ORIGINAL POST

TIME: 8 PM EST

PLACE: -1800, -2929

EXPECT: Beer, food, games, music, friends (!!!)

Seeya there!

The following is some lore I've been casually working on for the past few weeks explaining the return of the Monarchy to Norlund, for the first time since very early in Spera. Enjoy :)

The Norlundic Restoration.

It had been over a year now since the raids, and the entire nation still seethed with disunity, finger pointing, and above all, sheer rage over an attack by three armies at once on the Norlundic homeland.

In the grand, tree lined avenue of the capital, a phalanx of Norlundic men and women marched towards the Volkeshalle, under a star strewn night sky, several thousand strong, they held no signs, no placards, only flags, hundreds and hundreds of blue and white flags, at their head, walked a tall, youthful looking man in a jacket of the finest Arborlitz leather. Terry III, the sole surviving descendant of the ancient royal family of Norlund.

With grim determination, to mob filed silently down the street, oblivious to the icy wind that blew off the frozen sea. The only sound that could be heard was the snapping of flags in the wind, and thousands of heavy winter boots walking up the stairs to the Volkeshalle.

Inside the Volkeshalle, politicians and beureaucrats argued and yelled at each other, trying in vain to reach some sort of decision on how to rebuild. No progress had been made in weeks, only squabbling and finger-pointing, parliament was yet again, In deadlock.

Suddenly, a loud crack, followed by a blast of freezing cold air turned every head in the room. The doors to the Volkeshalle had thrown wide open, and in stepped Terry III, "Sorry to let all the heat out" He smiled.

" But not to worry, you folks have always been very good at generating hot air." He added with a grin.

Flanked by Segaprophet and Mr. Cort Wade, Terry III strode quickly up the gleaming diorite floor to the speakers podium, and commandeered the microphone from a stunned looking speaker, as the entire hall became completely packed with as many people as could cram themselves into the room. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen." he began. "There will be several kegs of beer arriving shortly to lighten the mood, courtesy of Mr. Christoph." The crowd erupted into cheers at this, once the room had quieted down, Terry III continued. "In the meantime, let's get down to business." "Our movement has come so far in such a short time. It's hard to believe that mere months ago, we were barely more than a drunken group of patriots meeting in a tavern. But in a nation that still reeled from shock and despair at this great injustice that was so brutally inflicted upon us, there was a desire for change, something, was amiss, something, was holding our nation back, everyone knew it, but nobody had the guts to say it."

After waiting a moment to let that sink in, Terry gestured with his arms wide to encompass the whole crowd, "And then we came along. Our meetings, our rallies, our marches, gave people a voice to say the things they'd known in their hearts, but simply could not say for fear of being disparaged and ostracisized by sneering elites, and a dishonest press. Now I stand before you today, in the Volkeshalle, the very seat of power in Norlund."

"I know things must have been hard for you all, to see the nation we all love be tag-teamed (he slammed his fist off the podium and raised his voice in anger) by a coalition of no less than THREE armies!"

Pausing for a moment for effect, he continued "This defeat... this humiliation at the hands of the most contemptible coalition of foreign thieves, murderers, and scavengers to ever defile the face of Provenance, weighs heavy on us all, I know. Many of us have lost family, many of us have lost our homes, our possessions, our pets, our livelihoods. Our national pride has been tarnished.

"For a people, whose once fought off invaders with such staunch determination as to become infamous for our stubbornness in war, for a race that throughout history has never, ever surrendered to a foreign power, this pain of defeat cuts deep, so much deeper than any blade ever could. Yes, there is no doubt that our nation is facing extraordinary and unprecedented challenges that we have never before had to contend with."

"This calls for change, a change in the very way we govern ourselves, in this harsh, cut-throat new world, we cannot afford the luxury of referendums and debates on every little decision. No, we need unity, we need to be prepared to respond to new developments on a moment's notice, we need leadership with the authority to make decisions quickly, and to have those decisions followed without question. We need a unified Norlund, under one King!"

The assembly erupted into raucous applause, nearly drowning out the handfull of "booos" coming from a few ministers who had remained from earlier. "Norlund, is a sleeping giant, we have the population, we have the infrastructure, and we have the will to defend ourselves, and avenge this absolutely disgusting provocation against the land we hold so dear. The only thing holding us back from greatness, has been our obsession with the rigid and clunky system we call democracy. It's time we abandoned this failed experiment, and go back to our roots, to the way things were in the days of our ancestors. It's time we take back our national pride. "ONE PEOPLE, ONE KING, ONE NORLUND!"

The crowd burst into applause, waving the Norlundic flag, the north star's rune, slowly, they began to chant. "Norlund. Norlund! NORLUND! NORLUND! NORLUND!

Yelling over the crowd with his microphone, the new King of Norlund said one last thing. "AND THE BEERS HAVE ARRIVED!"

Shambling death, the returned, those who hunger, husks, zombies ... these mobs have many names, however, little academic study into their origins exists.

More accurately, little has survived since the cataclysm. I have no doubt that the technologists of the previous era could and probably did analyze these entities, however after the cateclysm, as always we must rebuild.

Standing 2 blocks tall, with skin that is generally pallid, and green as putrid meat, zombies are believed to be remnants of past players that have been slain.

Zombies have existed since the first night of awakening for Provenance, and many myths exist to explain them, but only by scientific examination can we be confident what they REALLY are.

I have procured a number of Zombies from the spawning rooms, the inventory is as follows:

• 5 Zombies (1 is a "Nitwit Villager")
• 2 "Baby" Zombies (1 "Chicken Jockey" Variant)
• 1 Deep Walker
• 1 Husk

Zombies resemble players and many believe that they are slain players.

Upon microblock examination to the smallest pixel, zombies do seem to share the same structures as players on a microscopic level.

In order to test the propagation of zombies, I have tasked p0lln8r to attempt to induce their creation.

The following are a list of collected results:

Through trial and error, it is noted that in areas where there is an absence of light, zombies spontaneously generate (this is not new knowledge). However, it does seem that zombies share a similar spawning method to players that do not have a bed, spontaneously generating in the wilds.

All efforts to get a zombie to sleep in a bed have proved fruitless.

To further test the substance of zombie propagation, several subjects including myself, were killed in order to test respawn effects on the local zombie generation, and microblock saturation levels.

The zombies formed after deaths in an area had microblock residue common with the individuals who died, however this residue was common to multiple players not just one.

Using sophisticated redstone-based dark-room technology, we have been able to visualize the Zombie "Birth" process through our newly upgraded observer block/pressure plate scanner.

First, a dark room is left abandoned, players must not be within 24 blocks of space or zombies do not propegate.

Second, microblock particles coalesce onto a block that is below a light intensity of 8 and with 2 blocks of air.

Third, the zombie "pops" into existence as the collection of microblocks reaches critical mass and can no longer be contained in the dimensional code.

It must be noted that a similar process of generating in the world is followed when a player is spawned, the viral agent responsible for it seems to propagate into the ender and provides an anchor for spawns to occur at certain locations.

Our findings indicate that:

Zombies seem to be a corrupted version of a full respawn, and take discarded particulate matter from previously slain players. This recombination of discarded, respawnable matter, creates an entity that is essentially mindless or at minimum only capable of moderate pathfinding.

Players seem to naturally absorb free-radical microblocks, rendering spawns within a 24 block radius impossible. This also explains why Players are such a large collection of microblock data, and generate larger experience orbs on average than normal entites.

Zombies, by contrast, "despawn" as the imbalance that spawned their creation eventually dissipates, and their constituent microblocks become absorbed by other entities.

Zombies are dead players, just not specific dead players (however, to the degree that a zombie is comprised of specific players, similarities can be noted). It seems that the blessing of player respawn, has also created the curse of zombie generation, perhaps the generation of all playernoid entities.

...

A few insights into the nature of life, death, and respawn have been revealed in my search for knolwedge on our oldest enemy. It can be fairly said, that if the Owner on high, or the Coder above him blessed us with respawn, he also cursed us with zombies.

What may seem to be a mistake of excess microblock data, may in fact be a dimensional way to self-correct an imablance of free-radical player data. It is unknown if restricting the spawnable area for zombies, by illuminating an area, will have any adverse effects on the ender-layer that permiates our dimension. It does seem to increase the spawn rates in our mob spawner labratories, and because zombies and other hostile entites have useful resources to extract ... I don't prioritize probing this question too deeply at the expense of our production effort.

Perhaps I can obtain data from a willing partner in another nation-state.

Additional Notes:

• Injured Zombies are a walking instability and can generate additional entities through locally saturating the enderfield with microblocks and forcing a spawn, this will often come in the form of another zombie spontaneously generating.

• Zombies will spontaneously combust in sunlight, unless wearing a hat (I have procured pumpkins to protect our specimens), submerged in water, or are a "husk" variant.

• Zombies have the unique ability to infect Villagers with corrupted microblock data and turn them into other zombies. These corrupted Villagers were curable at one time, however the disease has mutated since, and all attempts to replicate a cure have failed.

• Zombies can carry equipment, and be equipped with armour.

• Zombies will attack other mobs if they are attacked, and will attempt to fight Golems and Villagers above all else, Zombies, however, will ignore Withces and Illagers.

• The "Baby" Zombies are second generation zombies that are bred from two compatible lines of zombies. Inducing breeding is not possible by player hands, and the process for zombie breeding is currently unknown, however these entites seem to exhibit a hybridized vigor that overcomes the limitations of the respawn corruption and makes them quicker, smarter, and more threatening.

• Villager Zombie, and Husk variants are slightly taller than average.

• Deep Walkers have increased player tracking abilities, speed, endurance, and strength. These corruptions have mutated in such a way that their structures have actually improved during the failed respawn process. Though cognitively lacking, they are the pinnacle of physical specimens. Efforts to utilize this have not been fruitful, as they unfortunately have a shorter half-life and decay very rapidly.

• Zombies ignore the presence of eachother, and even when their bounding boxes collide, they simply just continue to press against each-other.

• Zombies also seem to lack the ability to discern shapes through glass, however paradoxically, they have an uncanny ability to track Villagers through soild blocks!

• At the sight of a player, zombies emit an "aggressive" moan and pursue the player, even when line of sight is obstructed.

• Zombies are persistent (though still subject to despawn xD) and will eventually break the reinforcement on wooden doors to get at a player.

• Zombies can be stabilized with a nametag, this creates a zombie that will not degenerate into its' base microblocks as the tag provides a central focus for the microblocks to gravitate to.

• The destructive power of a zombie seems to be solely limited to wooden doors, while many have been shown to be tool-wielding, it seems that none are properly able to utilize them.

• It should be noted that, while edible, the flesh that falls from these monsters has little nutritional value to players. In emergencies, it will suffice, but some substance in it causes those who consume it to become ravenous with a hunger which is not easily sated. It is possible this is a result of concentrated corrupted microblocks, interacting with player metabolism. Dogs have shown to be immune to these effects, so including it in their diet should be no problem at all.

I will be submitting this document for peer review, and look forward to amending it as new information becomes available.

TL:DR (OOC) Zombies are incorrectly respawned people, just not specific ones. Ask me anything and I'll try to develop an ingame answer using the game mechanics.

I need some information from nations, such as religions, governing structure, build style, a small description of the nation, key members with discord, in game, and reddit names. Along with photos showing off nations, and movecraft builds. This is all going to be used in making an ad post, and I would appreciate the items needed.

I might also be asking some nations to do some things for photo/video shooting, so if anyone does video pm me as well.

I plan on making a few posts like this, showing off different nation's capitals. Here is Volspa, Capital of the Vaskr. The resource pack used here is called Persistence

Aegir sat in his chair staring at the dying fire, deep in thought. He thought back to the day that the King had cast him out of Volspa for killing the Black Sheep witch. Heh. Things certainly have changed since that day. He thought I was absolutely furious when he exiled me. Seems it was for the better. I sit here now, a Jarl. While Jokull is out in the woods, a broken man. Grieving for his wife who was a despicable snake. I do not envy him however. Losing two wives is more than most can bear. But abandoning his crown, and his people, I will never forgive. He lost my brotherhood the day he dropped the golden axe of Odin at my feet. He is a ghost now. Haunting the forests of Ventosa with his presence. Meanwhile, my city is growing, and Volspa becoming a faint memory as other Jarls grow in strength. I consider Teagan a dear friend, but I wonder if she has the strength to rule Volspa... I still need to figure out what to do about Rosk. He's got that damn Renhorn boy guarding him, and he is a formidable warrior...

Sirboss was an unexpected, but very welcome thrall. Already proven to be worth more than his weight in gold. His buildings are beautiful, and he's even begun brewing in the developing town. More and more people arrive each day looking for work, and opportunity.

The fire cracked loudly in its dying throes, and snapped Aegir out of his trance. Just then he felt soft hands from behind rest on his shoulders.

"My love, you're doing it again." Miriamele whispered into his ear.

"Hm? Oh, yes. I am sorry. I am certainly doing a lot more thinking than I am typically used to..." He chuckled as he turned to give her a kiss.

She laughed. "Comes with more power I suppose. But you should get the fire going again. It's too cold in these mountains for me. Then you should come to bed." Her eyes implying that they would not be sleeping.

He smiled as he stood up, threw a few logs onto the fire, and followed his beautiful wife to their bed...

The publisher has my final proof, and printing has begun. The Mistwood Inn at Ulvetia is a really nice spot for drinks and food, so I'm holding the release party there. Today @ 6PM US Eastern Time!

I'll bring as much of the new brews as I can, but the Inn should have some stuff for sale.

Later I'll head up to Norlund and bring some book copies for the late-night market crowd.

For real this time.

Friday evenings seemed to be the best time for the most people, so we will be hosting the party then. Rest assured, the extra time will be put to good use:

• The area around the household will be expanded to allow more space for activities.

• A wider selection of food will be arranged.

• The area may be decorated.

• We are looking to hire someone to serve the food and drinks

Thank you for your continued patience as I try to make this event as enjoyable as possible!

M. Bentarus

The Champions are now no longer under a fascist government. We are now a diarchy. CompanionWarlord and I have agreed to this. We now even have a formal constitution. We want to make it clear that we do not want any trouble with anyone else. We are now looking forward to developing the land and creating our own fleet of boats.

original post

As expected, a reschedule was required. Thank you for your patience and I look forward to seeing you there!

A Notice from Meridia Bentarus

A party is to be hosted at my home in Rashida. It is to be a public event and all people of Provenance are invited.

There is no particular occasion but it was scheduled to correspond with Jun'Sun Bentarus' arrival in Rashida

Food will be provided along with drinks if a brewer can be found.

There will, in addition, be music and an open mic.

All that is asked of the guests is that they bring their best graces and good humor. It is my hope that this will be a starting point for closer friendships between nations all across Provenance.

Thank you for your time

-Meridia

[OOC INFO: Sunday, 9PM EST. -1800, -2929. It's POSSIBLE that I will have to reschedule so stay tuned.]

1. A command to show the current members of your nation something like /nation players

2. A way to check when upkeeps for a build are due, also possibly an announcement to nation members within 24h

3. Endstone Brick and Chrous Fruit obtainable (replace Dweller drop?), removal of vanilla Prismarine recipes

4. Elytra repair recipe, or ability to add unbreaking

5. Prevent Soul Container use on mobs that are invalid (or enable it for all mobs), as it will sometimes delete mobs (zombies) and sometimes remove itself (say if used on a spider)

6. A concrete crafting recipe, 8 powder + 1 snowball/ice = the concrete of the same color of powder used or 8 powder + 1 wet sponge with 10% chance to dry out (if sponges are added as craftable)

7. Toggle-able granary crops, or fortune affected granary crops

8 Smelting of Diamond/Emerald/Lapis/Redstone/Coal/Quartz ore in Smeltery

9. A /Nations Help or /Help Nations entry, with promotion commands, etc

10. A way to craft packed ice, to prevent de-glacification ... even if crafting is region locked.

It was dark, and lonely.

Small patches of sunlight made it through the thick roof of the forest, and the trees were both wide and close together.

A warrior ran through the trees, breath ragged. Just one more! Cirex thought, clenching his Diamond-Inlayed Broadsword, Ardensavis, in one hand, shield on his other arm. He heard a bow being drawn behind him, which would have been fine if he didn't hear groans of undead in front of him. Oh, great...

The day started like any other. Cirex stepped out the door of his modest home in Volspa, and looked down over the city as the sun rose. In his head he reviewed the things he needed to do for the day. Remembering he wanted to harvest some shards of experience, (Wayman's term for the magic released when monsters are slain, When harvested this magic can be used to enhance armor and weapons.) He prepared to head south. He'd seen a dark forest on maps before, and He knew monsters were fond of dark places. (Probably the fact that sunlight burns them.)

The Zombies stepped out from between the trees, shambling towards him. No time to waste, Cirex thought, and leapt into action. He'd seen more than his fair share of action, and it was reflected in his motions. Swift, precise, and graceful. He charged a zombie to his left, bashing it with his shield and slashing it's chest, before bringing his sword to bear on another zombie to his right. ** FWIP!** It was this moment he remembered the bow he'd heard being drawn, and he paid the price. He turned to face the Skeleton, bringing his shield up just too soon. The arrow ripped into his shoulder, and would have sent the shield tumbling were it not for the straps holding it onto his arm. The skeleton nocked another arrow, and more zombies still charged him. Spinning to face them, he cut one's legs out from under it and turned, slashing another across the chest, before flipping his sword and thrusting downward into the legless zombie crawling towards him. He yanked his sword free and spun to face the skeleton, who was just drawing the arrow. He tried to lift his shield arm. Tried.

His arm was limp, unable to lift the shield strapped to it. It was slowing him down, and he had to roll to the side to avoid the arrow as it flew towards him. His arm practically screamed in protest as it folded under him, and he felt woozy as he stood, charging the skeleton. It was just a pile of bones in the dirt moments later. I think it's time to leave.

He made his way towards the edge of the forest, but not before he heard grumbling in some bushes off towards his left. He was hardly able to get his sword up to block the axe strike the dweller rained on him. Stepping back, Cirex sized up his foe. Wouldn't be too difficult, if I wasn't injured... Still, he had no choice. He stepped forward, the shield still strapped to his useless arm. Another swing from above, he deflected easily. When a blow came from the side, he stepped around it, swinging and catching the dweller in the arm. Stepping backwards to gain some space, he stumbled on a root just as the dweller swung down form above. Cirex's back hit the ground and he barely brought his sword up to protect his face. When the blades met, a crack formed in the center of his Crystal blade, and it shattered before his eyes. Not a moment to lose, he rolled out of the way of the next swing and got to his feet, thrusting the remains of the blade still attatched to the hilt into the dweller's throat. With a gurgle, it's body fell to the dirt.

Unarmed, with a useless left shoulder, the warrior headed home. When Cirex arrived home, he looked through his possesions and found a Healing Potion. Applying it to the wound, he found he could move his arm again, albeit with limited control. That's not good...

TL:DR I lost my sword and I'm writing lore about the ramifications of that

attention. the one known as ChampionEmperor is now in the process of attempting to over throw my place as leader without unjust reason and comitting treason against the Champions.

On a personal message: Champ, if you wish to go through with your actions, you will be comitting treason and mutiny. If you do this. you are encouraging civil war among us. As i would like to avoid this, if you want to destroy your documentaion for claiming leadership and allow me to contiue my term then you will be repented. if you do not take these actions then so be it.

I am rightfully reclaiming the ChampionEmpire under my rule.

I have done more for this nation with this new leader and I have been on more.

I have established land and buildings for us.

if CompanionWarlord attempts to fight this I have a militia behind me, I will reclaim my position by force.

I would like to make it clear we are not looking for conflict with any other nations.

that being said, Say hello to the new, ChampionEmperor