[u][b][h2]Turn 4[/h2][/b][/u]

[hider=The Map][IMG]http://i63.tinypic.com/skw86t.png[/IMG][/hider]
Points of interest are marked with flags outlined with your color. Your forces' position is also marked with such flags.

[color=lightgreen][h3]The Lothelonni[/h3][/color]
[@Polybius]
[Hider=Turn 4]A small expeditionary force was sent down the river once more, this time breaking off to explore the eastern fork and the banks upon it. Quite soon, the party realized that their lake near Cantivale could not possibly be responsible for this massive flow over water all by itself. It was a huge lake, yes, but these rivers were large and flowed rapidly. Water from the mountains and the lakes couldn't possibly be enough to be the cause of all this, could it?
Wait... What was that, over by those trees?
Ranger Celamon, a recently promoted scout and huntsman quickly hissed at his fellow expeditionaries to lower themselves onto the ground. He alone had seen clearly what was hiding in the small patch of forestation. A large humanoid beast, hairless upon it's body but with a great beard hanging from it's chin. It had a single eye in it's forehead, and it must have towered at over twelve feet tall if it stood upright, Celamon reckoned. It was crouched, hunched over a dead, large hairy bull. He wasn't simply eating it though, he was butchering it. The large brute seemed civilized to an extent, at least, despite being covered in nothing but fur. His muscles bulged almost unnaturally as he flexed his arms, cutting the bull's stomach open and emptying intestines.
Celamon had heard of these creatures before, from a scholar back home. But which of the mythical creatures he had heard of was it? An ogre? A giant? A behemoth? Something else entirely? More importantly: was it friend or foe? Was it alone?

The great brute remained unaware of the elves' pressence as he continued to work. His body was covered in furs to protect him from the chill in the air, but his arms and legs were exposed.
What would the expedition do?
[Color=gray][Expedition location marked on the map.][/color]
[hider=The Strange Creature][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8f/d6/35/8fd63503cff54b9d9e266a5f54149e15.jpg[/img][/hider]

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 95 men, 95 women, 26 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Requires prospection and industry.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 4% [i]+0% from food level, +0% from morale = 4%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Indifferent
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]

[h3][color=00CED1]The Iceborn[/color][/h3]
[@Cyclone]
[Hider=Turn 4]First order of business of the day, Dag hears word that the goatherd is growing steadily. Thanks to recent efforts, they now had another strong source of food that would further increase their stockpile in the days to come. Indeed, in terms of food the Iceborn seemed very well off.

Skraelings, however, was another matter.
In response, Dag ordered several groups be sent into the western mountains to explore them and search for ore. It was only a matter of time after all, some of them thought, that they would need to find iron to craft new tools with. Or perhaps weapons...

Lumberharvesting operations had now been properly setup down south, and the settlement of Dagshall could now also expand it's housing without worry if need be. Lumber would also help in creation of new tools or whatever items may be needed that could be crafted with it.
[color=gray][Lumbercamp marked on the map south of Dagshall.][/color]

It didn't take long for the expedition(s) to find what they were looking for, or perhaps what they feared to find. Just moments after finding actual iron-ore on one of the cliff-faces, once again disturbed rocks roll harmlessly down the hills. This time, the Iceborn were ready and jumped at the event. They could hear something skitter away from them among the rocks, but they couldn't see it. They were so very close that they could still see the dust of it's footsteps as they were close on it's heels. Then, there it was, suddenly, driven into a dead end. A small creature, black as night, with yellow eyes, slitted with dark pupils. It looked angry, or perhaps scared. It wore a simple loincloth, had no other possessions or clothes. It was a small, pitiful creature at the sight of it. Perhaps four feet tall, hunchbacked, pointy-eared, yellow-teethed. It hissed at the Iceborn as they surrounded it, drove it deeper into it's escapeless corner.
While two men were sent back to Dagshall to report the findings of Iron Ore at the mountains, they would also bring back news of the black creature. The shadows conceiled it, but it's eyes seemed to glow in the dark. What was it? A skraeling? Something else?
[hider=The supposed Skraeling][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/ec/ee/e1/eceee114a6b9143015c9237f9ef1c392.jpg[/img][/hider]

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 122 men, 122 women, 39 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 60% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Lumber
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i]+0% from food level, +0% from morale = 5%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Indifferent
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]

[h3][color=red]The Bonesnapper Tribe[/color][/h3]
[@Chairman Stein]
[Hider=Turn 4]Wurtag was pleased with the construction of his great spiky tent, but less so pleased with the realization that there was an unknown neighbour to their east. A scout had made a crude drawing in the dirt (much to the delight of the other shamanz, but less so to the delight of the other orkz), that marked about where he thought the mysterious lights originated from. Wurtag had seen them for himself now, and so there was no doubt in his mind that Iron Rock had to be ready for whatever might come out of the mountains.  The best way to prepare for defense was to prepare for offense. Or rather, in an orc's mind these two word are indeed blended together into the word "war". As such, massive prospecting efforts are launched into the very soil of Iron Rock, to seek riches and minerals from underneath their very feet to see if "Iron" Rock lives up to it's name.
[color=gray][Prospect results next turn.][/color]
Meanwhile, quite far away from Iron Rock, Nagrub the warlord orders his orcs to establish camp, and to find these snivelin' elves wherever they might be hiding! They set themselves up on the eastern side of the river, waiting for the forage- and scoutparties to return.
The very next morning, one of the scouts return with an arrow in his shoulder. He doesn't seem to mind it but his arm is hanging quite limp.
[i]"Boss!!"[/i] he exclaims with pride, as if not even having realized his shoulder's state. [i]"I found 'em! They ain't far, they're by th' coast down south! They dug in deep though, me finks they's be ready for us!"[/i]
As another orc comes poking at his shoulder, the scout finally realizes his injury and promptly rips the arrow out, grunts in pain, and falls flat on the ground either in death or unconcious. What a strange way to go, some orcs think as they haul his body off to another tent to see if he's dead or not.
[color=gray][One orc scout die from an appearant arrow to the shoulder. The cause is unclear, perhaps bloodloss or simple exhaustion?][/color]

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 124 men, 122 women[color=gray](?)[/color], 36 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 60% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Requires prospection and industry.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i]+0% from food level, +1% from morale = 6%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Enthusiastic [color=gray](Bonus for 3 more turns.)[/color]
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] 
- [color=0054a6]Children of Artemon:[/color] [color=B22222]Hostile[/color][/hider]

[h3][color=92278f]The Maerinum[/color][/h3]
[@Lady Selune]
[Hider=Turn 4]The senate had decided, lumber would have to wait in favor of the more desirable resource of clay and stone in the form of dolomite and marble. While the marble wasn't yet found in large enough quantities to be used for anything large-scale, it could be used for decorative and artistry purposes rather than building for now. Nevertheless, the new resource of stone and clay would certainly prove important in the infrastructure of the settlement.

With their newly-found resources, the center of the settlement was subject to a big project of improvement. Maxim envisioned a grand basilica, the center and heart of New Matem. It was to be a shining pearl on the island and the new nation! The senate seemed to agree, but while the citizenry seemed to approve of their leaders a few voices were raised to the lack of common material such as lumber or fish. Perhaps they were just being spoiled, or perhaps they had a point. Maxim and the senate would decide.

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 121 men, 119 women, 38 children.
[b]Military:[/b] 10 Footmen.
[i]- Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population.[/i]
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Clay, Stone, Marble [color=gray](small quantities)[/color]
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i]+0% from food level +0% from morale = 5%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Indifferent
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]

[h3][color=yellow]The Antari[/color][/h3]
[@Murtox]
[Hider=Turn 4]The supposed arsonist almost cries in relief and thankfulness as the Amari Asto delivers his verdict. The man is given relative mercy by becoming a servant with a chance to restore his rank in society, his family remains untouched and his son will even be treated by order of his liege. Later that evening, he seeks Amari Asto out.
[i]"My liege. My name is Zalam, and I am greatly indebted to you. I shall work tirelessly until you deem my punishment sufficient. Please accept my deepest regrets and apologies for what happened to the food storage, I did not think to trouble you with my family's hardships directly. I know now that you are truly a wise and strong leader, and I should have asked for your help from the very start. My life is yours and my services are yours, beyond that of my sentence. The man you sent to treat my son was able to cure him, and for that, even when my rank in society is restored, I shall pledge myself to you."[/i]
And with that, the man disappears into his own far away from the Amari Asto's. In the morning he will wake up early and work tirelessly to repay his debt to his people. Amari Asto is astounded with the man's resolve and commitment, but some other citizens have expressed their dismay at the man's merciful sentence. He had burned their foodstores to the ground and in their opinions, he should be exiled for such foolishness or be made to repay every single plank and piece of food lost. The pile of ash and rubble remains untouched, for now.

The next morning, Amari Asto orders his prospectors to journey out into the surrounding land and gather resources or mark down potential sources of said resources on a map and return to him. Due to the settlement's close proximity to both mountains and forests, Right from day one the prospectors suggest setting up either a lumber camp in the nearby forest or start a mining operation into the mountains in search for minerals. A quarry for stone would also be an alternative, but the prospectors suggest leaving that for later in favor of minerals or lumber.
A scout returns one day from the west. He hadn't been gone long, and he hadn't gone very far, but he felt obliged to return quickly to report that he had observed strange, lizard-like creatures in the mountains to the west. He had found a pass through the mountains, and when exploring said pass he saw the lizardmen skulking about, appearantly also scouting through the pass. He says he doesn't think they saw him, but he couldn't be sure as he had only seen one or two. There could be more of them that he hadn't spotted, after all. They also seemed very... Savage. Dangerous. Sharp claws and fangs.
[color=gray][Further prospecting results next turn.][/color]
[color=Gray][You have come across the lizardmen. But who are they?][/color]

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 119 men, 118 women, 36 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Requires prospection and industry.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i]+0% from food level, [color=gray]-1% from morale[/color] = 4%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Disgruntled [color=gray](1 more turn of disgruntled.)[/color]
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]

[h3][color=mediumspringgreen]The Serpetist Tribe[/color][/h3]
[@LordZell]
[Hider=Turn 4]Lirsk was ambitious and shrewd, but also a bit ... green, so to speak. He had noticed Vosk's displeasure at the High Priest's way of handling things, and despite the promise made to Vosk, Lirsk started to doubt.
He came to Vosk late one evening to talk to him of military affairs, using the excuse that he wanted to hear from Vosk's great knowledge and experience to become a better First Scout. For hours they talked, and finally Lirsk felt he had gained Vosk's trust. He finally executed his plan.
[i]"We should do as you say, Vosk."[/i] says Lirsk. [i]"We should set out and find foes to subjugate and conquer. Who needs to craft tools when we can claim what we need from the lesser beings of this land? My scouts say they found a pass in the mountains to the east, I'm sure it leads somewhere."[/i]
But would Vosk agree or would he stay faithful to his liege and High Priest?

Meanwhile, the laborers and prospectors hadn't been idle. The very same scouts that had informed Lirsk of the pass to the east had also aided in the prospecting of the mountain for resources. Indeed they had found stone that they could quarry, and some copper ore had been evident once venture further into the mountains had occured, yet iron seemed to elude them. Though they had spotted large natural caves further up the cliffs, perhaps iron was to be found in there? Alternatively, should the already found resources of copper and stone be mined first, before seeking the iron?
[color=gray]Construction of temple: 15% completion. You may choose to continue construction in hopes of finishing the temple sooner but it may take a toll on your morale.[/color]

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 120 men, 118 women, 36 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 50% of adult population. (Higher than average due to culture and race).
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Requires prospection and industry.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i]0% from food level,+0% from morale = 5%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Indifferent
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]

[h3][color=0054a6]The Children of Artemon[/color][/h3]
[@Pirate]
[Hider=Turn 4]No shortage of elves volunteer to defend themselves from the coming enemies, but the people of Celebrimbor are civilians, not fighters. While every able-bodied young elf or older elf or anything inbetween arm themselves with what would pass as weapons, it is clear to Theldaneth that only a handful of them would actually be effective warriors. They'd have to beat the orcs through cunning and tact rather than force, as if that wasn't obvious already.
The elven scouts were able to stay mostly undetected when skulking the land around them, but there was little vegetation or terrain to hide behind due to the flatness of the land. The scouts brought the news: the orcs had set up camp just a day's travel by foot away on the other side of the river, further up. Their numbers were estimated to be up to 50 brutes, against the elves' 35 militia and 7 elves-at-arms. The orcs and elves almost completely opposited one another. The elves had organization, while the orcs had "training". The orcs had the numbers, while the elves had the tactical advantage of being the defender. The orcs had brawn, while the elves had brain. This would be a very close battle, when the orcs arrive. Theldaneth prayed to his Gods. [i]Artemon guide us...[/i]

After much debate with the rest of his people, Theldaneth is granted the temporary title of executor to guide the elves through this hardship. 
Suddenly, a scout returns. It was the same elf that had brought the first glimps of silver to Celebrimbor. He was still dirtied and tired, and two arrows were missing from his quiver. Theldaneth could recall this young elf's name was Falnor.
[i]"Theldaneth, I caught an orc scout trying to sneak up onto camp and count our numbers. I was unable to kill him, but I think I scared him off before he had finished counting... If orcs can count."[/i] said Falnor. It was obvious on his expression, however stained with mud it was, that he was ashamed of his failure but not yet broken of spirit. 

After the encounter with Falnor, Theldaneth was suddenly greeted by several more of his people who had taken up arms to defend themselves. He recognized them as being part of those who were at first thought not to be able to fight.
[i]"Theldaneth. This new life we have made for ourselves, it seems, will be hard-fought to keep. While some of us are old or too young to fight, or simply lack the skill, we choose to take up arms none-the-less. We must all stand against whoever seeks to drive us away, if we are to earn our new life. For Artemon, and Celebrimbor!"[/i]
Another 20 militia, although not initially part of the original draft, have joined Theldaneth's defensive force. They now had the numbers, but he knew these reinforcements were simple commoners with tools for weapons. How well they would fare in battle, he did not know, but it was certain that they were to be less effective than the orcs.

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 94 men, 94 women, 26 children.
[b]Military:[/b] 7 Elf-at-Arms. Militia able to be conscripted up to 20% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Average
[b]Resources:[/b] Currently prospecting. Yields next turn.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 4% [i]+0% from food level, +0% from morale = 4%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Scared [color=gray](No immediate penalty, however morale can continue to drop unless the situation is handled)[/color]
[b]Foreign relations:[/b]
- [color=ed1c24]Bonesnapper Tribe:[/color] [color=B22222]Hostile[/color][/hider]

[h3][color=DarkSlateGray]Clan Oreborn[/color][/h3]
[@Kangutso]
[Hider=Turn 4][color=gray]As you arrive later than everyone else, you will be given several choices at once, and have a slightly higher starting population.[/color]

You are stoic, strong dwarves of proud heritage and ingenuity. All dwarves have their own culture and story of how they came to be of this world, but everywhere you go, any dwarven people would have a similar idea about the [b]Founding Fathers[/b], the first seven dwarven kings said to have been the very first of the race and who each came to command great wealthy kingdoms. Today, they are gone, but their bloodlines are said to continue in the dwarven kings of each clan breed. Firstnames differ from each dwarven culture, but the lastnames remain the same.
The Dwarves of the Clan Oreborn are the descendants and heir to the ancient heritage of the...
[b]A) Whitebeards[/b]
- Great dual-wield warriors, adept at slaying different monsters such as trolls and ogres.
[b]B) Ironbeards[/b]
- The greatest smiths in the lands, capable of crafting anything. Are very sturdy built and withstands quite a punch.
[b]C) Goldbeards[/b]
- Excavators, adventurers, explorers and miners. The goldbeards are very good at scouting and discovering locations, or spy on their enemies.
[b]D) Blackbeards[/b]
- Great twohander warriors, adept at wielding giant weapons into battle, and are also the best siege engineers around.
[b]E) Redbeards[/b]
- Great dwarven magicians, sorcerers and runemasters, adept at controlling magic and the elements.
[b]F) Brownbeards[/b]
- The strongest builders and masons the world has seen, the brownbeards are capable of constructing mighty fortresses that are almost impossible to penetrate.
[b]G) Longbeards[/b]
- Common name for a clan which has a mix of all kind of dwarven beards. Is average at everything, but cannot achieve quite the height as the more specific breeds.

As Clan Oreborn arrive on the continent, they set up their encampment upon the banks of a river and near the coast. Their view upon life is bright now that they may start over, create a new life for themselves. What will be the first actions of this mighty people? What shall they name their new home?

[b]A) Improve food
B) Improve military technology
C) Improve infrastructure
D) Improve culture
E) Explore
F) Improve resources/technology
G) Prospect the land
H) Expand military
I) Take diplomatic action
X) Other[/b]

[b]Population:[/b] 115 men, 113 women, 32 children.
[b]Military:[/b] No standing military. Militia able to be conscripted up to 30% of adult population.
[b]Food level:[/b] Low
[b]Resources:[/b] Requires prospection and industry.
[b]Wealth:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Trade:[/b] Nonexistant
[b]Growth:[/b] Base: 5% [i][color=gray]-3% from food level,[/color] +0% from morale = 2%.[/i]
[b]Morale:[/b] Indifferent
[b]Foreign relations:[/b] You do not know any other civilizations.[/hider]