Tourney!
His Grace 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 invites all lords, ladies and knights to the Tourney of the Centenary, to be held at King's Landing beginning on New Year's Day of the 100th year after Aegon's Conquest. Festivities will last for seventy-seven days to celebrate and honor the coronation of Aegon the Dragon by the High Septon at Oldtown and the creation of the Seven Kingdoms. Activities will consist of jousting lists, melees and archery competitions, as well as feasts, hunts and artistic presentations and contests. All are welcome!
Throughout the region of Glenumbra, disaperances, sightings of strange rat-men and missing supplies have ravaged the region, little did they know something far worse was coming.
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Queek was getting bored, so far these Man-things did nothing to fix that, and none of these beasts provided a challenge worthy of the Headtaker. "AGHHHGH, this is worthless, all we do in these tunnels is dig and fight dumb beasts, where is the things of worth, the legends." Queek turned to look at his assembled underlings, "find me a challenge, worthy of the Lord of the Pillars, worthy of the Headtaker, do it quick-fast."
"Lord Queek, we will seek-find any place to attack, we go at your command"
And so the Skaven of Clan Mors march and scurry to find a place to attack in this new land, may their gods have mercy.
"This one says that robed-things came with magic and stole Warpstone from supply, we killed many, but they got back up to fight again"
"Fool, have yourself lashed for this incompatance, find who stole the Warpstone, they will not steal from Skaven, and say nothing to lord Queek, he shall not be pleased with message-news"
-Some Warpstone from the supply has been stolen by Mages, hope those who did know what they are doing
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While Queek Headtaker was doing his thing in Daggerfall, Warlord of Clan Mors Gnawdwell was having a interesting time.
"Is it kept here?"
"Yes lord, we keep the thing here at Morskitter's order, say what you want to and then leave."
Kept in a cell was an odd being at least by Skaven standards, it watches the Rat-men crouch down to look at it. And Gnawdwell pulls out a small red crystal, one that took several deals to get.
"Tell me Spawn-thing, what is this crystal and what can it do for me, cooperate and we might have more discussion about the land you come from."
Upon the plains of Essos, where once the Forests and rivers ended to become the grasslands dominated by horse-lords, now a jungle teeming with life, most of it dangerous and deadly to man, a handful of figures make their presence known to the Jungles true denizens.
@Maugan Ra Oh mighty and wise guides to the will of the Old Ones, might we seek your wisdom and offer what we have learnt of these new lands, so that we might aid you in your endeavors? The humans who stretch from grasslands to beyond the Narrow Sea. The peoples who dwell in these lands, who are preyed upon by those who seek only to indulge their own pleasures and conduct rituals towards Old Night. We are few, yet seek to marshal the humans to expel the Druichii, before they bring ruin to all. Our purpose is to seek their deaths, even as yours is to bring order. It is only natural to see these two goals as in alignment.
Upon the plains of Essos, where once the Forests and rivers ended to become the grasslands dominated by horse-lords, now a jungle teeming with life, most of it dangerous and deadly to man, a handful of figures make their presence known to the Jungles true denizens.
@Maugan Ra Oh mighty and wise guides to the will of the Old Ones, might we seek your wisdom and offer what we have learnt of these new lands, so that we might aid you in your endeavors? The humans who stretch from grasslands to beyond the Narrow Sea. The peoples who dwell in these lands, who are preyed upon by those who seek only to indulge their own pleasures and conduct rituals towards Old Night. We are few, yet seek to marshal the humans to expel the Druichii, before they bring ruin to all. Our purpose is to seek their deaths, even as yours is to bring order. It is only natural to see these two goals as in alignment.
From the darkness of the treeline emerge a pair of slender figures; small, amphibious reptiles, with bulging eyes and skin that shifts in hue to blend in with the background. To hunters of such peerless skill as the Shadow Warriors of Nagarythe it would appear that there were at least half a dozen more lurking in concealment, but the approach was well made; none of the silent sentinels offer any show of hostility. Instead they beckon the Elves onwards, deeper into the jungle, and convey them to their destination with one able to judge them appropriately.
Perhaps ten miles from the border, a clearing has been cut into the jungle, and filling it are a full century of Saurus Warriors, clad in armour of bone and monstrous hide and wielding heavy polearms that glitter with lingering magic. That stand in perfect formation, not moving, scarcely even seeming to breathe, and at their very centre floats the being they are here to protect.
The Slann is a brilliant green in hue, with mottled spots of dark blue and purple crawling slowly across its amphibian skin, and it regards the approaching Elves with dispassionate eyes of purest black. A suffocating fog of magical power surrounds it to those with the sight to see such things, the brilliant hues of Ghyran identifying the mage-priest as one of the ones responsible for the encroaching jungle, and when it twitches a single hand it is one of the Temple Guard that steps forwards to speak on its behalf.
"Speak," the Saurus growls, a fanged maw doing terrible things to the delicate intonations of true Elvish but managing something comprehensible at least, "the Holy One would hear your proposal."
Ruler: The Horn Lord, Domihaus the Bloody-Horned - Called Lord Dreadhorn by the Westerosi Heir: N/A
Although the Dreadhorn Clan has sworn fealty to the Conciliator King, and thus pledged themselves to the laws of Akavir-of-the-West, the question of succession among the Dreadhorns remains unchanged. Rule of House Dreadhorn falls to the strongest and should the Horn Lord fall outside the bounds of ritual combat, his successor will be the one who triumphs over all those who seek to succeed him Lord of Dominium.
Seat: Dominium, Stonetop (the Riverlands) Other Holdings: Azura's Point, Stonetop (the Riverlands)
With the Horn Lord swearing fealty to the Conciliator King on Dragonstone and being named a Lord of Westeros in turn, things have changed for the Dreadhorn Clan. Where a Clan once stood, now rose a House in the Akaviri style. One replete with sigils, words, and colours in the fashion to which the Akaviri were accustomed. The Laws of the Conciliator were ushered in, the Seven-In-One given respect, and new obligations to Akavir put in place over the old ones to Tamriel.
What exactly this meant to the Dreadhorns was not entirely clear upon Domihaus' return. Taking up council inside his new seat atop the hill of Dominium, the Horn Lord would lay out their new circumstances; explain the oath made to the Conciliator King and what he had learned of Akavir-of-the-West during his travels. Much of it would seem unusual to the Dreadhorns, if not outright confusing, but with Domihaus having made his oath, none dared question the decision. If this was the path by which they walked, then so be it, no matter the odd customs of the Akaviri.
The most immediate change would be another restructuring of the Dreadhorns according to the rules they had discerned as applying to the Akaviri. The Clan would become a House – which meant exceedingly little, in practice, as every Dreadhorn promptly took the name as a distinguisher, referring to themselves as "so and so Dreadhorn" in all dealings with outsiders – and Domihaus would become Lord Dreadhorn, rather than Patriarch. The Houses of Steel, Iron, and Silver would in turn change shape as well, becoming Halls to avoid confusion. They would also be expanded in number with the Halls of Ebony and Malachite being formed, the former to include all those who worked the sea and the latter for those who worked the land.
Changes that would come after this immediate restructuring would themselves be in response to new needs and situations. Knowledge of the Conciliator King's ban on foreign magic, for instance, would prompt Domihaus to speak with the Herd Mother, Melzhara, and the Shamans on what that meant for House Dreadhorn. Taking note of the fact that it explicitly banned magic not pledged to the Conciliator King, the Herd Mother would counsel the formation of a Westerosi Mages Guild, one sworn to the King into which the Shamans could sort themselves and thus gain exemption from the ban. A convenient work around, it was decided, to an utterly alien problem by the standards of the Dreadhorns.
Similarly, confusion over the Laws of the Conciliator would see the formation of the Stonetop Lawyer's Association; a small collection of six Dreadhorn scholars who would dedicate themselves to deciphering and interpreting the Laws of the Conciliator to ensure it's correct application in Stonetop. An endeavour which would see the SLA dispatch representatives to King's Landing to pour over the new legal code.
---
Shardush gro Khazor Dreadhorn, General of the Grey Guard
---
As time dragged, one thing that would become apparent to the Dreadhorns was the need to diversify the Hall of Steel to better meet their obligations. By the terms of their oath to the Conciliator King, three things were required of the Dreadhorns; the first was to uphold the Laws of the Conciliator in Stonetop; the second was to protect Akavir-of-the-West from foreign threats; while the third was to protect the Conciliator King himself and his bloodline along with him. As the Hall of Steel could not do all three without some degree of specialisation, a decision would be made by the First Captain, Tyzeus Steel-Chest, to form new, sub-organisations within the Hall to fit each purpose.
The first would be the Azure Guard, named in honour of Azura whom the Azure would take as their Patron, which would be tasked with patrolling Stonetop. Led by the Second Captain, Mohkius the Lame, the Azure Guard would be a light and nimble force that would focus on wandering the (limited) roads of Stonetop and dealing with any bandits that might spring up over time.
The second would be the Black Guard, which would take Kyne as their Patron, that would focus itself with preparing to defend Akavir-of-the-West from foreign incursion. Directly led by Tyzeus Steel-Chest himself, the Black Guard would organise itself in imitation of the Imperial Legions; taking up heavy armour and training to fight in lockstep, believing that the Imperials had at least that much right despite their recent misfortunes.
The third and final group would be the Grey Guard, which would take Meridia as their Patron, which would be granted the honour of being the Conciliator King's new personal guard. Led by the Orsimer, Shardush gro Khazor, who would be appointed to the position on the recommendation of the Third Captain of the Hall of Steel, Lurog gro-Shurkul, the Grey Guard would be the smallest and most elite of the three forces. With only a hundred men and women in it's number, the Grey Guard would only take the best the Dreadhorns had to offer, from warriors to arms and armour, and would take a collective oath of fealty to the Conciliator King at the Shrine of Meridia, which had been built in a cave near a large river east of Dominium, on top of the one Domihaus himself took.
---
From the Shamans of House Dreadhorn
To the Conciliator King, Jaehaerys Targaryen @ByzantineCaesar
We have received word of your edict, of the ban on foreign magic not sworn to your service. As the oath sworn by the Horn Lord dictates that we be unswerving in our loyal to you and uphold your laws, we therefore wish to ask if the formation of a Westerosi Mages Guild pledged to your service, into which the magic users of the Dreadhorns would be sorted, would satisfy the demands of your edict. If so, we would see it done immediately so that we might better uphold our oath to you and your blood.
From Shardush gro Khazor Dreadhorn, General of the Grey Guard
To the Conciliator King, Jaehaerys Targaryen @ByzantineCaesar
Know that the Sons and Daughters of House Dreadhorn keep their oaths, Conciliator King. At the order of the Horn Lord, I have assembled one hundred men and women, the finest we have to offer, and sworn oaths to Meridia to serve in your defence and in defence of your blood. Speak your orders and know that we shall obey, no matter the cost to ourselves.
From the darkness of the treeline emerge a pair of slender figures; small, amphibious reptiles, with bulging eyes and skin that shifts in hue to blend in with the background. To hunters of such peerless skill as the Shadow Warriors of Nagarythe it would appear that there were at least half a dozen more lurking in concealment, but the approach was well made; none of the silent sentinels offer any show of hostility. Instead they beckon the Elves onwards, deeper into the jungle, and convey them to their destination with one able to judge them appropriately.
Perhaps ten miles from the border, a clearing has been cut into the jungle, and filling it are a full century of Saurus Warriors, clad in armour of bone and monstrous hide and wielding heavy polearms that glitter with lingering magic. That stand in perfect formation, not moving, scarcely even seeming to breathe, and at their very centre floats the being they are here to protect.
The Slann is a brilliant green in hue, with mottled spots of dark blue and purple crawling slowly across its amphibian skin, and it regards the approaching Elves with dispassionate eyes of purest black. A suffocating fog of magical power surrounds it to those with the sight to see such things, the brilliant hues of Ghyran identifying the mage-priest as one of the ones responsible for the encroaching jungle, and when it twitches a single hand it is one of the Temple Guard that steps forwards to speak on its behalf.
"Speak," the Saurus growls, a fanged maw doing terrible things to the delicate intonations of true Elvish but managing something comprehensible at least, "the Holy One would hear your proposal."
"We would request an alliance against the Druchii, who so continue their incursions into these new lands and to thwart what tendrils of Old Night might attempt to take root. The humans here are ignorant of the dangers that await them in the dark that is filled with terrors, yet have for now, are willing to take steps against what threats they see to their existence. With proper guidance and a light hand, they can be steered into a bulkwark against Chaos, rather than as slaves to it."
"We would request an alliance against the Druchii, who so continue their incursions into these new lands and to thwart what tendrils of Old Night might attempt to take root. The humans here are ignorant of the dangers that await them in the dark that is filled with terrors, yet have for now, are willing to take steps against what threats they see to their existence. With proper guidance and a light hand, they can be steered into a bulkwark against Chaos, rather than as slaves to it."
The Slann contemplates this for a time, unmoving, scarcely even seeming to breath. Then it blinks, once, and patches of blue and purple coil together on its skin.
"Elves fight Elves; this is of no concern," the Saurus growls in response, "If they serve the Enemy, they will be destroyed. But the man-spawn... would they listen, if we wished to teach?"
The Slann contemplates this for a time, unmoving, scarcely even seeming to breath. Then it blinks, once, and patches of blue and purple coil together on its skin.
"Elves fight Elves; this is of no concern," the Saurus growls in response, "If they serve the Enemy, they will be destroyed. But the man-spawn... would they listen, if we wished to teach?"
"No more or less than the others of the Old World." The Elf replied with a shrug. "They have many gods but they would hardly be averse to allies should they become aware of the scale of the Enemy they face. It that means listening to the wisdom of the Slann, then it does not seem to great a burden. In truth it depends upon the nature of their guidance. When the men of the Old World face the tides of the North, do you offer aid and wisdom to direct them to their proper place, or do you make them learn to fear those which they should learn to listen to?"
"No more or less than the others of the Old World." The Elf replied with a shrug. "They have many gods but they would hardly be averse to allies should they become aware of the scale of the Enemy they face. It that means listening to the wisdom of the Slann, then it does not seem to great a burden. In truth it depends upon the nature of their guidance. When the men of the Old World face the tides of the North, do you offer aid and wisdom to direct them to their proper place, or do you make them learn to fear those which they should learn to listen to?"
"There are man-spawn here willing to listen," it says, "Born of iron, shaped by wind. Others... will be given the chance. If they are wise, it will show. Skinks will be sent with the word of the Old Ones, with an offer of guidance. The Elf-Spawn should advise them to accept."
The Slann at the back flexes the flabby digits of one hand, prompting its interpreter onward. "If the Elf-spawn to the north serve the Enemy, we will march as you march."
From the office of the First Warden and Lord-Protector of the Anderfels
According to his directives and sent by Chamberlain of the Grey Lilwyn Iriellein while the First Warden is on campaign
To the foreign dwarva , known as Dawi-Zharr , who fought alongside their brothers and our Order to defend Kal-Sharok : @Ironanvil1
We heard of you through our contacts in Tevinter and had the opportunity to hear firsthand of your martial abilities with our brethens sending us reports of your exploits and of your impressive weaponry used at Kal-Sharok.
The people of this land know of gunpowder weaponry , but they have long been exclusively in the hands of the Qunari , and nothing they have fielded seem to compare to your craftmanship.
We are interested in buying some of your handheld gunpowder weapons and a reasonable amount of ammunitions with it , please respond if a non-standard from of payment is required( standard form of payment being coins of copper silver and gold , issued by the governments and polities of Thedas )
In the meantime , please accept these maps of the Deep Roads and Thaigs known to our Order as well as documentation about the creatures known as Darkspawns
To Kal-Sharok @EliudFS1 , we request trade to be opened to representants of the Order and merchants known and approved by the Grey Wardens , as well as a permanent diplomatic envoy to be allowed in your city in order to better coordinate our efforts in the current campaign and any future one.
To the King of Nevarra @Awetduck , we extend our thanks and great gratitude for his help and the strengh of his armies.
Please accept this dwarven-made Grey Warden suit of armor and these trophies of the wild and strange creatures that were fought , gained honourably by your forces.
We will make efforts as to convince the dwarves of Kal-Sharok to extend their trade and hospitality to your subjects , as well as encourage friendship between the Anders and the Nevarran.
We request however your permission and your help in asking the Chantry @EliudFS1 to send your relative , Cassandra Pentaghast , Heros of Orlais , to the Anderfels to help guide and protect the faithful population , to investigate the crimes of the High King of the Anderfels , and to observe the new abominations that are encountered here and the rifts that have started to appear , and to send back the information to the Divine, for her Holiness to be aware of the new perils facing Thedas and the Faith.
To: The Iron Throne @ByzantineCaesar
From: The Alchemists' Guild
Your Grace,
Word of your decree has reached me, and I commend your wisdom and foresight in this matter, Your Grace. It is indeed the case that we must not risk the presense if more of these destructive monsters within our land as we have seen in the far north. That being said, I hope that the doctrine of exceptionalism which has been promulgated does indeed cover the activities of the Alchemists' guild, among others? We humble masters have devoted our lives to studying the supernatural mysteries in service of the throne and the Targaryen Dynasty, and hope only to continue our great venture now with the new knowledge that the Seven have chosen to bless us with.
To: The Iron Throne @ByzantineCaesar
From: The Alchemists' Guild
Your Grace,
Word of your decree has reached me, and I commend your wisdom and foresight in this matter, Your Grace. It is indeed the case that we must not risk the presense if more of these destructive monsters within our land as we have seen in the far north. That being said, I hope that the doctrine of exceptionalism which has been promulgated does indeed cover the activities of the Alchemists' guild, among others? We humble masters have devoted our lives to studying the supernatural mysteries in service of the throne and the Targaryen Dynasty, and hope only to continue our great venture now with the new knowledge that the Seven have chosen to bless us with.
Alchemy and sorcery are not to be confused, good wisdoms. Your ancient work is noble and true. There will be change and your guild will be in the center of it. We will speak further when I return from the North.
Word of the tourney in King's Landing to celebrate the 100th year of the Kingdom has traveled far and wide. So far and so wide that it has traveled across oceans and Kingdoms. Knights Errant, Questing Knights, Imperial Knights, and even Chevaliers of Orlais have begun the epic journey to the land of Westeros. Nobles and Ladies from all over the world have begun to charter ships and hire security to travel to the far off Kindom to the West. Even dignitaries from the land of Tamriel made their way there, though a far less number of them due to war in their homeland.
Curious Explorations
Corlys and Rhaeyns Velaryon have established an outpost in the lands of middle earth which has also received a curious amount of adventurers from Westeros. One such was a band of explorers hired by the Alchemist guild that were charged with exploring Middle Earth and its magical properties. After some months, they made their way to Isengard, which was surprisingly in the middle of intensive renovations, or so claimed the resident White Wizard.
Dwarven Holds
There has been some noted disruption of the illegal activities of the Carta underground criminal movement in Orzhammar. Reports of infighting among Dwarves were common, as Orzhammar was involved in a pretty serious gangwar. After a couple of months, it has since quiet down, as rumors circulate of a change in gang leadership. Recruits and inductees into the Carta underground has also risen to an all-time high since the takeover.
The Vortex
The Vortex has finally been somewhat stabilized by the capable hands of the Loremasters of Hoeth and the Lizardmen Slann. It was a near thing, but the Vortex has finally regained it's standard blue colour. Though it still remains quite erratic at certain times of the day. Experts on the subject estimate that the Vortex has been fixed as soon as it was possible, and Chaos incursion into other worlds was greatly minimized, but not eradicated.
Exalted Contemplation
Due to overwhelming support towards the Daelish elves, the Chantry has withdrawn the suggestion of a new Exalted March. It has instead provided some minimal support to help the unlikely coalition of the Imperium and Antiva. They have sent a minor delegation of Templars. Said Templars were shocked at the open use and authority of the elven Apostate Teclis, and have demanded an explanation from the leaders of the coalition.
Pact of the Isle of Faces 2.0
After the narrow defeat of Valkia and the warriors of Chaos, the forces of the North began to evacuate the town of Hardhome. The land was blighted by Chaos influence and the lands beyond the wall had evolved into wastelands. There was no going back for the Free Folk, nor the Giants or the Children of the Forest. Benjen Stark had offered them a home in the North, and have begun the long evacuation of the Lands Beyond the Wall. Back in Winterfell his brother and sister, Beron and Elia, had breakthroughs of their own that will help relocate their long lost allies.
Redwyne, Red Waters
The Redwynes of the Arbor have taken the initiative in clearing pirates from the Stepstones. Gathering their political softpower, they have manged to secure help from the Triarchy of Essoi city states of Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr. They have also petitioned the Targaryen family for their help. The Redwyne family has also been hiring tutors on Tamrielic lore. Some of them becoming quite adept at that even, specially after a year of intense study.
The Return of the King
King Cailan has finally recovered after receiving being treated with the Urn of Sacred Ashes. He has taken command of the Kingdom of Ferelden once again. This experience has been said to have changed the King, as he now seeks ways to prevent this from happening again. With help and advisement of Loghain, King Cailan has fully committed into military reform, with the curious weapons similar to the ones of Qunari make as a centerpoint. Ferelden will stand ready. With fire, smoke, and gunpowder.
From: Teclis, High Loremaster of Hoeth
To: The representatives of the Chantry @EliudFS1
I hear you have concerns about my aid to the coalition, with accusations of apostasy even being issued. Please, if you have any questions ask them so I can alleviate your concerns.
After all I am hear to help, for did not the bride of the Maker command in your sacred texts that Magic must serve man? I am pleased that such sensible reasoning flourished in other lands.
Faction: The Druchii Year: 5930 of the Reign of Malekith
Ruler: Malekith, The Witch King of Naggaroth.
The Six Great Cities of Naggaroth
Naggarond: The Tower of Cold or the City of Cold, is the oldest and largest of the Dark Elves' cities, and quite likely the most malevolent place in the world. Houses the Iron Citadel, seat of the Witch King Himself.
Ghrond: The Tower of Prophecy, and most northerly of the major Druchii cities. Ruled by the Sorceress Morathi, mother of Malekith.
Karond Kar: The Tower of Despair, also known as Slaver's Gate. Controlling the sea access to Naggaroth proper, Karond Kar is commonly frequented by the famed and dreaded dark elf corsairs, and is their usual starting point for raids.
Har Ganeth: The City of Executioners or the City of Khaine. An entire city dedicated to the worship of the Lord of Murder. The wise do not venture its streets at night. The wisest avoid the city altogether.
Hag Graef: The Black Crag, City of Shadows. Located at the bottom of a dark ravine, Hag Graef is extremely defencible, but hosts plenty of dangers of its own. It is the seat of the Drachau Malus Darkblade, often considered one of the most devious and underhanded of all Druchii.
Clar Karond: The Tower of Doom, is Naggaroth's primary shipyard and perhaps the greatest dockyard in the world.
Notable Characters
Malekith the Witch King: Son of Aenerion the Defender and rightful King of all Elves. A masterful warrior and one of the most powerful mages in the world.
Seraphon: Malekith's Black Dragon, the largest and most cruel of all its fell breed.
Morathi: Queen Mother of Naggaroth and leader of the secret Cult of Pleasure. A mighty sorceress and expert manipulator.
Hellebron: The Blood Queen of Har Ganeth. Greatest of all Witch Elves and Grand Carnifex of the Cult of Khaine. A deadly and vicious warrior.
Tullaris Dreadbringer: The Chosen of Khaine, Captain of the Har Ganeth Executioners. A superlative killer, as befits the chosen of murder incarnate.
Rakarth: The Beastlord. Greatest Beastmaster in Naggaroth. There is no known monster that he cannot bring to heel.
Shadowblade: The Death that Walks Unseen. Master of the Khainite Assassins.
Lokhir Fellheart: Krakenlord of Karond Kar. Admiral of the Blessed Dread. The most fearsome Corsair a'sea.
Malus Darkblade: Drachau of Hag Graef, Bearer of the Warpsword of Khaine, Master of the Daemon Tzarkan, The Drinker of Worlds.
Yasmir: The Bride of Dread. Sister-Wife of Malus and Living Saint of Khaine.
Kouran Darkhand: Captain of the Black Guard, Malekith's elite private army
Lord Nuac: Commander of the Endless, Malekith's spies, agents, and operatives.
......................
Saath, After the Fall.
Druchii society was in many respects surprisingly formal. With murder and treachery a part of life it was important to provide at least some structure of rules and traditions that were upheld to ensure the entirety of Naggaroth did not descend into an orgy of bloodshed on a daily basis.
On such tradition was that of Hithuan, a social rule that determined how close Druchii were allowed to stand to one another. It was determined by a complex web of family relationships, rank, and trust. It was, perhaps predictably, measured in sword-lengths.
So it was that as Malekith, Witch King of Naggaroth, surveyed the killing fields of Saath most of his lords and generals stood at least three sword lengths behind him (whilst being spaced out from each other according to their own hithuan standing, of course). Only Kouran Darkhand, master of the Black Guard, stood within a sword length of the King, but then Kouran was a true believer; a common born dretch who displayed that rarest quality amongst the Druchii- loyalty.
"I am told these people once ruled a mighty empire, by the standards of this Essos." Malekith said, his voice like molten metal. "Pathetic."
He turned to look at his generals, his expression inscrutable beneath his golden mask. Even so, they quailed before it. Malekith could kill with a mere gaze.
"I am returning to Naggarond." He said, pointing out one of the generals. "Darkblade. You will command the expedition in my absence. Deal with the human vermin, one way or another."
The druchii that replied was pale as a ghost, with a terrible red sword belted at his waist- The Warpsword of Khaine, Lesser Cousin to the Widowmaker itself. "As you command, dread majesty." Darkblade said. "What of the lizardmen?"
"I have never known the Old Slann to be so...aggressive." Malekith replied after a moment's thought. He singled out another elf. "Ziratheal. Find out what they want. Diplomacy bores me, but you have a knack for it."
The stately looking druchii visibly blanched. "And if they want war, dread majesty?" He asked.
Malekith turned away, his eyes on the sea. "Then I will burn their jungles to ash." He rumbled. "The old ones and the new."
.................
Diplomacy
To: The Free Cities @EliudFS1 From: Drachau Malus Darkblade of Hag Graef, Hand of the Witch King
Rejoice, humans. Your salvation is at hand. Salvation through submission.
The Witch King requires a tithe of flesh. Slaves to till his fields and toil in his mines. Provide them willingly in tribute and you will not be troubled. Refuse and I shall wipe your pathetic fleets from the ocean and make charnel fields of your dung-reeking cities.
To: The Servants of the Old Ones, delivered by magic. @Maugan Ra From: Ziratheal, Servant of Malekith
By the will of Malekith, son of Aenerion, I am compelled to seek you out regarding your activities in the new lands of Essos. Have I leave to enter your territory and meet with an emissary of your Temple Cities?
The intervention of County Mir in the Three Banners War and the subsequent Aldmeri attack on its navy has made the southern county an active player in Cyrodiilic politics. Taking a logical if predictable choice, the Count of Mir Collybiscus IV turned to the Moot of the Ebonheart Pact, requesting accession into the alliance in return for County Cheydinhal.
After a year of deliberation, access was granted and the territory of County Mir doubled in size, but this only created challenges in the administration of the city and its surrounding county.
With a long history of autonomy and prestige, the citizens of Cheydinhal were not about to give their county over to a "swamp savage", as the Voria was known, and so a solution was found.
With no intention of placing any of the surviving Tharns in charge of the county (a bounty had in fact been levied to bring them dead or alive to Mir Corrup), the Count turned his attention to some of the personalities in the city and, in particular, to one of the two leaders of a local anti-Imperial rebellion, Sylvian Herius.
Sylvian was ideal. He was popular, a staunch militarist, he could be easily turned to pro-Ebonheart positions thanks to his anti-Imperial sentiment, and above all he really, really craved power. His only rival in the city was a Breton, Vyctoria Girien, and so the Count proposed a simple agreement to him;
he gets the county and "confederates" it to Mir Corrup, and in return the Breton was dealt with.
The agreement was accepted, the Breton rebel leader and her faction "solved", and within days from his coronation, Count Sylvian I of House Heria "confederated" County Cheydinhal to County Mir in a "State of Nibenay" with the blessing of the Cult of the Ancestor Moth.
The council of this new political creature was placed in the cult's temple in the Jerall Mountains and, while ostensibly a union of equals, everyone knew that the Count of Mir was the true power behind it, at least for the time being. But, at least, Cheydin's face was saved.
Count Sylvian's first order of business was clear enough: provide troops for the ongoing anti-Aldmeri war effort.
Eager to secure his little domain, the Herius was happy to oblige.
To: The Servants of the Old Ones, delivered by magic. @Maugan Ra From: Ziratheal, Servant of Malekith
By the will of Malekith, son of Aenerion, I am compelled to seek you out regarding your activities in the new lands of Essos. Have I leave to enter your territory and meet with an emissary of your Temple Cities?
The magical connection is studied with a sense of fleeting interest, and then a response is delivered via flickering illusionary words written upon the air.
Permission is granted. There is a mountain on the plains, a place of great sacred power. An emissary shall greet you there.
To: Mercenaries, hired blades and sellswords of Thedas @EliudFS1
From: Tevinter Imperium
The Imperium finds itself of your skills and numbers, proper compensation will be provided once service ends.
To: Lords of Araby@EliudFS1
From: Tevinter Imperium
We greet you as neighbors and prospective friends. The Archon sends you gifts as a token of our desire for fruitful future relations and trade between our peoples.
To: Loghain Mac Tir, King Cailan of Ferelden@EliudFS1
CC: Masters Grotek and Felix @THatWhichWillBe
From: Tevinter Imperium
SECRET
Orlais is under the thrall of the same kind of monster that has ravaged the lands of Ferelden. This Von Carstein and his ilk of ill born creatures of the night have subverted the court of Orlais and are in the process of scheming further plans to bring all of Thedas under their domain.
Such information has been conveyed to us by their own emissary in an attempt to draw us into their nefarious plans. We have slain the beast and now come to you asking for whatever information you can spare on such beasts. Their strengths, weakness and the like so that we may better protect ourselves.
To: Empire of Man @ManusDomini
From: Tevinter Imperium
Its a pleasure to meet another great realm of Man such as ours. Specially after so many unfortunate experiences with other dwellers of your...particular corner of the world.
We would like to talk of trade and embassies, so that we may more easily talk in the future.
SECRET
We also find ourselves dealing with a certain Vlad von Carstein and his ilk of monsters and abominations. It's our understanding you are familiar with this group?
To: Dawi Zharr @Ironanvil1
From: Tevinter Imperium
SECRET
The waters around Seheron seem to be attracting more and more raiders these days, we ask you to remain on guard and lend whatever aid you can in our efforts to hunt down and exterminate this foe.
From: Teclis, High Loremaster of Hoeth
To: The representatives of the Chantry @EliudFS1
I hear you have concerns about my aid to the coalition, with accusations of apostasy even being issued. Please, if you have any questions ask them so I can alleviate your concerns.
After all I am hear to help, for did not the bride of the Maker command in your sacred texts that Magic must serve man? I am pleased that such sensible reasoning flourished in other lands.
We hear of your plight, Teclis of Hoeth. Unfortunately, the reports from our Templars tell us that you use magic without supervision from any order. Magic is not only for the serving of man, but it is also something to defend man from. The dangers of demons and abominations are a threat to every man and women who use magic. It is the Templar's solemn duty to eliminate the risk of possession. This is not negotiable.
Unless you can assuage our fears of Demonic possession, we will have to refrain Templar assistance.
To: The Free Cities @EliudFS1 From: Drachau Malus Darkblade of Hag Graef, Hand of the Witch King
Rejoice, humans. Your salvation is at hand. Salvation through submission.
The Witch King requires a tithe of flesh. Slaves to till his fields and toil in his mines. Provide them willingly in tribute and you will not be troubled. Refuse and I shall wipe your pathetic fleets from the ocean and make charnel fields of your dung-reeking cities.
To: Mercenaries, hired blades and sellswords of Thedas @EliudFS1
From: Tevinter Imperium
The Imperium finds itself of your skills and numbers, proper compensation will be provided once service ends.
To: Lords of Araby@EliudFS1
From: Tevinter Imperium
We greet you as neighbors and prospective friends. The Archon sends you gifts as a token of our desire for fruitful future relations and trade between our peoples.
To: Loghain Mac Tir, King Cailan of Ferelden@EliudFS1
CC: Masters Grotek and Felix @THatWhichWillBe
From: Tevinter Imperium
SECRET
Orlais is under the thrall of the same kind of monster that has ravaged the lands of Ferelden. This Von Carstein and his ilk of ill born creatures of the night have subverted the court of Orlais and are in the process of scheming further plans to bring all of Thedas under their domain.
Such information has been conveyed to us by their own emissary in an attempt to draw us into their nefarious plans. We have slain the beast and now come to you asking for whatever information you can spare on such beasts. Their strengths, weakness and the like so that we may better protect ourselves.
A multitude of mercenary groups offer their services to the Tevinter Imperium for a high price. Enough to provide for one army.
From the Lord of Araby:
The gifts and diplomatic gestures are warmly received. A couple of trade deals are negotiated between the Tevinter Imperium and some notable Sultans and Emirs of Araby. Of particular note the city El-Haikk provided the most beneficial trade deal.
From: King Cailan of Ferelden
This news you bring me is deeply troubling. My trusted adviser and friend Loghain has long said that the Vampiric invasion was an Orlesian ploy to anyone who would listen. Lately I had dismissed such concerns as paranoia, but if what you said is true, then I owe my friend an apology.
We will send experts on the subject to your people. As long as you move against the Vampires and their undead abominations, so will we.
We hear of your plight, Teclis of Hoeth. Unfortunately, the reports from our Templars tell us that you use magic without supervision from any order. Magic is not only for the serving of man, but it is also something to defend man from. The dangers of demons and abominations are a threat to every man and women who use magic. It is the Templar's solemn duty to eliminate the risk of possession. This is not negotiable.
Unless you can assuage our fears of Demonic possession, we will have to refrain Templar assistance.
Surely if my centuries of not falling to the sway of the darker powers is not adequate reason, then making certain that I not undermine the war effort against the Orcs is a responsibility of the Templar Order?
As a conciliatory offer, should victory be achieved, I will be willing to permit whatever test is conducted to assure the Chantry that I will not spontaneously submit to creatures I have spent the last 300 years thwarting.
Your Faction name: Federation of Antivan City States
Year/Turn Number: Turn 4; Year 29 of the Dragon Age
Flag or Image associated with your faction:
Summary:
Personal Journal of Josephine Montilyet
"All over the continent scholars are arguing if it might be time to call out the beginning of another age. Something as momentous as the calamity which seemingly merged Thedas with other worlds certainly qualifies as something appropriate enough to mark the beginning of a new age, but some argue that it reflects poorly for the age of the dragon to have lasted for naught but twenty five years.
Still, people everywhere are wondering what exactly this new age shall be named. The Merged Age, the Changed Age, the Trial Age, and many more fancy titles.
For me so far, it has been the age of regret.
When this whole disaster started, I was hesitant. I knew that action needed to be taken, and I knew that my talents would be of better service in Antiva than they would have been in Orlais. I love my country, but as it used to be, it was not up to the challenges that are to come. At times I fear that it still isn't.
Though knowing that Antiva needs to change, knowing how to do this, I was still hesitant. I have never seen myself as a leader. What I do is support people.
So there I was, preparing and waiting for someone to emerge to lead Antiva. Someone promising to whom I could give my support and aid with all my might.
In doing so, I wasted two years. Two precious years wasted searching for some elusive chosen one when I could have taken real action instead.
The hard truth is, Antiva is not a land of true leaders. If anything, it is a land of puppeteers and figureheads. Our monarchy is a lie, hung out to entertain protocol by many pulling the strings from the shadows. Antiva's power has not come from the battlefields for a long time. We only ever used soft power, nothing obvious and theatrics. Just preserving the status quo, influencing others without overtly tipping our hand.
And it served us well. But now? Besieged by unknown powers who could not care less about the centuries of local influence Antiva has gathered? Creatures who do not cower before the mark of assassins, nor care for importance of trade deals?
What we needed was a true leader, not just a symbolic figurehead, but a real warrior, someone akin to Andraste, our very own Loghain Mac'tir to rally the people and inspire them with valorous deeds.
Yet such a leader has not come. And as our disunity continued to keep Antiva weak, I saw no other choice but to step up and do what needed to be done.
And now, here I am. A leader in some ways, but still a supporter at heart. Other players of the game might know me and have come to respect me, yet most citizens of Thedas, of Antiva, will never even know my name. A simple woman sitting in her office, reading reports and writing letters until her fingers can no longer hold a quill is not fit to inspire confidence.
At time, I cannot help but think that my whole work here is a lie. For that's what I am doing. I am upholding the lie of a united Antiva, when really I am only keeping the country together by convincing everyone that doing so is in their best interest, and threatening those who refuse to understand it. And while Antiva is now united more than it has ever been, it is all hanging by a thread. By a complex network of alliances, distrust, caution and promises that could unravel at any moment if people begin to lose hope. Because for now, with the clear threat of the Orcs and undead invaders, we stand united by necessity. Soon, once that concern is weathered, people will once again start to simply pursue their own agendas, and the newfound unity will crumble. Because there is no final authority. No true king to set the path. Many of my inner circle say that I lead Antiva, and in a way, I do, but all my influence is indirect. Should someone refuse to tow the line, I have no authority to push them back.
And still there is nobody to truly unify Antiva. My inner circle has many capable individuals, but none of them are real leadership material, or at least not for an entire nation.
From time to time, I allow myself the illusion that Arganna Adaar could be the leader we need. She has a penchant for inspiring others, and it is largely thanks to her that the first campaign against the Orcs was not a complete disaster.
Oh yes, we have dreadfully underestimated the greenskins. Savage for sure, but cunning enough to recognise us as the weakest link in the allied chain. And more dangerous than we hoped to anticipate, with their leader taking down a High Dragon all by himself. Yavana was furious, and is now reluctant to summon draconic aid again anytime soon.
Arganna will have her rightful recognition. The way in which we have translated the happenings of the battle in Arlathan to the public might have been glorified to a large extend, but Arganna's deeds, holding the line longer than any other warrior and reorganising what was left after the rout, had no need for great embellishment.
Eventually, she might become a recognised general of Antiva's armies. Sadly, even though I truly believe she has the potential, she cannot be the leader Antiva as a whole needs. No human nation will ever accept the rule of a Qunari on their own free will, even if she is Vashoth.
Nothing for it. Now, I can do naught but continue. Continue to write letters to those who might be tomorrow's allies, find blackmail to those who jeopardise the nation, garner favours with outsiders, seek new resources, continue to lie to the public and inspire more people to take up arms and give their lives for others.
I now live to support others, but I never wanted for it to be this way. But someone has to do it if we are to be save."
Leaning back in her chair, dropping the quill from her sore hand, Josephine sighed, long and deep.
Then she threw the pages she had just written into the fire. Their contents were too harmful for others to have, and in this new world she could not know how secure they would be.
People of importance:
Josephine Montilyet:
Shokrakar:
Arganna Adaar:
Zevran:
Isabela:
Yavana:
Diplomatic Ties/Ongoing Treaties
Relations to the royal houses of all Thedas, and many other noble families
Combined military campaign with Tevinter and others against Grimgor's WAAAAGH
Important trade nexus
Warden Treaties
Origin of Theda's surviving dragons
Empereur, C'est ton règne que nous honorons
Par cette chanson, dans tout Orlaïs
Nous glorifions ton nom!
Empereur, Qu'importent les saisons
Nous te défendrons
Et nos cicatrices
Grâce à toi se tairont!
Nous sommes
À jamais tes obligés
Empereur, Viens nous délivrer
Vos heures sont comptées
La nation dérive
L'espoir prospère!
Empereur, Ta force est en nous
Nous prenons les armes
Et levons nos dagues
Viens, délecte-toi du sang qui coule
Nous sommes
À jamais tes obligés
The new Emperor Vladimir von Carstein awoke at 8:00 a.m. to the sound of a great bugling arriving at the palace at Val Royeaux by 11:00 a.m. in a white velvet vest with gold embroidery and diamond buttons, a crimson velvet tunic and a short crimson coat with satin lining, a wreath of laurel on his brow. The number of onlookers was estimated to be between four and five thousand, many of whom had held their places all night through intermittent showers that cleared in the morning, leaving a thick haze of cloud cover that had become nigh-omnipresent in the reign of the man many were now calling the Moon King.
The coronation ceremony itself began at 9, when the Divine's procession set out from the Grand Chantry led by a Mother Superior on a mule, intoning the chant of light amidst braziers of smoking incense. The Divine Beatrix entered the great hall first, and took her seat on a throne near the steps to the Imperial Lion Throne. Vlad's and Isabella's carriage was drawn by eight black nightmares, and escorted by the new Regiment Maison militaire, part of the ongoing reorginization of the army from its feudal levee roots.
Before entering the Great Hall itself, Vlad was vested in a long white satin tunic embroidered in gold thread, and Isabella similarly wore a white satin empire-style dress embroidered in gold thread. During the coronation he was formally clothed in a heavy coronation mantle of crimson velvet lined with ermine; the velvet was covered with embroidered golden bats, by his own request. The mantle weighed at least eighty pounds, and yet he carried it effortlessly . Isabella was at the same time formally clothed in a similar crimson velvet mantle embroidered with bats in gold thread and lined with ermine, which was borne by her newest daughter, the former Empress Celene. There were two orchestras with four choruses, numerous military bands playing heroic marches, and over three hundred musicians. A 400-voice choir performed the new coronation march "Hail Emperor".
The coronation of Vlad and Isabella also differed in this respect from the pattern observed in other Thedas coronation rites: usually, in joint coronations of sovereign and consort, the sovereign is first anointed, invested with the regalia, crowned and enthroned, and only then is a similar but simplified rite of anointing, investiture, coronation and enthronement of the consort performed. However, for the Coronation of Vlad and Isabella, each of those steps was performed jointly, so that Isabella was anointed immediately after Vlad, and each item of regalia was delivered to her immediately after being given to him, a procedure that found no precedent in either Chantry or in the secular rites of the land. In addition, and unusually for any ruler of Orlais, he crowned both himself and Isabella with his own hand.
After the Coronation Rite was finished, the Divine retired to the Chantry, as she objected to presiding over or witnessing the civil oath that followed, due to its contents. The oath red as follows:
I swear to maintain the integrity of the territory of the Empire, to respect and enforce respect for the law of the land; not to raise any tax except in virtue of the law; to maintain the institution of Chevaliers and to govern in the sole interest, happiness and glory of the Orlesian people.
After the oath the newly appointed herald of arms proclaimed loudly: "The thrice glorious and thrice august Emperor Vlad is crowned and enthroned. Long live the Emperor!"
