FSTGOD Main Story Thread

[Rogue 9]

Grornin sat astride his gryphon, Hammerclaw, several hundred feet above the ground. He was nearing the end of his patrol, and the dwarf was feeling a bit stiff. Gryphon flights had been stepped up over the southern border of late, and ordered to range farther south and east than normal. The dwarf was just contemplating turning back for the Border Fortresses when Hammerclaw cocked his head a little to the side and chirruped softly. Gror looked down towards the ground, not seeing anything at first, but soon a glint of light caught his eye down to the south. "What in the name of the Creator..." He tugged the reins a little to the right, and Hammerclaw banked towards the source, also gaining a bit of altitude. The pair raced through the skies to see what was amiss. There was the glint again. It was something...

Soon it became apparent. There were many men, three hundred at least, on horseback, riding south. The glint had been from one's weapon, or perhaps a helmet. It mattered not. Gror pulled his reins back around to head back north, still three quarters of a mile distant from the men and six hundred feet above. But as they turned, Hammerclaw let out a terrific cry, like a hawk's, only louder than any living hawk could muster. "TSEEEEER!" It echoed among the rocks.

"Hammer and tongs," he cursed. Hammerclaw fancied horse meat. He should have known better than to pull away so quickly from what the gryphon would see as prey, but he had, and Hammerclaw had protested. He climbed for a nearby cloud, hoping to lose himself from view and that the men would dismiss the cry for an eagle, but it was a forlorn hope. At least they, whoever they were, were moving away from Eire...

[Murazor]

Karsinian Territory
Capital City, Karsinth

"At least now I have an story to tell my children. I have a debt with you that I will never be able to pay, captain" said Terin Beldin, Diplomat of the Nectarinian Republic, to Perwan Aniter, his saviour and captain of the Karsinian army.

"It is my job to ensure the safety of that road. And those goblins that had kidnapped you where a particularly pesky lot and I am glad that we could get rid of them and avoid some problems with your country saving you. However, I will be grateful if you promise me to travel escorted in the future. A man of your condition offers an inviting prey for bandits and other scum. You were lucky this time, but the next I won't be around."

"I know, captain, I know. And don't worry about me. I promise you. I have learned the lesson."

He truly had. He was so eager to reach Karsinth and reach an agreement as soon as possible that he had been careless and leaving his escorts in Alyandria, he had departed alone for the capital of the Karsinian republic. The second night of travel a group of goblins had captured him and the goblin leader had spent the next three days deciding whether to ask ransom for his life or to eat him. When he had almost decided to follow option b, the captain and his men had arrived and massacred the goblin brigands. He had lost all the time that he had hoped to win travelling alone and there would be hell to pay back in Windward because of his stupidity. Only being successful in the negotiations with the Karsinians would save him from being demoted.

As he crossed the gates of the capital of Karsinia followed by the captain and his men, he started to plan his words in the impending meeting with his Karsinian counterpart. He intended to be very careful with his words in this dealings...

[JasperClain]

The stranger was asleep has was his mule. Nikolsen hated that damn mule. It almost alerted the stranger to his postion a while ago, damn mule. Four of his lodge brothers were with him surrounding the sleeper.

Nikolsen crept into the camp, avoiding the defenses the stranger had erected earilier. He stepped forward untile he was at the feet of the sleeper. His borthers crept into the camp around him. It was then the never to be suffiently damned mule awoke with a bray of alarm. The short stranger jerked awake his hand on an ax. He sat up quickly ready to fight. He was at the center of a circle of arrows.

"You walk uninvited into the lands of the Son's of Gar, outrealmer. Our Counsil has decided to speak with you... At Halonmark." Nikolsen informed the surprised stranger.

Recognizing the bowmen to be nothing else except WolGar the dwarf lay down his axe slowly saying,
“There is a large mountain range to the northwest, it used to not be there. I am Ambassador Gonal Keldan, I have come from the city under the mountain for talks of peace and alliance. My dwarven kind are earth elemental’s and brave warriors like yourself, for if we were not brave why would I be here when my kind has seen so much savage discriminations upon our people in the past? Take me to your council.”

[Rogue 9]

Aidan Castle, border fortress on the Artorian Wall

"Ye're sure o' this, Grornin?"

"Aye, sair. Several hunnerd armed men on 'orseback, headin' south into Gaul. They were lightly armed, no threat to the Wall or border fortresses, but I'd like to know what they're up to all the same."

"Ye aren't the only one thinkin' that, lad." Captain Borin Stonehammer turned to the door of the room as a man walked in, towering over the dwarves by a good two feet. "Sair Ainsley," he said, nodding to the fortress commander and lord of the castle.

"Captain," replied the Knight of the Silver Hand, nodding in return. "You had something to tell me?"

"Aye, sair. Gror here was oot on his patrol, gettin' ready ta turn 'round an' come home, when he spotted several hunnerd horsemen headin' south, away from the Wall. He thinks he migh' 'ave been spotted."

The knight brought his hand to his chin, rubbing his fingers through his neatly trimmed red beard thoughtfully. After a moment, he spoke.

"Get word to the deep patrols. The rangers are to report any contact with these horsemen and avoid being seen. If spotted, they know what to do. Step up air patrols. I'll put in a request for more Riders from Eyriesburgh."

"Aye, sair." Ainsley nodded in acknowledgement and turned to leave the room.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Karsinian Territory
Capital City, Karsinth

"At least now I have an story to tell my children. I have a debt with you that I will never be able to pay, captain" said Terin Beldin, Diplomat of the Nectarinian Republic, to Perwan Aniter, his saviour and captain of the Karsinian army.

"It is my job to ensure the safety of that road. And those goblins that had kidnapped you where a particularly pesky lot and I am glad that we could get rid of them and avoid some problems with your country saving you. However, I will be grateful if you promise me to travel escorted in the future. A man of your condition offers an inviting prey for bandits and other scum. You were lucky this time, but the next I won't be around."

"I know, captain, I know. And don't worry about me. I promise you. I have learned the lesson."

He truly had. He was so eager to reach Karsinth and reach an agreement as soon as possible that he had been careless and leaving his escorts in Alyandria, he had departed alone for the capital of the Karsinian republic. The second night of travel a group of goblins had captured him and the goblin leader had spent the next three days deciding whether to ask ransom for his life or to eat him. When he had almost decided to follow option b, the captain and his men had arrived and massacred the goblin brigands. He had lost all the time that he had hoped to win travelling alone and there would be hell to pay back in Windward because of his stupidity. Only being successful in the negotiations with the Karsinians would save him from being demoted.

As he crossed the gates of the capital of Karsinia followed by the captain and his men, he started to plan his words in the impending meeting with his Karsinian counterpart. He intended to be very careful with his words in this dealings...

As the heavy iron gates were opened he was greated by a grand sight. Buildings of wood and marble streched as ar as he could see, some several stories tall. People went about their business of the day. Tradng, buying, working. The shouts of vendors selling their wares and the sounds of merriment filled the air as Human, Elves and even half dragons coexisted in this wonderful metropolis. He could see the city was well defended. The wasll of the city were 30 feet high with 45 foot towers. Wide at the base, and slightly sloped so that the base was wider than the top. Crenellated battlements with archers patroling the walls Ballistae were mounted on each tower which were every 70 feel along its length, with scorpions mounted every 15 feel along the wall itself.

"Alright if you will come this way Mr. Beldin, we have sent a messanger ahead and the Senate will be expecting you."

[InnocentBystander]

Alidrial Territory
Eyzaathe Region, Eyzaathe
Chamber of Izea

The eyes of Izea were completely upon the Prince as he entered the room and approached. He knew of the Normans, but not nearly as much as he would like. The truth remained that the reach of the Alidrial was inherently limited by their size and might. There were few things that the Alidrial did not know about those nations whose shores kissed the Mediterranean. When the Prince bowed before him he nodded his head in turn. The Prince was tactful beyond his years, and his politeness earned him favor.

When the Prince spoke he smiled, the action causing his features to lighten significantly. Yvela called him a “little storm cloud” due to the stern look that seemed to perpetually reside upon his features. Nonetheless, there were times such as this when he allowed that façade to crack a bit. His left hand moving in a dismissive fashion before his lips parted and he spoke.

“Please, Prince Virgil Izea will suffice and it is you who honor me in your visit to my homeland.” He hesitated for a moment, his eyes watching the Prince before he nodded his head as the exact nature of his visit was explained. “I will of course entertain your Lord’s propositions Prince Virgil. We the Alidrial have thrived by not pushing aside opportunities of interest. Although our nations may not reside in the same sea, my people and I are always willing to establish trade relations among other things with nations of a like mind.”

The Pillar motioned for the Prince to be seated, although if the Prince chose to remain standing it was clear that the Pillar would not take offense. “So tell me Prince Virgil, what do you and yours have in mind for the first steps for our people to walk together?” The times were such that the Alidrial could not afford to alienate nations, least of all those that could be friends. Furthermore, the ships in which the Prince had arrived were impressive indeed. He had little doubt that a worthy arrangement could be achieved between both their nations…

Alidrial Territory
Eyzaathe Region, Eyzaathe
Chamber of Izea

"My Lord, King Herrignaught, desires to give his people access to new trade routes, and has foreseen this sea as most desirable. He desires to establish trade with your cities, that we might prosper together. Of course, Mighty Pillar, these traders must be kept safe, who knows what fiends might seek to stop our merchantmen, but the king will not stand for such a thing. He therefore humbly requests that the Norman War Fleets be allowed access to your ports and shipyards, that they be granted rights to use them as their own. The Lord's Fleet will, of course, protect your shores as if they were their own." the prince ended his long monologue, and waited for the response of the High Pillar.

[Alyrium Denryle]

“Theodorus of Karsinia, tell me what do you have in mind for the future relationship of our people. Do you seek to strengthen trade between our nations? What do you and yours have in mind?”

"Increasing trade is on the adgenda, but it is not primary. As you well know, we are currently in an alliance of convenience, so to speak. However, due to the proximity of our nations, and our shared interests in this region, the senate has asked me to propose an alliance that is somewhat more lasting. Each of our nations has complimentary advantages. You have an exellent surface navy for its size, and formidable archers. While we have stalwart infantry and our dragon legion is second to none in the known world. Perhaps it would be wise to form a permanent military alliance in the interests of both our peoples, in order to secure the region and curb the ambitions of other larger powers."

[Murazor]

The shouts of vendors selling their wares and the sounds of merriment filled the air as Human, Elves and even half dragons coexisted in this wonderful metropolis. He could see the city was well defended. The wasll of the city were 30 feet high with 45 foot towers. Wide at the base, and slightly sloped so that the base was wider than the top. Crenellated battlements with archers patroling the walls Ballistae were mounted on each tower which were every 70 feel along its length, with scorpions mounted every 15 feel along the wall itself.

"Alright if you will come this way Mr. Beldin, we have sent a messanger ahead and the Senate will be expecting you."

Karsinian Territory
Capital City, Karsinth
Chambers of the Senate

Beldin grudgingly admitted to himself that he was impressed. Karsinth was truly a mighty fortress. A city powerful enough to fend off even the mightiest enemies for as long as its defenders kept their will. And the dragons! Mighty creatures, indeed. Although Terin didn't harbour religious beliefs, he could understand the religion of the Karsinians. Any god that deserved the worship of such creatures, had to be a great god.

Upon reached the senatorial building, he started to rehearse his words. It was of capital importance for his career to make a good impression. Using his skills, acquired over years of training, he adopted a carefully neutral expression, that showed both respect and the knowledge of his own situation.

The Diplomat knew enough about the Karsinian institutions to draw the similarities between them and its Nectarinian counterparts. The Senate was similar enough to the Conclave, but the position of Tribune was different from that of the High Lord. Not only there were two of them, but they had the right to block the decisions of the other. It seemed to work for the Karsinians, but he was sure that such a duocracy would be unbearable for any Nectarinian... perhaps it was a side effect of the strong implantation of the cult to the Dragon Gods, Beldin thought when he entered the chamber where the senators and tribunes of the Karsinian republic awaited him.

"Senators and Tribunes of the Karsinian Republic," said Terin as he bowed before the assembled authorities. "Your friends of the Nectarin Republic send you greetings and wish you all the blessings of the Dragon Gods. I have been sent to discuss subjects of great importance for both our nations and reach mutually benefitial agreements in this dark times, when the big powers prey on those weaker than them and only cooperation will ensure our survival."

[Murazor]

The seneschal smiles a bit. "The option for agricultural surplus is always a welcome one, naturally. Our own fields are just enough to maintain our populace, however it never hurts to have extra stores of essentials should a hard winter come by. And while we appreciate the offer for weapons and tools our transmuters are presently sufficient to handle the crafting of such things around here. Although we are somewhat limited in terms of shipbuilding, and would welcome exchanges for new vessels to upgrade our present fleet. Naturally, as said earlier we have an abundance of raw ores and gems provided by our dwarven neighbors we can offer in exchange, as well as services by various magi should you need them. At present. . . "the seneschal goes into a brief blank stare, working figures in his head "We have an excess of diviners available, as well as lifeweavers and transmuters. However our conjurers and psychics are quite indisposed. Though we may be able to spare an invoker or two, depending on your need for such services if such a thing sounds agreeable."

Three days later...

"Seneschal, it is a pleasure and an honour to see you again," said the young Diplomat. Behind Arico's smile, there was hidden some uncertainty. Arico had asked for a break in the meetings in order to send a message to Windward requesting information about the specifics that the Seneschal wanted to know and with the replies had arrived a letter from the Chief Diplomat himself that said some uncomplimentary things about his handling of the negotiation and a threat of being removed from the Diplomatic Corps in the event of failure. "And I am glad to tell you that the answers to those questions that you asked in our previous meeting have arrived. We can continue if you wish to do so."

[Alyrium Denryle]

"Senators and Tribunes of the Karsinian Republic," said Terin as he bowed before the assembled authorities. "Your friends of the Nectarin Republic send you greetings and wish you all the blessings of the Dragon Gods. I have been sent to discuss subjects of great importance for both our nations and reach mutually benefitial agreements in this dark times, when the big powers prey on those weaker than them and only cooperation will ensure our survival."

The assembled throng began to mutter among themselves. Both tribunes had not yet returned from Cyprus, they were expected back before the week's end, but one of them finally decided to speak.

Senator Linarius rose and spoke.

"WHat is it that you propose Ambassador Beldin? Our ears are open as well as our minds"

[General Zod]

Three days later...

"Seneschal, it is a pleasure and an honour to see you again," said the young Diplomat. Behind Arico's smile, there was hidden some uncertainty. Arico had asked for a break in the meetings in order to send a message to Windward requesting information about the specifics that the Seneschal wanted to know and with the replies had arrived a letter from the Chief Diplomat himself that said some uncomplimentary things about his handling of the negotiation and a threat of being removed from the Diplomatic Corps in the event of failure. "And I am glad to tell you that the answers to those questions that you asked in our previous meeting have arrived. We can continue if you wish to do so."

"of course, of course. although had you simply asked one of our diviners could have expedited the matter of communication. but no matter. what of the response?"

[SirNitram]

The largest port of the Jihad, and the Principality had come to it. Three immense Dreadnoughts flew low, their bulk obscured by the curve of the world as they approached. Water whipped up in their wake, as crews finished preparations on the weaponry. Heavy clockballistae swung around, while rocket banks were examined one last time in preparation for battle. Orders were called through the message systems, and finally, as land began to become visibel on the horizon, the order was given.

"All craft. All craft. Begin attack on the Jihad's naval force. They'll try and fight us in the air, but do damage until their mere beasts show up. Once they try and bring the fight to us, we fall back and cut them to ribbons. Open fire. All weapons, volley."

With the Principality infantry and Wolgar warriors ready to deploy if they got close enough to land, the first battle of the Principality's war against the Jihad began.

(3 Dreadnoughts, each worth 4 Regiments.
4 regiments of Wolgar troops. Their actions will be done by Magi, of course.)

[frigidmagi]

On the Dreads they waited, gripping thier weapons. Their forefathers had once led savage raids on monster tribes, burning and looting. However victory had brought long peace and the Sons of Gar had not had a chance for wide scale battle for many seasons. That would change now.

They rode on strange things to the lands of the 3God fools. The Rich 3God fools. But little had changed, defeat meant death and victory meant wealth and glory!

Force declaration for WolGar:
1 regiment Nightwalker light infantry
2 regiments Spearbrother heavy infantry
1 regiment Bearserks elites

[Rogue 9]

Norbin Skyrider circled around the Dreadnoughts, riding his gryphon Steeltalon. Behind him came his flight of fellow gryphon riders. They were assigned to protect against air threats. The remainder of the Riders were in other squads and carrying Greek fire. Steeltalon let out a great cry and Norbin grinned savagely as he looked down at the ships arrayed below and loosened arrows and javelins in their quivers.

Force declaration: 50 gryphon riders, thirty with Greek fire in their armament.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Ths was one of those interesting times when both Tribunes went into battle.

Under the waves, Alaric, and his full regiment of Bronze Dragons snaked through the water, their massivelatterally compressed tails propelling them through the water at a frightening rate of speed.

They traveled just where the water turned a deep green, around 40 feet down. looking up they could easily see the hulls of the Jihad fleet.

Once they got directly underneath, they dove even deeper, straight down into the blackness of the sea

Alystarian was a different matter. His Silvr Dragon regiment flew above the clouds. The air was frigid and the massive wingbeats could be heard only by them. Then they stooped into a dive folding their wings and plimmeting through the clouds

Force Declarion: SIlver Dragons, Bronze Dragons all of them

[Alyrium Denryle]

When they reached the dark depths of the ocean, the Bronze Dragons turned around, and sped toward the surface at top speed. Their massive wings and tails propelling them forward toward the sun

[Murazor]

The assembled throng began to mutter among themselves. Both tribunes had not yet returned from Cyprus, they were expected back before the week's end, but one of them finally decided to speak.

Senator Linarius rose and spoke.

"WHat is it that you propose Ambassador Beldin? Our ears are open as well as our minds"

His first gaffe. How had he failed to notice the absence of both Tribunes? His nerves were playing tricks with him, but at least it hadn't been a big mistake. When Linarius asked him, Beldin was quick to reply.

"The High Lord and the Republican Conclave believe that the signing of a trade agreement between both our republics will be extremely beneficial for all those involved. The wealth created by such a trade will greatly improve the situation of our economies. You export large ammounts of wool that our weavers need and your main imports are the kind of products that our artisans are eager to supply in large ammounts for a fair prize. Considering that our economies are so complimentary and that neither yours, nor our merchants will have to face great dangers as a result, I am sure that you can see the wisdom in signing such a treaty," said the Diplomat.

[Alyrium Denryle]

The assembled throng began to mutter among themselves. Both tribunes had not yet returned from Cyprus, they were expected back before the week's end, but one of them finally decided to speak.

Senator Linarius rose and spoke.

"WHat is it that you propose Ambassador Beldin? Our ears are open as well as our minds"

His first gaffe. How had he failed to notice the absence of both Tribunes? His nerves were playing tricks with him, but at least it hadn't been a big mistake. When Linarius asked him, Beldin was quick to reply.

"The High Lord and the Republican Conclave believe that the signing of a trade agreement between both our republics will be extremely beneficial for all those involved. The wealth created by such a trade will greatly improve the situation of our economies. You export large ammounts of wool that our weavers need and your main imports are the kind of products that our artisans are eager to supply in large ammounts for a fair prize. Considering that our economies are so complimentary and that neither yours, nor our merchants will have to face great dangers as a result, I am sure that you can see the wisdom in signing such a treaty," said the Diplomat.

"You speak the truth ambassador Beldin. Mutual trade would be benificial to us both, as would securing our trade lanes from goblin attacks, which, I am told, you had some trouble with. Therefore, perhaps we should invest in small outposts to guard the roads, as a sign of good will, our troops could work together in this regard"

[Murazor]

"of course, of course. although had you simply asked one of our diviners could have expedited the matter of communication. but no matter. what of the response?"

"For you to understand my actions, seneschal, I will need to tell you a short story. There are some individuals that hold positions of power within the Republic and that fail to realize that they should have resigned long ago. Even if they still serve the Republic to the best extent of their capacity, the sad truth is that they believe to be true some of the ridiculous notions inheritted from our ancestors. They believe that magic is unreliable and that wizards, while useful, should be kept at an arm's length. As of now, my superiors number among those reactionaries and had I used magical means to send my message, they would have probably deemed me unsuitable to carry on this negotiation and send orders to return inmediately to Windward as their only reply," explained Arico after sitting down and with a sad smile in his face. "The High Lord can see, however, that this is a mistake. He wishes to remove the aforementioned individuals, but they are too deeply ingrained to do so without great upheaval. And we cannot afford turmoil currently. It is his hope that after the signing of a treaty between our nations, the benefits produced by the agreement will greatly reduce the support that the reactionaries have in the present time."

After taking a sip of juice to clear his throat and checking his notes, the Diplomat continued.

"I think that there are some relevant points concerning possible shipbuilding agreements and I would like to inform you of the existing options first. I have written to the captain of the ship that brought me to your beautiful kingdom and who still awaits me in your port. Although his opinion isn't as qualified as that of a shipwright, he believes that your infrastructure isn't up to the task of upgrading your whole merchant fleet up to our standards. Building the needed structures will be a costly endeavour and even after that there will be some problems with our artisans. To put it bluntly, our shipwrights are rather... full of themselves. We believe that they would demand unacceptable wages in order to agree to come here and that they would be less than forthcoming to the idea of teaching their secret techniques to foreigners. If the upgrades were made in our shipyards -that most certainly are up to the task- the cost would only be a fraction of building the needed structures by yourselves. However, if you decide to upgrade your shipbuilding industry first, we will provide technical advice and try our utmost to send qualified workers in order to help you. Of course, the simplest thing to do would be to buy us the finished ships, as you suggested in our first meeting. We would be interested in payment on precious metals, but we will also accept other mineral resources or magical resources," lectured the young Diplomat emphasizing his words with gestures. "Regarding the other points, we would be interested in the services of your diviners, as our craftsmen produce more than enough to cover our needs and many elves are already accomplished healers. While currently we don't need the services of invokers, we think that in the close future we might and that it would be desirable to left the door open to eventual dealings around this point in the future. There are also some lesser points, but those should be adressed only if you believe now that you have the relevant information that the signing of the treaty would be benefitial for Arashi," finished Arico awaiting the answer of the Seneschal.

[Murazor]

"You speak the truth ambassador Beldin. Mutual trade would be benificial to us both, as would securing our trade lanes from goblin attacks, which, I am told, you had some trouble with. Therefore, perhaps we should invest in small outposts to guard the roads, as a sign of good will, our troops could work together in this regard"

"Yes, Senator. My carelessness put me in an extremely dangerous situation and only the courageous intervention of a captain of your army saved my life. Now, I have every wish to drive off from our territories those goblins and to cleanse of brigands our trade lanes. Once the Jihad threat is gone, I will suggest to the Conclave the complete erradication of those threats against our merchants and travellers using whatever resources are needed. Meanwhile, I am sure that the High Lord will find completely agreeable the creation of small outposts to guard our main roads from those dangers. A joint effort will more likely improve our chances of success, so I will pass on a proposal with those terms that I am certain the Conclave will pass inmediately."

[Agent Fisher]

*whoops, sorry guys*

[General Zod]

The seneschal nodded at the points, his eyes constantly glowing during the exchange. "I see. Naturally those who are ignorant of magic have a right to be skeptical regarding its certainty, however we've discovered that magic is very much like a fine science that any with proper training can learn at least the basic rudiments of. Though this did of course require hundreds of years of experimentation and study through our magisters. It's no more a chaotic force than building a ship, as it were. One must merely learn to recognize the inherent natural patterns and discover which tools are available to control it. After that, well, it's all elementary for the most part. While i possess no actual skill with the mystic arts myself, as an example, i at least possess a grasp on the basic principles. All arashi citizens are taught such from birth. Should you wish we could even send along one or two instructors to help alleviate your superiors' fears of magic."

he clears his throat for a moment. "As to your offer of ships, we presently aren't too concerned with expanding our infrastructure, and do agree that buying completed ships would be best for the meantime. We can always expand our infrastructure later if we deem it essential, as our economy only really relies on merchant ships for trade with other nations. We have little need for warships, however. And can easily arrange for transport of gold and other such minerals as needed by your nation. Also if you'd wish we can set up a chaos gateway in your city to facilitate exchange. Though your superiors may be somewhat skittish of such an arrangement by your account."