On the Coastline of Dagger fall, a single ship, battered breaking apart, makes land fall and the crew step off tools in hand "Fools all of them Fools, said that those Elf-Things different then others, but not listen now I am only ship leader to find new land and begin to dig-dig... well what are you slave waiting for, DIG." with the shouting of their Skaven master the slaves began to dig into the dirt and rock. "we must be swift-quick, the Warlord orders us to connect tunnels soon-soon, new lands for Skaven to rip apart, yes-yes, will be rewarded only Skaven captain to survive trip, must be rewarded." the work will certainly be long and certainly draw the attention of anyone who investigates the land, but they will find nothing but the cruelty of Skaven.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Queek Headtaker was not a patient Skaven by any means, in fact most words to describe Queek are often violent, short tempered and impatient. So it would come to no ones surprise that Queek Headtaker was starting to dislike the fact he has not won his great battle for the City of Pillars yet. "What is taking so long, we should be done with killing these Dwarf-things by now... WELL, answer me slave, why has Queek not won yet-yet." the slave in question was silent, mostly because Queek had previously in the last week taken the tongue out of the slave for "talking back" to him. "... well I'm waiting slave, bah what do you know, Queek has better advisors for this matter." Queek then begins to head off down the hallway of what was once a mead hall, strangely the skaven slave thought he saw Queek talking to one of his Heads he had taken from a dwarf reecently.
Deep below the Empire, a great chittering of Skaven voices all call out, what they call is the name of their next attack, soon the Empire will face the Vermintide yet again.
The great beast Vhagar was born on Dragonstone in 52 BC from eggs laid by Balerion the Black Dread. A she-dragon, she was named after the Valyrian goddess of war and the arcane arts. Fearsome even in her youth, Vhagar went unclaimed and roamed the wilds of Dragonstone for more than thirty years, until Visenya Targaryen climbed the Dragonmont and tamed the best a short distance away from the caldera, some whisper, with blood magic. Visenya later became one of Aegon the Conqueror's sister-wives and would rule Westeros as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms for forty-four years after the Conquest, until her own death at age seventy-five. Vhagar was one of the three dragons that conquered and forged the Seven Kingdoms with fire and blood. After Visenya's passing, Vhagar once again retreated to the Dragonmont, later moving into the Dragonpit once its construction was complete. She was claimed once again by Prince Baelon Targaryen in 73 AC, the second son of King Jaehaerys who would later become his heir. After Balerion's death, Vhagar became the oldest and largest dragon of House Targaryen, the sole living creature to have witnessed and fought in the Conquest. She is the queen of Targaryen dragons, the fiercest of her lineage, whose flame can melt and cook a knight inside his armor and reduce sand to glass. To this day she remains the mount of Prince Baelon. Her coloring is light grey, and her flame is blue. At age 149, she is in her prime. She is stabled at the Dragonpit and Dragonstone.
VERMITHOR
Vermithor, the Bronze Fury, was born in 34 AC when his egg hatched shortly after being placed in the crib of the then Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. From his infancy, Vermithor displayed impressive growth, having become the third largest dragon of House Targaryen by the time he was only fourteen years of age, behind only Balerion the Black Dread and Vhagar. Known as the Bronze Fury for his coloring, Vermithor is a fearsome dragon, although the years have made him as temperate as his rider. Vermithor is a veteran of the war against Maegor the Cruel, the Third Dornish War and the Fourth Dornish War. After the death of Balerion, he became the second largest dragon of House Targaryen, his divine Valyrian name being synonymous with royalty. At age sixty-three, he has grown with Jaehaerys and seen only one rider. He is stabled at the Red Keep.
SILVERWING
Born in 36 AC (a. 61) in the cradle of Alysanne Targaryen, Silverwing was named after her silver coloring. A gentle dragon (as much as dragons can be gentle), Silverwing has taken after her rider the Queen Alysanne. The subject of numerous songs and romantic fantasies, Silverwing is often considered one of the most beautiful Targaryen dragons. She has flown all across Westeros, carrying Alysanne in her royal progresses, from the North to Oldtown. Most notable is her visit to the Wall, becoming the first dragon to journey that far north. Although the Queen tried to make Silverwing fly over the Wall thrice, the she-dragon refused to go over the massive monument of ice and magic, marking her single moment of disobedience in her life. Legend has it that Silverwing laid eggs at the Nightfort at the Wall, but those are merely unconfirmed rumors. Silverwing's mate is Vermithor.
CARAXES
Caraxes was hatched in the Dragonpit early in the reign of King Jaehaerys. The fiercest of the young dragons in the Dragonpit, he was nicknamed the Blood Wyrm by the Dragonkeepers for his temperament and his red color. He was first claimed by Prince Aemon Targaryen, then heir to the Iron Throne, in 72 AC, when he was some twenty years of age. Caraxes soon proved himself worthy of being the mount of the future King on the Iron Throne, growing to be the most fearsome of the Targaryen dragons after Vhagar and Vermithor. Prince Aemon rode him into battle at the Fourth Dornish War, where the combined might of Vhagar, Vermithor and Caraxes burned the entire Dornish fleet in a single day. The current rider of the Blood Wyrm is Prince Daemon Targaryen, Prince Baelon's second son, who matches his dragon in sheer temperament.
MELEYS
Meleys, the Red Queen, so called after her scarlet scales and pink wings. She was born early in King Jaehaerys' reign in the Dragonpit. Meleys was first claimed by his daughter the Princess Alyssa in 75 AC. The Red Queen was then known not only for her ferocity, but first and foremost for her speed, being able to easily outpace her brother Caraxes in a race. When Princess Alyssa died in childbirth, Meleys was riderless for a short while before being claimed by Alyssa's niece, the Princess Rhaenys, granddaughter and Cognatic heir to King Jaehaerys. Rhaenys remains the rider of Caraxes to this day. Meleys is stabled on Driftmark, where the Princess lives with her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon.
Unclaimed
DREAMFYRE
Dreamfyre is the second-oldest of the Targaryen dragons, having been born in the reign of Aegon the Conqueror, although she remains smaller than Vermithor. Her original rider was the Princess Rhaena Targaryen, older sister to Jaehaerys. Dreamfyre is one of the most well known dragons in Westeros due to Princess Rhaena, who traveled the realm on dragonback during her youth before finally settling into Harrenhal. Since her death, Dreamfyre has abandoned the cursed castle and made her lair in the Dragonpit at King's Landing. Her coloring is primarily blue, with silver markings.
Other Dragons
There are a number of hatchlings on Dragonstone and in the Dragonpit, as well as three large wild dragons on Dragonstone: Sheepstealer, a peaceable dragon known for hunting, unless provoked; Grey Ghost, a shy dragon, who avoids human contact; and the Cannibal, the most worrisome of the trio, so named by the smallfolk because he is often seen devouring hatchlings of his own kind (but at the same time keeping the population of wild dragons in Westeros manageable).
To the Three Tribunes of Morrowind Seht, Ayem and Vehk @JuliusNepos
Through our conjoined attack and victorious conquest of the Imperial City the false empire has decayed de jure and de facto from rule and legitimacy of every inch of Cyrodiil. Maturity is needed and the lesson learned harsh but necessary for us to digest;
there can be no Empire until the blood of the Dragon returns to this world, to lead Men and Men only.
For this reason, I propose the complete disestablishment of any leftover Imperial institution and the re-establishment of the Imperial Commune in the Imperial City and the Heartlands at large.
For the time being, men and ships of the Ebonheart Pact and County Mir alike will continue to patrol streets and waters of the Imperial City until the city will be deemed able to defend itself in case of attacks.
As for Cheydinhal, our suggestion is to confederate the city and its county with County Mir in a new league of Nibenese territories which will consider association with the Ebonheart Pact.
To a freer Tamriel.
PS: I have a hint of an idea of how to deal with the Tharns, but I would rather speak about it in more secure circumstances.
Collybiscus Voria IV,
Count of Mir
To Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri, Queen of Alinor, High Queen of Summerset and Queen of the Aldmeri Dominion @Orange Boy
While Nord, Nibenman, Argonian and Dunmer alike gave their tribute in blood in the liberation of the Imperial City and the banishment of Daedra from this world, your forces watched from outside while elsewhere in Cyrodiil your armies occupied Kvatch and Anvil.
Was this planned with the Beratu Emeric and his desert-dwelling and fecal allies? This is not my concern.
I shall not judge you by this - indeed, I believe the judgement is implicit in your actions - but following your campaigns, I believe a fair exchange would be Anvil for Leyawiin (*1) and Bravil for Kvatch.
The people look towards Mir Corrup with favor after the recent battles and it is my hope to see all of Nibenay confederated under one banner, all the while keeping the usual warmth towards the Dominion.
Help me confederate Nibenay and you shall have a friend not just in me, but in my people, for confederation is their will. Don't and I know not what the people will do in my name.
Collybiscus Voria IV,
Count of Mir
OOC: *1. Should only include the eastern part of the city. The west should be Khajiit by now, which means you also get to keep the Trans-Niben, which means the western half of County Leyawiin.
To those who rule over the inhabitants of the continent to the West (@Maugan Ra),
We know not your land, nor your people, but let it never be said that House Redwyne will in poor taste not extend any greetings to the unknown civilization before us. We come in peace for war is never something to be desired, nor sought. If you find yourself not wishing to establish any relations rather then murder and swords, inform us through words for we shall politely leave you be. Peace and trade, so I suppose peaceful trading is what we desire and all we really ask you to allow between us.
As this messenger hopefully greets you and yours, we also send gifts with them. Some casks of our fine wine, spices, silk, and more. It is in my hopes that such things are appreciated and that you, in turn, will show us of your own splendors as we demonstrate ours to you.
Signed Ser Donnel Redwyne, Knight of the Arbor and Head of the Westerosi Trading Voyage
The message is difficult to deliver, for the strange inhabitants of the jungle are apparently not prone to diplomatic contact, but eventually the extensive effort is rewarded by the jungle itself seeming to come to life and swallow the messengers whole, only depositing them sans cargo back outside the walls of Qarth two days later, absent all memory of the intervening time.
Three days after that, a strange delegation indeed emerges from beneath the verdant canopy.
At their head is a strange little blue-skinned reptile, one that walks like a man and stands perhaps five foot high at the shoulders. In clawed hands it carries a staff of strange wood strung with golden icons, and from its narrow shoulders hangs a cloak of brilliant multi-coloured feathers and exotic leaves. Though visibly in charge of the expedition and accompanied by several others of similar making (if less elaborate garment), it is not the one that draws the most attention from the observers.
No, that honour goes to the escort it walks with.
Twelve feet high they stand, like the famed crocodiles of distant land forged into human shape, packed with muscle and broad enough to cast a mounted knight into shadow. Knife-like fangs glitter in their maws, obsidian-edged polearms hang from their backs, and in their dark eyes glitters a predatory intelligence scarcely half a step above the worst kinds of predatory beast. There are six of them, and while two move and act as bodyguards, the other four bear on their mighty shoulders a palanquin laden down with strange spices, glittering gemstones and samples of foreign craftsmanship.
The tallest one stands before the gates of Qarth, and with a single gesture of its delicate hand sends them slamming open as before the winds of a hurricane.
"We seek the man-spawn of Redwyne," it says, in some rough approximation of the trading tongues of the Dothraki.
In Da big fort, as it is called by by the newly settled greenskins, Grimgor Ironhide stood in the middle of it. On the raised mound of dirt, bone, and unmentionables. Gitsnik, his axe, tightly clenched in this armored right hand, as it almost always is. Staring at the night sky in thought as the usual, and expected, brawling happened around and below him. The sky had changed and the shamans spoke of new lands, filled with plenty of new people to fight. And Grimgor, the best orc there ever was or will be, naturally set out in search of these new lands and people.
And of course, fight them. Which was what had Grimgor staring thoughtfully at the night sky, idly observing the new moons and stars. The weird pointy ears were a good warm up, he supposed, they weren't like any pointy ears hes fought or heard of before. Except those leafy pointy ears, but they barely counted anyways.
Grimgor certainly hoped the weird pointy ears weren't all this new land had to offer, he'd be severely disappointed if they were. Him and his boyz beat 'em back when they first arrived that Grimgor hardly had any time to enjoy the fight. Still, he thought to himself as he slowly recounted the moons, they can't be all this place had to offer. It seemed incredibly unlikely to the Black orc warlord that they were, not with how diverse the land he left was.
Though even if there were more different people out there in this new land didn't mean they'd be a good fight...
Bah, he'd just have to make a go of it, poke 'em into action and get the fight he wanted. Who knows, maybe he'd even find someone who could match him in a fight. Now that would be fun. Long into the night Grimgor Ironhide, the once and future git, Black orc warlord and the greatest orc to ever live, planned and plotted.
The empire is dead. let its shambling, daedra filled corpse be laid to rest , until a dragon blooded scion of Reman is born again from the Golden Hill to renew the dragon empire.
Know that the Pact intervened into Cyordiil not for the sake of domination, but to deliver Tamriel from the threat of the daedra.
Now the Daedra are banished, at the cost of far too many heroes, by the Pact alone, but Cyrodiil still groans under oppressors' yoke, 3 banners pierce the starry heart of Nirn.
The Ebonheart Pact came to deliver not to conquer and deliverance being achieved is willing to withdraw, but it will not do so if it does alone.
To Queen Ayrenn(@Orange Boy ) I say to you this he world has been "put right" without you, by elves true, but by men and argonians too. The days that Ayleids ruled from White Gold Tower were in the ancient past before you were born. It is not within even the power of Seht to turn back time to then, nor should it be done if it was. Leave cyrod to be Cyrodiil. Withdraw in peace, or be forced out by arms.
To King Emeric of Wayrest ( @EliudFS1) None can deny your skill at rule. Even in Vvardenfell tales are told of your silver tongue and golden heart. But it is not within your power to reignite the flame of the Empire of Man. Indeed no one living yet can. Let us depart in peace from Cyrodiil until the covenant of Alessia is renewed, and the red diamond jewel of conquest unfurled once more and let there be peace between our peoples.
To the men of the Arbor beyond the Padomaic Ocean
Your thoughtful gifts are considerate, cautious and considerate, fine virtues all.
The center of Tamriel is a battleground, we have troubles enough without troubling realms far away.
We reciprocate with gifts of our own. Mead, sujamma Ebony Blades , Mammoth Tusk, and more from our hearty lands.
Let there be peace between our peoples, and profitable trade besides. Respect our laws in our lands as we will respect yours
To the Ebonheart Pact across the Sunset Sea and their own Pandomaic Ocean,
Your gifts are well-received and the heavily enjoyed.
I will admit it does sadden one's heart for the war that your continent is embroiled in, and however, with my lack of knowledge regarding why it is, all I have to say is that.
The Men of the Arbor and House Redwyne heftily agree to peace between our people and the profitable trade that is to come. We promise to respect your laws when in your land as your own promise to respect ours resounds in the hearts of those righteous few people.
May prosperity and fortune bless your people.
Signed Lord Robert Redwyne, Lord and Knight of the Arbor
To the Ebonheart Pact across the Sunset Sea and their own Pandomaic Ocean,
Your gifts are well-received and the heavily enjoyed.
I will admit it does sadden one's heart for the war that your continent is embroiled in, and however, with my lack of knowledge regarding why it is, all I have to say is that.
The Men of the Arbor and House Redwyne heftily agree to peace between our people and the profitable trade that is to come. We promise to respect your laws when in your land as your own promise to respect ours resounds in the hearts of those righteous few people.
May prosperity and fortune bless your people.
Signed Lord Robert Redwyne, Lord and Knight of the Arbor
There is war because the line of reman has ended and all the pretenders to his throne sincd have carried not the dragon blood needed to be more than a false emperor. Untill there is a true dragonborn emperor upon the throne who in covenant with akatosh lights the dragonfires the starry heart of nirn will never know peace. How fair your lands,. (Assume detail swap here)
There is war because the line of reman has ended and all the pretenders to his throne sincd have carried not the dragon blood needed to be more than a false emperor. Untill there is a true dragonborn emperor upon the throne who in covenant with akatosh lights the dragonfires the starry heart of nirn will never know peace. How fair your lands,. (Assume detail swap here)
The Reign of King Jaehaerys the Wise has been most prosperous for our fair land. His rule continuously sees work done to better the lands he commands, our people have enjoyed this peace for many a year. Alas, this great change has dampened such high spirits and peace. It has brought forth a Winter forcibly ending the Summer we enjoyed and now struggle has once more begun. Our people are confused by the appearance of new moons and stars, alongside people we've never expected to meet. But like any other, we'll make the best of it as all should. Life is to be lived, not to be dreaded. [Swaps rest of important details]
(OOC: If we continue this further, may want to move it to RP)
The stranger wandered into the slum as though he belonged there. Though truth be told, perhaps he did. He did claim to be an Elf after all, no matter the finery draped upon him nor how he seemed to loom over the humans as he walked upon footsteps too delicate to come from so tall a being, rather than scurry with his eyes down, lest he earn a beating from the City Guards.
He was untroubled, reading a cheap mass-produced book of a title so worn away as to be illegible in one hand, the other gripped to his staff that thrummed with power untapped. Yet despite this, no Templars came to remove the life of this apostate, no thugs came to relieve him of his wealth. He simply, without issue, seemed to step into the moonlight and appeared within the Alienage of Denerim.
To: Valendrian, Hahren of the Elvhen of Denerim @EliudFS1
From: Teclis, A Seeker of Knowledge
If I might, I would request the hospitality of your people and perhaps, the chance to ask questions of lore and history. I think it be quite the curiosity that our two peoples are both named Elves and if our kinship be true, I would learn of my distant cousins.
The Mouth of Sauron's Annual Declaration at Barad-dûr
Hark, slaves of the Shadow lest you die for defiance. The Men of the West quiver with fear: their brittle sense of security shattered upon the rise of the Haradrim. Soon, the fire shall spread from south to north and their quaint rivers will turn red as our Master demands. Thereafter, no son of Anárion will spread their cursed seed any longer. Rejoice for final victory is but steps away.
Sauron, the Lord of All, has no equal. Serve or die.
To: King Cailan of Ferelden @EliudFS1
From: Count Noctilus, Admiral of the Dreadfleet
*Letter is delivered by a shambling zombie, one obviously freshly raised from the defenders of Amaranthine*
I have found your city to be most hospitable. Now that it's plunder has filled my hulls and it's people have swelled my crews I offer you a choice.
Grant me a Galleon's full of gold and I shall leave what remains of the city to you. Or foolishly try to take it by force and add your armies to my own in death.
From Domihaus the Bloody-Horned, Horn Lord of the Minotaurs, Patriarch of the Dreadhorn Clan, Man-Bane, Blood of Alessia, Champion of Kyne, the Winged Lord, King of the Ashes, and Fear of Men and Merr
To the King of Western Skyrim@EliudFS1 As Delivered by a Terrified Nord Peasant
You do not know of me but I know of you. You are the Half-King, the Lord of the Torn Map, Master of the West of Skyrim. I have heard many a song of your exploits; of how, when the Snow Demons came to Skyrim, you hid behind the walls of Solitude and bravely refused to do battle. Countless songs have been written in your honour, each one a testament to your cowardice and your impotence. Among my company, the Reachmen crow at how you are the lesser of the two High Kings, praising your wretchedness when compared to the nobility of your counterpart.
Know that I and mine march north, to take to the Sea of Ghosts in pursuit of Kyne. When I arrive at the Dragonbridge, you shall meet me there with enough ships to carry my people on our voyage and shall grovel before me, as your reputation dictates that you shall do so, in the hopes that I shall do no more than cuckold you before all of Skyrim and leave you less than a man after my passing.
For if you do not, I will kill you. I will kill you and your children and your children's children. I will defile the barrows of your forebears and smash the walls of your great Solitude. If you do not do as I command, I will ensure that generations from now, your name shall be a curse spat at the mad and the foolhardy. I will shackle your soul to the earth and forever deny you a place in Sovngarde.
This, I, Domihaus the Bloody-Horned, Horn Lord of the Minotaurs and Blood of Alessia, promise to you.
You have until I knock on your gates to make up your mind.
It is with great sadness that we have heard of the undead attack on Amaranthine , and our hearts are with the victims and the displaced.
Your call for help has also been heard , and to join you in the coming battle to protect your realm and your subjects from these dark forces is something that we would be pleased to do , if not for our most sacred duty.
Though the ravages of a Blight can seem distant and unlikely after so much time has passed since the last one , they remain an ever present menace and we have sensed an increase in darkspawn activity recently , with sightings of new creatures roaming in the Deep Roads too.
While we need to prepare , our numbers are few in Ferelden and many of your vassals still distrust us.
We cannot afford the risk of wasteful losses , and while these demands may appear to be motivated by greed they are truly motivated by necessity : if we are to participate in this war , we request that a fortified place be ceded to the Ferelden Grey Wardens to serve as our headquarters , to live and train in it , as well enough donations that we might refurbish and maintain said headquarters. If these demands are accepted , we would be able to field one army of Grey Wardens with reinforcements from Orlais.
You will have your keep. I'll send a force to clear the old fortress at Soldiers Keep and restore the Grey Warden's base in Ferelden, should you help us from this demonic threat.
We are glad that another land has been uncovered that it's people are not only fine of looks, but of demeanor too. It is wonderful to meet yet another group who would seek peace before war. I write to you in hopes of seeing trade relations established between your land and my own. It would only be natural that we do so, after all, would it not be grand for our people to learn of each other and your own splendor be seen by us as we allow you to witness our own?
With this messenger comes gifts, casks of our fine wine - some bolts of silk, spices, some tapestries, and more. It is my hope that you appreciate the gift and in turn allow us to enjoy all you might provide for peaceful traders as House Redwyne.
Signed Lord Robert Redwyne, Lord and Knight of the Arbor
This is most unusual, to find the race of men beyond the sea. It would seem that life, even in my old age still have surprises for me. We would welcome trade, but also information. There are more of the race of men where we hail from. We've already encountered one of your Princes and we would be honored to facilitate relations between the distant kingdoms of men.
To Queen Ayrenn(@Orange Boy ) I say to you this he world has been "put right" without you, by elves true, but by men and argonians too. The days that Ayleids ruled from White Gold Tower were in the ancient past before you were born. It is not within even the power of Seht to turn back time to then, nor should it be done if it was. Leave cyrod to be Cyrodiil. Withdraw in peace, or be forced out by arms.
To High King Joruun (@JuliusNepos ) Of course you would think taking that isle alone is what ended the Daedric invasion. Such arrogance not only insults me but the thousands who gave their lives to drive out the Daedra from Cyrodiil and bring order where the wars of Man left none. Where was the Pact when brigands occupied Anvil? Where was the Pact when the Butcher of Bravil laid waste to the Nibenay? Where was the Pact when so many Cyrodillic cities were laid to ruin by the Daedra? Well i say it was not the Pact but the Dominion that brought order and rebuilt most of Cyrodiil.
I will not be intimidated into abandoning the region to fall into anarchy once more, Especially by a scheme as ill planned as this. Who would rule Cyrodiil? Almost all the Counts of old are either deceased or have long abandoned their country. Perhaps you would place yourself as Emperor, or that traitorous brother of yours. Traitors do seem to be common in the Ebonheart Pact. I am well aware that the traitorous Count of Mir broke all accords of neutrality and non aggression by marching with your Pact against the Dominion. Perhaps you would place your puppet Count as ruler of Cyrodiil?
Know this ''Skald King'' no one not even Emeric sees your claims of withdrawal as nothing more than a bald faced lie to create a Pact ruled Cyrodiil.
If it is indeed peace that you are interested in then surely you would accept a white peace. Accept or the war shall continue until the pretender is removed from the Ruby Throne once more.
To Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri, Queen of Alinor, High Queen of Summerset and Queen of the Aldmeri Dominion @Orange Boy
While Nord, Nibenman, Argonian and Dunmer alike gave their tribute in blood in the liberation of the Imperial City and the banishment of Daedra from this world, your forces watched from outside while elsewhere in Cyrodiil your armies occupied Kvatch and Anvil.
Was this planned with the Beratu Emeric and his desert-dwelling and fecal allies? This is not my concern.
I shall not judge you by this - indeed, I believe the judgement is implicit in your actions - but following your campaigns, I believe a fair exchange would be Anvil for Leyawiin (*1) and Bravil for Kvatch.
The people look towards Mir Corrup with favor after the recent battles and it is my hope to see all of Nibenay confederated under one banner, all the while keeping the usual warmth towards the Dominion.
Help me confederate Nibenay and you shall have a friend not just in me, but in my people, for confederation is their will. Don't and I know not what the people will do in my name.
Collybiscus Voria IV,
Count of Mir
OOC: *1. Should only include the eastern part of the city. The west should be Khajiit by now, which means you also get to keep the Trans-Niben, which means the western half of County Leyawiin.
Perhaps you have forgotten that the Ebonheart Pact that you have so recklessly joined is at war with the Aldmeri Dominion. The Dominion fought to liberate the Imperial City from the Daedra but were barred by the armies of the Ebonheart Pact... and the County of Mir.
I trust even you are intelligent enough to see how this thoroughly violates the pacts of non aggression and neutrally between our nations.
Your demands are that of a liar and a traitor and as such are of little regard. Return to a state of neutrality or i shall be forced to consider you an adversary.
Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri,
Queen of Alinor, High Queen of Summerset and Queen of the Aldmeri Dominion
Perhaps you have forgotten that the Ebonheart Pact that you have so recklessly joined is at war with the Aldmeri Dominion. The Dominion fought to liberate the Imperial City from the Daedra but were barred by the armies of the Ebonheart Pact... and the County of Mir.
I trust even you are intelligent enough to see how this thoroughly violates the pacts of non aggression and neutrally between our nations.
Your demands are that of a liar and a traitor and as such are of little regard. Return to a state of neutrality or i shall be forced to consider you an adversary.
Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri,
Queen of Alinor, High Queen of Summerset and Queen of the Aldmeri Dominion
To Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri
Queen of Alinor, High Queen of Summerset and Queen of the Aldmeri Dominion
Nobody forbid either you or Emeric's legions from fighting in the Imperial City, indeed you could have fought with us against the Daedra, the one single enemy that mattered.
Nobody can even claim to have stormed the city first, so the very idea that one side would have prevented others from fighting is unfathomable to me.
I would never take kindly to the idea of sending to martyrdom more men than necessary - your implication here - for I am certain that if we would have equally shared the burden of the battle among all of us, we would have had less casualties on our own. This would have been the most desirable outcome to me;
less corpses for the River to claim, and less silk to be spun.
I have no issue with you or the Dominion and, however you may consider the presence of my men in the city - who I don't intend to recall, given its conditions and the needs for repairs. Worry not, I do not intend to claim it for myself and neither do the Tribunes. We know the Empire is no more and we want nothing of the sort in the foreseeable future - I did and still consider the County of Mir anything but hostile towards the Dominion.
Know then that, whatever act of hostility shall come from you, it shall come first.
There is no state of neutrality to return to because, for all intents and purposes, I still consider my County neutral towards the Dominion and a friend of yours.
In the name of Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, you are hereby summoned to King's Landing to come before the Iron Throne and provide explanation for your acts of war in Dorne and your failure to seek royal sanction for said acts.
Your lady sister the Captain of the Iron Fleet, Lady Jolinn Greyjoy, is likewise summoned to King's Landing to do the same.
You and your bannermen are commanded to cease any and all attacks against Dorne until then.
Until your arrival Galen Harlaw and his retinue are to remain in custody at the Red Keep.
The House of Greyjoy is no hedge knight to be summoned by the steward of the Red Keep, and swore its oaths to the Dragon Kings of the Iron Throne, not a Houseless wanderer who spins tales at their fireside.
Baseborn knave, who denies the Grayjoy his titles Lord Reaper and Lord Paramount, it is well for you that you be a eunuch cut for your Seven and no true man, elsewise the sons of Grayjoy would lay a challenge at your feet, then beat you with the flat of his blade till every stroke the man who planted his seed in your harlot mother's womb failed to deliver was dealt and thus courtesy was taught to your churl's tongue.
Know this, O Footstool Of The Iron Throne, should you have overstepped your bounds and by your foolishness caused harm or inconvenience to the Paramount's beloved nephew, sent forth as envoy with the tale of our tribulation and tokens of its truth, it will be ill with you.
You may tell our King this, O Wiper of Crowned Arses. You may tell him that the Iron Fleet sails for the blood of its children, shed by Dornish hands, and that were it not for his wounds, the Lord Paramount of the Iron Islands, Lord Reaper of Pyke, and Lord of House Grayjoy would sail with it. And you may tell him that we are sworn to heed the words of Kings, not geldlings in mummer's robes.
As penned by the Lady Dagrun Greyjoy, under the seal and FOR The Lord Paramount, Lord Reaper Aeric, Lord of House Grayjoy
The House of Greyjoy is no hedge knight to be summoned by the steward of the Red Keep, and swore its oaths to the Dragon Kings of the Iron Throne, not a Houseless wanderer who spins tales at their fireside.
Baseborn knave, who denies the Grayjoy his titles Lord Reaper and Lord Paramount, it is well for you that you be a eunuch cut for your Seven and no true man, elsewise the sons of Grayjoy would lay a challenge at your feet, then beat you with the flat of his blade till every stroke the man who planted his seed in your harlot mother's womb failed to deliver was dealt and thus courtesy was taught to your churl's tongue.
Know this, O Footstool Of The Iron Throne, should you have overstepped your bounds and by your foolishness caused harm or inconvenience to the Paramount's beloved nephew, sent forth as envoy with the tale of our tribulation and tokens of its truth, it will be ill with you.
You may tell our King this, O Wiper of Crowned Arses. You may tell him that the Iron Fleet sails for the blood of its children, shed by Dornish hands, and that were it not for his wounds, the Lord Paramount of the Iron Islands, Lord Reaper of Pyke, and Lord of House Grayjoy would sail with it. And you may tell him that we are sworn to heed the words of Kings, not geldlings in mummer's robes.
As penned by the Lady Dagrun Greyjoy, under the seal and FOR The Lord Paramount, Lord Reaper Aeric, Lord of House Grayjoy
I hope this letter finds its way directly into your hands. I send you a copy of the message sent and signed by your niece, Lady Dagrun, for it is clear that she misstepped and wrote without your input or authorization, for I am certain you know of your duties and obligations and of the laws and customs of the Seven Kingdoms.
Never in my entire life have I stood witness to such blatant disrespect and contempt of the Iron Throne. Never has such a message reached the Red Keep in my reign of almost fifty years, or even before that. The contents of it are unthinkable and unspeakable. To challenge the voice of the Hand of the King is to challenge the voice of the King himself, for the Hand speaks with the King's voice. To insult the Hand of the King in the exercise of his office is to insult the Iron Throne itself. To deny the Hand's authority is to deny mine. Septon Barth is a good and loyal man who has served as my Hand for forty years. I will not stand for these treasonous words directed at my loyal and always faithful Hand and, by extension, the Iron Throne.
The punishment for treason, in accordance with our Great Code, is death. The sentence may be commuted to the removal of the offending tongue by the will of the Iron Throne. Nevertheless, the King's grace may extend pardons and other rulings, for the source of all justice is the King's justice. Due to the infallible service and loyalty of House Greyjoy to the Iron Throne since the Conquest, the youth and sex of the offender, and the ancient nobility and history of your house, we are willing to enforce lighter punishment.
We sentence Lady Dagrun to ten years of exile from the Seven Kingdoms. The sentence may be commuted, depending on your wish, to ceding her guardianship to the Iron Throne so that we may personally arrange a marriage of the noble lady to a loyal bannerman of the Iron Throne of suitable rank and station for a daughter of Pyke. It is our hope that the wisdom of age shall temper the fiery temperament of youth, or that a loyal husband would do his duty and discipline a disobedient wife. Until our sentence may be enforced you are commanded to discipline your niece however you see fit.
That is our final ruling. Let it be done.
We re-affirm your summons to the Red Keep and that of your lady sister to explain your unsanctioned acts of war in Dorne. We command you and your bannermen to cease all hostile action against Dorne. We offer you the reassurance that, contrary to your niece's flawed perception, your nephew is held in comfortable custody in the Red Keep and has complete freedom of the castle. We excuse House Greyjoy of Lady Dagrun's treason in perpetuity, and let it be known that your honor remains unblemished by her seditious words.
We await your arrival and decision within a moon's turn.
Godspeed, my lord.
Jaehaerys of House Targaryen, the First of my Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
This is most unusual, to find the race of men beyond the sea. It would seem that life, even in my old age still have surprises for me. We would welcome trade, but also information. There are more of the race of men where we hail from. We've already encountered one of your Princes and we would be honored to facilitate relations between the distant kingdoms of men.
House Redwyne is quite pleased to see yet another group willing to work, to trade, and to thrive in peace. It would be a grand honor if you would let us know of the lands you hail from in-depth as we shall gift you whatever information our Prince might not have allowed you to gain. If he gave you all there is to know, we are entirely willing to pay for such information. We promise to respect you and yours, as you respect ours. We shall endeavor to break no laws of your land as we ask you to gift us the same respect. Should one break your laws, turn him over to us and he will be suitably punished. On the honor of my family, of my house, and myself I swear.
Whatever you desire from or even to trade merely come for the Arbor and we shall bring it to you. The splendor of House Redwyne, of the Arbor, and Westeros are easily transported and shared with friends.
May you and yours prosper.
Signed Lord Robert Redwyne, Lord and Knight of the Arbor
From: Denethor II, Steward of Gondor
To: The King of the men of Westeros @ByzantineCaesar
I bring greetings from the Kingdom of Gondor. We have heard word of your mighty kingdom through the dwarves of our land. We wish we came with simple greetings and well wishes but we come asking for a great favor. Our lands are under assault by the forces of Sauron, the Dark Lord and his forces of orcs. What he seeks is total world domination through the use of dark magic. We seek assistance in this war as all of mankind is threatened. They fly on great beasts and have all manner of dark creatures at their disposal. I have enclosed with this envoy a copy of the histories of Gondor so your scholars can learn of our enemy and a corpse of the enemy we fight.
*Body of an orc is brought alongside as well as copies of histories of Gondor*
From: Denethor II, Steward of Gondor
To: The world (Lizardmen, Grey Wardens, Mercenary companies of Essos, The Empire) @EliudFS1@Maugan Ra@Rincewind357
I bring greetings from the Kingdom of Gondor. We have heard word of your mighty kingdom through the dwarves of our land. We wish we came with simple greetings and well wishes but we come asking for a great favor. Our lands are under assault by the armies of Sauron, the Dark Lord and his forces of orcs. What he seeks is total world domination through the use of dark magic. They fly on great beasts and have all manner of dark creatures at their disposal. We are happy to offer trade concessions as well as payment should that be required.
The silent enemies poured down upon them, cold as ice, relentless as the grave. The band, led by Axel the Big since the days of his father, Axel the Small, ended on the point of a crow's arrow, hurried along with a few brave men and women slowing to halt the dead's advance. The faces of kinfolk, strangers, frozen and puckered, eyes glowing with cold light and hate goaded them along and chilled those noble souls before their bitter end. There was no hope. There was no mercy.
Axel slowed, barking orders to overturn sledges and make their stand. Free people to the last, the only thing that mattered. He steeled himself, accepting the end that would come, knowing that in the end he would go down fighting. Knowing--
Something heavy hit the snow behind him, but Axel couldn't flinch. A voice hissed wordless curses in his ears, but he couldn't turn. A hot breath tickled the back of his neck, but he felt nothing but cold.
A length of brutal steel completed its journey through his chest, having already severed his spine. Behind him, the prayers and panicked noises of his band took on new terror as the smell of bloody, charnel delights filled the cold night air.
"Now the bait steels itself, eh?" The voice shoved itself in to his brain like a broken bone, crackling and groaning, deep and slick with marrow-rich tones. "Fine...fine...you've served your part, now let real northeners do theirs."
Whatever Axel the Big might have wanted to gurgled out was lost as Valkia flicked her wrist, cracking him apart like an overstuffed sausage and bellowed to her Norscans.
"FILL THE LARDERS, CRUSH THE DEAD, THE AXEFATHER WATCHES! VALKIA WATCHES!" Valkia...sulked.
Of course it was the sulking of the Sword-Maiden of the Blood God, so some dozen acres of forest were now reduced to splinters, and a mammoth lay gutted and steaming in the snow. The giant who'd ridden said mammoth most definitely wished he'd been gutted too--or at least shoved in to the ruptured belly rather than the orifice she'd packed his broken body in to. This land was just so weak. The undead came, and fell, but they were all just dried out, frost-burned dandies swinging light blades and cracking like ice beneath the anointed steel of her band. Were were the greater foes? Where was the challenge.
To the south undoubtedly.
What little she'd learned from her captive crows, as the locals called them, was that dragons ruled the lands to the south. Fat lands, full of plunder, full armies, challenge and combat none could hope to bring her here. She ripped their lungs out quickly as a token of her thanks when they'd finished screaming what they knew. It was decided. These dead were beneath Valkia--the lands of men were hers to soak with blood and glory.
South. South to what they called the North.
Across the North, and in the fastness of King's Landing dark wings brought darker tidings. No ordinary ravens, these birds looked like what happened if you fed a raven nothing but ravens for several years and then forced them to lift weights. Huge, vicious birds with cunning, glossy eyes and beaks that snapped and tore--leaving fang marks of all things on the rookery attendants they didn't simply peck the eyes out of. Each bird delivered its own message, or rather messenger depending on the perspective and commitment to euphemism.
To the Lords of the North, skinned wolf heads, their eyes still rolling, growling and howling with human tongues (sewn in, one hoped). @Skrevski
JOIN WITH THE LEGIONS OF VALKIA, BRINGER OF GLORY, GOREQUEEN OF NORSCA, SPEAR BEARER, DWARF CRUSHER, RAVAGER AND REAVER--OR HOLD YOUR CLAIMS TO MANHOOD FALSE. LET YOUR WEAKNESS BE PURGED. LET YOUR INDOLENCE BE REFORGED. LET NEW PURPOSE FILL YOUR LIMBS WITH STRENGTH AS WE HONOR THE CALL OF HE WHO IS NAMED BLOODWOLF, SKULLBREAKER, THE LORD OF BLOOD, KHORNE THE SMASHER, KHORNE THE CRUSHER, KHORNE, KHORNE, KHORNE! JOIN OR FALL--IT PLEASES HIM EITHER WAY.
To the Iron Throne, the flayed and grotesquely muscled head of some massive human. Too small to be a giant, too large to be Wildling, its teeth are filed and what scraps of skin hang to its massive, bulky meat bears faint hits of blueish tattoos. It screams its message with a bellowing bass fit to wake the dead and disrupt all sleep. @ByzantineCaesar
I AM GOING TO FUCKING EAT YOUR DRAGONS YOU SOFT LITTLE SHITS. SO SAYETH VALKIA--SO COME ON IF YOU THINK YOU'RE KING ENOUGH.
From: His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I
To: The Directorate of Marienburg @EliudFS1
His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I, who loves all his people and subjects has deigned to offer the Directorate of Marienburg and the Staddtholder a chance for peace with honour. It pains his Most Merciful and Serene Majesty to see the subjects of Marienburg suffer such under the Imperial siege and it would pain him further could the soldiers of the Empire not return to wives, mothers and daughters. Therefore, he has deigned to invite the Directorate and the Staddtholder to meet him, the Elector Counts and the Council of State for formal negotiations on the reintegration of noble Marienburg into the waiting arms of Mother Empire, who loves all her daughters like Sigmar loves and cares for all of mankind. Should this most merciful offer be declined, the siege shall remain and the naval blockade will be intensified a hundredfold. His Imperial Highness prays that the fathers and husbands of Marienburg think dearly of their daughters, mothers and wives when they consider this most gracious offer.
With blessings, his Imperial Highness and the Council of State and all the Counts and Princes of the Empire.
From: His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I
To: His Sacred Majesty, the XI Phoenix King Finubarof the Asur and the Ten Kingdoms of Ulthuan @Dovahsith
His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I, who loves all his people and subjects reaffirms his formal commitment to the defense of the Continental Exarchate of the High Kingdom of Ulthuan as well as his intentions to abide by the terms set down by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Baron Matteus van Hoogmans and Wavemaster Sullandiel Fartrader in 2150 IC. His Imperial Highness also reaffirms his commitment to defending the trade between the High Kingdom of Ulthuan and the Empire forevermore.
A messenger and raven (just to be safe) is sent to the island of and Magnar of Skagos with a message from Winterfell @EliudFS1
"Greetings from Winterfell, I know that we have had our differences and while you are still my vassals, most still remain between us. But there is one thing we can agree on, the threat of the White Walkers is real and they have returned along with another powerful enemy that even now fights the Others and if victorious will head south. I have begun to amass a very large army of close to forty-thousand souls and plan to march alongside the Night's Watch to fight these evils that now come for us. I wish you to send your forces to march with me. The might of the North and Night's Watch stands strong, united, a force unseen in many a year.
With you, we can achieve even more, glory for all I saw. We also have discovered some ancient runes that my advisors believe you and your people can translate. Join me and together we can unlock the power behind it and see our lives are not forfeit. The North is strong, far stronger with Skagos, along you know you will be overwhelmed if we fail. So now is the time to show the world the might of Skagos and the North.
Signed,
Lord Ellard Stark
Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North
A raven is dispatched to the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch@EliudFS1
Lord Commander,
I am assembling the full might of the North and plan to march much of it to reinforce the Wall. It would do well for you to tell me where my men should march and what the conditions are beyond the wall as well. I have found some ... ancient texts that might help us in our fight against the Others but it is in speak only the Giants and the Free Folk know, thus I propose we plan a large expedition beyond the Wall to find those that might help us in this fight. Do not fear, the North stands with you.
Signed,
Lord Ellard Stark
Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North
To: Valendrian, Hahren of the Elvhen of Denerim @EliudFS1
From: Teclis, A Seeker of Knowledge
If I might, I would request the hospitality of your people and perhaps, the chance to ask questions of lore and history. I think it be quite the curiosity that our two peoples are both named Elves and if our kinship be true, I would learn of my distant cousins.
It would be an honor to host a guest such as yourself master Teclis. Though I do not know much of the knowledge of our people, as much has been lost. We fear that the knowledge I posses relate almost exclusively to the city dwelling of elvenkind. In whatever manner I could help, I will.
To: King Cailan of Ferelden @EliudFS1
From: Count Noctilus, Admiral of the Dreadfleet
*Letter is delivered by a shambling zombie, one obviously freshly raised from the defenders of Amaranthine*
I have found your city to be most hospitable. Now that it's plunder has filled my hulls and it's people have swelled my crews I offer you a choice.
Grant me a Galleon's full of gold and I shall leave what remains of the city to you. Or foolishly try to take it by force and add your armies to my own in death.
From King Cailan:
Know this foul beast. The city of Amaranthine shall be liberated from your undead grasp. Your evil cast down, and you put to the sword. For my name is Cailan, King of Ferelden, and the worst foe you will ever face.
From: His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I
To: The Directorate of Marienburg @EliudFS1
His Imperial Highness Karl Franz I, who loves all his people and subjects has deigned to offer the Directorate of Marienburg and the Staddtholder a chance for peace with honour. It pains his Most Merciful and Serene Majesty to see the subjects of Marienburg suffer such under the Imperial siege and it would pain him further could the soldiers of the Empire not return to wives, mothers and daughters. Therefore, he has deigned to invite the Directorate and the Staddtholder to meet him, the Elector Counts and the Council of State for formal negotiations on the reintegration of noble Marienburg into the waiting arms of Mother Empire, who loves all her daughters like Sigmar loves and cares for all of mankind. Should this most merciful offer be declined, the siege shall remain and the naval blockade will be intensified a hundredfold. His Imperial Highness prays that the fathers and husbands of Marienburg think dearly of their daughters, mothers and wives when they consider this most gracious offer.
With blessings, his Imperial Highness and the Council of State and all the Counts and Princes of the Empire.
A formal date is announced for the negotiations. The Directorate claim the need for bureaucracy as several important legal documents are needed for the reintegration of the Empire. Years and years of paperwork that needed to be seen to and brought to the table. This is seen by many both Marienburg and the Empire as a stalling tactic. (Results of this at the end of the Turn Events. With Pen or Sword)
A messenger and raven (just to be safe) is sent to the island of and Magnar of Skagos with a message from Winterfell @EliudFS1
"Greetings from Winterfell, I know that we have had our differences and while you are still my vassals, most still remain between us. But there is one thing we can agree on, the threat of the White Walkers is real and they have returned along with another powerful enemy that even now fights the Others and if victorious will head south. I have begun to amass a very large army of close to forty-thousand souls and plan to march alongside the Night's Watch to fight these evils that now come for us. I wish you to send your forces to march with me. The might of the North and Night's Watch stands strong, united, a force unseen in many a year.
With you, we can achieve even more, glory for all I saw. We also have discovered some ancient runes that my advisors believe you and your people can translate. Join me and together we can unlock the power behind it and see our lives are not forfeit. The North is strong, far stronger with Skagos, along you know you will be overwhelmed if we fail. So now is the time to show the world the might of Skagos and the North.
Signed,
Lord Ellard Stark
Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North
A raven is dispatched to the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch@EliudFS1
Lord Commander,
I am assembling the full might of the North and plan to march much of it to reinforce the Wall. It would do well for you to tell me where my men should march and what the conditions are beyond the wall as well. I have found some ... ancient texts that might help us in our fight against the Others but it is in speak only the Giants and the Free Folk know, thus I propose we plan a large expedition beyond the Wall to find those that might help us in this fight. Do not fear, the North stands with you.
Signed,
Lord Ellard Stark
Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount of the North, Warden of the North
From the Magnar of Skagos:
So now the Stark in Winterfell finally acknowledges the might of Skagos, as he should be. Where your house forgot, we remembered, and now you come to use to relearn your roots? It brings me great humor to hear this.
It is true what they say of the enemy to the North. We don't like you, Stark in Winterfell, but we like the Others even less. We will march with you. We will see about teaching you to read a properly.
From the Nights Watch:
The library at Castle Black is at your disposal my lord. The Wall is ready to stand with Winterfell, Warden of the North.