My name is Remundu Costa, supposedly named after the mythical figure Remundu the Humble from the tale of Lady Luck -- Beyre of Chance; however, I do not write to you to simply tell you who I am, for I’m sure you well know -- but rather describe to you my happenstance encounter at the ‘Cantu with the White Roof,’ which was an up and coming pub at the time I penned this.
Now I heard about it the same as any other Red City dweller: slightly buzzed and easily excitable while partaking at another Cantu. The word came quick about it, especially since it was supposedly won by an eccentric woman in a game of chance... whatever that game was, changed with each story. My favorite version (and perhaps the most extravagantly exaggerated) featured a game completely unheard of, where the old owner was challenged to shoot -- yes, shoot -- this newcomer in the face with a pistol, but should he miss or the gun misfire... well you get the rest I’m sure. As it would happen, the gun misfired not once, not twice, but thrice! Needless to say whatever the initial bet was, it had eventually surmounted to the man’s very establishment and no sooner than he had placed it as a wager did this woman take it from under him. Pardon my manners, this woman does in fact have a name; she indeed has a funny name to match her funny nature, Nellie the Red.
Right! So there I was walking the streets of the city after a rarity of rain that nearly saw my hobnailed boots slipping this way and that, trying to find the Cantu with the White Roof. I was drawn to the idea of it, perhaps by the stories -- or the thought of meeting Nellie the Red. To be honest, I think the largest factor was that this Cantu was said to be the luckiest place in the city and no sooner than the change in ownership did the dice games there quadruple in wager and payout, making and breaking various big names and small just the same.
Careful where I step, I made my way with a few silver coins in my belt pouch. The smile on my face probably gave my intentions away if my hands playing with the fattened pocket didn’t, but I didn’t care. As luck would have it, that musky smell of rain drying on the city pavement was one I held dear as a memory, and a good day always followed such a rain.
In my bliss I fell to a stop in front of a rouge red bricked cantu, the round structure sporting a blazingly white roof that wasn’t very forgiving when the sun hit it right. I personally wondered about the gaudy nature of the building before realizing that the very thing I was judging did bring me to its front door, my hand already on the knob.
Swinging the door wide, I was met with a collage of smells -- from spices I’ve never smelled, to familiar scents both loved and otherwise disliked. Not able to tell whether it was the cigars or the incense that made the air the thickest, I journeyed into the establishment.
The second thing I was struck by was a beautifully decorated altar built into the wall by the hat stands. It was plated with gold (I presume it couldn’t possibly be solid!) and bejeweled with the quaintest yet flattest cut ruby I ever saw. The whole altar itself was the size of a breadbox without a hatch and in the center of this golden carriage was a bowl of pure white clay from a far off land. I wish I could say it was small, but this bowl was deep and filled with coins of so many currencies I hadn’t a chance to notice them all. Immediately I recognized this set up as a tiny shrine to Lady Luck herself, and not being a stickler, I tossed a silver right into the bowl.
“Thank you!” A sweet, almost syrupy voice bubbled behind me. Turning, I met the owner -- and I really mean the owner! There stood a woman who matched the description of Nellie the Red. She had these striking green eyes that stood out on the usual tanned complexion of the city. Much to her namesake, her hair was a flow of dark red, matching her just as red puffed trousers. Over the most noticeable, she wore a long white poncho with black shapes stitched across it and red tassel hanging from it.
Her smile wasn’t as genuine as her words sounded, and I could have sworn there may have been a slight grimace, as if it were forced. I cautiously smiled back, and normally mine would be genuine in itself at such a fetching image but the sudden silence between us gave me nerves. “You’re most welcome?”
I had never seen such a thing before, but before my words could even finish, Nellie had reached past me to grab the very bowl of Beyre as if to go empty it! I suppose someone had to at some point, but so brazenly had me thrown.
“My name is Remundo.” I decided to study this entrepreneur. Her eyes flicked back over to me in a way that reminded me of a cat to a mouse. She had a sharp mind, I could tell, and suddenly I had no doubt that she was able to swindle an entire building from a careless man.
“I am Nellie the Red.” She stood up extremely straight at her own name, giving me the chance to notice that she was over a head shorter than I -- to which I am no tall man to begin with. Silence again.
“Well!” I remember clapping my hands together a bit too loud. “I am here for some games!”
That smile of hers returned, though the grimace seemed lessened. Almost happily, she tilted her head to the center of the Cantu, showcasing the rows of tables and concentrated gamblers. “Pick your game and your drink, and have some fun.”
A typical response from an owner, I suppose -- but little did she know how much fun I was about to have. You see, I failed to mention this before and normally I would hardly admit it, but I’m a cheat. I know, I know, a despicable trade but I never asked for your friendship, only that you listen to my story.
Dice was my game, and my ivories were hollowed and set with lead to make a friendly game of hazard a little bit more my flavour. A little bit of forced luck kept me afloat in the city, and in a Cantu of big stakes, I wasn’t taking any real chances.
Lucky as I am, I found a seat by a fat lipped man who looked like he took one too many brawls to the head. He had a sort of stupidity in his right eye and a sense of superiority in his left -- a classic moron. He already had his coin on the table while a scrawny man of a depressive mood was on his way out - no doubt a loser.
“Hazard?” I offered simply.
“Do you know how to play?” The man acted as if he was accosted on the regular by novices.
“Somewhat,” I lied, “My Uncle recently brought me to it, you see I was visiting his estat-”
“I don’t need your life story, I just want to know if you can play!” He was grouchy.
“Ah!” I creeped a smile. “Yes, Uncle even bought me a new set.” I tossed my dice onto the table. This action put the man in a sort of broken state as he hummed at my dice cautiously.
“They won’t sing back, I assure you.” I couldn’t help myself.
Annoyed eyes flicked up at me and I quickly alleviated the mood by tossing my silver next to my dice. Almost at once the man opened up, smug and sure. Today was my day, there was no doubt in my mind.
Remundu the Humble, that was my namesake -- I bring it up again because perhaps I should have taken the lesson after four games of big wins. My pouch was tripled and my opponent was red with shame. If I could go back, I would have left right there, but no, I sat there smug and content.
I was so proud of myself I didn’t even see my opponent sulk off to go drink his losses away and by time I looked up from my coin, I saw those sharp cat-like eyes biting at me again. Nellie had taken my broken-faced friend’s place, her fingers already batting my dice back and forth.
“A game?” I offered, like a fool.
All she could do was nod with a bit too much excitement. “But I bet big!” She warned. Again I let my pride come over me as I smiled back and said:
“I only bet big.”
So my friend, there I was, sitting pretty with a massive amount of silver and my new opponent subject to my false dice -- hell! She even picked all the numbers my dice would never land on. By all accounts this should have been my luckiest day, but no matter the weight in my dice, she never lost, not once. Little by little my silver was taken from me, the sheer disbelief that my cheating rolls were useless had me betting more, hoping this was all a fluke. My silver left first, then my hat, then a few other things I shouldn’t say.
By the end of our games, I knew what I had to do, and that is why I wrote to you this letter to perhaps shed some light onto why you’re finding my room empty and your silverware gone. I am not an honest man, but I have been humbled enough to inform you that I will not be paying rent this month nor the next, nor ever, the same as you will not be getting the spoons back.
Farewell, and watch yourself at the Cantu with the White Roof!
From the perspective of a man by the name of Remundu we meet Beyre pretending to be a woman named Nellie who owns a pub/cantu named the Cantu with the White Roof. The main takeaway is that Beyre owns a Cantu in the red city under the name Nellie the Red and it is well known for it’s lucky patrons and huge stakes.
Luck can either be good luck or bad luck. What defines luck is a turn of events unexpected or up to chance, whether this turn of events is contextually good to the perceiver or experiencer determines if it is good luck or bad luck.
Some examples of good luck: Finding loose currency, ripe for the taking. An enemy’s arrow serendipitously missing you. Stumbling onto the answer of a question Winning a chance game or bet Being in the right place at the right time
Some examples of bad luck: Losing something important to you Tripping, falling, dropping, or accidentally ruining something Contracting a low chance disease or getting smote by an enemy’s attack that should have missed Losing a chance game or bet Being in the wrong place at the wrong time
As you can see, luck never creates the circumstance or context, but rather hands out unexpected turns -- finding money on your stroll, getting unexpectedly hit on the battlefield, stumbling on a loose rock. Usually Lady Luck has to use what is on scene to create this chance of luck (the arrow, the money, the disease, something to trip on), but in more extreme cases, Lady Luck would have to first present the item to the scene herself, but creating that item does not fall under luck -- unless it directly affects luck.
Base Form:
Beyre is a young god, and while god’s are immune to the effects of aging, Beyre feels young and as such, presents herself as a young woman in her prime. She’s rather slim and would otherwise be unassuming if not for her complexion being split down the middle with her left half fair, rosy, and bejeweled with her green left eye while her right half is a strange orange tint stamped with her equally orange right eye.
Being a terrible but otherwise constant liar, it helps that her complexion is always at a battle with itself, each half conquering the other as her moods change and so does the luck in the air. She’s a moody one, and her fickle mood explains the ever changing shift in luck.
True Form:
Beyre’s true form is monsterous like her mother, but in a different way. It’s a haze of possibilities standing before you, each one different and chaotically overlapping the one next to it. A rush of images, chances, all personified by some ghastly figure too difficult and maybe impossible to look directly at.
Myth:
Long ago... or was it?
Dust sanded the air and it was a miracle that more people weren’t choking on it as they screamed and cheered. The wheels of the Red City’s most famous charioteers were still hot with friction as the crowd stampeded the track. Marcu, the most popular racer of this age (or was he?) was already beginning to be pulled from his winning chariot and hoisted onto the shoulders of his beloved fans.
Cheers roared while his opponent, an equally respected charioteer by the name of Remundu, tried to respectfully hide his sulking. His own fans couldn’t blame him for sulking or even being sour; it was an unusual race that Remundu nearly won, if not for a seemingly good trace of luck for Marcu -- or was it just bad luck for Remundu?.
The winner was already being planted on his feet while his crowd barraged him with questions.
“You were neck and neck! What happened?” A loud man roared, unsure of the race he just saw.
Marcu scoffed, waving the question away as if it was a fly. “We weren’t neck and neck, I was just waiting for my moment to cut him off.”
“I thought I saw his wheel shake?” Another voice cut in.
“Yeah!” A young girl agreed. “I saw his wheel rod start to snap, he had to pull back before it was torn off.”
“Psh!” Marcu shook his head and started back to his chariot, the crowd following him eagerly. “He should have taken better care of his chariot then, no?”
“I’m pretty sure his wheel hit a rock and it jostled the frame,” a clear fan of Remundu reminded.
“Skill then!” Marcu growled as he walked. “He should have moved aside.”
A red haired woman with green eyes took her turn. “A case of luck, imagine if the stone was in your path.. You two were neck and neck, not you or him had a place to go!”
Marcu shook his head. “It was hardly luck; anyone with any skill would be able to avoid-” Marcu suddenly stubbed his toe on a stone and came falling forward. A large man tried to catch him but bumped into two others attempting to aid their clumsy hero.
CRACK!
The sound of a skull bouncing off of solid wood rebounded, Marcu’s head jostling off the edge of his chariot’s wheel. A spattering of crimson leaked out of his mouth and he jerked and spasmed on the ground. Another roar sounded, this one of fear and cries for help.
Either way, don’t be too proud, don’t be too confident, don’t feed your ego and give a little thanks to Lady Luck, preferably before a big game. Seriously, just throw a little coin in the bowl under the altar, it can save you from her fickle moods... Maybe not little.
All day the survivors of Ha-Leothe have toiled to rebuild their town after the fires, and all day the mighty Western Army sharpened their weapons, mended their armor, and prepared for the coming war. It wasn’t until the moon started to emerge from the dusky sky that the tent of the Tsar was suddenly lit with candles - a meeting of commanders.
Darragh stood alone to represent the Fakir, and next to him stood a few Boyars of equal rank and commanders that often wore the yellow mane in battle. Along with the military men stood Dmitri, the Auspice. They all stood around a table, a map of the region splayed across it. Jjonveyo alone was sitting, a large wooden chair wrought with carvings of old tales under him. He sat with his beard in his fist, dark eyes brooding over the map.
“By now our agents would have made it to a few towns and villages with our messages and promises,” He grunted, “The war of the mind has begun, and our scouts have already picked the next settlement to approach. Ha-Tinn is close by and no better fortified than Ha-Leothe was, not that I think it would come to bloodshed -- a spy has relayed their interest in joining the Tsardom peacefully.”
“Cowards.” Darragh said. Loud enough so everyone in the tent could hear it. His eyes were roaming across the map. He didn’t care for what villages decided to surrender peacefully. What he needed was blood.
"You chose the same path, Darragh," Jjonveyo rumbled without looking at the man. "There are, however, reports of cowards -- or at least fools -- burning the land and retreating to Ha-Dûna; I wish to see this scorching myself, I think it could provide us with a great boon." He sniffed.
“I wasn’t at war with you.” Darragh returned, but remained quiet for the rest. Jjonveyo looked over at Darragh for a moment, a blank look upon his face.
“Speak your mind,” The Tsar grumbled.
For a second Darragh remained silent. But seeing as the Tsar was insistent he simply said: “You know my mind.” One in ten men should be dead. The price for the peace they so desperately desire. Of course, the merciful Tsar wouldn’t do it.
"Speak your mind," Jjonveyo insisted heavily. The eyes of the other officials fell to Darragh.
The Fakir didn’t care about eyes. His own were fixated upon the Tsar. After a tense pause he finally let out a sigh and said: “They’re only surrendering now because they know what happened to Ha-Leothe. If they were first then they would’ve made us bleed. Yet now you’re letting them kneel. Is that your price for peace?” He looked around to the officials staring him down. Did they know nothing of who they’re fighting? “Dûnans crave war. Conquest. What’s stopping them from rising up in ten years? What if they’re just biding their time. Staying strong until we are weak?”
Jjonveyo rolled his jaw, the silence palpable. Finally the Tsar spoke, "I appreciate your concern, Darragh, but it is much easier for them to rise up against me when they don't already have my soldiers integrated into their settlements -- soldiers spared needless battles. Do you see what I'm saying? Unrest comes no matter what route you take, it's better not to waste resources making more than necessary." The Tsar tugged his beard, "Does this not satisfy you?"
Silence reigned. Darragh was not about to break it. It wouldn’t be his own people that would be stationed in the deathtrap. If Jjonveyo was so keen on having his own men slaughtered then so be it. For a while he kept his eyes locked on the Tsar, but after a while they fell upon the map again. Scouring it for prey.
Jjonveyo narrowed his eyes, a deep growl rumbling from his throat, "You dare show such disrespect?"
Darragh let out an exasperated sigh as he looked up. “As your Boyar, I would advise you to drop this matter and focus on what counts right now.”
Jjonveyo stood up, "I have done nothing but given you a platform to advise and speak and be a part of the Celeviak Tsardom, but I increasingly notice your spite and sarcasm. Dissent has no place on our journey, if you do not wish to be treated as Celeviak -- fine." He looked at the yellow maned soldier. "Round up the Fakir." He looked back at Darragh, "I will see the root of this matter cured before another step be taken with the Cenél."
“Dissent?” Darragh said. Perhaps the first time giving a hint of some heated emotion brewing in his heart. “We burned the walls of Ha-Leothe for you. We fought beside you. We have followed every order! Is this how you treat anyone who disagrees with you on any matter?”
Jjonveyo folded his arms behind his back, "No, but as you said -- I should keep my eyes open against those who simply bide their time."
A tense moment passed before the yellow maned soldier returned, "They are lined up outside." Jjonveyo looked at his council.
"Come."
The group shuffled outside the tent, the Fakir waiting outside. Jjonveyo looked directly at the first one on the left. "What is your name?"
“Faas,” He said, then looked at Darragh standing behind Jjonveyo. “, my Tsar.” He quickly added. He was younger and his showed it.
"What do you think of my decision to spare the children of this settlement," Jjonveyo asked quietly.
“Children...sir?” Faas asked. He looked at Darragh, then back at Jjonveyo. “I-I… a merciful choice my Tsar.” He said swallowing deeply.
"Why are you looking at him when I'm the one speaking?" Jjonveyo asked.
Blood drained from Faas’ face. “I-I wanted to be sure I wasn’t speaking out of turn, my Tsar.” He quickly said.
"It's just you and I speaking," Jjonveyo said deadpan, "What of the women, Faas, what should I do with them?"
Something shifted in the young man’s eyes. He swallowed again. “Sparing them is a merciful decision, my Tsar.” He said, but it was strained. It was almost too obvious he did not agree with it.
"Is that what I should do, then?" Jjonveyo asked a little louder. He pointed at another Fakir, "Do you agree with Faas' judgement? Should the women be spared?"
“Yes?” Said the next Fakir. Quickly added: “My Tsar.”
But Darragh set a step forward. “Tell him Faas.”
The young man’s head dropped in shame and he looked down at the ground. “They have the one I was supposed to marry.” He said. “Right now I can’t even imagine what they’re doing to her. I don’t even know if I’ll ever see her again. I-I’m not a leader. I may never be. But why should they get mercy when she doesn’t?”
"Oh I see..." The Tsar's voice rumbled thoughtfully, dark eyes scanning the fakir before snapping to Darragh. A crude smile formed and he paced along the line of Fakir. "So this is the root of all the grumbles and stares and snaked eyes? You all have felt loss and now you wish for revenge, for them to feel it too?" Jjonveyo spun on a heel to face Darragh, "Do you agree with my assessment, Boyar?"
“I do, my Tsar.” He said. The other Fakir gathered were growing more resolute in their agreement by the second.
Jjonveyo nodded, "Would you go as so far to say that these feelings may be the true purpose of your advice rather than care for future uprisings against my banner? Do not be ashamed if that is true, but correct me if it is false, please."
“No.” Darragh said. “I’m not blind to the future. Dûnans are warmongers. Greedful and spoiled. Five years ago they raged a war here as well. Killing and massacering through these lands. When they were beaten back they professed their love of peace. Yet five years later they chant for war in their arena again. I have no desire to fight this same war every five years.”
Jjonveyo nodded once again, "Would you say the Dûnans in this settlement are already, then, guilty of conspiring and unrest?" He stood up straight, "I will not stand for it, if they are."
“I know for a fact that mothers are already whispering in their children’s ears to avenge their fathers. Lose a battle, look as if you can be beaten after all and those in Ha-Tinn will murder those you’ve left behind there in the streets.” Darragh spoke with a venom he had never used before in the presence of Jjonveyo.
"So you," Jjonveyo jutted a chin at Faas, "Want revenge. And you," he looked at Darragh, "Tell me the people of this settlement are already guilty of treason." The Tsar pinched his beard in thought, looking away and towards the horizon. After a moment of contemplation, Jjonveyo tipped his head at Faas, "Thank you for voicing your concerns to your Tsar -- clearly -- it is communication that will lead us to unity, not passive grumbles. Know I have heard your words, and will now consider them with your Boyar." He waved a hand, "The Fakir are dismissed."
The Fakir walked away. Often looking behind their backs at Darragh. Who remained motionless. Though he had eased up. A little. “Know that I will accept it if you choose to not believe them. And I will make them accept it as well. This is why I did not want to raise the issue further. It wasn’t disrespectful. It’s the fact that you are merciful… and we are not.”
Jjonveyo considered Darragh thoughtfully for a moment before looking towards the tent. "Have any of them ever killed someone defenseless before?" He asked idly as he walked back into the privacy of the tent, the council following.
“A handful.” The Boyar said as he followed Jjonveyo in. “They killed thieves and criminals. Cenél laws are as harsh as winter.” He then further explained. “But they will stay in line.”
"The penalty for treason is to be nailed to a tree," Jjonveyo explained as he sat back in his seat, "Usually through the stomach, sometimes upside down. It's not very quick but serves as a reminder to others. It helps denote the traitor to be too dishonest for an honest demise." He paused and his brow fell in thought, "Those found guilty of treason will be given this punishment, and I wish for the investigations and execution to be done by the Cenél. There is a place in unity for those who seek justice fervently, seek it through the authority of the Tsardom."
A smile cracked upon Darragh’s face. “We will be thorough.” He said. In his mind he was already devising the ways to flush out the traitors. Some would be fools and whisper to all who’d listen. Others would be too clever and would first pretend to be a friend. Offer their services. Burrow into whatever they wished to fight.
“Ha-Tinn will give us ease of passage then.” Darragh continued. Truly wishing to know the battles soon to come. “So who is stupid enough to stand against us then?”
"Before we get into that," Jjonveyo cleared his throat. "Take as many men as you need from your own Boyardom to form the investigative force, they will be a permanent mark until mentioned otherwise. They will be present in all captured Dûnan settlements even if by rotation -- but the investigation will begin only after we take Ha-Tinn or if they change their minds towards aggression. Expecting Ha-Tinn to submit willingly, we will clip their claws to prevent future uprisings by conscripting their able-bodied men and women into the front lines. They will have little choice but to comply at that point, and the recruits will be spread evenly to prevent clustering. Does the council agree to this course of action?"
Thought lingered for a while, as if the commanders and boyars were digesting Jjonveyo's words -- thougj some admittably were just trying to make it seem like they weren't just going to agree with everything the Tsar said without thought. Finally a wave of agreement came in. Jjinveyo looked at Darragh for his final say on the matter.
Darragh bowed down. “A wise choice. It will be done.”
"Great, our generals will conspire a war path moving forward," Jjonveyo nodded over the nap, "Demtri should be meeting up with us within the month on top of it all." He mumbled, "Everyone is dismissed - except you, Darragh, I'd like a private word with you. Dmitri you stay as well, shuffle the copper cards."
The Fakir was one step turned to walk away as well when Jjonveyo bid him to stay. And then ordered the soothsayer to start shuffling his metal cards. Darragh frowned for a second at Dmitri. The Cenél had no real faith in such practices. But then his attention turned towards Jjonveyo. “My Tsar?”
"I fear a divine presence actively works against us," Jjonveyo explained.
Dmitri nodded slowly. “That may be the case, my Tsar. Earlier this morning, I turned over the Priest in upside-down position - indicating that the enemy has been speaking actively with the Divines. Just what sort of foe is this?”
"I'm unsure of her origin, but a Goddess who named herself Celestine has spoken to me," Jjonveyo looked at his Auspice. "She spoke against our cause, I can only assume her power will be used against us."
“By Thaa,” mumbled the Auspice. “W-well, I’ll see what the cards say, then.” He shuffled the copper plates carefully and laid out an array of five cards. Slowly sucking in a breath, he turned the first card, frowning. “... The Commander in upside-down position… It would seem that they summon help not only from the divines. I can’t say anything about the size of the force, but they have gathered a force, that’s for sure.”
He turned the second card. “The Ambassador, upside-down. This… This is an odd draw.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “... I… I think it’s not meant to represent them sending a peace offering, as it would normally be. In all honesty, this is the first time I’ve turned the card in this manner - never before have I ever seen an upside-down Ambassador.”
Jjonveyo hunched over the cards, completely invested. His face turned to a snarl, "Then what does it mean?"
The boy hesitated. “Uh, uhm… It’d-it’d have to depict something the enemy is doing. M-maybe they’re sending out messages asking others for help? Do they have allies? Do we know?”
"A blind spot," Jjonveyo grit his teeth. "We will send spies and learn every faucet of their capabilities and support and I know just the spies to do it." Jjonveyo looked away from the cards. "Jonathan?" The name was funny on Jjonveyo's accent, but a previously unheard voice popped up seemingly out of thin air.
"Yes sir?"
"Take leave at once and report on the aid Ha-Dûna has received."
"Sir!"
Jjonveyo pinched his chin and looked back at Dmitri, "Do the cards speak of anything else?
Dmitri quickly flipped the third one, blinking quickly. “The Wolf, upside-down once again. We will be attacked by something and it’ll cause us terrible losses. It, it won’t be human - some sort of animal. We should have scouts on the lookout for beasts.”
The fourth card. “The Uncle. We, too, will receive aid from somewhere we did not think about. How far away is Demtri?”
"He should be on his way south soon enough," Jjonveyo nodded..
Dmitri shrugged. “I think this indicates that he is bringing aid from the north. I think.” He blinked. “I will just read the final card.” He turned it over and pursed his lips. “... The Cave… Someone close to you will perish, great Tsar.”
"In what form?" The Tsar was hovering once again, eyes picking the art of the card apart.
Dmitri shook his head. “The cards cannot reveal that much. For now, all they can tell is that someone will perish. It might be a close relative, a close friend, a close rival…” He paused. “... It, it might even be you, great Tsar,” he whimpered carefully.
"Not before I'm finished," Jjonveyo grunted. "While the small ones gather intelligence required for mortal assault, I'm placing you, Dmitri, in charge of leading the Auspices and Wise speakers in finding favor with the gods. I will meditate on Thaa tonight, myself. The machinations of this unknown Goddess cannot jeopardize the liberation of mortality from suffering. I will also send word to Demtri..." He trailed off, eyes on the map.
“M-me?! I’m just a novice, though! I’m-I’m sure Master Bradislav would be better suited to lead!”
"Then delegate to him but never question me again." Jjonveyo moved away from the cards, "I shall retire to prayer now."
Dmitri swallowed and bowed silently, shuffling his cards together in a hurry so he could leave as fast as possible.
"Darragh." Jjonveyo didn't even look at the man, "I have a final word for you before I retire."
The Fakir had no time or interest in soothsayers. For most of the reading his mind was somewhere else. He almost left with the others when Jjonveyo stopped him: “Of course, my Tsar. What can I do for you?”
"I fear that the enemy's use of the divine and unnatural put our physical superiority in jeopardy," Jjonveyo began. "This may be beyond your scope but it is no secret that magic won us Leothe and that it is your people who have a stronger covenant with violent magics. Do not tell me if it isn't possible, but tell me you'll look into it when I say; we may need to devise such a devious spell, such a dangerous magic - as to level the playing field. I do not know what form this will take, but I put it on you to bring me solutions to this query."
“This is a dangerous request my Tsar.” Darragh’s expression grew even more grim than before. Yet he spoke with a tone of extreme caution. “Magic is offered to us by our own gods. And if it’s what you say – that some of the divine have turned against us – then crafting such a spell might only insult them further.” For a second he closed his eyes. Contemplating the idea. “I will do my best to bring you what you seek but it will cost time.”
"Of course," Jjonveyo agreed, "Take what time and resources you need."
Darragh gave a short bow of acknowledgement before he left the Tsar alone.
Jjonveyo: 21
Jjonveyo and the gang discuss how to destroy everything that Celestine loves... Kidding. They do discuss the Cevel's place in the Tsardom and then they do a reading. Lots of planning involved. Lots of details. The cevel are secret police. Thumblings are tiny spies. Celestine's a jerk. Dmitri is a soothsayer. Demtri is coming south. Jjonveyo is gonna pray. Big devious spell being made. Fin
Year 30AA, late Autumn, on a hilltop outside of Ha-Dûna...
There was a gentle, harmless breeze on the air coming from the northern sea, the horizon a palette of blue, yellow, red and green. The treeless hill atop which Boudicca sat gave an extraordinary good view of the surroundings, and she found herself moving up here with growing frequency. She had taken to planning the coming battles in isolation - the pestering mórthéins, lesser théins, hildargeach and other military folk - they were too busy arguing among themselves to see the big picture; the foreign chiefs and kings weren’t much better. Fights kept breaking out whenever the Doserung would open their mouths and say something much too honestly for the fragile Dûnan ego, and the Constabulary were almost too busy quelling riots against the strict enforcement of shared housing to shelter all the refugees from the countryside, to actually do their job policing the ministers. Finally, rumours had reached her that the mysterious disease that had broken out in the Temple of the Night had somehow escaped the facility of its quarantine, having been registered in the household of a Mother stationed at a waystation a distance down the Misanthir. She couldn’t wait any longer - at the first sign that the elements of the world were in her favour, she had to charge and destroy Jjonveyo’s force so she could refocus her attention on keeping Ha-Dûna from ripping apart at the seams again.
She cursed under her breath. Nothing was going the way she had planned last year!
Out of seemingly nowhere she felt a tickle on her hand. Turning to look, the tail of a red fox was whisking back and forth as it sat next to her, dull brown eyes looking outward from the hill. The woman skipped to her feet and turned to regard the fox in disbelief.
“A wild fox? Approaching me?” Curiously, she held out her hand towards its snout. “... Might it be that even the animals of this world see Ha-Dûna as a place of peace and harmony?”
The fox sniffed her hand cautiously before violently sneezing all over it, a booger splattering her hand. Boudicca retracted her hand and grimaced at it, kneeling down to wipe it clean in the dry grass. “... Be thankful that I have children who have dirtied my hands with worse.” She squinted into the fox’s eyes. “... Is this some sort of sign? I cannot recall any farseers presenting this exact event… One did mention a coughing bull, but that’s a bit of a stretch, I suppose.”
The fox yawned wide, snapping its mouth shut - a voice echoing around it. "You prayed for me, Illyd Dyll, God of Weather and Agriculture."
For a moment too long, the woman stood as frozen. She then tossed herself to the ground and pleaded, “Great Lyd! Forgive my uncouth tongue - take it if you wish! Had I known I was in your divine presence, I would not have been so arrogant in my speech!”
"Ah, well -- oh well," The voice hummed, the fox snuggling back into the grass. It yawned again and closed its eyes. The voice turned to a soft breathing for an uncomfortable while before Illyd coughed. "So what's up?"
Boudicca peeked up. “Uh… Pardon?”
"You prayed for my presence, it's not very often a human does that," Illyd answered, "So I figured I'd come see what you needed to tell me."
“Oh.” Boudicca sat up and collected her legs in a cross, her arms following suit across her chest. “Well, if that’s the case, I feel like I should start from the beginning: My people are under attack from the east - the Chelevyaks are advancing on our homes and I reached out to ask humbly if you could give us aid in the matter. The manner of aid, if you wish to provide it, is of course up to yourself and your convenience - whatever be granted by your holy will, we will accept it wholeheartedly.” She bowed her torso.
The fox lifted its head, "I have a feeling I'm not the first god you asked for aid."
Boudicca nodded concedingly. “Your guess is true, great one. I have asked everyone, and those who wished to gift us something that could aid us, did; others did not answer, and we understand that the will of the gods is not one and the same - lest they would not be many.”
"What sort of aid are they giving you?" Illyd wondered, nose sniffing the air.
“Oh, their gifts are many. Macsal’s lieutenant, the Lady-in-Waiting, offered me this collar.” She touched the inky belt around her neck. “... I confess I do not know its exact potential, but it has focused my mind since I received it. I feel clearer now - fastened on a purpose.” She then reached into a satchel hanging from her shoulder and retrieved a pearl that fit perfectly in her palm. “The mighty and generous Claroon gifted me this, a tool that taught me the tongue of the seafolk and the oceanborne.” She then pointed back down to Ha-Dûna. “Cadien offered us three banners with powers to enhance strength, stamina and accuracy, all necessary components of battle.” She then tapped at her temple. “Naya took upon herself the burdens of our tumult now, too, so we can sleep easier.” She paused. “... So some may sleep easier, anyway… Others have, have been finding it harder to rest. That’s not Naya’s fault, of course, but… Anyway, finally, Selesta has promised her support when battle is met.”
"That's all so generous of them," the fox stretched, "Why did they grant you these things?"
“The gods are kind and generous,” Boudicca nodded. “We ask not why or why not - we are merely thankful that it happened.”
"Maybe you should ask why," Illyd suggested. Sitting up the fox looked around before continuing, "Gods are insidious creatures, usually without realization. It's the harmful by-product of their security in immortality - suddenly their opinions are law and their actions sancrosanct - consequences be damned... Literally. Have you heard this from a God before?"
Boudicca blinked uncomfortably. “W-well… No, but… But we would rather not upset any gods. As you said, their opinions -are- law, after all. If they - if you - would ask us to do anything, we cannot say against it.”
"It's true, I could destroy your entire civilization and ensure that not a single generation exists beyond the second I do," Illyd mentioned idly, "All the gods could, and every mortal knows it, and they know that this is far from the worst we could do to you. Terrible things - a mortal once suggested at least death could be an escape, but no - not from us." The fox put a paw on Boudicca's knee, "Do you know why I, the God of Agriculture and Harvest, speak of such things to you?"
“N-no?” It was incredible the tremors that the fox’s paw sent through the giant warrior of a woman.
"Because I planted the seed of mortality myself, long long ago, and I aim to see my garden grow," The Fox smiled a toothy smile, "Free of biting insects and gnawed roots. In your war and in your pleas I smell the stink of invading rot. Gods slowly forcing their hands stronger and stronger on mortality, pushing them and pulling them into the cages of their own desires. Their many conflicting ideals ripping the mortal plane asunder." The fox looked away for a moment, "If you want my aid, I can aid by keeping the Gods away from your war, on both sides - so you and mortality can solve it to your own desires and ability. And after, I can keep them from meddling in whatever peace is born."
Boudicca’s wide eyes hardened into a frown. “But… I asked them for help. Please, I do not wish to confuse - we are happy to be watched over by them, come what may. We have only grown as prosperous as we have because the gods have kept us in their plans, and I believe I speak for all my people when I say we feel safer with them than without them.”
"Well okay," Illyd put his second paw on her knee so as to lever himself high enough to look her in the eye, "Look to my gardens to see what it looks like in a world I offered, I'll always have my ears open."
She stared deeply into his eyes. “Your… Gardens?”
"There are corners of this world that don't know the pain your people have gone through, and even among your people there are pockets of paradise bent to the law made before the gods," Illyd nodded, "The harvest, the wild meadows, the deep groves misted in rain -- places I call home. They have been untouched by the other gods, and as such they are in a pure and pristine state without tugging conflictions projected upon them. Think on this: you have great tools of destruction gifted to you by the gods, but if your enemy is also gifted such things then all the gods have done is made a larger wound - and even if they don't - eventually something will match that power, and then either side will escalate and escalate. Ah the Gods," Illyd shook his head, "They don't go away. To give blessings is one thing, but to make ordenances of war - I question them."
As if to punctuate his point, there came a sudden explosion to the east. The mountains, so distant that they were not visible - only known thanks to one’s sense of place and direction - were in a flash overshadowed by a ball of flame, and the sky above seemed to blacken like soot. Boudicca rocketed to her feet and gasped. “By the gods, what-... What on Galbar is that?!”
"Oh dear," Illyd whispered, a sense of frustration in his voice. "I can feel the loss of an extravagant number of lives." He snarled, "with more to come."
Boudicca’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “Was… Was that the work of a god? And, and was that aimed at the Chelevyak homelands?!” She descended to her knees and looked up at the sky. “... Is this what you meant, great Reiya?”
"You wouldn't call it great if it had struck here," Illyd stared at the horizon, "Then again I feel a lot of our talk would be different if you didn't, in serendipity, align with divine machinations. But who knows how long that'll last."
“Hah! Triumph for--” Boudicca was knocked back by the sudden blast of air and sound. Tremors rocked her off balance and out of the corner of her floored eyes, she could see Ha-Dûna below filling with dust and smoke from fires. She blinked dizzily and tried to push herself to her elbows. “... By the gods, what force…”
Illyd Dyll stood unaffected, coat untainted by dust. He looked over at Boudicca, "Force is one word for it." Boudicca blinked up at him, coughing harshly as she forced herself to rise.
“I, I need to run home. Smoke from fires is rising from within the walls--” She coughed again and staggered a few steps forward before needing to stop to restabilise herself.
"No they aren't," Illyd Dyll said, pointing his snout back at the city, the dust and smoke already being washed away by a seemingly gentle rain -- licks of fire already dying down. Boudicca blinked.
“As expected of divinity…” She finally recovered her balance and smeared some dust off her face. The clouds in the far east grew blacker by the second, and they were expanding with violent speed. Boudicca paid them only a glance and turned back to the fox. “A mere movement of your nose just saved several families, parents and children alike, from burning alive inside their homes. I state once more that we are eternally at the mercy and in service of the gods, for without them, how would we thrive as we do?”
Illyd blinked, "Consider this, I only just canceled the damage caused by another god." He looked out to the east, "And now I will cancel that - the clouds are mine."
Boudicca squinted. “... But hold on… The clouds may sour the weather for the advancing Chevelyaks… This could be an opportunity to turn the battle! Oh, please, great Lyd!” She descended to a knee and folded her hands. “I realise the insolence of my request, but all I ask is that I’m given a week. A week in such weather and the morale of the Chelevyaks will be shattered - no sun and only ashen rain for days! It’s a golden chance to end this war and bring peace to these lands once more!”
The fox whisked its tail past Boudicca's nose, the fuzzy hairs interrupting her request with a sneeze. Sitting up on her lap, Illyd studied the mortal. "Could have ended the war by letting you all burn as well, no?"
The woman blinked. “W-well…”
"Could end your mortal war so many ways and not all are pleasant to you - but that's not my place, not now at least." The fox held its stare, "I will rejuvenate these lands as I always do with my blessings, regardless of who will feast of my harvest and dance in my rains, I'll guard the garden of mortality." He hopped off, a goofier tone tinting his voice. "But seriously thanks for all this, I don't talk to humans enough it seems - I'm always available by prayer."
“Oh.” Boudicca appeared somewhat deflated and remained kneeling. “But of course. Your will is ours, great one. We cannot thank you enough for your aid in growing our crops and feeding our soil. I hope our druids may reach out come sowing season and ask for your blessings so that we may feed ourselves for one more year, then.”
"Oh but of course, I already planned your winter and spring schedule," The Fox seemed suddenly excited by the topic.
“O-oh, you have?”
"Yes!" The fox all but hopped in place, "Tell your farmers to plant rooty vegetables with tap roots in the late winter after haying, the snow will be mild enough - trust me - but your soil is starting to shelve from use and could use the roots to break it up for your true spring rotation like wheat and the like."
“Oh! Yes, of course! When, when should we plant the peas, leeks and onions?” She seemed to move her hands in a writing manner as though scratching in notes on a fictive tablet.
"After the beets and deep roots," the fox was actually hopping now, "Make sure the ground is warm though!"
“Of course. I shall pass this on to the druids as soon as I return so they may write it down and start distributing seeds. Thank you for this, great one. I shall have a bull slain in your honour come the solstice.” She bowed her head in respect.
"Cook it with rosemary and give it to your farmers -- oo make it a potluck." Illyd was prancing around spouting ideas.
Boudicca’s lips flattened out, but she nodded politely all the same. “We shall make it a ‘potluck’, then,” she responded as though the meaning of the term was as clear as water. “Hopefully, the druids of the Temple of the Woods will have some sprigs left over from this year’s herb harvest.”
"They'll have double!" Illyd Dyll seemed determined, eyes focused on nothing in particular as he pranced around Boudicca in circles. It was unclear if he meant he would make sure they had double, if they already had double, or if he was just wish-listing. The warrior struggled to keep up.
“That-that’s awfully kind of you, great one! Thank you! W-we’ll need it for the coming winter, for sure, especially if the Chevelyaks…” She seemed to stop herself as though returning to such a subject would be taboo. “... When should we forage for mushrooms and berries, then?”
"Chevelyaks," The fox stopped prancing, "Do you think they would want to come to a potluck?"
Boudicca frowned. “... We would rather not have them come for anything. They belong in their mountains and have no business trekking beyond them.”
Boudicca couldn't be sure, but she coulda sworn the fox rolled its eyes, "Have you ever talked to one?"
“I’d rather not. First, they demand a senseless tribute from someone else with whom they have had no history; then they burn Ha-Leothe to the ground and ally themselves with the wicked Cenél - these actions speak loudly of the quality of this barbarian Jonwayo and his people.” She shook her head disapprovingly. “The fact that he keeps on marching west tells me all I need to know about him.”
Another whisk of the foxes tail, and another sneeze. "You're coming with me," Illyd said almost happily.. Boudicca pursed her lips.
“Where to, great one?”
The fox shimmered away and from the sky, a great fluffy cloud came zipping down to the hill. Sitting on top was a young man wrapped in white robes, brandishing a goofy smile. He patted next to him, big brown eyes sparkling, "We are going to go meet Jjonveyo together." Boudicca looked like she was about to suffer a heart attack.
“The enemy himself?! What if he seizes the opportunity and stabs me down the moment he sees me? Then who will lead our defenses against him?”
Illyd pinched his chin in what looked like deep thought, "Oh I got it!" He wiggled his fingers and a steaming apple pie formed in the palm of his hand. The earthy yet sweet aroma wafted from it as Illyd quickly explained, "Just hold this pie, nobody stabs anyone offering a pie."
She eyed the pie skeptically, but took it nonetheless, switching grips every now and then to not burn her hands. “I, uhm… I don’t think a pie will dissuade him from murdering me. It, it might confuse him, though! You are wise, great one.” She smiled politely.
Illyd nodded and smiled, "Glad you agree! Climb aboard, we have a secret surprise encounter to... Encounter." Boudicca cast a quick glance down the hill to Ha-Dûna.
“I hope we’ll be back by sundown,” she mumbled and climbed aboard. Illyd seemed to snicker before with a bang of thunder - the cloud jetted off into the dusty sky.
Boudy hanging out on a rock, spying out east. Suddenly Illyd the Fox comes over and asks her what’s up. Boudy asks why he here and Illyd says she summoned him. She explains that she needs help against Jonny V and Illyd’s like “the gods shouldn’t get involved with mortal affairs.” Boudy says they happy that they are and then Solus blows up, creating lotsa light and then a shockwave. Illyd’s there to ensure the shockwave doesn’t hurt HD too much, but then says the gods did that. Boudy doesn’t care and celebrates the torture this’ll cause Jonny V and the Celeviaks. Illyd asks if she’s actually ever met Jonny and Boudy says no. Therefore, Illyd takes her on a flight over. TBC
On a black field, four interlocked yellow rings -- a red phrygian cap on the left, and a purple Daisan mask on the right.
Government Type:
There are fifteen inhabited planets and moons in the Confederation space, with additional asteroid settlements that fall under planetary or lunar jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction provides three representatives for the Confederation Council, which convenes on matters that effect the entirety of the Confederation Systems. How the representatives are chosen is unique to each jurisdiction, but the most common among humans and Daisan majority jurisdictions is the Daisan tradition of Meritocracy and selecting from meritable members of long standing juntas, though some jurisdictions, though few, have adopted some forms of elective democracy and lot systems (sometimes in junction with the old junta system).
Jurisdictions tend to have autonomy on issues that don’t involve the entire Confederation, so long as the decisions and laws being made aren’t abrasive to another member of the Confederation -- with such rivalry’s or slights being handled by the Council.
The Council itself also votes a member from their ranks to be the final say in all ties.
The most common style of local or Jurisdiction government is that of the Hoke Meritocracy Junta -- wherein competitive exams, committees, and long standing juntas decide the merit and rank of individual nominees for civil service and administration positions. It derived from the military junta formed from the stranded soldiers thousands of years ago and has continued and evolved to try and represent a fair system that curbs corruption, favoritism (be it from popularity or sheer Clade power) while matching the most suited applicants to the job. Under this administration, it is the duty of the civil workers to ensure that the Daisan live an independent and free willed life to the best of their ability and contentment while protecting them from outside and inside threats to this liberty.
The dense merit based bureaucracy is a web of checks and balances all leading up to the Superior Junta, the highest ranking officials (usually military) of the most authoritative departments (such as Defense or Health). It is at this level that the largest decisions are made for the good of the Daisan. This Junta also historically serves as the ritual registration committee for all new founded Clades that have made the pilgrimage back to Hoke to be recognized by the Daisan.
Demographics:
The Daisan are an alien race that is as foreign to Eden as humans. They are a unique species that arrived thousands of years before the Human arks, but by complete accident. Story has it that they arrived on a massive warship that had gotten splintered from a mighty armada during a jump and crashed into the planet “Hoke” in the “Exodus” system. Lucky for the Daisan, the ship was also equipped for terraforming and they managed to successfully salvage the ancient icon enough to change the atmosphere and crust of Hoke into one that was perfect for their unique physique -- unfortunately however, such technology is now lost to the Daisan, though their engineers are constantly studying the old structures from the warship.
The Daisan are a unique species. At first glance they seem rather simple: two legs, two arms, a torso and a head -- but looking further into it, you’ll notice each arm can split in half, giving them a total of four arms and hands, and their face is a shield or kite shaped bony exoskeleton without any noticeable facial features save four slits with optical nerves. Dense frills or hairs under and around the shield serve as a filter system for their strange food (a dense bacteria that travels their home planet in choking clouds), and tactile tendrils grow from their backs. At a glance, these strange beasts also looked emaciated, but are in fact quite strong. On top of all this, they are natural engineers and quick learners. Rumor has it that they were a designer species for an ancient imperial race from a distant corner of the galaxy - but either way, all these boons work in their favor, and the humans favor too as they were quick to learn the human language, using vibrations in their necks to mimic human speech.
Their downside is that they don’t do well outside their preferred habitats, and so are often seen in habitation suits on cold, wet, or airy planets. They prefer smoggy, hot, or dry planets - especially ones that have their bacterium(Adipemnubi) on it.
Some interesting notes: They have no sense of smell or taste The Stereotypical Daisan tends to be stubborn, a stickler for tradition, slightly anti-social, big on justice and honor as well as freedoms. They also tend to be inventive and natural tinkerers. They seperate themselves into “Clades”, or groups that can range from a handful to even a million individuals united under a common banner of ideals and history. Normally an entire family falls under a clade, and new offspring tend to adopt into it at birth. Outsiders can be adopted in by members of a Clade through merit (even outside species, though rare). There is no sexual dimorphism between male and female Daisan, and they hold little regard to gender outside reproductive purposes. Interestingly enough, Daisan culture favors monogamy and fierce loyalty to offspring and spouses.
The Exodus system, known to the Daisan as the Shyll system, is home to the planet of Hoke -- the Daisan homeworld. Hoke is the closest you could get to a core world this far deep in the frontier systems -- it is highly populated and urbanized, but otherwise looks like a typical Daisan foundry and factory planet, except with the added bonus of ancient warship pieces everywhere. Through the smog, clouds of bacteria, and toxic fumes emitted by the constant lava flow, you can spot glittered black spires and tetrahedrons jutting from the derelict landscape that the Daisan call paradise.
Inside these structures, the Daisan engineers and scholars study the databanks of the past and chronicle their heritage. Inside the surviving bridge of the warship, the Superior Junta holds office, as it always has. Surrounding this major landmark of the warship is the capital city, a sprawling metropolis that digs deep into the crust of Hoke, where factories manufacture dreaded Daisan weapons of war.
Shyll III is another planet that had been colonized in the Shyll system and is very similar to Hoke, being long colonized by the Daisan before the rediscovery of FTL and contact with humans. It is run by the same government as Hoke, and together the two planets share the burden (alongside Shyll VI) of being the Daisan’s pride and joy in the Eden cluster as well as the most advanced and populated jurisdictions in the Exodian Confederation.
Shyll VI is the final planet run by the Hoke government and the third planet colonized by the Daisan, and the last planet colonized before the introduction of interstellar travel by the humans. Shyll VI is different from Hoke and Shyll III in that while the other two are a healthy balance of urbanization, civilian life, and industry -- Shyll VI is a roaring magma planet colonized for the sheer purpose of engineering and industry. It’s surface is cracked with massive spire factories pumping out entire armies of droids and ships, and it’s crust is ever noisy with the sound of refineries and foundries working the nonstop ore that is shipped in from the nearby asteroid belt and moons. Major military stations litter this planet, much like Hoke, but unlike Hoke -- only soldiers and scientists of nearby research facilities ever see it. There is a restriction on visitation by anyone not of the Hoke military or (sufficiently merited) government without express authorization of the Hoke administration.
Tempest V is a name every pirate and renegade knows. It is a lunar colony on the fifth moon of an explosively stormy planet that was deemed too dangerous for proper colonization (For now). Tempest V was actually first founded as a science headquarters for the teams responsible for terraforming Tempest, but ever since the Eden Wars and major defunds, and then the eventual hand over to the Exodian Confederation, this task was never completed and Tempest V quickly became an out of jurisdiction haven for ne’erdowells. It’s now a very cramped and grey scene, colored only by shady night clubs and bars. This nest of dishonesty is only redeemed in official eyes by the many industrial factories pumping out weapons and goods -- as well as a suspiciously high tax income.
Being in the furthest Exodian system from Shyll, it is one of the rare, more human dominated jurisdictions and is governed by a republic often criticised as being corrupt. For some reason or another, the Exodian Confederation has more or less turned a blind eye to the situations of Tempest V, with some speculating that the Daisan majority of the Confederation Council was indifferent to the human based corruption, or simply cannot allocate the proper resources to clean the area... if it wanted to(?).
Serendipity is a planet in the Peace system, the closest system to Shyll in the confederacy. Serendipity is a massive planet that was overlooked by the Daisan as undesirable, but was eventually settled by the humans of the Exodian Confederation for the simple fact that while ugly to a Daisan, it is a veritable paradise for any ex-Earthling. This planet quickly became the sole output of non-bacteria agriculture in the Confederacy.
It is characteristic in that it is a completely rural planet of rolling green meadows and light forests. The local fauna are relatively harmless and lazy, with domestication being quick and easy. In no time this amiable paradise became a visage similar to that of legends told of Earth’s ancient farming communities.
Economy:
The Exodian Confederacy is a major export of raw metals, alloys, and even finished products such as weapons, robotics, droids, drones, and small craft such as fighters and bombers (With the occasional luxury ship).
However, the systems contain only one true agricultural world, and so the human populations import food luxuries so they can survive off something other than hydroponics, local supply, and whatever the Daisan try to feed them. The majority of agricultural imports comes from the Republic of Striostan.
Some worlds are also economic havens for crime and less than reputable deals and dealings.
Military:
Directly pulled from the Ancient Warship’s databanks and through reverse engineering the old guns, the Daisan had re-learned the secrets of creating super-heated plasma projectiles. Because of its versatility and penchant for indiscriminate destruction, this technology was rendered in countless formats -- be it handheld rifles, pistols, and launchers -- to ship mounted cannons and blasters. Specific Clades have gone even further to create Clade specific versions of this weapon technology, often changing the color to sort of trademark the unique properties, leading to a veritable rainbow of plasma weapons.
A few examples of unique applications are below:
The UEP, or Unstable Explosive Plasma, was first concocted by the famous Hokian Clade known as the Ulaan. This technology refers to the launching of a special brew of white plasma that is extremely dense and unstable as it launches, leading to an explosive impact with a large splash radius equivalent to that of a more conventional bomb.
This invention led to different applications, such as handheld plasma launchers that act akin to grenade launchers and small rocket fire, all the way to the use in space and aerial bombers.
This technology was closely guarded by the Tsenkur for centuries, before finally spilling into mainstream weaponry and defense systems. It is a paramount of Daisan engineering and as deadly as it is innovative. The blue death refers to a very specific blue plasma that is stabilized into a fixed shape, while maintaining the destructive power and heat of the plasma.
Typical use for the blue death is as material for energy swords, destructive shields, the dreaded Myrmidon whip, boarding vessel heads, tedious mining, and pretty much any other need for static plasma. Ever since its revelation among the Daisan weapons scene, other clades have made their own special alterations to the recipe, creating all sorts of fun new applications.
A long time ago the Nogoon clade wondered why they were restricted to firing or even rapid firing a single bolt of plasma, when they could shoot clouds of flak or shrapnel of plasma -- and so the plasma equivalent to shotguns all the way to flak cannons were born. In an effort to trademark the rapidly accepted invention, the Nogoon clade marked the plasma green, to which it is still marked green to this day out of respect.
Boarding parties and Knights alike adore the destructive close range power of the technology, be it in a two handed shotgun like weapon, or a one handed pistol like weapon. Alternatively, the technology found its way into being combined with the UEP technology in plasma fragmentation grenades.
Not only is this another technology taken from the old Daisan warship, but the warship itself came equipped with old models as well as axillary assembly areas that survived the crash - making this a technology the Daisan not only never lost, but were able to continuously improve.
The use of Droids and Drones is speculated to have come into use by the ancient Daisan fleets not only for numerical advantage, the ability to save organic forces for choice encounters, and adaptability but also to prevent the need of sending Daisan soldiers to less than agreeable habitats.
From the databanks and records, the Daisan scholars know that droid technology used to be reliant on control centers, but after the vulnerabilities of that became apparent, the droids of the Daisan militaries underwent several adaptations to circumvent the need for control centers.
One of the most prevalent solutions was internal programming -- where depending on the function if the droid-- a battledroid is internally programmed with its loyalties and abilities to react to external variables with preset prejudices... Such as shooting an enemy, surmounting obstacles, and following orders. This makes the battledroid very much like a typical soldier, their behavior on the battlefield dependent on orders received by either tactical droids or an organic commander. This is often the solution given to mass produced models or models made specifically for en masse front line fighting where specialization is not required. Battledroids with more specific roles, such as snipers, assassins, saboteurs, and engineers, are given slightly more expensive but also more complex programming. In short, the budget is the limit when it comes to internally programmed droids.
One of the least prevalent solutions, yet feared, was originally a Clade secret of the Siyohrang clade; it equips a local organic commander with a specialized helmet that not only acts as a control center for a very expensive squad of deadly commando droids, but is powered by psionics present in the commander (usually a psionic knight), making the small squad a deadly special forces unit where a heavily trained knight is able to instantly relay advanced commands to a tight knit commando unit. The unfortunate downside to this is the rarity of psionic ability needed, and the expenses. According to the old Ulaan Clade, such flashy solutions aren't pragmatic, and a simple organic squad of heavily trained commandos would be much cheaper and, in their opinion, much deadlier.
Drones on the other hand usually use old control center technologies rather than internal programming, with many fighter and bomber drones having the capability to be manually taken over by a remote pilot. This gives the space fleets a safe way to deploy the expertise of their pilots without risking loss. However, some purist pilots of specific clades claim you lose a fragment of reaction when doing this, and prefer either to fly in person in a real fighter with organic wingmen - or to lead internally programmed drones into battle (or some combination of in-person and manual drone).
Rectification is the name of a weapon created by the ancient Daisan and was onboard the Warship when it crashed. It’s a highly complex and extremely dangerous weapon coveted by the Daisan community and the only weapon they refuse to trade outside Daisan spheres. The first instance of Rectification came onboard the Daisan warship as a huge mounted gun that ran along the spine of the massive craft of war. Rectification is the name given to what this gun fired, a horrible looking pale orange beam, and is sometimes deployed on specialized Daisan floaters (often paired with energy bubbles) or in larger installations on vehicles and tripods -- or in the largest capacity as a ship mounted weapon of mass destruction. The beam is known to disrupt, destabilize and destroy chemical bonds in fractions of a second on impact, usually leaving no sign of impact other than heat scarring and scorching on the peripherals of the impact, or carbon dust on carbon based organics.
Rectification is sometimes referred to as CDB, or Chemical Disruption Beam.
The Daisan Fighter droid is an extremely adaptable killing machine that has brought fear to many pilots, both civilian and military. The spiny, oblong almost eldritch ship is not only an intimidating sight, but possesses the hardware to back up the visage. The entire starfighter is encased in a classic Daisan energy bubble, fitted to flow with the shape of the ship itself to maximise efficiency. Hidden among the many forward facing spines are quick shooting plasma railguns meant for quick and close dogfighting and to put stress on heavy shields. Inside the nest of spikes specialized torpedoes are housed, usually ionic to help disrupt shields or cause interior damage to enemy vehicles. Running on four sides of the ship are powerful (yet fitted for small fighter craft) CDB guns meant for finishing off enemies, or clearing them before they become a problem.
Interestingly enough, there are two plasma railguns situated on the top and bottom of the ship, usually facing the rear (but able to swivel), to aid in dogfights. This loadout is often noted as to be “heavy.” The lighter, speedier version of the Daisan Fighter droid tends to forgo the CDB arrangements for further power to the engines and thus tend to be skinnier and harder to hit. Other models focus on large torpedo arrays, shield disrupting weapons, atmospheric invasions, or even attracting and tanking enemy weapons,
The largest advantage of the Daisan Fighter Droid is its amazing adaptation ability, paired with the quick work of the Daisan, making the next load out as surprising as the first encounter, every time. This model can be operated manually by a Daisan pilot via a Daisan ‘insert’
Found usually in larger invasion vehicles or starships, are ‘inserts’. These are potential cockpits or control centers, made uniformly seven feet tall and four to five feet wide, they all have four large holes in the back wall each four inches in diameter and six one diameter holes near the base in two groups of threes. Sensitive technology is found all along the walls of these holes and stretch about four feet back into the vehicle up top and a foot in the smaller holes. In in the front wall of these inserts are numerous potential displays and valves of all sorts, some oddly connected to the exhaust directly.
The Base Model Soldier Droid of the Daisan army is affectionately called “Clankers” by humans. The droid stands around six feet tall and are humanoid in shape, except for their kite shaped heads and strange ankles. These are the most commonly seen soldiers and the most readily modified. Capable of improvisation and some thought, they are able to form strategies and adapt to battlefield conditions.
Unmodified, they have a empty slot on their back, and are usually seen carrying the standard Daisan Battle Rifle, ion grenades, plasma grenades, and a side arm (usually a pistol). Some usual modifications take the form of long range assassins, pilots, anti-vehicle, commando, engineer, and all other sorts of mix and matched equipment sets.
They are made out of a blast and space resistant metal, and have heavily protected wiring and power cores, resistant to EMP’s and the anomalies of space. Their limbs and joints allow them greater strength for carrying and overpowering in hand to hand combat. In short the base model soldier is a very modifiable and adaptable droid, capable of taking on many different faces.
Earning the human nickname “Reapers”, the Destroyer Droid is a chilling sight on the battlefield. These strange droids have three phases, movement, deploy, and attack. In the movement stage the droid is tucked into an oblong sphere, capable of fast speeds while rolling to its target. As soon as the target is found or it enters range it deploys itself, unfolding from the ball shape into a three legged crab like droid with two “arms” ending in powerful dual blasters. As they begin their onslaught, a personal shield generator is activated and covers them in a protective bubble, capable of taking intense punishment before being oversaturated and being forced into cool down.
Many engagements end when Reapers roll onto the battlefield, bubble up, and begin their devastating assaults. Some variants have even more blasters and weapons attached to them, or have slightly altered shields to protect more against certain ballistics or other factors.
The Daisan Melee Droid, or “Myrmidon” as some humans so heartfully nicknamed it, is a unique droid in all its own. While similar in shape to the Base Soldier Droid, these tend to be thicker in limbs, and capable of a form fitting energy shield to specifically deflect superheat and plasma. Also to note is that they have four tendrils sprouting from their backs similar to pilot droids. Melee Droids have been found to pilot vehicles and of some complex thinking and strategy planning.
They themselves wield an assortment of different weapons, but the most common is an energy sword. Another notable weapon are super heated dual whips formed out of scorching and almost rope like plasma.
The Daisan Floater Droid is one of the easily overlooked droid by new recruits, and most looked out for Droid by hardened veterans. These spheres float around at extremely fast speeds and their sole purpose is recon and to calculate shots to exterminate the enemy, which they happen to be very good at. Being small in size, around a foot to a foot and a half in diameter, these little fuckers are not only annoying and difficult to hit from a distance, but have no qualms in blasting your comrades in fast moving swarms or being sent as tiny assassins.
Most have decent blast armor, and the most deadly have energy bubbles, but all hurt, and all shoot and in the worst cases are equipped with a self destruct protocol.
History:
The Exodian Confederation formed during the Eden wars when the human defense company known as Mansa Defense Systems was forced out of regular human space due to their allegiance with a rapidly failing Mercenary company. The humans that were forced into Daisan space quickly attempted to open diplomacy with the aliens and were given a refuge status - but it soon became apparent that the humans were there to stay.
Faced with the inevitable reality that humans were now settled in Daisan Space, the independent jurisdictions of the four Exodian systems began to draft a Confederacy to not only keep the growing populations aligned with local interest, but to prevent maligned exterior influence that comes with the new Human interaction.
Luckily the humans integrated into the Daisan space with ease, the Defense Company and ragtag mercenary bands already aligned with the war industry of the Exodians.
Prior to formation, the majority of Daisan systems had joined the Je'Xee Confederacy, with the Shyll(Exodus) system that contained Hoke, remaining independent to ensure that the Daisan homeworld was able to continue to do what was best for the Daisan without exterior influence. The formation of the Exodian Confederation is often seen simultaneously counterproductive to that wish as well as a strange new way to preserve it.
Characters: (Pretty much the POV characters of your nation. From politicians, scientists, generals, soldiers, civilians, etc. Include whoever you wish to include really.)
Cadien had decided to go on a routine walk of Antiquity, when he came across something unusual: another god was present. Such a thing was rare, these days.
Even more unusual was that it was a god he already knew. One he thought was gone.
“Illyd?” Cadien asked, eyes wide, stopping just short of the Farming God.
The god was leaning against the bulletin board, gnawing happily on the remains of a once plump apple. A sly vulpine smile formed after a heavy gulp.
"Cadien!" Illyd stood up straight, "Hello!"
The armoured god paused, as if not quite believing what he was seeing. Wordlessly, he began to approach, before finally they were close enough to touch and he threw his arms around Illyd. “I thought you were dead.”
Illyd froze up on impact for a moment before offering a "there, there" accompanied with a gentle pat on the back. "Not dead, yet anyway." He snuck in a wink and detatched from Cadien, "and how are you?"
Cadien took a step back, appearing somewhat embarrassed by the lapse in composure. “I am well,” he nodded. “Where have you been? I could not access your realm.”
"Oh I was just taking a moment for myself," Illyd explained. "Everyone needs a little quiet hour or two. Prayers never stop though." He gave a goofy grin, "I recently got quite the desperate prayer, even. Or well two pretty desperate prayers."
“An hour?” Cadien furrowed his brow. “You do realize that it has been decades?”
"Oh what's decades to someone who remembers when time began," Illyd waved a hand dismissively. "What have you been up to?"
“Watching over mortalkind,” Cadien answered. “Answering prayers, moving pieces. I must say, it is a relief to know you are still well. A number of other gods have disappeared, or sealed off their realms. It was quite alarming.”
"We are all rebels to entropy, I suppose -- can only expect some to fall victim to it," Illyd offered grimly. "How is mortalkind doing in your eyes?"
“Some areas fare well. Others poorly.” Cadien shrugged. “If you don’t mind me asking, how is your situation with… Diana?”
"Long solved," Illyd patted his own chest. "Her personality is back woven into mine, as is Joab-Balaam's."
Cadien blinked. “Who?”
"Oop," Illyd chuckled, "That must have been before your time. Don't worry about it, friend! I'm all set and healthy." He tapped his chin, "Say do you know Boudicca?"
He nodded. “She is my champion in Ha-Duna. Why?”
Illyd's nose twitched for a moment, a smile forming, "She had prayed to me of course! But not before attempting to control the weather and harvest of her region on her own." There was a disappointment in Illyd's voice, "Oh icy rain and barren fruit. Tsk."
“And what did you do in response?”
"What do you mean?"
“How did you answer the prayer?”
"Oh I haven't, not yet," Illyd explained.
“Hm. But you intend to?”
"I do, she seemed rather desperate." Illyd paused, reflecting. "Very desperate."
Cadien nodded again. “Her people are at war. And they’ve already endured much hardship these past few years. I offered her what aid I could, for the purpose of defending her lands.”
"Oh I know," Illyd admitted. "There has been a lot of war in that area for quite some time - when she prayed to me directly, expecting my voice -- well I at first found it a little odd. Usually prayers are hardly so personal on my end, at least from humans. Her enemies also prayed to me, you know?"
“She and her people are used to communing with the gods,” Cadien explained. “From what I understand these druids have a special connection with a certain few, even if half of them do not answer. Elsewhere, I suppose many mortals pray more out of habit or tradition than anything else.”
"Oh trust me I know -- I'm one of those gods you're talking about. Even still, the druids who have dedicated themselves to my worship rarely desire a conversation -- usually trying to make rain or blessings in bountiful harvest." Illyd shrugged and leaned against the bulletin board, another apple appearing in his hand. "So you can see why I was surprised that a human would call upon me so personally, to most I work behind the scenes." He took a bite, and chewed for a while before continuing past a gulping swallow, "So I'll hear what she has to say, I am awfully curious about it." He pointed a finger. "Say you seem to know a great deal about that end, know anything about the other?"
“I cannot say I do. From what I understand, they’re one of many minor factions Ha-Duna has clashed with in the past, and they refuse to overlook past slights. Their grievances may have merit, but all they’re doing is continuing unnecessary conflicts that should have ended long ago.”
"I never took you for the judgemental type," Illyd seemed surprised. "But then again, I can't blame you if you have such a tie to the conflict. Either way they pray to me often, as do most civilizations feeling a little down."
“Hm. Say, I don’t suppose you would be interested in visiting Meliorem?”
"I don't see why not!" Illyd agreed.
Then the two left together, away from the prying eyes of Antiquity.
Cadien finds Illyd in Antiquity. Cadien thought Illyd was dead. Cadien embraces Illyd lovingly. Illyd assures him he is alright. Cadien wonders about Diana. Illyd explains she is back inside of him as is Joab-Balaam. Cadien has no idea who that is. Illyd and Cadien talk about Boudicca. Illyd says he will contact her about her prayers. Cadien is like cool. Cadien doesn't know too much about the Celeviaks. Cadien wonders maybe Illyd would like to take this back to his place? They leave together.
Celestine was occupied with Cadien and Neiya when she received a tugging sensation upon her divine senses that someone was a viable candidate for Knighthood. Splitting her attention from the task at hand she followed the tugging sensation down to Galbar. She found her senses within a dimly lit woodland. She wasn’t aware of where exactly this woodland was, but paid such an unawareness no heed as it wasn’t all that important. Celestine’s divine senses were soon pulled towards a man hiking along alone. Pushing her divine senses forward, Celestine began to manifest an illusion before the man.
He would see wisps of sudden silvery mist begin to swirl together before him, slowly taking on the shape of a seven foot humanoid figure. After a short amount of time they would disperse slightly to reveal a tall elf woman clad in steel armor and a cloak of red and gold. Her outline was loose and made up of fragmenting mists. Looking down at the man, the illusionary form of Celestine would begin to speak. As she spoke the illusory nature of her appearance would be further reinforced by a slight echo surrounding her voice. ”Greetings, Jjonveyo. I am the goddess Celestine. Your actions are in line with my chivalric code and have earned you a piece of my favor.”
Celestine’s illusion would pause for a moment now. The first time she had knighted someone upon Galbar they had been quite devout and had reacted quite energetically to the appearance of the goddess before them. Would this be a similar situation? Or was this mortal perhaps a bit more used to the interference of the divine in his affairs? Celestine did not know, though the actions that followed her appearance would answer these thoughts well enough.
Jjonveyo tipped head and bent on one knee. Though his face didn't change much, surprise was clear in his eyes. He shut them and held his position of respect. "What actions have I committed?" His voice was low.
The illusion of Celestine drew itself closer to Jjonveyo as he knelt. This mortal appeared to be following the same sort of course as The First Knight, but he was far less energetic about it. Placing its right hand on a scabbard hanging upon its right hip, the illusion of Celestine would use its left hand to draw the sword that lay within slowly. The noise that it made sounded quite real and possibly gave Jjonveyo a start, but he was not in danger.
A few moments later, he would feel a gentle tap upon his right shoulder. Then a gentle tap upon his left. As these taps were felt, Jjonveyo would feel a trickle of knowledge enter his mind as Celestine blessed him with the knowledge of her chivalric commandments. As this went on, the illusion of Celestine would explain what he had done to receive such a blessing. ”You have shown mercy where it was requested, and have been humble about your deeds. You keep yourself and your equipment in good condition and you are an honest and genuine person. These actions qualify you for the title of Ser, and a gift to recognize your deeds. Rise Ser Jjonveyo, The Second Knight.”
When the illusion finished speaking it would lift the sword up from his shoulder before gently placing it back into the scabbard hanging upon its right hip. The hand holding the scabbard would then extend and turn horizontally, revealing it to be a very real object. As it left, Celestine’s actual sword would manifest in place upon the illusion. Once the sword was within easy reach of Jjonveyo the illusion of Celestine would speak again. ”My gift to you is a sword wrought from steel. May it serve you well in the coming battles.”
"I do not spite your gift, Goddess," Jjonveyo stared at the sword, "But any actions I have done that are deemed acceptable have been done for my people, as such it is they who should reap any reward, not myself."
Celestine’s illusion gave a nod before speaking briefly. ”Ah. Just as The First Knight requested. Very well, speak your wish and I will do my best to grant it.”
Since the sword had been rejected, the illusion pulled its hand back and placed the scabbard back at its side. Once it was there it vanished immediately as soon as the illusion let it go. The illusion would then place its right hand upon the pommel of Celestine’s actual sword while it waited to see what request Jjonveyo would make. This knighting played out just like her previous one so long ago. Celestine couldn’t help but wonder what Jjonveyo would request. Would it be tournaments like Boudicca, or would he wish for something else to bring a more direct form of prosperity to his people?
Celestine could only wait and see.
"A great center of learning," Jjonveyo rose from his knee, "A place where ideas are farmed much like wheat, so that we can improve our ways: indeed even learn better ways to farm, raise crop or cattle - build our structures and bring amenities to them. A place where we can learn how to work the materials of Galbar, create new tools and devices. Engineering," He slapped a fist to an open palm, "Architecture, Philosophy, learning. Give us a place where we can unite and learn together new ways to end suffering and enhance the lives we live." Jjonveyo tipped his head, "Let it be a gift that keeps on giving long after I am gone, perhaps even long after the Tsardom itself is gone, made way for something even better, more advanced. So long as it benefits my people and annihilates the suffering of life."
The illusion of Celestine would remain silent for a moment before speaking once again.“I cannot grant you the building of which you seek. But I can grant you the next best thing.” Weaving its hands together, the illusion would produce a hefty tome that was roughly the size of Jjonveyo’s torso and as thick as his arm. Holding this tome forward, the illusion would speak again. ”This tome holds the information that you seek. Take it to your people with care, for it is as vulnerable as any tome that mortals produce.”
As Jjonveyo would take the book, he would find its cover to be made out of a tough leather with a simple longsword adorning the cover of the book, surrounded by a simple circle of silver.
"Hoomph," Jjonveyo strained, the book being heavy even for his impressive build, "I --huff-- thank you, Goddess." Jjonveyo tipped his head again. "I shall have this book brought back to the capital at once, where --huff-- WE shall build a building around it to attract those who wish to learn and teach."
The illusion of Celestine would nod as Jjonveyo took the tome from her and spoke once again. ”Very well, Ser Jjonveyo. Do with it as you wish. Did you have anything else you wished to know?” As Celestine’s illusion handed the book off, it would place its right hand upon the pommel of her sword once again, clearly waiting to see what Jjonveyo would say.
"Do our efforts in our conflict hold your favor?" Jjonveyo asked from behind the massive book.
Celestine’s illusion remained silent for a few moments before it gave an honest answer. One that would likely not please Jjonveyo, but it did contain a revelation that would likely startle him slightly. ”No. They do not. You stand opposed to The First Knight, and seeing as their war is defensive my preference for peace leads me inclination to support the ones suffering a defensive war rather than ones leading an aggressive war. My neutrality is rapidly developing a limit, and you may find me on the opposing battlefield depending on what is asked of me. Know that even if I stand against you, I will not revoke your knighthood.”
"If you oppose me, you oppose my actions," Jjonveyo explained, "Ha-Dûna no more fights a defensive war than an arrow in the liver is simply making a home. They are on the defensive, but not because they are lambs. In the same way a doctor may destroy a disease, is our aggression - let it sit and the tumor will grow." Jjonveyo gently placed the book down and squinted at the Goddess, "If you are so against our efforts, then all you need do is strike me down now - and spare my people from your wrath and suffering." The man paused and shook his head, "But that wouldn't end the issue, I suppose - another people and another leader would replace my own." He closed his eyes, "Oh the tumor."
Celestine’s illusion shook its head before speaking. ”When I dubbed The First Knight, they asked me to teach them of tournaments so that their conflict-hungry warriors would have something to expend their energy into and a reason to keep themselves in shape. Then, in the first tournament ever held, one of the warriors present was cursed and turned into a demon. They lay blame upon someone they captured trying to escape, but I do not personally believe that the person they hold is truly the culprit and I will likely need to secure their release when my avatar returns to them. The body of the victim's son was found upon a rock some distance away. His throat was slit and he was bound. I have been shown by another god that this death was the catalyst to cause that transformation. If my attention had not been brought to this region by this offense I would likely not be involved at all, but I am here because The First Knight requested my aid. They said that this action was a declaration of war and here you and your people are: Making that war. Unless the absolute truth of the situation is brought forward then I am siding with the overall victims in this war: Ha-Dûna. And even beyond that I would most likely side with them anyway as I know that they were striving to become a peaceful society. I do not dislike you or your people, but I do dislike aggression. No matter the resolution of this conflict, I have a plan in place to see to it that the end of the cycle of violence will happen within the lifetimes of the people involved.”
Celestine’s illusion would cross its arms across its chest as it finished speaking, though its face held a neutral look. It waited now, to see what Jjonveyo would say.
"How do you plan on achieving this goal?" Jjonveyo pinched his chin, "With respect, Goddess, this story you have told me persuades me to believe that you had bet on the wrong number once and aim to do it again in hopes for a different result. Do you think I attack Ha-Dûna because I am opposed to peace?"
Celestine’s illusion shook its head again before speaking once more. ”My plan for achieving this peace will be seen by all when it is realized. As for your intentions with attacking Ha-Dûna If they do not align with those who insulted me and my tournaments by meddling in them then I will ask you plainly: What are they? Speak them without deceit and I may have a solution for you that is much simpler than a bloody war with divine involvement.”
"Ha-Dûna is a nest of oppressive behavior, greedy nobles, and the champion of stagnation. They know only their pride and bend their will around it, taking the world and by the sounds of it even gods along with it," Jjonveyo started, "They were offered a place in the new world, a chance to change and give back to the people, but they refused it - nay, they murdered it. The Tsardom has united mankind under a common goal of peace and prosperity, there is no room for cities who oppose this unity for their own gain. If blood must be spilt in this life, let it flow at least for the purpose of creating a better future."
The illusion of Celestine furrowed its brow in thought before asking a simple question in response to the information that it had been given. ”Prior to this war, how was Ha-Dûna a threat to you and your people?”
"Neither of us can stand here and deny that the Dûnan culture and influence travels far beyond their borders." Jjonveyo explained, "They are a landmark, powerful even. Should they oppose the reforms, then they actually have the means to reverse them as well and then we are back to the first square. They were first approached to accept the reforms by my own nephew - who never returned." Jjonveyo clasped his hands behind his back, "They are an opposing force, I serve the force of the reformation -- they are a threat and will be dealt with as such."
The illusion of Celestine would be frowning by this point. Shaking its head and giving a sigh it would speak once more. ”Your peace is a flawed peace. It exists only because you and your people seek out and destroy any culture that will not submit to your will. If you had simply left Ha-Dûna alone, what scenario do you think would cause them to become aggressive? What could not be solved by a simple exchange of words or, at most, a duel? And even beyond that, what will you do when you are on the defensive of someone who claims that you are in need of reform?”
"What indeed," Jjonveyo agreed. "By what tape does a society measure it's ethic -- is what you're asking me." Jjonveyo sat on the book and looked up at the Goddess, "I have spent my voice foolishly, only to now understand that I am but a mortal talking to a Goddess when I should be a mortal hearing a Goddess. Thaa understands the suffering of my people and so we wear his crest upon our shields, does Celestine - and do we wear hers?"
The illusion of Celestine would tilt its head before shaking it once again and giving another sigh. ”Peace is not easy. Neutrality is not easy. You have not wasted your words, for if I did not want to hear them I would not have. You have a difference in cultures, and your cultures are clashing, but it was you who decided to march upon Ha-Dûna. You have decided to achieve your view of peace by leading your people into a war. How many of your people will be dead by its end? How many of theirs? How many lives will be ended prematurely to achieve the goal you set out? How many people will cry out for vengeance because of what you have done? Violence is a cycle, and such a cycle carries with it a great deal of momentum. It will take time for that cycle to stop, but it cannot be stopped while it is actively being perpetuated. Do you understand the weight of the choices you have made?”
"If this was my vision, my goal and my choice -- then I dare say I'd be walking to Ha-Dûna alone," Jjonveyo raised a brow. "You are divine, but are you also a leader? The answer to your questions is all and it weighs on my heart more than it could yours, because I am mortal while you are immortal and hold more sway over the coming suffering than I ever could. It is not my fault if you decide to make the war longer and harder by going against the grain of mortal progression -- I dare say you should be asking yourself the questions you're asking of me." Jjonveyo pinched his chin again. "Did you try and convince them to pursue peace, or merely me?"
The illusion of Celestine lowered its arms and once more placed its right hand upon the pommel of its sword. Speaking once more, it elaborated on an event from the past. ”Recall that I told you about teaching The First Knight of tournaments. They were moving towards peace already, and through tournaments sought to give those who wished for conflict a means to vent their bloodlust. Recall that the first instance of this tournament was disrupted. They have never had the time to truly try and engage wholly with peace-”
"-I recall a failure," Jjonveyo interupted, "And a second failure to engage in peace when offered by the Celeviak people. Bring me my nephew Wojeck, so he can tell me what happened, and the war will be over until diplomacy has been truly given a chance. If you cannot bring him, then Ha-Dûna already answered your desire for peace with their own ambitions."
The illusion was silent for a moment before speaking once again. ”I will have my avatar attempt to bring him, but if he is deceased as you suspect then you will need to speak with Thaa as he is the god of the dead, not I. You do wear his symbol upon your shields, after all. Speaking of that once again, you may not wear mine.”
"Why bother Thaa?" Jjonveyo pushed, "Surely your peaceful first knight and their people did no harm to my nephew? Bring him, I'm sure he is fat on their hospitality." The Tsar shook his own head, "I will be in Ha-Leothe for three days, surely enough time for the divine." He paused, "And for the sake of the lives you lament about, I truly hope the Dûnans are as eager for peace as you suggest. And just to conclude: this war of ours is simply a symptom of the suffering in the region, and by defending the status quo you are merely prolonging the next conflict. If everyone else is asking for change, who are you to deny them out of favoritism towards your own personal ethos? I'm a leader; as Tsar I have done things Jjonveyo would never do, because I understand that while there is a cycle of violence, there is also a cycle of peace and suppressing the voices of those who clamor to end their suffering through positive change just makes more suffering." He touched his fingertips together and frowned, "If a Goddess cannot see that, and if a Goddess will oppose the forces intended to end the suffering of mortals by defending the status quo..." Jjonveyo fell silent, a stoic look taking his face. A long moment passed and his face grew sad.
"Well wasn't it your job to first ensure there would be no suffering before placing us in torment?"
The illusion of Celestine would once again shake its head and sigh. ”I will answer your questions with a question of my own: Who are you to change people who do not swear fealty to you? If you bring about the change that you want through war and strife then it will only sow the seeds for more war and more strife to come later. You recognize the cycle of violence, but at the same time you perpetuate it. Your people might have clamored for this change, but is that too not a symptom of the suffering in this region? You speak of being an effect of mortal progression, but do you realize how much progression you are destroying by conquering as you are? If all are united under your banner, is that not also stagnation and maintaining a status quo?”
"No." Jjonveyo squared his elbows behind his back and turned from Celestine. He hefted the book back into his arms, not bothering to turn around, "Any more words, Goddess?"
For the last time, the illusion of Celestine would shake its head and vanish wordlessly to leave Jjonveyo alone in the woodland with the tome he had gained. He would likely be in for quite a surprise when he learned of the identity of The First Knight.
Celestine appears to Jjonveyo and declares him a knight. Jjonveyo is humbled and dismisses the praise in favor of a gift for his people instead. He wishes for a university in Dodamu to progress his people in perpetuity - but is given a big book instead to get that goal started.
Celestine then enters in a debate with Jjonveyo and the two are split: Celestine supporting Ha-Dûna and Jjonveyo supporting the Celeviaks. Jjonveyo accuses Celestine of favoritism, hypocrisy, and makes a deal that if she can bring him Wojeck, alive and well, Jjonveyo will surrender that the Dûnans are in fact a peaceful people and will reopen diplomacy. We are left with the two at odds, the Goddess and her second knight not seeing eye to eye at all - with Jjonveyo going so far as to accuse Celestine of being incompetent as a deity to which Celestine accuses Jjonveyo of being incompetent as a Tsar. Honestly you really just need to read the debate to see their finer points on the war. In conclusion, the Second Knight is not a fan of Celestine and Celestine is not supporting her Second Knight.
Celestine begins with 2 MP / 5 DP.
Celestine spends 1 MP to create a tome of knowledge.
Year 30AA, autumn, Ha-Leothe, hilltop village east of Ha-Dûna...
The midday sun cast a golden light over the brown, fallow potato fields, raw still from the harvest days, and the orange leaves of wintering trees floated gently on the wind as miners entered the palisade gates of the hilltop village of Ha-Leothe with baskets of crudely mined copper ore and malachite from the tunnels in the crags and valleys around the town. Elk- and cattle-drawn carts of lumber occasionally joined them, all of the resources collecting by smoking kilns, smelting the ore into bars readily transportable for the journey to the capital. The early hints of winter were visible on some of the taller peaks, so production had to be sped up to reach the quotas before the valleys would seal with ice and snow and force the traders and taxmen to go all the way around for two weeks. In his longhouse, the théin Valix of Leothe, legendary victor of the Reconquest and champion athlete of many games and sports at festivals, carried his mask with uncharacteristic discontent. He eyed his wife Muine with a frown and gestured to his bowl, full as it was of pea and potato stew with onions. Coldly, he mumbled,
“You burnt it again.”
Muine huffed and gave her own bowl a sip. “What if I did? Do you think you could do any better?”
“What I think, woman, is that I, at least, would not be so daft as to burn stew - it’s stew, for gods’ sakes! It’s at least six parts water!”
“I will throw this in your face if you do not shut up, you know that, right?” she replied threateningly and tested the swing of her arm. Further down the table, there came an exhausted voice.
“Mom, dad, please don’t fight,” said Garix, their oldest son. His four sisters wore equally tired expressions, though they sipped their stew silently as usual. Muine sighed and sat down.
“They’re right, dear. Dinner time is peacetime - if you have something on your heart, we can discuss it afterwards.”
The théin scoffed, but gave his burnt stew a slurp regardless. “Then so we shall.”
At that moment, there came a knock on the door frame. The théin sighed, put down his bowl and stood up. “Come in.” The many tapestries functioning as their door were pushed aside, revealing the panting, red face of a young woman, gasping as she was for her breath. The théin and his family eyed her curiously and Valix asked, “Gods, Pinya, what’s gotten into you? Where’s the fire?”
“There’s--... Ugh, there’s no fire, chief!” Pinya gestured madly over her shoulder. “You, you better come see this.”
Valix blinked, shifted his glance around the table and sighed. “Alright, fine. This had better be worth it.” He stepped over to a wooden chest, opened it and took out a finely sewn fur vest, a hat, woolen mittens and a cloak. Putting them on in a hurry, he followed the woman out into the courtyard of his estate, then out into the broader village and onto the battlements of the palisades. There, many more people had gathered, chattering and spying at the horizon. Pinya offered a final exhausted breath as she pointed at the woodland border below the hill, where there was an unmistakable host of people on the march - some mounted, some marching. The théin squinted and leaned himself on the palisades, rubbing his eyes to make sure what he was seeing was true, indeed.
“What do you think? Sigerans?” asked another guard. Valix pursed his lips.
“Could be, but judging from the runners from the west, I’d say they are more likely to be Cenél raiders, here to finish the job after their betrayal.” He counted the numbers he could see under his breath. “Stromvarde, how many túnskioldings can we have ready within the hour?”
“The shifts in the mines should be switching any moment, sir - we could have them all armed and armoured as soon as you need them to be.”
“Good. Make it so. Teagan, find my hildargeach - tell them to take to elkback.”
“Understood, my théin!”
“Say, théin? Have you seen those banners before?” One of the guards pointed to the host and Valix leaned over the battlements again.
“... Is that a snake?” he asked uncertainly. The guards around him tried to get a better look, some moving further along the wall to see if they could get closer.
“... Could be. Could also be a rune of sorts. Hard to tell from this distance. Can’t say I’ve seen Cenél fly those colours before, though.”
Valix pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Has Kaer Jane come back yet?”
“No, théin, she is still in the woods. Should we send someone for her?”
“Bah, knowing her, she will be back by the time we are routing the enemy. Focus on getting the people armed.” He turned around and clapped his hands for attention. “Alright, people, to spears and hauberk! There are foes on the horizon and we are not going to let them reach Mother Dûna so long as we still live! Sound the horns!”
The echoing song of baritone horns came booming from the distant hilltop fort. Jjonveyo squinted upwards at his goal, ears perked. He looked past Darragh, who rode next to him, and to a soldier with a unique golden mane trailing down his helmet. "Set the troops into a spaced anvil position with wings, space it two for archer bleed through, then hold rank." The Tsar then looked at Darragh, "I have a feeling pride will send them straight into us - you and your warriors will remain with me behind the anvil formation."
“Not warriors.” Darragh corrected. There was a stark difference between the warriors and the Fakir. Though he could understand why the mistake was made. Some of the Fakir carried stone great axes, massive mauls and shields. Though the majority walked with their gods-given objects. Slates and staves. Through which they channeled their magic.
The Fakir and recently made Boyar had no desire to stay behind though. “Allow us to prepare the circles at least.” He eyed the forming front line of the Celeviak. Then they rose towards the village. “It is time the Dûnans learn to fear the power of the Cenél.”
"Prepare as you need," Jjonveyo gestured. His own soldiers were nearly done with their organization - spearmen in neat columns spread wide with archers funneled in front of them in a thin line, cavalry on the far flanks and set at slight angles inwards. The whole formation looked to engulf the flats that laid before the slope of the hill.
The Boyar kept his grim expression as he pulled his stag around. With a single nod the other Cenél made their space and started carving out circles in the earth. Filling them with swirls and patterns only the Fakir knew. Ancient knowledge had been retrieved from the caves already. Sacred stones were put at corners and edges and large candles were lit as well. Darragh turned to face the front again. “When the lines clash you can let us loose.”
"Very well," Jjonveyo looked towards the hill again, "If they can make it to the line."
“We’re not riding out against -that- are we?!” boomed Pathalix, hildargeach and bloodsworn soldier of Valix’ clan Leothe. The théin’s expression, too, had gotten visibly more skeptical.
“It is true that their numbers have grown--...”
“Numbers have grown?! They’re three times as many as us! And they’re in formation! The Cennies’ve obviously gotten help from someone! Someone powerful!”
“But who on Galbar’s got this kind of manpower in this region?” asked Tvínn, another bloodsworn. The théin grumbled quietly.
“... Didn’t a runner come by some weeks past with news of a warlord from the east? Some Chelevyak fellow…”
“Jonwayo, you mean? Are you telling me a damn mountain goblin has this kind of force and he just happened to bring it all the way over here without our scouts noticing?!”
“Prepostorous!” snarled some of the other bloodsworn. As debate broke out, the théin distanced himself from the worst of it by moving to another section of the wall, analysing the approaching formation. After him came the dutiful Pinya, biting her nails nervously.
“S-so… What’s the plan, chief?”
“If you shut your mouth for one second, maybe I’ll come up with one.” She quieted down as the théin gave the battlefield yet another scowl. “How far away is Kaer Jane, you said?”
Pinya swallowed. “W-well, we didn’t send anyone after her, so--”
“Have her summoned here this instant - carry her here if you must. Take my elk. Only divine power can help us level out the odds here. Hama! Take all the unburnt timber from the kilns and shore up the gates and walls! Stromvarde! Find me every arrow we have and bring them to the battlements. Yes, even the ones reserved for the winter hunts! Move it, people, if you want to live to see the sunset!”
Within the hour, the battlements filled with archers and javeliners, the defenders evidently taking a much more defensive approach than initially signalled. The horns sang different signals - taunting the enemy into attacking if they dared. The théin on the battlements found himself biting his nails, too. They had not at all been prepared for an attack - much less a siege. He prayed they would move on - see Ha-Leothe as a needless target and give them time to prepare. A fool’s hope, maybe, but hope it was.
Jjonveyo's dark eyes scanned the hill fort. He looked at the mane crested soldier again, "Instruct the twelve swiftest riders to slay anyone who attempts to leave that hill, four stationed on every cardinal save ours. And have our scouts circle the area in warning of any exterior aid."
"At once my Tsar," The soldier rode off again.
The Tsar turned to Darragh, a rumble forming in his throat, "Darragh!"
The Fakir approached Jjonveyo. “Yes?” He said, his quiet voice contrasting the rumble of the Tsar.
"What is the nature of your magic?"
A grin formed on Darragh’s lips. “It turns our strongest into the wrath of the forest.” His eyes then looked out towards the palisade. Dead wood dreadfully bound together. “I’m assuming you want that torn open?”
"Yes, but first - we need to disarm them," Jjonveyo looked at the Fakir, "Can you create illusions?"
Darragh looked around him. It was a pretty bare hill. No dampness in the air. “Not here. Not now.” He said. “By dusk… perhaps.”
"If at dusk you could trick them into thinking we have charged, and they loose their projectiles - we can then tear into them safely," Jjonveyo stated almost as if questioning Fakir on the possibility.
“By dusk we can create the illusion.” Darragh said. “Whether they fall for it will depend on who their leader is, and who is advising them.”
"Plan for that," Jjonveyo commanded, "In the meantime I will gauge their leadership myself. Bannermen!"
As the foreign leader and his bannermen came riding up to the gates, they were greeted by knocked arrows and groaning bowstrings. However, the bark of a man relaxed those strings swiftly, and a head appeared over the gate, a brown-bearded face topped with a cone-like bronze helmet. He clicked his tongue disapprovingly, but nodded his greeting and spoke,
“Gods’ blessings upon you, stranger. Pray tell, what has compelled you to bring this many armed men to my gates on this lovely autumn day?”
"I fear that if I am but a stranger to you, the rumors are true and your leader has left you in the dark," Jjonveyo replied thickly, "I am the Tsar of the Celeviak nation and who are you?"
“I am théin Valix, patriarch of Clan Leothe, and on behalf of the Dûnan people, I say that we do not recognise the authority of any ‘zar in these parts. Whatever you are after - blood, land or wealth - it shan’t be yours so long as these lands belong to the people of the Stone!” He hammered his chest proudly; some of the warriors on the battlements made known their agreement.
"Maybe," Jjonveyo sniffed, "Know that I am merciful and offer you a deal -- you see you do not look at a man of the living." Jjonveyo drew a knife and held it to his wrist, digging the blade in deeply. A dark red oozed out of his arm, only to slowly patter out and seal, flesh mending as if the knife never entered it, "You cannot kill me nor will my army be any easier, but we can you, so here is my promise - concede, or it will be known that it was Valix of Leothe who authorized the brutal execution of every child of this settlement. His pride, the crime."
There came a scoff from the battlements. “Your threats do not scare us, foreigner! The gods are on our side, and their wrath is swift on those who attack their chosen people! Now go back to your men and tell them to come at us! We will stand against your waves like a rock at sea!”
Jjonveyo looked down at the grassy hill, then back up at Valix, "I'll offer a peaceful capitulation once more, but then judgement will be sealed as covenant."i
“Here’s your peaceful capitulation, ‘zar!” shouted one of the archers and then proceeded to lift up his kilt and wave his member around for all to see, inciting a roar of laughter from the others. The théin snickered agreeingly and left the battlements.
Jjonveyo remained silent, and turned back down the hill.
"Darragh," Jjonveyo approached the magician, "The air, it is dry today, no?"
Darragh was in deep discussion with the other Fakir. They spoke in a regional accent. Too thick for the others to understand. The words flung around were spirited. Some even shouted. It was clear Darragh was trying to keep the calm. Then the Tsar approached. The Fakir stepped away. Avoiding the two now.
“It’s not just that.” Darragh said. “Our illusions work in the forest fog. There’s no forest and there is no fog. One we can summon with time.” But even then the illusions would be pale imitations of what they could create around their own villages.
"The air is dry," Jjonveyo continued, "Our enemy is elevated on a grassy hill - fire climbs, Darragh."
The Fakir’s face grew grim. Grimmer than usual. “Fire is unpredictable and ultimately uncontrollable. It might climb up or it could burn underfoot until it reaches us as well.” His eyes stared into those of Jjonveyo. The question hung in the air. Both of them knew it. Are commanding me?
"That's where you are wrong," Jjonveyo answered, "If we dig a trench around the hill, the fire will only rise in elevation and even if it is unsuccessful in sealing a tomb for our enemy, the trench will serve us as a defense against any escape or counterattack." Jjonveyo paused, "You asked to see Dúnans razed to the ground."
A melancholic smile flashed over Darragh’s lips. He hadn’t expected it this way, but if the Tsar wanted to play with fire he would get it. “Very well. We’ll light the fires in such a way that the Dûnans won’t expect. If you would excuse me now though, I will go convince my brethren.” The Fakir passed Jjonveyo. In a breath the other Fakir were surrounding him. Quite calmly he was explain something. Again in the local dialect. The other Fakir grew wide eyed and then spirited. They began to shout and yell and wave their arms.
“Enough!” Darragh yelled. The Fakir all fell quiet. He said a few more words and then pushed onwards towards where the stags were gathered. For a second the others just looked at each other. Each and every single one of them had pure fear in their eyes as they followed their leader.
With a gesture, a segment of Celeviak soldiers began to ring the hill, shovels and other digging tools in hand.
“What in the world are they doing?” one of the watchmen asked. The théin and the other onlookers were about as clueless. They had never seen anything like it.
“Why would they dig trenches that slow their charge?” asked another. Ponderous murmurs rolled through the people on the well.
“Maybe it’s for arrow cover?” proposed a third. It received some supportive hums until one archer knocked an arrow, pulled the string and loosed. The arrow didn’t even land close, and the support quickly turned to disagreement.
“Nah, if they were building for cover, they’d’ve come closer. No archer in the world can hit anything at -that- distance, even if the height’s on our side.”
“Are you sure you’re not just a weak shot, Béona?”
The woman scoffed. “What, do you think you’re better, Stromvarde?”
“Quiet, both of you!” the théin barked. He leaned over the palisades again and squinted. “... What are you up to, you hill trolls?” he whispered to himself. “Pathalix, have Pinya and Kaer Jane made it back yet?”
“Not that I know of, chief,” the bloodsworn confessed. The théin clenched his fists impatiently.
“Damn it… Where are those simpletons when I need them?”
From atop the palisade, the Dunans heard an order come out in Celeviak far below and a half circle of spearmen marched to cover the bottom of the hill, archers in between columns. Cavalry winged the sides in thin lines able to change direction quickly. It looked as if the army was preparing to collect a scattered charge from the entrance to the fort.
Silence rang after that, the awaiting army well behind the wide dirt trenches. Another order came out and the archers readied their bows with barbed arrows, but kept the strings relaxed and pointed down. The whole scene was baffling from up on the hill, until a shout came from the opposite side of the fort.
"Fire!"
“Fire?! Where?” The théin and the rest of the guards on the wall spun around, seeing indeed the late afternoon sky flare up in the distance. Panic and incomprehension spread throughout the guards.
“Wh-... Are they setting fire to the mountain itself?!”
“Have they no respect for the stone, for the hill?! By Boris, may they all be buried in sand until death!”
Valix felt the bubble of fury light its own fire in his chest. He tightened his cloak around himself even tighter and roared, “Stromvarde! Hold this side with your archers! The rest of you - to the well! Bring pots, buckets, your gods-damned hands - put that cursed fire out! TEAGAN! Where’s Kaer Jane?!”
The fearstruck archer hastened over to the chief, struggling through the crowd of repositioning soldiers heading for the well in the town centre. “Not yet seen, chief! Neither Jane nor Pinya have--... Wait… Wait, look there!” She leaned over the palisades and pointed at the edge of the forest, where a panicking elk was carrying two women atop its back, trailed by a multitude of enemy riders. “It’s Pinya! And she’s got Kaer Jane!”
The théin veered. “All archers - ensure the safety of the druid at all costs! Get those elkmen off of them!” The archers did as instructed, showering the ground behind the druid and scout’s elk with copper-tipped arrows. Pinya and Kaer Jane kept their bodies low against their mount, which was running in a mad panic up the hill. However, it spotted the fire making its way towards them at alarming speed, and suddenly, it veered, running away from the gates.
“Gods, stupid animal!” shouted the théin. “Do not let them get into enemy range! Keep someone ready at the north gate!”
“Yes, chief!”
The Celeviak elks stopped at the trenches, leaving Pinya and Kaer Jane alone on the hill - stuck between the fort and the Celeviak army. When it became clear the scout and druid could no longer control their elk, they jumped off, leaving it to sprint off in any direction that seemed to bring it to safety. The pair crashed hard into the grassy hill, and it took time before Kaer Jane lifted her head - she looked to be bleeding from the forehead. She slowly crawled over to Pinya, who seemed to have landed much worse than the druid had. Nearby, blood had splattered a sharp stone. Atop the walls, the théin seethed.
“Kaer Jane! Get over here before they capture you, damn you!”
The druid looked up from her dying saviour to behold the Celeviak forces by the trenches. However, none of them moved, patiently aware of the incoming fire sweeping the hill. Kaer Jane tried to wake her saviour back up with magic, but the fires approached too quickly for her to cast anything significant. Besides, Pinya seemed far, far gone.
“What are you doing, you fool?! Get over here!” shouted the théin, and eventually, Jane had to concede, picking up her thinks and limping up the hill towards the wall. The fires were hot on her heels, and she would have been dead if she had had to run through the north gate. Luckily, the people atop the wall tossed rope over the side and hoisted her up. The west side of the fort had long since began to smoke, and the palisades were beginning to catch fire as well. Kaer Jane had hardly gotten a chance to sit down before the théin stormed over to her and pointed to the walls.
“Make it rain, druid! NOW!”
“W-wha--”
“Otherwise we’ll burn to the last man!”
Kaer Jane pushed herself to her feet with the help of her staff. “I-... I can ask no such thing! I haven’t the necessary support from Claroon to demand such!”
Valix sucked in air through his teeth and paced around stressfully. From the west side of the village, he heard screams and calls for more water. “What -can- you do? What gods will answer a demand for protection? Any protection!”
“P-protection, uhm…” She flinched as her hip burned briefly with leftover agony from the fall. “G-Gibbou can help! I’ve, I’ve offered her plenty of offerings this month.”
“Then make it so!” The théin spun around and lifted his bronze-tipped spear to the sky. “Worry not, soldiers of the Stone! We may triumph yet! The gods are with us today--!”
Suddenly, he heard a gasp behind him. The warriors who had begun to cheer were silenced as swiftly as they looked at Kaer Jane. She was quivering, and she lifted her hands to behold them as they turned white as chalk. Then, as the paleness moved along her limbs, the outermost parts crumbled away on the wind, like white dust. She screamed; the onlookers screamed, too. Deafening them all, however, was a loud, cranky voice.
”You wake me up in the middle of the day to ask something as ridiculous as that? Fight your own damn battles! Shoo!”
With that, the druid Kaer Jane turned completely to moondust, leaving only her cloak and staff in a heap of dusty white on the ground. With the cacophony of the increasingly desperate and failing efforts to put out the fires in the background, the théin and his closest stood in silence.
“Did… Did Gibbou just abandon us?” asked one of the bloodsworn carefully. There came no answer. Valix’s face had lost the colour of rage and his lips parted and closed with incomprehension. A runner came sprinting and shouted,
“Chief! The western wall has burned down! We’ve lost control! What should we do?”
Valix didn’t respond. The runner shouted again,
“Chief!”
“Wh-... What?” asked the théin and turned slowly. The runner studied him desperately, seeming to grow more and more anxious the longer he looked.
“What should we do?! The walls are burning down and the fire is spreading through the town, too! The children and their guardians, they-- they must be kept safe!”
“Safe… Yes… Safe…” He looked back down at the heap. “... This was our only hope. Without the support of the gods, we’re finished.” A mighty fist struck him in the jaw and he jerked back. “Who dares?!”
“Wake up, chief!” roared Pathalix. The théin blinked. “We have yet to meet the enemy in battle! They resort to cowardly, blasphemous tactics such as burning a hill of Boris for the sake of victory! One god may have left us, but surely, the others are still with us! The Goddess of the Night is blind in the day, so she cannot see our struggles - however!” He pointed to the smokey sky, at which edge shone the afternoon sunset. “THERE! The sun is with us yet!” He stomped on the ground. “The mountain is with us yet!” He grabbed his horn from his belt and shook it before the théin’s face. “Macsal is with us yet! We are the chosen of the gods, and in this darkest hour, they will not abandon us!”
Colour returned to the faces around, and even Valix slowly cracked a smile. “Yes… Yes… The people of the Stone, of the great and mighty Dûna, have never once lost in battle. The gods have been with us every time, and they will surely follow us this time, too!”
“YEAH!”
“Take the children and their safekeepers and hide them in the old mine - hack open the old seal if you must, but beware of the old beams - do not cause a cave-in. They must be kept safe at all cost. The rest of you - find places to hide. We will have guests soon.”
By nightfall, the fires were beginning to die down on the hill itself, continuing in certain hotspots around the town. A loud blast of a battlehorn sounded from the bottom of the hill, jolting the Dunan soldiers on edge - waiting. Nothing came, and a few hours went by, until another blast and the sound of metal moving to the north - but nothing ever came. Throughout the night, false starts and terrible sounds kept the people of the town anxious and awake. It wasn't until the fake calls and shouts became routine, exhaustion was settling in, and the twilight of the morning became a reality, that everything changed.
Through the smoldering ruins of the palisade, a long dark line of spearmen came marching into the burnt out remains of the village, spears leveled. The town was silent at first, but in the smoke came the hurrying approach of steps. It was a young woman, copper axe hefted high above her head, recklessly running at the first in the line of spearmen.
”KUN IONSAI DAAAA, IHRI LAUSÓGAN!” she shouted, clearly not having slept throughout the night. From behind her came another shout,
”TOSKA! Kóme anseo!” It was too late, however. Her charge had revealed them all, and in the dissipating smoke, it became clear that soldiers were hiding all around; however, their ambush had been completely unveiled. In the confusion, more soldiers charged out of their hiding spots despite the fact that the Celeviaks hadn’t made it into the village centre yet. Archers fired at will into the spear ranks, and the officers tried hopelessly to shepherd those who hadn’t charged yet into some sort of formation.
But the well rested Celeviaks were already upon them - the soldiers charging uniform through the streets, tight so no one could go past them. Small pillars broke off to weave through the buildings.
From down the hill a loud, thumping noise came. Several heavy things were running across the ashen hillside. Faster than humans could normally run. They were Cenél, but looking as if trees were wrapped around them. These things came sprinting for the breach on bark-skinned, vine-muscled digitigrade legs. The green muscles and bark crawled upwards across the right shoulder. From which a second arm sprouted. Both the human and branch-like arm were holding the heavy weapons of the Cenél. Helping to carry the weight so their left hand could still hold their shield.
Like a storm they fell upon the ambushing Dûnans. Moving through the street with unnatural speed, their low numbers offset by the cheer brutality of their charge. They fell upon pocket after pocket of archers. The Dûnan line didn’t break, for it hadn’t even had time to form. As soon as the charge began, half the soldiers on the Dûnan side ran for their lives, while the other recklessly and zealously threw themselves at the enemy with neither plan nor skill. The only warriors who proved to be a challenge to the Celeviaks and Cenél were the hildargeach, veterans of many years of battle, and théin Valix himself; however, what could fifty men do against an army like this?
The bloodsworn formed a wall around their chief, but without their levies, they were hopelessly outnumbered. The flood of enemies split around them, spilling into every nook and cranny of the village. The bloodsworn's heads were spinning, never knowing where the next attack was going to originate - and then a mighty axe came crashing through.
The wide blade of the weapon bit into one of the bloodsworn, sending him clean off his feet and into a spray of blood. The axe came spinning down onto another of the bloodsworn, the maestro of the massacre being Jjonveyo himself. With beastly black eyes, the Tsar looked past his current victim and directly at Valix. The théin shouted upon seeing his clansman cut down, raised his spear and stepped forward to jab at the Tsar’s waist.
To Valix's surprise, Jjonveyo didn't seem to make the slightest effort to get out of the way. He walked forward, the spear tugging as it punched into the Tsar. With a terrible look in his eye, Jjonveyo walked through the length of the spear - a foreign prayer on his lips until finally his large hand shot out and gripped Valix by the throat. A deep rumble formed from the impaled Tsar.
"Did I not tell you?" The axe came crashing down, splintering the spear and leaving a slowly closing hole in Jjonveyo's gut.
Valix caved to one knee. “... You… You Sigeran devil. You burn the holy stone of Boris; you fraternise with witches and heretics; and worst of all… You have the powers of death itself.” He spat on the ground by Jjonveyo’s boots. “I curse your filthy ilk. May the black cough take you all!”
No words met his, and the silent Jjonveyo suddenly lifted the théin from his feet, and back down to the ground below, hard. The théin’s head bounced off the cobble, only to regain enough consciousness to see an axe blade dropping down - and then there was nothing.
Valix's head rolled away from the scene, Jjonveyo turning from the corpse. His eyes scanned the battle - or what was left of it. Ha-Leothe had fallen.
An hour burned past the end of the battle, with the Celeviak troops rounding up the surviving townsfolk who were either too young, sick, or old to fight - as well as the women who were excluded from fighting. The spears of the conquering Tsardom brought them all to the townsquare where the bodies of the Dûnan soldiers still laid. Flanked by Darragh and the yellow maned soldier was Jjonveyo, blood spattered over his breastplate. He stood calculating as the survivors were put into rows and pushed to their knees.
“Valix had sealed your fate before the battle began,” Jjonveyo explained slowly, “I had offered peace and life but he swore war even at the cost of every child of this settlement.” Jjonveyo pointed his axe at a terrified mother who was clinging to her baby, “But know that the Tsar is one of mercy and I decree this oath struck by Valix to be nulled by his death as well as his inability to lead. He was not competent enough to strike such a deal - unless of course you all disagree.” Jjonveyo sniffed and stamped the butt of his axe into the ground, “I will ask each of you this, and listen closely and ponder the words for it will determine your fate.”
A pause.
“Do you want to live?”
The survivors exchanged looks. Then a mother with a babe on her arm crawled a little closer and, still on her knees, lifted her free arm in the Tsar’s direction. “Hail the ‘zar of the east, Jonwayo,” she said submittingly, respect in every word despite her botched pronounciation. Others quickly followed in her steps, submitting themselves to the Tsar’s leadership.
Dark, unforgiving eyes stared down the people as they praised their new Tsar. The tree-wrapped Cenél were standing each at least a head if not two towering over the Celeviak soldiers and watched the people kneel. Some exchanged glances, others looked at Darragh. Their faces began to sour. Their Boyar, their Fakir leader looked anything but pleased. After a few minutes it turned his back to the spectacle and walked away. The tree-kin Cenél trickled away. Following their leader.
Jjonveyo = 18
The Eastern Town-fort of Ha-Leothe (and avid mining town) is approached by the Western army of Jjonveyo. The thein laughs it off as simple barbarians but then quickly restructures his opinion when he sees the army using advanced tactics and decides to hole himself up in the fort. Jjonveyo approaches the fort and offers peace if they surrender and give themselves over - the thein disagrees, Jjonveyo offers the peace a second time, citing certain death otherwise and a Dunan soldier waves his private parts around in disrespect, the thein agrees with the waver and so the siege begins.
With the help of Cenel magic, Jjonveyo has the hill and the fort burned down. He then keeps the survivors of the fire awake all night with mind games, and then in the morning when everyone is loopy and exhausted -- he strikes with his freshly rested army and easily takes the town. The only survivors were children, elderly, sick, and women who had hid in the old mines. Jjonveyo offers mercy to them for servitude and they take it .... much to Darragh’s dismay.
In the valley of Karalieuski, an army of round shielded axemen stood opposite the Eastern army of the Čeleviak Tsardom. The scene was quiet, and if not for the occasional chatter of metal idly moving, it wouldn’t seem like a battlefield at all. Lazy clouds drifted overhead and even songbirds peeped louder than the armies. A uncaring wind snaked through the warriors and soldiers, apathetic to politics or war.
The scene was broken as the lines split, a single entity coming from either side. From the side of the Karalieuski axemen, came an elderly man with a long white beard and the muscular vigor of a man twenty years younger. His body was tightly wrapped in bronze chains and cured leather, giving him the look of an armadillo. His opposite, the entity from the Čeleviak army, was a much younger man who stood a whole head taller. He had the dark features of his older brother, but a crooked smile unlike Jjonveyo’s stoicism. In his hand he held a long spear that ended with a wavy bronzen blade and sharp point.
“Demtri of the Čeleviak,” The old Karalieuski man greeted, eyes on the spear.
“Siabar of the Karalieuski,” Demtri tipped his head.
“I had heard of your brother’s reforms, but I didn’t expect to see one of the Fangs of the Snake at my doorstep so soon.” Siabar admitted. His eyes trailed the weapon, “Speaking of, is this the Tongue of Thaa?”
“The very same,” Demtri tipped the spear proudly.
Siabar exhaled sharply, something between a scoff and a laugh, “Well I can’t help but admit that your father would be proud to see it in your hands, prouder still of you and your brother’s ambitions.”
Demtri faked a bashful face, “And of Siabar?”
“I heard the demands of the reforms, the purposes and ambitions of it all,” Siabar sniffed. “What it entails...” He lifted his axe from his belt loop and held it high. Demtri kept his eye on it as Siabar tossed it into the dirt below, blade first. “The Karalieuski have seen it as righteous and offer our allegiance freely.”
“Then by the power of the Tsar,” Demtri tipped his head, “I name you brother, Boyar, and my equal. May the Boyardom of Karalieuski prosper.”
“We got them now!” Vorah of the northern valley tribes shouted, his rowdy band of warriors cheering loudly. In front of them, a small detachment of Čeleviak spearmen stand wedged between their berserkers and the thick trees of the approaching forest. On either side of the armies stood the arms of the forest, putting the groups on a peninsula of field, the northern valley tribesmen blocking any escape for the spearmen.
A Čeleviak soldier wearing a strange golden mane on his helmet turned to the warriors in the distance and shouted something in Čeleviak that Vorah recognized:
“ANVIL!”
A loud “HOOAH!” sounded as the Čeleviak spearmen faced the warriors and packed in tight, spears leveled. The tight formation spread to cover the length of the field.
“SAW!”
“HOOAH!”
Every other spearman dropped a pace back, giving the line a serrated edge. Vorah’s eyes widened in confusion, then the rumbling behind him tipped him off to what was going on. The warriors of the northern valley began to shout in fear, a devastating horde of elk riders pounding down towards them. Demtri lead the charge, the Tongue of Thaa leveled as a lance. Panicking, the warriors began to scatter, breaking formation - but they had nowhere to go.
With an incredible smash, the Čeleviak cavalry slammed into the mob. Screams and warcries split the air as mists of blood permeated the scene. Those who stood in the way of the elks were trampled and cut down, those who tried to run were impaled on the wall of spears. Vorah stood in complete shock as he watched his resistance fall to slaughter around him, only when he saw an elk riding right at him did he snap back too.
Demtri was already half off his mount as he approached Vorah, leaping off the moving creature and towards his victim. Vorah managed to duck under the lunge just in time, but it was punished as Demtri landed square on his feet, spear twirling under arm - smacking Vorah with the butt. Another swing, the pole of the spear smashing into his throat, then another as the long reach tripped him -- the cold earth below catching Vorah. In a moment it was all over, the Tongue of Thaa thrusting into his chest and poking into the soil behind -- a quiet prayer to Thaa spilling from Demtri and onto his fallen foe.
The Northern Valley tribes have fallen.
We meet Demtri, one of the Fangs of the Snake and brother of Jjonveyo. He wields his father’s weapon, the dreaded Tongue of Thaa. He first encounters the Karalieuski, a mountain tribe, lead by a man named Siabar. Siabar peacefully resigns to the Tsardom, calling the purpose righteous. Later we see a glimpse of Demtri’s battles in the Northern Valleys and his victory over a resisting leader named Vorah.
Dark Red: Tsardom Heartlands Orange: The Boyardoms of Jren and Skan Black: The Boyardoms of Karalieuski and the Northern Valleys Green: The Western Expansion and Boyardom of Cenel
IF ANY OF THESE SEEM INCORRECT OR OVERLAIN ON SOMETHING YOU MADE OR ARE MAKING, CONTACT ME!
I'm not really a bird.
[center]-0-
Where did I play,
A land of twisted branches,
A kingdom of clay,
A swamp of memories,
A never-ending day,
Where did I run,
Across the dawn,
Through the sun,
Across the sky,
Through laughs and fun,
Where did I walk,
Pristine grass green,
White cliffs of chalk,
Pools of sky so blue,
Orchard stones that talk,
Where did I sit,
By the gates of silver,
Near endless pit,
By forever horizon,
You may remember it.[/center]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I'm not really a bird.<br><br><div class="bb-center">-0-<br><br>Where did I play,<br>A land of twisted branches,<br>A kingdom of clay,<br>A swamp of memories,<br>A never-ending day,<br><br>Where did I run,<br>Across the dawn,<br>Through the sun,<br>Across the sky,<br>Through laughs and fun,<br><br>Where did I walk,<br>Pristine grass green,<br>White cliffs of chalk,<br>Pools of sky so blue,<br>Orchard stones that talk,<br><br>Where did I sit,<br>By the gates of silver,<br>Near endless pit,<br>By forever horizon,<br>You may remember it.</div></div>
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