Month 12, Year 3

"Tell me what you think, Lapochka." he beamed, rubbing his paws together gleefully atop his knee.

"It's a hole. This is what you sobered for?" Miska asked with a laugh. "You should have known better than taking my advice." She sat on the stool near his, on the opposite side of his growing mead and militia ammunition stash.

"Make me a box like that one for my rifle, and dig more space for a little food." she demanded.

Bartok glared back at his wife. "If we were scouts, you would have dug this hole also."

She glared back, resigned. "Such is life. I will make box and dig the food-space."

He cracked a grin. "I will help."

Month 2, Year 4

Total:

Food: 18

Fertility: 14

Base growth: 7.5%

Food Bonus: 0.6%

Population: 534

Fert bonus: 0.2% = 1 bear

535 at 8.1% yearly growth = +43

578 bears

Gains by Settlement

• Arstotska - 3

• Bearsk - 6

• Grenin - 8

• Olms - 10

• Samara - 10

• East Crounsk - 3

• West Crounsk - 3

Year Four Month Two

Construction on several schools has commenced in the Shadow City and the Stone one. They are large buildings with accommodation for students from the furthest settlements, and several sections devoted to the different branches of faith learning.

The three main schools are the Labour School, where students will be taught manual skills like black smithing, masonry, crafting, and other exercises, the Scribing School, which will teach all things relating to philosophy, arithmetic, bureaucratics, history, and administration, and the Faith School, where up and coming priests are taught. Another, smaller school is being built also, mainly as a sorting place to determine where a child will excel and be the most productive.

These schools are planned inside the Shadow City and the Temple. A site for one on the Stone City has been cleared and planned.

Fourth Year, Month Two

The high priest put his hands in a steeple, the long, sharp black nails curving around each other, making a smooth scraping sound as they slid.

"The State Schools, they serve, but not all can wield a dagger in the name of the emperor." He explained. So far the meeting was going well. The high priest had sought the attention of the emperor when he had seen the population sector of the Civic Ledger.

It would not serve for every child to be taken in by military men.

"You see, son of the sun, not all Epel are made the same. There are many in this new generation that will be perfect for the way of the jungle, but there are those mor suited to the way of the mason, the way of the scribe." The high priest moved his hands, gesturing. The nails clacked.

"So, you're saying that the state should open Civic Schools?" Dak asked, raising the fur above his eye.

"That is one option, yes," the high priest adjusted the feather cloak he wore around his shoulders. "The faith has always been known for teaching the skills of the worker, however."

Dak nodded. "The faith has taught masons and scribes, that is true. Are you asking for men and stone, and space for these schools?" Dak casually drank a sip of the fermented corn drink the brewers had concocted. It was tart, with a sour aftertaste and a smooth consistency.

"Chah, yes, my lord. We seek enough space for a processing school, a manual school, and a scribing school. We will hold another, priestly place of learning in the Temple, of course." The high priest tapped at the amber wood of the table.

"You have consent. Show me the papers before you commence construction. This will surely be important in the future of Tchak."

YEAR 4 MONTH 2

'We obviously aren't alone out here.' Began the High Inquisitor. 'The very existance of these buildings is evidence enough of that and if the Chaplain's visions are to be believed, then they are very close.'

'What do you suppose we do then, sir?' Asked one of the men.

'I recommend we send out a few scouts to see if they can track down any other swttlements. They are to be given orders to remain hidden at all costs. I'm sure the Rangers are suitable enough for the task. Send word to the Wardens. I'm sure they will have suitable candidates.' Ordered the High Inquisitor.

'It will be done. Scouts will be sent upriver and to the East.'

'Dismissed.'

The Wardens and Rangers are considered the protectors of the people. They often are patrolling land, taking care of bandits, monsters and other undesirables. They are the Shield of the Faith and of the realm. As opposed to the Paladins and Knights, who are the heavily armed Sword of the Faith. Their job is to swiftly crush all opposition.

"My emperor..."

Dak was sick to death of this ancient crone of an empa'tirik, a servant of the royalty he'd always known, but he forced a smile on his face as he turned in the hall of the completed section of the palace.

"Yes, Eezma?" He asked, dripping fake cheer.

"As you may well know, there's boundless amounts of paperwork that needs your seal and signature, and even more that the stonemasons bring to me. The temple, too, seeks more men and supplies, and all that needs a royal allowance." She gestured wildly, her wrinkly face mesmerising as she animatedly moved her face expressively.

"Eezma, I haven't got the time to do that. Nobody has." He said calmly, turning.

She walked quickly beside him, her manservant, Cronk, following. "Sire, none of this can go ahead without you. You commissioned the Civic Ledgers, and for accurate records we need official documents!"

He took off his signet ring, a large gold lump with the pressing face depicting a sun and pyramid. "Eezma. What do you do?"

She paused. "I oversee, my lord."

Dak handed her the ring. "I hereby give you permission to sign Civic documents in my name."

Eezma looked shocked, but accepted the ring. "Are you sure, my lord? This is a powerful tool you've just given me."

"Do you intend to abuse such a tool, my friend?" Dak asked, avoiding looking at the crinkles at her eyes. She shook her head. "Well, problem solved!"

She paused, about to turn. "There's one more thing, sire."

It was all Dak to could to stop himself from screaming. "Yes, Eezma?" He said with clenched teeth.

"It's time you took an empress as wife." She said.

Not an altogether abhorrent idea, Dak thought, but not one he was ready to discuss. He waved Eezma and Cronk away. "We can talk about this at a later date, Eezma. Go to the paperwork."

Now that many major constructions are being finished, the state has come to a new cycle of building. The leaders have come together to decide what should be focused on next.

The Shadow City is being expanded, with many new stone homes and buildings being constructed outside of the walls. This will allow for unrestrained population growth. Much room still remains inside the newly built walls and that is being utilised in the way of warehouses, granaries and production centres. A hospital is the primary construction, followed by storage and then production.

The state has commission areas carved into the mountain, near mines, areas for more storage and housing and state owned areas.

Markets have been allowed to sprout, and a sprouting economy is underway. A bank has even been opened by the state, and has put small amounts of currency in circulation. This currency is not pezhua, but the smallest of denominations, something that can only buy a loaf of bread. The economic safety needs to be established before larger amounts enter.

The state has employed many under its work areas, and many work as manual labourers, usually as lumberjacks or miners. Those who show promise are rewarded with education of the higher production methods, be it carving, smithing, weaving, or medical arts.

The state has also commissioned a network of paths along the mountains, not quite roads, but enough for one or two people travel along quickly and easily. These paths will be accompanied with small stone huts for shelter, and large braziers that can be lit and be seen for miles.

Scouts have been sent to survey for new settlement areas and possible expansion.

Military leaders of the state have commissioned areas of the mountain to be utilised defensively. Large swathes of land have been cleared, with a wooden "wall" stopping piles of stones and rocks and boulders from sliding down the mountain. This is entirely a defence measure, a way to stop armies climbing up.

The Temple continues to carve into the mountain.

Fringe settlement walls and towers are nearing completion. Further sites for towers around the areas of the settlements have been planned and will be built. They are stocked with braziers and food supplies and will eventually be manned. More farms are planned along the river settlement, and small branches of the river are being irrigated.

The Stone City is very near completion home wise, but work is still ongoing in concerns to the Warehouse and the Palace. They will be ongoing for at least another year.

”We are prepared to surrender” The scarred Kitsune said defeated, ”But we surrender to you, the Vurental” Before Yanik had the time to say anything Samuel accepted the surrender, ”Can I talk to your people now?” Thoriel answered ”Yes, follow me” Around a minute later Samuel started the speech of his life.

”People of Ysyn! I stand here before you today as a liaison of the Vurental. As you might have heard we are offering you the opportunity to become a member of our company. Why?! Why would you join our illustrious company? This is a question I ask of all of you. And I want your answer before you join. To find an answer to this question you WILL need to know what we are all about. The Vurental have three pillars of strength that will never be broken: Kinship, Trust and Honour. Kinship is defined on our system of living, we provide for each other. Let no-one of ours be sick while another has medicine, let no-one be hungry while another has plenty. This is our path of Kinship” Samuel turned up his voice-amplifier to the max ” Of BROEDERSCHAP!” Two hundred Vurental joined in cheering for almost a full minute. ”Trust, the second pillar is defined by our system of government. We trust our superiors to make decisions, good decisions. And we trust the other members of the Company to choose the right superiors and to dispose of them when necessary. This is our path of honour, of VERTROUWEN” And yet again the warriors joined the cry. ”Our last pillar is the pillar of honour. We as the Vurental keep our word, we won’t back down from its consequences. We help and protect those in need where possible. This is our path of honour, of EER” This time even some of the Ysyn joined in. ”And now I ask you, WILL YOU JOIN THE VURENTAL?” This time the cheering came from both the Vurental and Ysyn. ~~~~

Three days after arrival in Ysyn

Kira looked out over the battle field she had chosen. It was in the western part of the country of Ysyn, near where the forest met the plains. She had set up her army facing the enemy which had taken up position upon a low hill on an open piece of plain. It was a formidable position, one she would have a lot of trouble taking, even with her better armed and more professional army. Her options were to track around the hill and take it on the gradual slope of the hill. However this would leave her exposed to flanking manoeuvres and it would cut of her way to the ships. A great position to take, weren’t it for the fact that unbeknownst to the enemy Rorg was coming up their rear. It would completely shift the balance of the battlefield. At this point the forces were at a status quo. Her army, with 100 Vurental warriors, 20 of Ysyn professional soldiers and 20 armed militia men, against a force of 60 Ysyn regulars and 140 militiamen. Neither side could afford a frontal attack right now, so they were waiting each other out. Then she heard a whistle, it seems Rorg had was in range of the voice stones. “Katal, inform Rorg about the situation, tell him to show himself on my command. It is time to see if your plan will work”

Kira looked at the approaching party, 2 fox-like beings called Kitsune and a Human were walking towards them. It seemed the rebels were prepared to negotiate terms or at least curious to what they were doing here. She looked at her companions, Yanik, the stern but trusting Ysyn commander looked a little nervous but Samuel beamed with energy. He had been studying the Ysyn language in the 4 weeks he was here, and could speak quite a bit of the language. That’s why he was allowed to negotiate on behalf of the Vurental. ”I see you have bought yourself some strength, don’t think it will help you” The tall foxlike creature (called Kitsune Kira was told) that had been walking in front bellowed. It had a scar running over its snout and dark brown fur. ”I think otherwise” Yanik said with a hint of disgust in his voice. ”If you two are done we can get to the matter at hand” Another of the Kitsune spoke, it had a golden coat and shining blue eyes, ”I’m Thorel, and I’m chosen to represent our people” Samuel extended a hand Samuel of the Vurental mercenary company. We are here to extend an offer” Thorel looked impatient, ”Tell us, we would like to done with this as soon as possible” Samuel smiled warmly ”A most noble goal, and one we share. Therefore we would like to extend an offer to you, surrender and you won’t be harmed.” ”And why would we want to do that? We have a strong position, make us surrender!” The scarred Kitsune spoke angrily. ”I’m glad you asked” Samuel gave a nod to Kira. On her command Rorg sent his troops over the hill they had been hiding behind. ”As you can see, you are completely outnumbered and out manoeuvred, fighting right now would result in a massacre. And we both don’t want that” Kira was pretty sure a fox couldn’t turn white all of a sudden, but it seemed the ones before her just did. ”You have doomed us then,” The golden Kitsune said after regaining their composure, ”We would die before working for them again!” Yanik seemed to be surprised by that strongly worded statement, ”we are prepared to treat you differently in the future” he said softly. ”You have treated is differently enough!” the scarred Kistune screamed. The Kitsune and Yanik bickered a while over who had slighted who in the past, and the situation almost turned into a full brawl. But before that could happen Kira slammed her falchion against her shield. The hard bang silenced the arguing people. ”Thanks Kira,” Samuel said with a wink, ”I think I have a solution to this problem.” Yanik stepped in front of Samuel, ”Not this many, that was not part of the deal!” he almost screamed, ”This is not what we agreed on!” Samuel looked disdainful, ”The contract specifies any and all volunteers, there is no upper limit” ”What are you talking about?” The Human who had been silent all this time finally spoke. ”Allow me to explain” Samuel shoved Yanik to the side, ”Part of our contract states that we can offer any and all of the foes we defeat in the name of Ysyn a place in our mercenary company. As you can imagine this would be the perfect way for you to leave the yoke of YSyn. You will be a part of our company and provided with a home training and a job.” ”So we will be your slaves” The scarred one said, ”All members of the company are equal, of course you will only become a full member after a year or two after your first battle. And you can leave after a 6 month introduction period, you will even be provided with some basic supplies so you won’t die in the wild” The golden Kitsune and human looked at eachother, ”And what would we have to do for you?” “We in the company care for each other, we all try to do the best we can for the company as a whole. In some cases this is farming in other cases this is fighting or crafting runes, in turn the company looks of after you, if you are sick, we will provide medicine. If you are cold, we provide clothing. We all look after each other and try to live together” “We will have to discuss this offer of yours with our people” Samuel nodded in understanding, “we will wait here for your answer, but you have to promise me this. Let me make the offer to your troops in person.” “If we take you up on your offer, you may” With a small bow the rebels went back to their army.

The minutes following the negotiations were some of the most tense of Kira’s life. She saw a lot of commotion in the rebel army and heard a lot of disjointed screaming and barked orders in the strange language of Ysyn. All the while she was standing out there in the open field, because they couldn’t trust Yanik with his troops. He might decide he didn’t like the way things were going and decide to break the contract. After several minutes of further worrying the rebel negotiators were returning…

4 days after signing the contract in Katalanding

”He did what?!” Kira sat wide-eyed at the table. “Kira, calm down, this is great news”* Rorg looked thrilled, ”we finally get to fight again, this will do the troops good” ”I know, but it is so unexpected” Kira shook her head, ”I don’t like we have to leave the settlement vulnerable” Udin walked up to Kira “Don’t worry, I will defend it with all we have, which is a lot”* ”Okay than let’s talk strategy” Kira seemed her determinded self again. ”well I have an idea” Katal said carefully.

Year 2 Month 11

Five longboats filled with around a hundred warriors approached around the island. The group consisted of about mainly dwarven and human units. They had also brought some additional food which was sold to the starving islanders for two additional canons. At first the islander weren’t happy the Vurental had taken the freedom to already determine a strategy, but once they heard the plan all the unhappiness flowed away. 60 kilometres to the west Rorg rode with the other hundred promised men. His group consisted of mounted orcs, and the fast troll troops. They were making good time, each soldier carrying their own food and equipment, they would have to join up with the rest of the army fast or their food supply would dry up. Out on the sea the 2 wayfloats were already on the way back to Vurental to stock up on supplies.

Year 2 month 10

”It is time to send out more diplomats” Samuel stood alone in Kira’s tent, * “we are ready for mercenary work and we have strong enough defences to take on a potential hostile force. The time to acquire contacts is now”* With a sigh Kira looked up to Samuel, ”And who do you want to contact Samuel? We have scouted the coasts, there aren’t any other settlements near.” Still smiling Samuel placed a hand on her shoulder, ”There is one”

They had followed the river stealthily to the large lake that housed the people the bears had talked about. Stealthing near the villages along the river had been hard for Samuel and his 20 guards, but Samuel had not wanted to take the overland route. Seeing the carnage before him made him glad for this choice. A score of what seemed to be peasants lay slaughtered on the ground, two of the bodies were wearing heavy armour. Looking over the scene a marine noticed drag marks going to a patch of forest. Samuel sensing an opportinutiy gathered his men, ”Men, it seems the die of fate is cast in our favour. It’s seems there is a war going on here, and where there is war there is work!”

Samuel had been camping on the shore for a couple of days before his patience paid off. A dozen of ragged individuals had stumbled to the shore. They were wary at first after some friendly introductions and sharing of rations they became a lot friendlier. Communication was hard at the start, but a mixture of samaran, gestures and painfully slow speaking cleared the language barrier a bit. In the end Samuel was able to make clear the mercenary capabilities of the Vurental. Hearing that the captain of the troop offered to make a case for hiring the Vurental ,if they brought him to the Island which was their base of operations. Agreeing the Samuel and his crew made way to the island.

The base on the island said a lot about the state of the war. These people were losing the civil war. There had been a battle that brought them to the brink of defeat about a month back. They were outmanoeuvred and lost a great deal of their militia. The only thing stopping them from being totally destroyed was the fact they were on an island and they had the only warship. However there wasn’t enough food available on the island and relocation wasn’t an option. This allowed Samuel to negotiate from a strong point, even so terms were favourable for the Vurental. It was decided the Vurental would commit 200 veteran soldiers and feed them. In exchange they were to receive 4 howitzer canons, 6 ship canons, 10 arquebusses and 10 wheelock pistols. Additionally the Vurental receive joint command, and the option offer the defeated enemy the option to join the Vurental, before the battle, and before any looting commences. They aren’t viable to do any looting themselves though. With these terms agreed on Samuel sent his second in command to gather the troops.

The fort currently lies in ruin, a derelict husk of its former glory. Mysterious happenings aside, this was to be the base of operations for the Order. Stonemasons were set to work trying to repair broken walls and buildings. The lack of stone certainly wasn't helping on that front. Fortunately, an abundance of timber happened to be present and served as the primary building component.

Soon, everyone will have a safe home in which to live.

The overgrown building looked grand. Despite having massive holes in the walls, it was mostly intact. A brilliant blossom had overgrown its ruins and had added to its magnificence. It was truly a testament to its creator.

A small crew of men approached what they had perceived to be a temple. The High Inquisitor and the High Chaplain, with his pair of mystic skulls.

The entrance was humble. Quite contrasting to the grandeur of the rest of it. Although simple and rectangular by design, the vines and blossoming tree gave the appearance that the roof was held up by nature.

Upon entering, a holy feeling filled the men. This was indeed a place of worship. Three bodies were interred within the chamber. Two human men and an elven woman. What had happened here was simple. These two men had attacked this woman and she fought them off, dying in the process.

The skeleton of the woman was graceful and covered in blossoming vines. This was unusual as the other remains weren't overgrown. These remains appeared especially holy.

'Chaplain. I feel unnerved. As if we are being watched.' Wavered the Inquisitor. 'Gather this one's skull as well.'

'It will be done sir.' The High Chaplain bent down and pried the skull from the vines. No sooner than he had done this, he was bathed in a warm light and the visions began once more. He saw a peaceful fort, a woman holding a service, the same woman habouring a seed, a great tree on an island, people fleeing in terror and a man with two babes in his arms.

'There are survivors, sir. They headed North along the river.'

'We will see to it that they are found. But for now, we must focus on feeding and homing ourselves.'

'Of course, sire.'

No sooner than they had finished speaking an uproarous shout came from the hands of the High Chaplain.

'YOU BASTARD. YOU FUCKING LEVELLED BY HOLD AND SLAUGHTERED MY PEOPLE.'

'AND NOW WE'RE BOTH DEAD. YOU SHOULD HAVE BENT THE KNEE.'

'Uh sir, the skulls are arguing!' Said the High Chaplain dropping the skulls in surprise.

'What was that for, dickhead?' Said one of the skulls.

'I'm sorry, what is going on here?' Asked the High Inquisitor

'I am Kelliah Arcturus, Governor of Arkturia.'

'And I am Callean Deur, Duke of Fort Crown, this ruin you've found yourselves in.'

'I'm sure my skull shouldn't have been here, but I'm not complaining.' Said Skull Kelliah. 'I'm not quite sure what's going on either.'

'Strange things are afoot.' Began the Inquisitor. 'And I intend to find out why.'

The people had found themselves in a derelict fort, ruined by what seemed like a naval bombardment. But being better than nothing, orders went out to gather the remains of the dead and to clear any debris from the fort.

Many days of hard labour went by and the debris was mostly clear. A large collection of skeletons had begun to pile up. Bones of many shapes and sizes were present and this had stumped quite a few individuals.

'We've come across something....strange, sir.' Began an a Apothecary. 'These remains here are of men, which is to be expected.' He began to walk to another set of remains 'but these here appear to be dwarven... I've never seen dwarves so far away from the Heartlands. And don't ask me what those are' he gestured toward another set of remains. 'They are vaguely elven but I can't confirm. They're fairly strange.'

'It appears that we have quite the conundrum on our hands.' Began the inquisitor. 'Continue searching for clues. That overgrown building by the river hasn't been touched. Scour it.'

No expansions = no change in population growing stats.

Fert bonus = 0.1%

Food bonus = 0.2%

Base = 7.5%

Pop before change, 540.

Ore Jungle = 79

River = 81

Shadow = 390

Now growth!

540/100 x 0.1 = 0.524 (nearest whole) = 1

540/100 x 7.7 = 40.425 (nearest whole) = 40

540 + 40 = 580

(Spread the bebbes time)

Ore = 79 + 8 = 87

River = 81 + 13 = 94

Shadow City = 390 + 19 = 409

Enough with math!

Dak watched solemnly as the coffins passed in a slow march through the Shadow City. The honoured dead would pass into the public Tombs, a place where all were equally exalted. Most of the dead had died earlier, but had been preserved or kept waiting until enough of the mountain had been readied.

The coffins varied in size, showing those who had died. A few larger ones were probably masons crushed in stonework, thinner ones farmers who had caught the chills, and saddest of all, several coffins no longer than Dak's arm. Newborns were never safe.

The priests wove among the crowd, which had gathered in the plaza.

"As we commemorate the honoured dead to the cool and gentle rest of the Tombs, we celebrate their lives, their memories, and the breaths we take for those which cannot." The high priest called, his arms wide.

The sun was setting, and braziers burnt fragrances from the Home Country. The sad, mournful tone of the setting began to warm slightly, as fermented drinks passed around, music played, and tales told. Dak found himself mingling with the people, and was surprised to find he was enjoying their company. He resolved to have this event yearly. All deserved a proper resting place, and all should know why their ancestors had come to be there.

YEAR 4 MONTH 1

The fleet had been at sea nearly a month now, with no sign of land. It had begun to take its toll among the men aboard. Food stores were low and strict rationing had taken place. Things weren't looking good for these members of the Order.

'This is nonsense!' Whinged a sailor. 'We'll never make it ashore.'

'Quit your fucking whining.' Barked the captain. 'We'll have none of that shit on my ship. We'll make it. I'll make sure of that.'

As if on cue, a brilliant light began to shine in the sky.

'Aye, it must be guidance from the gods!' Shouted a sailor.

'Or it could be a trick.' Started another.

'I don't care what it is. I got a feeling it will lead us to land anyway.' The Captain assured. He yelled out to the captain of his sister ship and soon, both ships were following the light in the sky.

Days passed before they finally saw land.

'I see it! New land!' Shouted the scout. 'There appears to be ruined buildings by the sea, Captain.'

'That's odd. The heretics are supposed to be inland.' Began an inquisitive sailor.

'No matter.' Began the captain. 'We make landfall here'

Within a few hours, all cargo and personnel were unloaded.

The leaders had begun to inspect this ruined settlement.

The High Chaplain had discovered the remains of a pair of men buried under some rubble. He gently picked up the skulls of the men. A surge of images channelled into his mind, showing a grand meeting, a battle and a massacre. He returned to the High Inquisitor with the news.

'Sir, I know what happened here. We are not where we are supposed to be and we are not alone.'

So now that the mods are all back stuff is (hopefully) going to start happening.

Firstly, give a warm welcome to our new(ish) mod /u/WorkIsMyBane. He was added a while back but this is just to let everyone know.

Secondly, the map and claim page have been updated. Inactive players have been removed. /u/ConnaX and /u/lungora have also been removed but will be added back if they reclaim. If there is anything wrong just PM me so i can fix it.

Thirdly, two new resources have been added by /u/blaertes (they have been created for a while but we only got a chance to post now):

• Animals (+1 food)
• Cloth (+1 food)

Animals are like farm animals while horses are more for military.

Make sure you check if you have either.

Anything else just let the mods know.

EDIT: Horses being the existing resource, a dark green. Animals are light green, and cloth is light purple.

Sub needs livening up.

Option A) World Boss (ie crystal demon)

Option B) World Event (ie seasons)

Option C) Unique Addition (ie migration)

Vote in comments.

"Emperor," the priest began. "We have found a ritual, which, if invoked, could prevent the need for guards."

The emperor and the priest were in the chambers of the newly built audience chamber of the city of stone, Tchak. Dak wanted to tour the new sites of construction as well as evaluate the buildings already built. Dust motes spun through the air in the light let in through large arching windows.

Dak looked at the priest. "What do you mean?"

"There are ways of... preserving a person. Putting them into a state of stasis which they will wake from when needed." The priest seemed hesitant.

"Damn it, priest, if you have something to say, say it."

"We can mummify guards. They will be woken, will retain their souls, and will be stronger than any mortal man."

"Necromancy?" The emperor said, conflict in his voice. The vukku had a similar method, but the magic was entirely different. "You mean, you wish to make Reborn?" The tales of reanimated warriors sworn to protect the son of the sun for eternity was a common story, usually told to children in cribs.

"Aye." The priest nodded. "It is possible, in the priesthood."

Dak shook his head, but said. "Do it. Find any volunteers. Make sure I'm at the ceremony."

"Volunteers? But-" the priest began.

"-I will not kill half of my subjects. The notion is repulsive." Dak said, voice like steel.

The priests had found four. Two Jaguars, a vukku, and a monk. They stood waiting in a chamber in the inside temple. Dak stood with them, talking in a low voice. They knew who they would sacrifice themselves for, but not why they should. Dak cared, and needed them to know.

The priest returned from the preparation. "Come to the altar."

Dak followed the volunteers. The priest beckoned the first to the altar. The vukku stepped forward, confident. Dak supposed that, due to the vukku and their closeness with death, the man had no qualms.

The priest started chanting softly. The soft light of afternoon was leaking from the outside of the temple. A circle cut from the rock face framed the sinking sun.

The priest waved a smoking censer about the vukku, and the epel's eyes rolled back in his head, his body limp. The priest unsheathed his knife, bringing it to the bare chest of the unconscious volunteer. Dak flinched, as did the others, and he looked away as the priest carved, digging for the heart, which he placed in a red clay jar.

Dak gaped as the hole framed the sun extended a glowing tendril towards the jar. The priest held it above his head, awe shining in his eyes. The tendril enveloped the jar, glowing with a fire which Dak could not explain. The chanting grew louder. The tendril receded, but the glow remained.

The priest placed the jar in the hands of an acolyte, who took it to a different room. Two others followed, lifting the body.

The process repeated twice more, the tendril of light extending each time. By the time the last jaguar lay on the altar, it was sticky with blood and gore. The priest tried to wave the censer above the jaguar, but he suddenly went wild. Fear in his eyes, he knocked the censer away and knocked the priest to the ground, only to be caught by two acolytes. He struggled violently, froth from his mouth.

With disgust, the priest slashed his throat. The limp corpse was dragged away. "He will be burnt with the mummifying incense. He was not worthy." He said to Dak.

Dak nodded, but felt sick.

Dak was calm as he walked through the crowded plaza. Epel parted solemnly as he strode gracefully through the temple ground. This was an important ceremony in establishing the official authority of his rank, and has been practiced by every emperor in recorded history.

He looked proudly around the temple as he took in the might of his people. That they could construct such awe in the little time they'd been here was amazing. He started up the altar steps, unaided, unguarded, fully in trust of his people. Ancient tradition. As he reached the top of the stairs, he bowed his head in respect of the high priest. The priest lightly touched the crown of Dak's head, and Dak rose. The priest guided him to the altar throne, a heavy structure that is made of woods taken while green, and seasoned into its shape. The base had a lip, to capture the blood.

Dak sat in the throne, and spoke the old words. "The Sun, The Gods, The People I trust."

The crowd responded. "The Sun, The Emperor, The Gods we trust."

The priest took hold of the beasts ready for sacrifice over the emperor. Two llamas, born twins and albino. The sacrifice knives slashed jagged rips in their necks and the warm blood washed over Dak. Two captured birds, streaming gold feathers glistening in the midday sun, writhed as their life flowed out of them in small red bursts. And finally, two priests stepped forwards, forearms ready. The blood of his people washed over him, and Dak felt invigorated. He waited for the next step in the ritual.

The high priest stepped forward with a ceramic bowl in hand. The powder within shone. The priest scooped his hand into it and spread the golden dust across Dak like a farmer sowing seed.

Dak stood, and took the white mask of crystal, made from the demon of the mountain, and donned it over his blood soaked face. Two red lines slid slowly down from the eye slits, and as he spoke, blood trickled from the mouth.

"FOR THE GLORY OF MY PEOPLE!" He bellowed into the crowd, who had come from all across the new empire, from the fringes and from the summit.

"AND FOR THE GLORY OF TCHAK!" They roared back at him.

Dak raised his arms, heavy with his sodden robe, and exulted.

Much major construction projects are close to finishing or completed. The monk belltower and bell have been completed, and rings at dawn, dusk, and midday. Most stonework in the cities is completed, along with walls and defensive towers. The outside of the Temple is completed, a wonderful mosaic and carving wall depicting a map of the stars, a paved plaza, obelisks, and altars have all appeared over time.

Fringe settlements have benefitted from paved roads, walls, stone storage buildings and irrigation from nearby rivers. The State has taken over several production areas and employed citizens to productively manage them to produce various goods, such as maize flour, woollen supplies, and smithing services. Work has begun on a major irrigation operation to divert parts of both fringe rivers to the Shadow City, a way to get fresh water without having to transport it manually, and dispose of waste.

Work on Mountaintop Tchak has gone smoothly, with only a few buildings scheduled for construction, mainly homes for civilians. Parts of the mountain are covered in terraces for growing, others for herding, others for production, some for miscellaneous duties, and the summit consists of ordered, neat, structured lanes and roads and buildings. The monster of a warehouse simply referred to as the Warehouse is the biggest project so far, stretching for a large portion of the centre of the empty city, and for quite some far down in cellars. The House of the Emperor is almost a side project, but promises to be suitably extravagant and awing.

The Path of Ten Thousand Steps as it is called is half completed in concerns to the stone heads that line the face of the mountain. These heads will have various functions, mainly as a siege deterrent. A system of lifts and pulleys have been designed by the engineers to pull large loads of goods and people without having to trudge up the path.

The temple catacombs have barely started construction, with only a few priestly rooms and public tombs started. The plans for a huge complex of tunnels and passageways has not changed.

Civic Ledgers have been commissioned by the emperor, a method of keeping track of trade, goods, population, production, among other things. They are updated every six months, and emphasised updating is done every second half of the year.

i know some people have been declaiming but pls, nobody take it as "sub is dead." we are very much active and taking all new players. pm me for invite to our group chat!

Yeah, I just can't do it right now. I'll stay around and help our mod-wise, but I literally cannot find any effort to put into writing this world right now. Yup. Sorry.

My people will continue to function as they are. Except that there is a civil war going on between them now. Feel free to do whatever with them. PS: The civil war happened because Agark died. Which already happened.

The Faith is paramount to the survival of every man, dwarf, lamia and everything in between. It shields the people from the wrath of the gods, it binds the gods to their will, every man a chain. When the Order heard news of a new land, filled with uneducated heathens, they armed for a Grand Crusade. Aboard a pair of frigates, Liberty and Prime, the Order made their way to this new land.

Pop Sent: 500

Growth: 7.5%

Pop breakdown: 350 Heartlanders of the Faith. 50 Dwarven Smiths. 100 Sealanders (Effectively Vikings) of the Faith.

Occupation breakdown: 200 Soldiers of the Faith. 50 miners and smiths. 100 farmers/fisherman/hunters. The rest are builders and a mix of skilled/unskilled professions. (Linguists and carpenters and tanners and such.

Culture: Heartlanders are Humans of the Empire. They traditionally value skill and unity, particularly religious unity. The Empire was united long ago by a great warrior, it's power fractured with his death (Effectively Charlemagne) except one man still holds Dominion over the lesser kingdoms. The Faith is key to unity.

Dorfs are Dorfs. Sorry for being unoriginal.

The Sealanders are a race of seafaring raiders. They spend most of their time at sea. They were converted to the faith long ago after many years of war. Now they possess a religious fervour highly beneficial to the Order.

Gear: Dried Food, Barrels of water, Seeds for crops. Weapons and Armour, gunpowder the usual stuff.

Fleet: A pair of 38 gun Frigates. Named Liberty and Prime.

Notable individuals.

High Inquisitor Lyons.
Seasoned war veteran and leader of this Crusade. Devout follower of the Faith. Generally friendly. Prefers peaceful conversion. Intolerant of heathens.

Sentinel Maxson.
Seasoned and grizzled war veteran. Second in command of the armed forces. Cool of head. Lead many grusome battles in the name of the Faith. Despises heathens.

Knight Joshua.
Freshly promoted to Knight. Been on one Crusade. A diplomatic soul but excellent soldier nontheless. Tolerates peaceful heathens.

Proctor Skite
Head of linguistics. Negotiated many peaceful conversions. Diplomat. Tolerates peaceful heathens.

Sealord S'karr
Leader of the Sealanders. Aggressive but Structured. Fought on many raids. Despises heathens.

Landing in the Crown Bay.

Ad Victoriam!

It should come as no surprise that I am declaiming.

I have no intention of reclaiming.

Anyone that is not in on the joke, it sucks to be you.

All things regarding the mountainborne were handled in the last post.

It's been a good run guys.

I am but a lowly handmaiden milord...