there. They were all right and yet all wrong as it turned out, though it was not the loggers who had found out the source of these events, for they had refused to go near the forest after a while.

Establish Logging Camps: Major Failure
Lost tools and equipment worth 4 Wealth.
Current Wealth: 6

One way or another, Isidoros needed to know what was going on. Was it just baseless fear? Were the people seeing things that were not there? Or was there truly a danger lurking in the woods? So the soldiery was sent out, half the spear bearers and archers of the young city marched, not as a single pack for this was no war to be fought, but as small groups of scouts and explorers. For days the combed the forest, finding no sign of people or strangeness, but then one group came upon jagged hill, deep in the woods. They tried to climb it to see what lay beyond, but before they reached the summit, they found the source of the loggers troubles. Or more accurately, they were found by it.

Two men and a woman had stopped them on their path, appearing from among the trees without a sign of how they got there. But as the men drew closer, they saw that these three were different from them. Their hair was almost like filaments of silver and without a speck of dirt despite the brambles woven into it, their cloth made from grass and ferns yet spun in dizzying patterns that even the greatest weavers of Orchomenos could not have achieved. If they were the gods of these strange lands or merely touched by them, the scouts did not know, but they erred on the side of caution. So they kept their distance and spoke in calm tones and polite tones who they were and why they had come into the woods.

At first, the strangers answered in a strange tongue that none of the men could understand or even describe. Then, when they had noticed that they weren't understood, they spoke again, but now in proper Greek as flawless as that of any orator. Their names they did not give, and amused they were by how easily the soldiers had given theirs. Woodfolk they wanted to be called, and as the name implied, they claimed dominion over the whole forest. Despite coming so deep into their domain, they weren't offended at the scouts presence, but no further could they allow them to pass. So they talked for a while, uneasily and fearful on the men's part and with slight amusement on the Woodfolk's side.

It had been the Woodfolk that had been trying to scare away the loggers, for they saw it as an attack that they had felled trees that belonged to them. When they had persisted though, they came stronger in their warnings, and a few who had found and attacked the Woodfolks people had been lured further into the forest. To what end, though, they refused to elaborate. Had another group of soldiers stood there on this day, there might have been a fight right then and there, though these men remained calm and accepted to hear what they could not change.

If it was the chill of winter approaching or just the dread of the story creeping along his spine once again, Isidoros did not know. Slowly his gaze slid back towards his palace and he went for his study. They were not enemies, despite what had happened. The Woodfolk took the tools and possessions of the loggers, apparently intrigued by the fine bronze work and foreign craftsmanship. It was restitution for the felled trees in their eyes and so they held no rancor, even permitting the Hyphyrians to hunt on the edges of the forest as long as they did so sparingly. Not that Isidoros had any intention of having anyone doing so. These people, whatever they were, were not enemies, but they might become such if another unwritten rule of theirs was broken. So he made it an official order that the forests to the south and east were off limits.

Exploration: Critical Success
Found Woodfolk and established mostly peaceful contact.

Another offer they had made, to speak 'from lord to lord', though he had no intention of taking up this one either. A scholar Isidoros might have been, but not an orator. He always had preferred the written to the spoken word, getting tongue-tied all too easily. Mayhaps the next king of Hyphyria might make that journey, or maybe he would find someone else who could do this in his stead. For now, though, other matters needed addressing. A city did not rule itself, especially not one still so haphazard.


Winter approaches, but it is mild in these lands. What should be constructed in the coming months?
[] [Construction] Woodcutting Camps
The forests to the east and south may be off limits, but to the west, beyond the river, also stand many trees. It will be harder to establish logging camps there, but the wood from the ships is growing sparse and there might be soon no material left to build with.
Check: Rulership - Trade, -1 FD due to circumstances

[] [Construction] Temple of Hephaestus
Not all gods had turned their back on Orchomenous in its last days, and so would it not behoove the people to offer thanks to their patron for his protection? Someone must have sent the strange woman after all, and convinced Poseidon of guiding the fleet's voyage.
Check: Learning - Mysticism

[] [Construction] Temple of Demeter
Here in this strange earth was a chance to start anew. The people would give due reverence to the Lady of the Harvest so that her wrath was quenched. The fall of Orchomenos would not repeat itself.
Check: Learning - Mysticism, -1 FD due to ongoing enmity of Demeter

[] [Construction] Palisade
Of soldiers the new settlement had many, yet there was no telling what dangers lurked beyond the hills. Even though a palisade was no true wall, it would have helped greatly to see the people safe.
Check: Rulership - Administration


What should the soldiers do during winter?
[] [Military] Stay at home to defend Hyphyria in case of attack.

[] [Military] Try to explore some more. (Pick up to 2 options. Can double down on one option.)
-[] The mountains to the east.
-[] The southern shores.
-[] The northern shores.
-[] The northern forests.


With the people slowly settling in, Isidoros has some time for other projects.
[] [Isidoros] Try to organize the artisans. They are currently spread all over the city instead of being clustered around the palace as it is proper.
Check: Rulership - Administration

[] [Isidoros] Organize the cults. Even though no proper temple has been built yet, it is well past time to resume proper worship, lest the gods grow angry for this slight.
Check: Learning - Mysticism

[] [Isidoros] The wet valleys between the hills are very fertile. Though no work can start yet, winter would be a good time to take measurements and plan how to drain them.
Check: Learning - Sciences

[] [Isidoros] You need a proper court. As it is, you need to do everything yourself and beside the day being hardly long enough to do so, it means you have no one to delegate tasks to that you are less suited for. Try to find some promising men to aid you.
Check: Unknown


AN: This could have gone better, but it could also have gone a lot worse. Had you met them under different circumstances, the Woodfolk could have been a major threat to the young city, but as it stands, they are fine with your presence as long as you don't make a mess of their home.

 

[DragonParadox]

Craftsman's Pride ​

As the leaves turned from gold to brown and a cold wind began to blow out of the mountains, the thoughts of the people of Hyphyra turned naturally to those crafts and occupations most befitting the dreary winter mouths. Weavers looked to their looms and potters to their wheels. Though they had but little to work with, more mending and fixing than making true works of beauty and grace, all were buoyed to see that on the hill beyond the palace a temple to Orchomenos' ancient patron.

The temple was not near so grand as that the exiles had left behind, no votive smoke heady with the scent of mirth rose from its fires, only the fat of common game and little enough for that, for most of the city still lived on thin root stew made to last as long as could be managed. No walls of stone cunningly wrought had this first temple, only planks of wood that had once been crafted into ships.

Some among the old priests had worried that the Coppersmith might find fault with making him a temple from 'Poseidon's leavings', but Isidoros had been adamant. The exiles would honor their patron now in the hour of their need with what little they possessed and when fate would turn in their favor they would offer onto him things rare and precious, works of great skill. When, not if, had said the lord of the city, and so from mouth to mouth resolve took flight.

To the Greatest Craftsmen were offered with humility the workings of Hyphyra's hands, be they as simple as a statuette chiseled from stone or carved wood, or piece of amber worked into a charm.

Better that they did not all hear me face to face, the bards can make a better shape of my words than I could ever speak, Isidoros thought to himself alone as he entered the temple. The ordering of numbers he knew well but the words by which to move men's hearts had long eluded him.

He had heard from a sage in his youth that men best loved the gods in which they saw themselves, so it was with him with Hephaestus the Smith, though he had never picked up any tool heaver than a stylus. Perhaps this city would be his crafting, or at least the beginning upon which other more skillful hands could work, thought the lord in a rare moment of quiet pride as he looked into the whorls of smoke rising from the sacrificial flames.

So it will be, the voice in his mind sounded like his yet not, roughened by a forge's smoke and weariness like something heard in a dream.

Build Temple: Success. Gained Tempe to Hephaestus. Favor increased

So encouraged by seeing the city's patron given his due and the people beginning to trust in this future did Isidoros look among the men of substance and old blood for one who might aid him in his duties. Though many of his old friends and companions had perished with Orchomenos, their blood lived on.

Among them he chose the one fair of face and clever with his words be they in verse or spoken plainly. Argurios Alexis was his name and though he still had a young man's love of being praised and sung of he had never misstepped for it. Likely as not their exile had helped him mature, for often would Isidoros find him in somber contemplation of home lost behind them and of these new lands filled with strangeness.

Gained Hero: Argurios Alexis (Diplomat)

Thankfully the veil of strangeness was slowly lifting for the scouts brought news from their wanderings.

***​

Augewas tightened his belt with a grimace, his stomach rumbling. They said the reward for a job well done was more work, and with that he could agree, but it seemed the reward for a job half done was being given half of what you needed and told to do twice the job. Perhaps he had not been entirely wise to speak up in front of the lord as he had, but still.

On the trail ahead a rabbit started though the dry leaves interrupting is thoughts. Dinner it was, then...

Calling the the swiftest of his men the hunter gave chase trusting that these woods would hold not strange spirits, for they had seen no lights, nor heard any uncanny noises. Alas the rabbit they did not find, for it seems the grace of the Huntress was upon it... and perhaps also upon them. For instead they found a trail winding its way among the trees, not meandering as the paths of beasts were wont to do, but straight and with a purpose.

"Quietly now, but for the love of the Hearth Keeper, don't start a fight if you can help it," the scout called to his fellows. He almost added a jest about not being able to talk to corpses but thought the better of it. That was the sort of thing you said when you were some by the fireside drinking wine not in the middle of the woods.

The path lead them to a clearing near a small lake where a handful of strange houses of sticks wattle and daub lay perched like pelicans upon the shore behind the protection of a low earthen wall. They might count fifty men women and children in all but no more.

Spoiler: Strange Houses

"Makes you thankful of the boat houses, eh?" one of the other men spoke up, peering through the bushes at the strange sight.

"We should be cautious," offered another.

Augewas pondered the words, but realized there were more men with him than could fit in the whole of the strange village. Caution was all well and good, but cowardice was rightly despised by men and gods. Hands out in front of him to show that he was unarmed the hunter walked slowly towards the wall.

To his surprise the cries of shock quickly turned to questioning calls and slowly to smiles as they realized the strangers meant no harm.

Though neither side knew the tongue of the other, hands could serve to get one's meaning across quite well. Thus the hunters were invited inside the walls and given food and drink by what must have been the headman of this tiny place, and there was much talking... mostly at not with one another, and the tasting of thin pine needle beer.

"Keep your wits about you," one of his companions hissed at Augewas. "Don't you see the bones?"

Dozens upon dozens of bone charms had been left to clink in the wind under the overhanging roofs it was true, and chilling was the sound they made in the cold winter wind, but Augewas knew them for the bones of birds and beasts and was not afraid. He returned home lighthearted and vindicated in his ways.

Hill Exploration: Success. Discovered tiny local settlement. Friendly relations established

***​

The news that there were people in these strange lands even if they were few and poor in arts were greeted with quiet relief in Hyphyra, for some had been whispering that they had traveled into a gods' realm where only spirits dwelt. Not even the failure of the scouts heading into the mountains, turned back by storms and snow, could sour the mood.

Mountain Exploration: Failure. Nothing Found

Then as though they had been waiting for just this moment let more locals showed themselves, this time not truffle eaters hiding in the woods but shepherds moving their flocks from the highs just as was done in the lands of Hellas. Though their tongue was just as uncouth and their dress plain these travelers were welcomed with cautious good cheer, for the Hyphyra had brought no beasts with them on their exile but they knew well the worth of sheep and goats.

The shepherds shared of their bounty as was custom of course, not least to show their beasts were healthy and good to eat, Isidoros suspected, for they likely knew the meaning of the hungry looks the Greeks where throwing their flocks.

"Do you think they have enough wine in them to start talking trade?" he asked Argurios quietly.

"See that one there, the old man who bled and skinned the lambs, and offered their blood to the earth," the younger Hyphyra pointed out quietly. "That one drank but enough not to give insult. With him we will likely have to speak."

How many sheep and goats do you buy?

[] None

[] A small number (Cost 2 wealth. The flocks will begin producing in the spring after the next)

[] As many as they will sell (Cost 4 wealth. The flocks will begin producing in the fall)

Once matters of trade have been dealt with one must look towards the future, one that thankfully includes aid with the many challenges of rule.

What shall you do when spring comes to these lands?
[] [Construction] Farms
Though good land grows scarce you could still try to eck out more food from the earth
Check: Learning - Mysticism, -2 FD due to lack of good space for it

[] [Construction] Woodcutting Camps
The forests to the east and south may be off limits, but to the west, beyond the river, also stand many trees. It will be harder to establish logging camps there, but the wood from the ships is growing sparse and there might be soon no material left to build with.
Check: Rulership - Trade, -1 FD due to circumstances

[] [Construction] Temple of Demeter
Here in this strange earth was a chance to start anew. The people would give due reverence to the Lady of the Harvest so that her wrath was quenched. The fall of Orchomenos would not repeat itself.
Check: Learning - Mysticism, -1 FD due to ongoing enmity of Demeter

[] [Construction] Palisade
Of soldiers the new settlement had many, yet there was no telling what dangers lurked beyond the hills. Even though a palisade was no true wall, it would have helped greatly to see the people safe.
Check: Rulership - Administration

What should the soldiers do once winter releases its grip?
[] [Military] Stay at home to defend Hyphyria in case of attack.

[] [Military] Try to explore some more. (Pick up to 2 options. Can double down on one option.)
-[] The mountains to the east.
-[] The southern shores.
-[] The northern shores.
-[] The northern forests.

With the addition of another pair of hands the work of rule goes easier. Pick one personal action each.
[] Isidoros
[] Argurios

Available actions:
-[] The soldiers are a bit restless after a year of idleness. See if you can organize drills and training to keep them sharp and to potentially expand your forces.
Check: Warfare - Command

-[] Try to organize the artisans. They are currently spread all over the city instead of being clustered around the palace as it is proper.
Check: Rulership - Administration

-[] Organize the cults. It is well past time to resume proper worship, lest the gods grow angry for this slight.
Check: Learning - Mysticism

-[] The wet valleys between the hills are very fertile. Though no work can start yet, winter would be a good time to take measurements and plan how to drain them.
Check: Learning - Sciences

-[] Learn the tongue of the local folk. Though not the most skillful or diligent pupil, Argurios is sure to get the most use from it, but Isidoros would be swifter in study
Check: Learning - Art

-[] Not all your neighbors speak a strange tongue, though uncanny is the way of it. Perhaps these Woodsfoolk can be persuaded to look upon Hyphyra with more than amused tolerance. What wonders might they have to trade? What secrets might they have to tell?
--[] Send Precious gifts (Write in Wealth; Optional)

OOC: Well you had a pretty good run this turn.

 

[Azel]

More Wine​

Isidoros poured himself another cup of watered wine, though it was rather heavy on the wine and light on the water. Not many amphoras of wine had been brought on their journey, so he was now drinking from the supply that was meant for the temples and the gods, though he doubted they begrudged him for it. He hardly drank at all and usually in great moderation, yet the gifts of Dionysus could have a rather calming effect in times like these. Opposite from him, Argurios sat and toyed with one of those bone charms that the local people used so much, sitting there as if nothing was wrong. Silently, Isidoros prayed for strength, though he knew enough about the gods to know that where likely to amused by his predicament to even acknowledge his desperate request.

"Well then... Your scouts already filled me in on the generalities, but I wanted to hear your perspective on the events." His voice was steady for once, weariness, anger and wine crowding out any other emotion to let him speak freely to the young man.

Once spoken to, Argurios put away the little thing, made from squirrel or bird bones, or at least so Isidoros hoped. "The forests to the north seem safe. By starting from the hamlet we found, my scouts managed to find some more of those trails. The people living there seem to trade with each other quite a bit, though they've met no one on their journey. They did find another village though, much larger than the one we knew so far." Isidoros just nodded along and motioned him to continue. This much he had already heard. "With your permission, my king, I would travel there to speak to these people. My scouts didn't dare to approach, outnumbered as their small band was, but I'm sure they will be friendly enough."

If the man noticed Isidoros glower at his last words or not, he didn't show either way, still sitting there with a self-assured smile. Unofficially, he was a Theoroi now, so what he outlined was more or less the duty bestowed upon him. But that was not the source of his ire. "And in the mountains? How did it go there?"

"Quite well. I met more of these herdsmen living in the mountains, and while they are rather uncivilized, they know the land quite well and are quite open to strangers most of the time. We even found a spot near Hyphyria that has good limestone. Maybe a quarry would not go amiss there? I heard the artisans complained about the lack of proper work anyway, so this could help you to make some work for them." His attitude remained almost sickeningly bright, despite it becoming obvious that he carefully danced around the actual issue. They both knew why this meeting took place, and it was not to have the reports of the scouts reiterated.

After a short pause, Isidoros took another sip of wine to fortify himself and decided to just bluntly ask him. "And there were no issues at all?"

At least Argurios had the decency to pause and look contemplative for a moment, that he couldn't hold against him. "I can assure you that this was quite definitely not my fault." Sadly, Isidoros wasn't lacking for things to be furious about.

Seeing the mood of his king darken, Argurios almost launched himself from the wooden chair and raised his hand as if to swear an oath. "I have treated the fair maiden with utmost respect. It was her diligent instruction that helped me so greatly at learning the language of her people after all, a quite complicated one as far as barbaroi languages go at that. It was only fair that I taught here some things in return and while her Greek is quite atrocious, she managed to learn enough to make herself understood."

Isidoros just glowered at the younger man, willing to wait until he was done digging that hole for himself, though also savoring the increasingly faster tones in which he spoke. "How should I have known that she was the chieftain's daughter? How could anyone expect a old goat like him to sire a comely maiden like her? I was courteous and considerate of her all the time she accompanied me, treating her like I would a proper Greek lady. It is unfortunate that they do not understand just what an honor this should be for her, but I can only do so much in regards to educating the barbaroi towards the proper way of living."

"When I met her, I did not understand their language yet and the topic never came up afterwards. I mean, they brought forth a few lambs and slaughtered them while their priests chanted a few things. It is only natural to assume that it was some kind of ceremony for their weird god. So how could I have known that this feast had been a wedding ceremony?" To Isidoros, it seemed quite obvious that a feast being thrown right after Argurios had spent a few days trying to talk to woman his age with no husband in sight might have some connection to that fact. Especially if the chieftain of the shepherds was the most boisterous of the celebrants and kept acting friendly to Argurios. Though he didn't want to interrupt his explanation.

"And this other matter is certainly not my doing. She could have lain with any other man before even meeting me and it would have shown that she is with child just at the same time. If you ask me, she had a dalliance and her father decided that it would be good politics to pin the bastard on me instead of any one of the goatherds. As you can see, I did perform my duties to the utmost extend and am entirely blameless for any trouble that has arisen." His piece spoken, Argurios lowered his hand again and sat back down, staring straight at Isidoros and waiting for a reply.

The older man just calmly sipped from his wine again, letting his errand courtier stew for a bit longer. It was a right and proper mess. Thankfully, the purchase of half the flock of sheep and goats had gone through before all of this had come to light, and the chieftain had made no move to renege on it. He did suggest that the Hyphyrians should do some rather inappropriate things with the animals in question instead of bothering their women, but as far as righteous wrath went, this was a rather restrained reaction.

Argurios had married the chieftain's daughter by their customs, laid with her far more often then Isidoros deemed healthy for those involved, and was then rejected by her husband while showing the first signs of pregnancy. Had another Greek lord done the same to Orchomenos back in the day, there would have been war without a doubt. So hurling insults was rather benign, though he feared that if left unaddressed, the whole matter might yet boil into conflict.

Something needed to be done, but what?

[] Even though not knowing that he was getting married, Argurios took the woman as his wife under the eyes of the shepherds god. He should return and re-affirm this, and take care of the child he sired.
-[] (Optional) Send gifts along as a token of apology.
--[] Write-In amount of Supplies and / or Wealth to gift.

[] A man can't marry without knowing what is even happening. The marriage is void, but as he had lain with the woman, it is only proper to reimburse the shepherds for the damage done.
-[] Write-In amount of Supplies and / or Wealth to gift.

[] It is unfortunate that the shepherds are furious, but you will not bow to the barbaroi's whims. Argurios did nothing wrong and no further action needs to be taken.

Current Wealth: 2
Current Supplies: 6

AN: Decent rolls on the exploration while Argurios had first a Critical Success, then a Critical Failure. The good news is that he learned enough of the language to communicate properly with the locals. The bad news are that he caused a pretty major diplomatic incident in the process of learning.