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.
To First Warden of the Grey Wardens @Rincewind
If you move to aid King Calen against these undead horrors I open my fleets to you for transport and cadres of Mortalasti to counter their foreign necromancies.
Meanwhile i look to our shared boarder and wonder if my armies could help yours fend off additional intrusion.
Markus Pentaghast
To King Calen @EliudFS1
I ready my fleets to harry the undead horrors that plague your coasts, for surely no reaver has ever been satisfied marauding only one target.
The arrival of the pyramid caused some confusion amongst the allies' ranks. Neither the Elves of the forest nor the Dwarves of the Mountain knew of any such buildings in the area, and, in fact, were fairly certain there were no peoples who were capable of such feats of masonry nearby - the nearest Dwarvish hall was many a day's march northwards; the Elves of the forest have, in ages past, commissioned the Dwarves to do such work; and the easterlings were not stone-workers. What's more, the Elves would've certainly noticed the amount of people and work required for the building such a large structure.
Therefore, a suspicious contingent of Dwarves and Men, with a few curious Elves, was dispatched towards the building. At their head was Thekk, a Dwarven captain known for his beard - long and black like coal - his loyalty, and his sturdiness. Their orders were simple; ascertain the nature of the pyramid, and - if they existed - of its dwellers.
And so they approached it, line after line of Dwarves in battle array, with Men and Elves covering the flanks, their captain at their head. @Maugan Ra
Bone plated in gold slid against sinuous musculature and scarred hide. With thunder booming from each step Grimloq took, the increasingly alarmed representatives of the races of Elves, Dwarves, and Men took a step back, their guards assembling themselves into a defensive formation even as they stared into death's eye in the form of the massive dragon-beast. Then it stopped, the scales of the dragon-man on top rippling at it looked at them curiously from atop his dragon-beast.
Kroq-Gar flared his nostrils as he looked upon the assembled lesser races. The rank ignorance he could sense from their number made his scales itch to violently educate them on the respect for their betters. Unfortunately his orders were clear, the Old Ones would not bless him with the glory of bloodshed today, and even as he exulted in the tumult of war he had spent millennia in the service of the Holy Ones, not once had he ever even dreamt of defying their holy mandate. This day too, even with all the unexpected events as of late, he would not dream of such things. No, today the Slann had deemed fit to offer peace.
With a flick of a claw a skink priest came up alongside him, almost comically dwarfed under the shadow of the titanic carnosaur. With a flourish of a golden tablet, it began to speak in surprisingly fluent, although accented, Common.
"Behold Kroq-Gar, Herald of the Most Holy Ones! By their grace is he titled the Last Defender of Xhotl, First Spear of the Gods, Pride-Champion of Revered Txanla, Lament of Daemons, Bane of Eternities, Protector of the Divine Domain, Spear of Four Horizons! In the spirit of benevolence he kindly informs you that he seeks to defend all from the depredations of Chaos, and seeks your cooperation in opposition against the forces of Disorder."
King's Landing. The royal city, the great city of Westeros. Great and young, risen to such heights in less than a hundred years, an eyeblink in the histories of the Houses, a grand metropolis willed into being by the Targaryen kings, a personal demense to stand above even even fabled Lannisport and myth shrouded Oldtown, thousands upon thousands of souls packed shoulder to shoulder, trading and building and scheming and living and dying beneath the shadow of the Iron Throne.
Jolinn Greyjoy took a deep breath as Wave Tamer cut through the waters of Blackwater Bay, filling her lungs with the scents of all those thousands, of cook fires and butchers and tanners, garbage and dung carts and unwashed bodies, all the aromas of Aegon's great city, and she hacked a yellow gob into the ocean below.
"Our King" she announced "has summoned us to a pestilential shit hole."
The Lord Aeric Greyjoy and his sister Lady Jolinn have arrived at King's Landing @EliudFS1 @ByzantineCaesar
While our forces will travel by land and will have no use of your navy , having the aid of your cadres of Mortalitasi in the coming battle would be very much appreciated.
I cannot speak for King Cailan and even less give you orders , but I recommand that your Mortalitasi forces join up with the Grey Wardens army and fight alongside them , as the foreign expedition might be disturbed by your magic and many in Ferelden are distrustful of foreigners and might not see in a good light the talents of your mages. Our order on the other hand , is multinational and used to different thoughts and customs , and will be most respectful to your men.
As for cooperation on the border between your nation and the Anderfels , we have become aware of significant activity in the Deep Roads and of a new creature moving in force underground. We would appreciate if you could search for new tunnels sinkholes or caverns that might have appeared on your territory and collapse them whenever you find them , as well as keeping a good watch on the border for anything unusual. Of course , we are also always open to new donations and recruits for the Order if you wish to help us further
Internal event:
While in Denerim preparing local Grey Wardens and meeting King Cailan and other dignitaries , Duncan came across a commotion. It appeared that a servant of the Arl of Denerim was brutalised and threatened by the son of the noble , Vaughan Kendells. It quickly became clear that the servant had started a fight with her bare hands to defend a fellow city elf harassed by Vaughan , but was now surrounded and on the verge of being captured by the Arl's son. Impressed with her bravery and skills in fighting , and no friend of the Kendells , Duncan intervened before the elfs could be taken to the Arl's estate and offered her a place among the Grey Wardens to shield her from potential retribution.
Despite her attachment to the Alienage , Saoirse as she was named accepted and was sent with another promising young recruit by the name of Allistair to link up with men from the Cousland household for a small mission which would hopefully help them acclimate more easily in the order than being sent into battle against a relatively unknown enemy.
Ghabakh Quarter-Brass, Envoy of the First Sorcerer pledges himself and his forces to support the Tevinter Imperium in its efforts to liberate Seheron and restore it to Imperial control in full.
Ghabakh Quarter-Brass and his forces shall receive a fair pick of slaves and loot from the spoils of victory, as befitting the help they provide to the Imperium
Ghabakh Quarter-Brass pledges to sell to the Imperium gunpowder weapons and the assorted ammunition and supplies for their use. Trainers will be provided to ensure the Imperial units selected to wield such weaponry are trained and drilled properly.
Ghabakh Quarter-Brass, pledges to provide the Tevinter Imperium with samples of the "Warpstone" substance to be studied by the Tevinter Circles of Magi. In case of further interest, the Imperium shall look to the Dawi Zharr as its main supplier.
Archon Davan pledges to lease one of the islets around Seheron, to be chosen by Ghabakh Quarter-Brass, after the end of hostilities for the establishment of a refueling station and trade post.
Archon Davan pledges to act as facilitator and middleman between the Dawi Zharr and the Dwarven communities of Thedas, to ensure that trade and good diplomatic relationships are established between the two peoples.
The Tevinter Imperium and the Dawi Zharr pledge engage in trade and peaceful diplomatic coexistence for the mutual benefit of both peoples.
Signed
[X] Aurelian Titus, Tevinter representative
[] Ghabakh Quarter-Brass, Envoy of the First Sorcerer
King's Landing. The royal city, the great city of Westeros. Great and young, risen to such heights in less than a hundred years, an eyeblink in the histories of the Houses, a grand metropolis willed into being by the Targaryen kings, a personal demense to stand above even even fabled Lannisport and myth shrouded Oldtown, thousands upon thousands of souls packed shoulder to shoulder, trading and building and scheming and living and dying beneath the shadow of the Iron Throne.
Jolinn Greyjoy took a deep breath as Wave Tamer cut through the waters of Blackwater Bay, filling her lungs with the scents of all those thousands, of cook fires and butchers and tanners, garbage and dung carts and unwashed bodies, all the aromas of Aegon's great city, and she hacked a yellow gob into the ocean below.
"Our King" she announced "has summoned us to a pestilential shit hole."
The Lord Aeric Greyjoy and his sister Lady Jolinn have arrived at King's Landing
@EliudFS1
@ByzantineCaesar
The skies parted, and there were dragons. The great grey beast Vhagar, of the Conqueror's time, roared overhead, still impossibly large as her wings spread and she made the clouds her home. Her roar was answered in kind by the younger Caraxes, the agile and smaller blood red wyrm who had sunk a third of the Dornish fleet little over a decade ago. Silver heads in black robes steered them, chained in saddles to their backs. They both flew overhead, greeting the Greyjoys and giving them a King's escort, their wings blackening the sun and casting dark shadows on the sea below. The Blood Wyrm, as reckless as his rider, dove and plunged below the water, making the sea shake, and submerged shortly later with a mouthful of fish which he launched into the sky before cooking them with his crimson dragonflame and letting them fall back down his throat. Vhagar led them to port.
through a series of traders, intermediaries and courtiers a letter is eventually delivered to the Iron Throne
To High King Jaehaerys the Conciliator
When I first heard that our sails going eastward met sails going west, I must admit my initial reaction was to prepare for war. My suffered greatly from invasions from the east all too recently, and I feared only the worse. But instead of invaders from Akavir, from the east came traders from 'Westeros,' neither snake men nor snow demons nor any of the other things said to live in that far continent now vanished. Your vassal speak well of you, honoring your wisdom and justice, and but the loyalty you inspire from them speaks louder then simple praise. Let there be peace and trade between our peoples. You will not find our hospitality wanting should you cross the Padomaic Ocean to visit.
Signed, Jorunn Skald King, High King of the Ebonheart Pact and High King of Skyrim
Tents as far as the eye could see. Red tents.
The capital of the world reduced to an army camp.
Healers, medics, people still in pain, sometimes an amputee.
Life.
Not the kind you'd expect from the capital of the world, but life nevertheless.
Vitellius knew that he couldn't put too much distance between him and his men either in battle or in the camp.
They had to know that he would have died for them as much as they would have died for him, and so he sometimes walked in the camp, immersing himself in its life and, when needed, assisting with basic chores.
Other times he would just have a chat with random soldiers, those with the faces most congenial to him.
On a personal level there was not much to learn but to know the fears and hopes of one, ten, a hundred men...
What they wanted, what they wanted to achieve, whether they expected to return home or not...
All useful informations to ascertain the morale of an army, and consequently what to do with it.
Now that tent didn't look any different from the others, its fabric an orange leaning red - or was it red leaning orange? - with two bedrolls and one young man in his early 20s. Glyphs of a language neither him nor probably even the young man could understand covered his whole body, interrupted only by his linen cloth.
Vitellius noticed a stool next to the tent.
"May I sit?" he asked the young man.
"General!" the soldier jumped on his feet. "Yes, sure".
He looked himself around, as if attempting to begin a conversation. "Gods, what a mess..." he began.
"War always is. And this sort of war..." the sentence suddenly truncated, as if the general knew what sort of war he was referring to.
"I can think of only something that's just as decisive in history" the young man said.
"Which one?".
"The storming of White Gold. In the very same place, too. And, I would say, by the same people" the soldier explained.
"Do you recall Argonians and Dark Elves too in the chronicles?".
The man grew rigid, nervous, almost. "Well, we can't have a complete re-evocation of it, can we?". An attempt at irony that badly covered up his discomfort. "But us and the Nords... oh, we were there. And there is historical significance that we are here, together, once again".
"Better us than the Aldmeri. Or the merchants".
"Oh, better us indeed..."
"Are the lizards and dark elves better too?".
One moment. Two moments. Three moments.
A minute.
Silence.
A sensitive subject? Vitellius had already perfectly framed the psychological profile of this one. Better not to push it.
Trying to charge argument, he noticed a bag to his left, the usual one brought by soldiers, and a piece of parchment vainly poking outside of it.
The scripture was unreadable, the glyphs unknown to him.
"A letter from your mother?".
"I, uh...". The soldier nervously hesitated for a moment before taking the parchment from the general's hands.
"From your sweetheart, perhaps?" Vitellius insisted.
The man took to reading the parchment, apparently quoting from it.
"That is not cruel which cures,
O faith, charity, rigor.
By faith true heart endures,
O hope, clarity, vigor.
O praise, honor, and duty.
Alessia lives inside us,
And truth is one with beauty."
"A religious person, I see", Vitellius observed.
"Which reminds me..." the man's head lifted towards the sky for a moment, and then he turned around. Some people in the camp were on their kneels. "Want to join me for prayer?".
"Yes, why not?".
Bone plated in gold slid against sinuous musculature and scarred hide. With thunder booming from each step Grimloq took, the increasingly alarmed representatives of the races of Elves, Dwarves, and Men took a step back, their guards assembling themselves into a defensive formation even as they stared into death's eye in the form of the massive dragon-beast. Then it stopped, the scales of the dragon-man on top rippling at it looked at them curiously from atop his dragon-beast.
Kroq-Gar flared his nostrils as he looked upon the assembled lesser races. The rank ignorance he could sense from their number made his scales itch to violently educate them on the respect for their betters. Unfortunately his orders were clear, the Old Ones would not bless him with the glory of bloodshed today, and even as he exulted in the tumult of war he had spent millennia in the service of the Holy Ones, not once had he ever even dreamt of defying their holy mandate. This day too, even with all the unexpected events as of late, he would not dream of such things. No, today the Slann had deemed fit to offer peace.
With a flick of a claw a skink priest came up alongside him, almost comically dwarfed under the shadow of the titanic carnosaur. With a flourish of a golden tablet, it began to speak in surprisingly fluent, although accented, Common.
"Behold Kroq-Gar, Herald of the Most Holy Ones! By their grace is he titled the Last Defender of Xhotl, First Spear of the Gods, Pride-Champion of Revered Txanla, Lament of Daemons, Bane of Eternities, Protector of the Divine Domain, Spear of Four Horizons! In the spirit of benevolence he kindly informs you that he seeks to defend all from the depredations of Chaos, and seeks your cooperation in opposition against the forces of Disorder."
Thekk noted with pride that while some of the Bardings have indeed recoiled from the dragon-like beings that have emerged from the pyramid, not one of his boys did (even if they raised their axes a little). The Elves, inscrutable as ever, did not seem impressed to him, but then again, they were pointy-eared Elves.
The Dwarf-Captain squinted at the skink. "We know not those Most Holy Ones you speak of, nor this Chaos. This is no Divine Domain, either; to the West lies the kingdom of Thranduil Elvenking, to the North our own home Under the Mountain, and to the East naught but servants of the Enemy, against which we here" - the Dwarf waved at the general direction of the gathered Dwarves, Men and Elves - "have fought a battle nary a day ago." He sighed. "Whoever you may be, so as long as you do not serve the Enemy, King Dáin will at least receive you for audience, as will no doubt King Brand of Dale."
Thekk noted with pride that while some of the Bardings have indeed recoiled from the dragon-like beings that have emerged from the pyramid, not one of his boys did (even if they raised their axes a little). The Elves, inscrutable as ever, did not seem impressed to him, but then again, they were pointy-eared Elves.
The Dwarf-Captain squinted at the skink. "We know not those Most Holy Ones you speak of, nor this Chaos. This is no Divine Domain, either; to the West lies the kingdom of Thranduil Elvenking, to the North our own home Under the Mountain, and to the East naught but servants of the Enemy, against which we here" - the Dwarf waved at the general direction of the gathered Dwarves, Men and Elves - "have fought a battle nary a day ago." He sighed. "Whoever you may be, so as long as you do not serve the Enemy, King Dáin will at least receive you for audience, as will no doubt King Brand of Dale."
Kroq-Gar snorted as the skink translated the words back to him. Any fool with a sense of smell and eyes to see could mark out the telltale scars of battle. The fresh bandages on their men, the sweat that gleamed on their skin, the wary rumble of heartbeats that anticipated another battle, the blood that wafted tantalisingly through the air. Grimloq shifted almost imperceptibly underneath him at the smell of wounded mortals, but his partner held his position. Kroq-Gar decided then and there that a hunt was warranted as soon these tedious negotiations were over, the discipline displayed by his old friend deserved reward.
Yet what he had come here to search by dictate of the Holy Ones he did not sense. The stench of taint, the telltale scent of daemonkind remained missing from these mortals. The battle they referred to was likely some petty mortal squabble. It warranted investigation nonetheless, Chaos did not lack for mortal agents to act out its will.
Kroq-Gar growled sibilantly, and the ranks of enormous dragon-men parted way for the thunderfall of titans that dwarfed even them. They walked as Men and Elves did, upright on two feet, but that paltry comparison was where it ended. Thews and sinew that seemed to be carved out of ancient stone, golden polearms crowned with blades of obsidian, cavernous maws that gleamed with jagged teeth, and perhaps worst of all eyes alight with a barely restrained predatory intelligence. They came to a halt alongside the curious little reptile, obvious to all they would not tolerate injury who was now their charge.
"So be it. My lord has bade me to accompany you to those you call king, in the the spirit of greater cooperation against the enemies of all that lives. He warns you however, that interference in his work is... Unwise, and cautions you against the interruption of his duties outside of the most dire of emergencies."
Kroq-Gar snorted as the skink translated the words back to him. Any fool with a sense of smell and eyes to see could mark out the telltale scars of battle. The fresh bandages on their men, the sweat that gleamed on their skin, the wary rumble of heartbeats that anticipated another battle, the blood that wafted tantalisingly through the air. Grimloq shifted almost imperceptibly underneath him at the smell of wounded mortals, but his partner held his position. Kroq-Gar decided then and there that a hunt was warranted as soon these tedious negotiations were over, the discipline displayed by his old friend deserved reward.
Yet what he had come here to search by dictate of the Holy Ones he did not sense. The stench of taint, the telltale scent of daemonkind remained missing from these mortals. The battle they referred to was likely some petty mortal squabble. It warranted investigation nonetheless, Chaos did not lack for mortal agents to act out its will.
Kroq-Gar growled sibilantly, and the ranks of enormous dragon-men parted way for the thunderfall of titans that dwarfed even them. They walked as Men and Elves did, upright on two feet, but that paltry comparison was where it ended. Thews and sinew that seemed to be carved out of ancient stone, golden polearms crowned with blades of obsidian, cavernous maws that gleamed with jagged teeth, and perhaps worst of all eyes alight with a barely restrained predatory intelligence. They came to a halt alongside the curious little reptile, obvious to all they would not tolerate injury who was now their charge.
"So be it. My lord has bade me to accompany you to those you call king, in the the spirit of greater cooperation against the enemies of all that lives. He warns you however, that interference in his work is... Unwise, and cautions you against the interruption of his duties outside of the most dire of emergencies."
The Dwarf-Captain looked rather unimpressed - which, let's face it, was normal for him - by the emissary's bragging. Nor did the larger dragon-alikes elicit any response, save for an appraising look given to their weapons. Thekk stroked his beard. "Aye," he told the skink. "My company and I will stay here. I shall send men with you to guide you north to Dale."
A Man walked forward. Unlike the mail-wearing Dwarves, his armour was brown leather, over which he wore a green cape; on his back was a great bow, and to his side a short sword. "We shall take them, my friend," he told the Dwarf. "We must carry word of this to King Brand, too."
"Aye," Thekk replied, then turned back to the Lizardmen. "Thimbul here" - he nodded at the Man - "will take you north." The terrain across which Thimbul led the Lizardmen was broken and brown, hills and valleys mostly abandoned by life. From time to time they could hear the rushing of the river - the River Running, Thimbul told them - to their left.
After five days of uneventful marching, they found themselves at the bank of the river, which now ran East to West; above it was a great bridge of stone, decorated with weathered statues. Upon the bridge was a guard of Men, not unlike Thimbul in stature and appearance. He conversed with the guards in hushed tones, and they let the Lizardmen pass.
Another day of marching saw them arrive at the edges of a great town, its many towers full of bells. "Dale, wonder of the North," the guide said. "I would recommend staying in an inn while I report to King Brand, after which His Majesty, as well as the King Under the Mountain, will no doubt grant you audience."
Theoden, King of Rohan, of the House of Eorl. Well-known as a friend of Gondor, raised there, in his age he turns to his advisors more often for counsel; and leans on his children in hopes that they shall learn to rule. Grima Wormtongue, Chief Advisor to the King. The true ruler of Rohan, controller of the court and with the King's ear. Theodred, Prince and heir of Rohan, of the House of Eorl. Commander of the military in the field. Eomer and Eowyn, prince and princess of Rohan, of the House of Eorl.
The Oath of Eorl, to Eternal Friendship and Mutual Alliance with Gondor
After the capture of the port city of Amaranthine, King Cailan immediately called the Arls and Banns in defense of the Kingdom. Gathering the armies at Denerim to organize a march to liberate the city. He also called on all available allies he could, with the exception of Orlais, at the insistence of Loghain Mac Tir, his most trusted general.
With help of the mercenary band of Gotrek and Felix, the army of Ferelden were instructed on how to properly fight the Vampires from the North. Mages from the Circle and Templars also reinforced the armies of Ferelden. Even the Grey Wardens moved in to help against this outside threat, though at a cost. Early in the campaign, the Grey Wardens and the King's men sent an expedition to the stronghold of Soldier's Keep, under the command of Elissa Cousland, Allister and the new city elf recruit Kallian Tabris. They went ahead while the forces where marshaling, and where set to return near the end of the campaign season.
After a month or so of gathering their strength, the army of Ferelden joined forces with the Grey Wardens, with their mercenary army of Dwarves and Men, and with a surprise army from Nevarra who joined forces against their necrotic enemy. The coalition was led by King Cailan who took command of the heavy cavalry forces. When all was said and done, these forces moved to Amaranthine and made battle to the undead forces.
At first everything was going well. The undead put up a decent fight, at the outskirts of the city, but soon they retreated inside to mount a better defense. It would be noted by many, that only a token force of vampires where seen. No incredible monsters or acts of great magic where seen, which aroused some suspicion, but not by Cailan. King Cailan was the first one unto the breach, he went into the city in a glorious charge, it would look to all that the day was saved.
But it was not to be, as the Vampire forces had laid a trap. Explosives all around the entry points of the city took their time to detonate, as they laid waste to the forces entering the city of Amaranthine, and the King himself. It would prove fortunate to the king, that he was protected by his father's armor, this alone guaranteed his survival, although it heavily injured the king.
It was then that a roar was heard, a dragon roar. Coming from the mountainside, stood Arkhan the Black atop the Queen of the Blackmarsh . Arkhan the Black resurrected not just the fallen soldiers of the battle, but also from the graveyards and places of rest of the city. It was Arkhan the Black that dealt the finishing blow against King Cailan, as the later got himself back up from the explosion and charged with grievous injuries at the undead Dragon and necromancer.
It was here where Teclis, and the Circle of Magi came in. Riding atop Girocopters, Teclis and the Mages rained fire and magic from high altitudes. Forcing Arkhan the Black into a retreat. King Cailan would be found in critical condition. Facing the doors of death. No magic from Teclis or the Circle of Magi would stir him from his injuries. Some mages made mention of the Urn of Sacred Ashes, though its existence is still considered a rumor.
The rest of the Vampire fleet made an assault on Denerim and made battle against the defender of Ferelden, Loghain Mac Tir. The forces were for once, evenly matched. Ferelden garrisoned Denerim with two armies and two navies, while the Vampires had three navies that fought just as good, in land as in the sea. In the end, the forces of Mac Tir stood victorious a the gates of Denerim. Though at a heavy cost. The naval forces of Ferelden had been utterly decimated, and their armies shell-shocked. But the city was still theirs, barely.
Ferelden was vampire free, for now...
A Vampire in the Orlesian Court
The dignified Compte-Electeur de Sylvain, Vladimir Carstein and his wife Comptessa Isabella, had made their home in the court of Empress Celine of the Orlesian Empire. Their charming personality wining over many nobles, and even introducing a new type of fashion that rocked the court life of Orlais. Black is definitely in the season.
The End of the Qunari and Norscans in Thedas (For Now)
The Tevinter Imperium gained some unexpected allies in their help from a new kind of Dwarf. Ironclads bombarded the Isle of Sepheron, killing Norsacans and Qunari alike as canon made fight against canon and Ice. Eventually Sephron would fall to the combined Tevinter and Chaotic Dwarf forces, and the forces of Norsca routed for the moment. The alliance of Tevinter and this new Dwarf faction was cemented in the trade of Lyrium and Warpstone as both sides sought to determine the properties of each other's trade.
Troubled Dwarfs
The Carta underground movement in Orzammar has increased in activity this year. With more of their activity taking place beyond the Dwarven Taigs.
Infestation in the Anderfells
The rat men of the Anderfells have become more aggressive as of late. Their green machinery that they use to operate now glowed an early blue similar to Lyrium. This wasn't too much of a concern, but lately, the blue had changed to red. Rat men operating with Red Lyrium. This raised some concerns, specially now that they were attacking the last Dwarven stronghold in the Anderfells.
Greenskins in Arlathan Forrest
Big fires are seen all the way to Tevinter and Antiva. The Forrest of Arlathan is burning as it is currently being used to power the WAGH! war machine. More and more Orcs and more come to the forest from lands far away. Ready to fight for this land and kill anyone who stands in their way.
The Dailish clans all over Thedas are organizing. Gathering a force to liberate their ancient capital of Elvenhan. A thing that has been noted by the Chantry, as they send agents to investigate if another Exalted March is needed against the Daelish clans.
To: Count Noctilus @Sinsystems, Representives of the Kingdom of Ferelden @EliudFS1 or @THatWhichWillBe
From: Compte-Electeur de Sylvainia Vlad von Carstein
I have heard from my gracious hosts of the dispute you both hold against each other, and would offer the services of my granddaughter, Baroness Elsa von Carstein to mediate a solution to your dispute.
Private PostScript to Noctilus
My dearest Nyklaus,
It is so good to hear from you again. Your mother and I are staying in Halamshiral at the moment, as we found your tales of an Empire in this new land... Intriguing. Do stop in, it's been ages.
Your Faction name: Antiva Year/Turn Number: Turn 2; Year 7 of the Dragon Age Flag or Image associated with your faction:
Introduction:
The Principality of Antiva or simply Antiva is a plutocratic nation in north-eastern Thedas. Although it possesses few resources of its own, a large part of its countryside being dominated by dry wasteland, dangerous swamps or foreboding forests, Antiva's location makes it a centre for trade in the north. Antiva's wine trade, buoyed by its fruitful vineyards and an aggressive approach to trading practices with other nations, is one of the country's main resources, along with coffee, rubies, diamonds, exquisite leatherworking, fine weaving of renown silk, finely crafted porcelain as well as woodwork. All this allows for a relatively prosperous life for its citizens. Its capital is Antiva City, which lies on the middle of its coastline and is one of the wealthiest in Thedas.
The country enjoys a warm north-eastern climate. Much of Antiva is coastline, thus facilitating their seafaring nature. Five of their major cities are port cities, including the Antivan capital.
Officially, Antiva is a kingdom, ruled by an unbroken line of kings since two and a half thousand years. In reality, the monarchy is very weak and has virtually no army. The real Antiva is a plutocracy: The true power lies in the wealthy hands of a dozen merchant princes. Not princes in the nobility sense, but head of banks, trading companies and vineyards, each with a personal army, and each locked in a constant struggle against all the other. Due to this, the country doesn't have much of a standing army. The private armies of the princes are comparably small on their own, and while all private armies combined would be a respectable size, constant competition and generations of internal struggles make such a prospect rather unlikely. Besides, most merchant princes possess sufficient capital to resolve any external diplomatic quandaries with a well-aimed purse or threat of withdrawn trade.
Despite the lack of a strong military tradition, there is another reason why Antiva has rarely feared invasion. The infamous House of Crows, or Antivan Crows, the most efficient, feared and expensive guild of assassins in Thedas. Their fame is such that Antiva has no need of a standing army, as no leader is willing to order an attack on the nation or to lead troops there due to fear of assassination. Even the Qunari tend to leave the nation alone.
While the crows pretend to be uninterested in politics and only work for the highest bidder as per terms of contracts, they have considerable pull in Antivan and to an extend Tehdan politics, not just because of their assassin skills, but also to a grand assortment of blackmail material. Any who wish to influence Antiva's fate will have to deal with the Crows in one way or the other.
In addition, thanks to the political machinations of Queen Asha, "The Queen Mother of Thedas", Antiva is involved in an extensive array of political marriages between numerous noble houses of other nations. This has given the Principality of Antiva significant political protection. To start hostilities with Antiva would risk dragging half of Thedas into war.
While their standing army is a bit of a disgrace, due to their heavy reliance on maritime trade, an association of Antivan pirates called the Felicisima Armada is the leading maritime power in the region. It gained influence when the pirates aided the combined forces of Theda's nations in the Exalted Marches against the Qunari, and now poses a serious threat on the Waking Sea. While the Armada is technically not under anyone's authority but their own, and often go after Antivan ships who are stupid enough or unable to pay protection money, the Armada has a vested interest in keeping Antiva safe. Out of genuine love of home as well as to protect their profits.
Due to how loosely the country is held together, and its heavy reliance on a relatively stable status quo, the drastic changes brought by the merging of the worlds had Antiva reeling for longer than most other nations. The many competing merchant princes failed to find common ground, everyone responding to the crisis in their own way. Meanwhile those with the strings, mainly the Crows, find things far outside their field of expertise.
Only recently things are becoming more efficient.
The Felicisima Armada has decided to cease raiding any Antivan ships for the moment and instead focuses on keeping the nation's waters in the Waking Sea protected from any new dangers.
In the city of Seleny, Josephine Montilyet has set up a base of operations. She is using her many contacts and diplomatic skills to not only urge more unity between the merchant princes, but has also sent letters to many people of importance in the other nations of Thedas, calling for cooperation against foreign threats and assuring them that Antiva will play its part in the continent's defence should the situation call for it.
Aside from this, the heir of the Montilyet family is hard at work expanding her power-base within the city. With the Valo-Kas in her employ, which she brought to help protect the country's inner lands, which are open to threats that can't be turned away with a mighty fleet, she also seeks to build up more conventional forces. She already has bought the services of one Isabela and her band of pirates, and connections to the House of Crows, who are watching her work with interest, has granted her the service of one Zevran, the assassin about whose presence she officially knows about. Furthermore, she has also been trying to reach out to the Witch of the Wilds in the nearby swamps.
People of importance: Josephine Montilyet:
Eldest daughter and heir of the noble Montilyet family, Josephine is an eminent figure in diplomacy, forging relations with grace, charm and careful favours. For years she worked as chief ambassador from Antiva to Orlais.
After the night when five moons filled the skies, when it became harder and harder to deny that the whoel world had changed, Josephine decided to retire from her career in Orlais and return to Antiva. She believes that her country as it is will not be equal to the challenges waiting in this changed world, and will have to change drastically if it is to survive. Something that won't be possible without the backing of Thedas's most influential figures. Fortunately, Josephine enjoys a challenge and is committed in her belief that not just Antiva but all of Thedas will be able to weather the coming storm.
Shokrakar:
The leader of the Valo-Kas, a band of Tal-Vashoth mercenaries from the free marches. With the natural gifts of qunari biology, big and influential enough to be able to have unsanctioned mages within their ranks, the Valo-Kas are a great boon for any force they join, and a nightmare to face on the battlefield.
Recently, the band was hired by Josephine Montilyet, who happened to cross their path while heading for Antiva. The ambassador thinks that the prowess of the Tal-Vashoth will be an invaluable tool for the safety of her country. Shokrakar is happy to face that challenge, for the ambassador pays well.
Arganna Adaar:
A promising member of the Valo-Kas. Arganna is Vashoth, the daughter of Tal-Vashoth parents who left the Qun to settle in the Free Marches instead.
Zevran:
A member of the Antivan crows, one of their best (and most expensive) assassins.
While he isn't the most patriotic person, he holds his country dear enough to fight for it without getting paid, though it would certainly help.
Isabela:
A pirate from Riviani, and the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Eastern Seas". While not born in Antiva, she moved there after being sold by her mother as a wife to a business associate of the Antivan Crows when she was nineteen. Something that would eventually lead to her disposing of her husband and becoming a pirate.
While not much of a patriot either, to any nation, she frequents Antiva quite often, and has done a lot of good business. She happens to be in Antiva right now, and might stick around if things promise to be fun/profitable enough.
Yavana:
A daughter of Flemeth, the witch of the wilds, and sister to Morrigan. She is far older than one would think, with many an Antivan legend being told about her, going all the way back to the Exalted Age.
She resides within the Tellari swamps, inhabiting a place called the Silent Groove. Unbeknownst to most, within the Silent Groove rest several dragon eggs and even magically frozen dragons of various sizes. The Groove is protected by at least one High Dragon.
For Yavana, believing dragons to be the blood of the world, created the Silent Groove as a sanctuary for Dragons when they were being hunted to extinction in ages past. It is in fact she who is mostly responsible for starting the Dragon Age, as it was her who revived dragons resting within the Groove to spread around the world once again.
While she is reclusive and interested mostly in preserving things humanity and others are likely to destroy in ignorance, some legends speak of her protecting an Antivan city from an attack by the Qunari during a previous war. And with all the changes to the world, eventually it will be inevitable for her to get involved.
Diplomatic Ties/Ongoing Treaties:
Relations to the royal houses of all Thedas, and many other noble families
Important trade nexus
Warden Treaties
Origin of Theda's surviving dragons
The Dwarf-Captain looked rather unimpressed - which, let's face it, was normal for him - by the emissary's bragging. Nor did the larger dragon-alikes elicit any response, save for an appraising look given to their weapons. Thekk stroked his beard. "Aye," he told the skink. "My company and I will stay here. I shall send men with you to guide you north to Dale."
A Man walked forward. Unlike the mail-wearing Dwarves, his armour was brown leather, over which he wore a green cape; on his back was a great bow, and to his side a short sword. "We shall take them, my friend," he told the Dwarf. "We must carry word of this to King Brand, too."
"Aye," Thekk replied, then turned back to the Lizardmen. "Thimbul here" - he nodded at the Man - "will take you north." The terrain across which Thimbul led the Lizardmen was broken and brown, hills and valleys mostly abandoned by life. From time to time they could hear the rushing of the river - the River Running, Thimbul told them - to their left.
After five days of uneventful marching, they found themselves at the bank of the river, which now ran East to West; above it was a great bridge of stone, decorated with weathered statues. Upon the bridge was a guard of Men, not unlike Thimbul in stature and appearance. He conversed with the guards in hushed tones, and they let the Lizardmen pass.
Another day of marching saw them arrive at the edges of a great town, its many towers full of bells. "Dale, wonder of the North," the guide said. "I would recommend staying in an inn while I report to King Brand, after which His Majesty, as well as the King Under the Mountain, will no doubt grant you audience."
The skink narrowed its eyes as their guide scurried off to report to his king, leaving them alone with this "inn" being stared by the passerbys.
No, that wouldn't do at all.
Their guide returned only to find their visitors missing, with the only traces of their presence the whispering of the travelers on the road and a stone tablet deposited in the care of the bewildered innkeeper.
Stone Tablet said:
If you wish to inquire about the goals of the Servants of the Old Ones, please direct your questions to the outpost located within the Jungles of Erebor.
To: The Archon of Tevinter @Bandeirante
From: Compte-Electeur de Sylvainia Vlad von Carstein
Secret
Good Evening. I understand your nation is considered the great rival to Orlais. We should talk. If you accept, I shall dispatch an ambassador who can enlighten you about the nature of the recent celestial phenomena and how they pertain to you.
To: Count Noctilus @Sinsystems, Representives of the Kingdom of Ferelden @EliudFS1 or @THatWhichWillBe
From: Compte-Electeur de Sylvainia Vlad von Carstein
I have heard from my gracious hosts of the dispute you both hold against each other, and would offer the services of my granddaughter, Baroness Elsa von Carstein to mediate a solution to your dispute.
Private PostScript to Noctilus
My dearest Nyklaus,
It is so good to hear from you again. Your mother and I are staying in Halamshiral at the moment, as we found your tales of an Empire in this new land... Intriguing. Do stop in, it's been ages.
The North wasted no time in marshaling its full strength. Soon enough, the North and the forces of the Night Watch went into the largest ranging that has been seen in living memory. The young Benjen Stark, commander of the Northmen, sought to make allies of the wildlings and the denizens of the lands beyond the wall. With help of Skagosi advisers, they were able to get some support from them, as they needed all the help they could get. With wildlings, came giants and mammoths, probably the last of their kind. The unexpected winter, and the arrival of the Norscan warriors forced them south and into contact with the Northmen expeditionary army. The Starks and their first men allies have been using the old and only city of Hardhome as a base of operations from which to organize and possibly mount a possible counter-attack or evacuation in the face of a possible upcoming invasion. Morale only soared when they were joined by the Queen Alysanne atop her dragon Silverwing. The lands beyond the wall were set to prepare for a battle not yet seen since the Age of Heroes.
The enemy of the first men did not stand idle. The Valkyrie of Chaos made battle to White Walkers and Free Folk alike. Enslaving them and recruiting the most wild of the Free Folk. It was at the Fist of the First Men that she made her fortress. Built by the many slaves she enslaved, her fortress would take some time to be properly built to something befitting the great fortresses form her homeland, but in this one year, the new base of operations of the warriors of Chaos was more than formidable. Attempts were made to pass the Wall of Westeros, but any ravens or scouts that passed it, even when circumventing it, would begin to fade and die. All the Chaos corruption that was infesting the lands beyond would find its end at the Wall. It would seem that the legends were true, and the legacy of Brandon the Builder stands true still.
Dragonlords of Westeros
This year would see the rise of two new dragon riders. Prince Viseris would claim Dreamfyre as his own mount. This was seen as good news by all, specially King Jaehaerys, who had pressured the Prince to claim another dragon, for the world was not the same as it was before, and they would need all the Dragonriders they can get.
The other Dragonrider was none other but the Winter Child herself. The young Gael Targaryen, taking advantage of her mother's absence, Gael would take a visit to Dragonstone to visit her family there. There she would sneak into the abode of Grey Ghost and bond with the great Dragon, for he was a recurring character in her many dreams. Their meeting was fated, as she took command of the reclusive dragon, she would take a non-scheduled flight for hours around the volcanic isle, to the dismay of her family and friends.
Blood and Salt
After being reprimanded by King Jaehaerys, Jolin's son Armand Blacktyde would find employment under Admiral Craghas Drahar of the Triarchy of the Tree Daughters, and is currently engaging in a campaign to secure the Stepstones for them, while taking loot and thralls while they are at it. While the Triarchy was grateful for the help, they was also careful in his planning to minimize Ironborn reaving. Leaving Armand Blacktyde with less than what he had hoped for in a campaign of this magnitude.
Kidnapping in the High Seas
A new privateer has been sighted in the Stepstones. They are led by the "Vulture King" and they have taken to exact revenge upon the Iron Throne. The fleet made out of mostly longships have attacked a fleet of Redwyne make that held a strangely reptilian creature that somehow spoke! This has left the Iron... I mean definitely Dornish bandits very confused.
Scandal in Casterly Rock
After being proven right, the magical seer of the woods was offer a place in the court of the Lord Paramount. A position many would assume to be of equal rank to a maester and some would assume of a court wizard of old. This was already scandalous enough, but she was also given in marriage to a second son of a minor Lannister branch. This has gotten many nobles outraged at such a breach of protocol. It would be fortunate that something came along to distract them of such a procedure.
The explorers came back with enchanted swords and bows. Magical spellbooks and devices that made many filled with wonder. It also made the Spetons and Maesters filled with terror, but none can deny that change is coming to Westeros, it was only a question of who will fight against it, and who will embrace it.
Magic in the Arbor
The House of Redwyne also made deals with the strange faction to the West. Where house Lannister bought books and magical items, House Redwyne hired actual mages to make the trip to the Arbor. The first expedition was a member of the Mages guild, who's main task was to record and discover this new continent in a book that was sure to make his name famous back in Tamriel. They also bought high quality weapons and armor.
Ruling the Waves
House Lannister and Redwyne both made progress toward expanding their navy. The heavy Ironborn threat has also provided the rest of the Kingdoms with incentives to keep up ship production to target raiders and any who would do them harm. (Naval Prowess of Westeros increases)
Agressive Negotiations
With the withdrawal of the Redwyne exploration fleet, three new factions would make their moves in Eastern Essos. Lizardmen would pour along the Dothraki plains spreading limited Jungle as they did. This would gather the attention of the entire Dothraki horde as they rushed to defend their capital. It was here that the leader of the lizardmen proclaimed the superiority of Sotek over the Great Stalion, and challenged their mightiest warriors to prove it in single combat.
The lizards won that contest obviously, but the Dothraki betrayed their word and attacked the invading army with their own. 100,000 Dothraki screamers met in the fields of Vas Dothrak against dinosaurs riding smaller dinosaurs. By the end of it, the Slann had immolated the capital of the Dothraki. Leaving nothing but ash and fire, not the slaves, nor their Dothraki masters survived.
Far away to the North, The forces of Malekith and their dark minions make headway in creating slave colonies out of refugees of surviving Dothraki who fled away from the battle. Their foothold on the western shores of their empire secured.
An expeditionary fleet from the Empire also made their way towards Qarth. It was there that they met members of a Redwyne embassy, that would facilitate communications between the two factions. (Diplomacy between The Empire and Westeros unlocked. As well as with the Lizardmen)
A Reachman Greeting
A curious fleet resembling Ironborn has been sighted at the coast of the Oldtown in the Kingdom of the Reach. Diplomats from both factions are on the way to meeting each other. Much confusion is expected to be had. Specially as the Hightowers of Oldtown are kin to House Redwyne of the Arbor, a rising House now renowned for its exploration who are expected to assist their kin in matters such as this.
Following the capture of the Imperial City by the Ebonheart Compact, the Ebonheart Compact and the Aldmeri Dominion both decided to have a focus on defense rather than attack. In an effort to gain better defensive ground, the Ebonheart Compact made efforts to gain the territory from east of Leyawin, and even west of Leyawin itself. Unfortunately for them, the Aldmeri dominion made it a point to defend and garrison Leyawin so only minor skirmishes were had, with minor casualties for both sides. Both sides also made plans for counter-attacks against possible land attacks. When no attack came, they held their ground for the time being.
It was at sea that most of the war was fought. The Aldmeri brought all of their naval might to contest the naval prowess of the Ebonheart Pact in the Niben River. The Aldmeri Dominon engaged the fleet of the Ebonheart compact as well as those of County Mir who had join and marched alongside the Ebonheart Pact. Normally, the ships of County Mir would have had the advantage against the ocean-faring elven ships, thanks to their specialty in river warfare, but the Aldmeri Dominion held the advantage of bringing superior numbers to bear.
The Aldmeri fleet and the Ebonheart and Mirish fleet engaged in along the Nibben river. Even while outnumbered, the Ebonheart gave as good as it got, specially thanks to due to the specialty of river warfare that their ally supplied. Though in the end, with their superior numbers, and good tactics employed by the Dominion, this will turn out to be a strategic victory to the Dominon, though in through it might have been called a stalemate, as the Ebonheart and Mir coalition retreated to safer ports
At the end of the day, both sides involved in the fighting would receive an equal amount of casualties. The remnants of the Ebonheart fleet would retreat to friendly northern ports for shelter to regroup, the Aldmeri for their part were more interesting to controlling access to the Nibben, and specially since victory was not assured the deeper they went. The battle for the Imperial waters was still far from over.
A Rat Problem
Unfortunately for the Daggarfall Covenant, they have been the subject of raids from a new species of Rat men that have infested the region of Daggerfall. Subterranean caverns have been found by explorers and adventurers to connect to other known caverns. In unrelated news, there's a shortage of adventures and explorers in Daggerfall.
The Coming Storm
The Daggerfall Covenant prepares to assault the Imperial City and restore order to the Empire. They have raised their forces and are preparing one final push into the city. They see that both the Pact and the Dominon are not at full strength naval-wise and have been spread thin to cover their respective gains. They are preparing to capitalize and restore the Second Empire into something resembling what it once was.
Ramming my way Downtown
Walking Fast
The forces of Domihaus fought their way out of Falkreath, fought their way north all across Skyrim. Taking in orphans and warriors into their clan. The undisciplined mess of looters and raiders made their way to Solitude, looting and sacking along the way. Once arriving at the Dragon Bridge they went ahead unopposed straight into Solitude. Where they would find a surprise awaiting them. Ships!
A special letter was found from the King Svargrim himself. With a bottle of wine and some cheesewheels. Within it said that the request he provided was granted and that he should probably leave as soon as possible. Thanking him for getting there fast and even praising his manners and well spoken attitude!
After the raving band of looters led by Domihaus left, King Svartr would kill a great number of bulls and random raiders that were left behind. After a month or so, he claimed to have single highhandedly slain the great Minotaur war-beast and led an elite force of Nord-fighting men and brought order to the ravaged people of Solitude.
Only after he was sure Domihaus had left did he claim a victory. When there was no one to claim otherwise.
Fiona , First Enchanter of the Montsimmard Circle , major figure of the Libertarian fraternity , and former Grey Warden
Ostensibly sent amongst a small contingent of mages and templars to provide help to the battle weary circle of Ferelden , Fiona's trip was full of other motives. Joining a group of Grey Wardens after they kindly requested her momentary presence to the templar escort , she has been given a letter from the First Warden tasking her with discretly inquiring to the foreign mages potential cures or mitigating methods to the Calling.
She accepted eagerly , holding herself interest to those mages walking free of bonds and jailors and their unknown talents , and perceiving some opportunity to improve the political standing of her fraternity by coming back to Orlais with new and revolutionnary knowledge.
To Teclis of the foreign expedition @Dovahsith : I would like to meet with you and discuss magical matters , as well as transmitting to you a request from the Grey Wardens
