[quote]Strange how these things go- we always knew this day would come, someday... but to lay to rest our king and our leader now, in this untimely hour, leaves us feeling unprepared; we are as a book without an ending...[/quote]
[B]Rising Sovereigns - Turn 2 - Year 10,040[/B]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/iOc5p6n.png[/img]
Another 20 years has passed, and scholars will no-doubt agree that the most significant events of the years 10,020-10,040 are the ghastly murder of King Virgo Sunsword of Kalpurnia, and the accelerating rot of the Kelmirdian Nation. The sea, still serving as the eternal highway between civilized lands, now feels less inviting. Perhaps the common heritage of Lumos is being clouded by an atmosphere of change; the people feel less threatened by wild beasts and calamities of natural cause, and the courts of sovereigns far and wide warn of the machinations of their rivals. The people live in relative peace, but there is a sense of great change afoot, and only one thing is certain: the problems of the future will not resemble the ancient struggles of yore.
[B]Current Leader: Plentifold[/B]
---
[img]http://i.imgur.com/ijLJI3F.png[/img]
For the faun, these two decades have brought tumult and intrigue like nothing before into local politics. Twin embarrassments and a great victory have made news all around Lumos, as Consul Livia has displayed an aggressive streak toward her neighbors. First, an attempt to infiltrate the inner circle of Dambrish, the leader of Kelmirdia, resulted in a catastrophic humiliation; not only were the Kelmirdians disinterested in Arietia, giving the spies nothing to report, but the ring was soon broken and several of its leaders arrested. Wheeling from the failure, the Consul's advisers have pleaded with the sovereign not to use her intelligence resources so recklessly again. Shortly thereafter, an attempt to invade and suppress the barbaric lands northwest of the Republic resulted in a defeat not unlike the similar debacle experienced by Plentifold decades earlier.
However, Livia proved herself not easily intimidated, and instead ordered her skilled tradesmen to undercut the Kelmirdian state's economy; the naga would not be permitted to hold the faun in contempt. It proved to be a good decision, as the faun soon gained strong footholds in Kelmirdian markets. Many naga in coastal communities (which, of course, is where most naga reside in general) now rely on Arietian commerce for their essential livelihood. Another blow like this could very well unseat the remaining Kelmirdian government. Elsewhere, the Arietians continued to expand their religious activities to further unite the countryside with the cities, further strengthened the navy, and launched ever-larger cargo ships.
+ 1 Mythology
+ 2 Trade
+ 1 Naval Technology
[img]http://i.imgur.com/sipnyp4.png[/img]
The highbourne have shown themselves to be quite meddlesome. Despite their failure to convert the half-men during the preceding years, the Kingdom has hatched another scheme to spread its religion, to devastating effect for the Kalpurnians. While it's unlikely that King Grimsford intended to see his counterpart in the elvish domain be eliminated outright, perhaps his lack of concern for the stability of other realms is just as damning. Between gladiatorial spectacles at home and further educational innovations, the overarching theme of this eastern land has been theological expansion, and it cannot be ignored forever. That being said, it is truly impressive what the missionaries of Ibrosea have accomplished these last two decades, as the odds of converting such a significant portion of a foreign population from such a distance were quite long.
At home, of less interesting note, the Kingdom made progress in its economic faculties. After studying the habits of counterfeiters and convicted scammers, the state has introduced proofmarks to its currency to make forgeries far more challenging to create. In addition, the growing trend of guild stock trading has been catalyzed further by state-run public forums known as "stock markets." Now, full-time middlemen known as brokers are able to maintain direct lines of contact with numerous investors and their economic nest eggs. The returns have thus far been exceptional, creating a model to which other realms may aspire. Finally, the concept of secondary education has taken hold, and a trend toward trade schools and university academics has produced distinct classes of scholars. As time goes on, Ibrosea is poised to reap the benefits.
+ 1 Education
+ 2 Currency
+ 1 Investment
+ 1 Intimidation
+ 1 Naval Technology
[img]http://i.imgur.com/1laacDl.png[/img]
The glowing epicenter of culture in the southwest has suffered a terrible blow, and as such has also suffered a transformation of character. Trouble began when missionaries from the Ibrosean Kingdom arrived to spread their faith in the public sphere of the elvish domain. At first nothing was thought of the strange foreigners with their daft religion, but amidst a climate of increasing spirituality in the jungle, a strange revivalism took place. On one hand, the local religion has been growing exponentially in popularity, but on the other, a significant portion of the population is becoming uncomfortable with the cult atmosphere surrounding the worship of living and deceased leaders. The Ibrosean religion, exotic and seemingly less tainted by mortal concerns, first became a fad before taking root as a serious challenge to the religious order of the region.
In 10,038, after years of increasing tensions between devotees of each religion, violence broke out en-mass in Faroque, resulting in the mass killing of hundreds of worshipers of the imported faith. The once idyllic image of the elvish realm was shattered overnight, and just weeks later, in what was undoubtedly an act of grand revenge, a group of conspirators bypassed King Virgo's personal guard and murdered him. The situation has grown highly unstable, and it will take significant work from the realm's leaders to repair the Eminent State's image.
[B]- 2 Order (Coup from Ibrosea)[/B]
+ 2 Education
+ 1 Mythology
+ 1 Investment
+ 1 Land Technology
+ 1 Naval Technology
[img]http://i.imgur.com/0wM0Mes.png[/img]
"Kelmirdia" has become synonymous with squalor; burghers and merchants in other realms warn of their locales becoming "kelmirdian" when they see signs of economic struggle and crime afoot. Some have nearly forgotten that the word does, in fact, refer to an actual place, where the naga rule. Although that might be considered an exaggeration. The government of the region achieved nothing of note during these decades, becoming something akin to a revolving door of titles and offices with no authority or clear organizational structure. Letters from foreign dignitaries become lost in a network of confusing, contradictory pipelines of communications, and answers received in response rarely come from trustworthy sources. And it's hemorrhaging money; the lack of reliable currency means that taxes must be raised to increase revenues, but without strong commerce, the economy simply deadlocked and reverted back into barter. The ports have essentially been taken over by Arietians, whose money actually means something.
Dambrish, to this point recognized as the leader of the naga, has disappeared. Some believe that the sovereign has simply stepped down due to the lack of agency associated with his own office, while others suspect that he has been murdered. Whatever the case, Kelmirdia is on the verge of total collapse unless someone else takes the reigns immediately. If not, outsiders from Valkyria or even Arietia could provide superior guidance...
[B]- 1 Order, Wealth, and Power (Inactivity)[/B]
[B]- 2 Wealth (Coup from Arietia)[/B]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/dKB0stm.png[/img]
Up in the sleepy side of the north, the leading issue on the agenda is diversity. Everywhere the sprightes go, they encounter new and perplexing varieties of sprightes to integrate and interact with, and this has brought new concerns to the forefront. For example, the lack of a uniform educational system has caused problems with general literacy. The state has responded by establishing a rudimentary university system, but there are numerous logistical problems involved. How do you accommodate such diverse creatures with equal regards to all? The rising inequality of the realm's subjects has further aggravated the paranoia of the ruling class, which fears a devolution of power into the hands of less intellectual, but stronger creatures, such as the kobelines.
Meridol has also been taking baby steps toward true foreign policy. Not only has it invested wisely in its legitimate naval powers, but the realm has given rise to its first domestic pirate. Ioz "the Niddler," inspired by the larger, swifter ships of the outside world, has become notable for his personal vessel, the Wraith, which is powered by supposedly "tamed" (or more accurately, enslaved) kobelines rowing below the deck. While these actions certainly suggest that Meridol may someday become relevant throughout Lumos' vast oceans, currently the state has no such interest. It has directed its attention toward settling southward and eastward, away from colder climates, but has not yet attempted to colonize a foreign shoreline.
+ 1 Education
+ 1 Security
+ 2 Currency
+ 2 Piracy
+ 1 Honor
+ 1 Naval Technology
[img]http://i.imgur.com/dkbHsdx.png[/img]
The Wastes have become the elephant in the room to most of Lumos by now. While the various sovereigns throughout the lands train armies and dream of conquest, somewhere in the back of their minds they worry about what may soon come from the foreboding lands of the north. So what [I]is[/I] happening? The most accurate way to describe the leadership of Morkar is that he has a deep, lifelong spiritual connection with the dark gods, and his actions as ruler of the Wastes surround the goals of manifesting that connection in the physical world. Morkar has shown little interest in expanding his domain by force; his priorities seem to center on strengthening his domestic policies and the national identity of the realm.
As a result, the Wastes have spent much of the last two decades "redecorating." New practices, architecture, philosophy, and fashions have appeared which are unique to this realm; whereas before, the men and monsters were considered simple savages, their tools and ideas nothing more than primordial instinct, now they are known by particular symbols which instill unease in foreigners and inspire devotion to the ways of evil, for those who choose to adopt them. These symbolic advances have been paired with disconcerting success in economic affairs, as Morkar's currency has proved stabilizing for the young economy. Finally, it should be noted that the mysterious ruler's aversion to the world stage may not last for long, as he has ordered grand tournaments to seek out worthy warriors to lead a slowly-strengthening army.
+ 2 Aesthetics
+ 2 Currency
+ 2 Investment
+ 2 Land Technology
[img]http://i.imgur.com/pc4PHTg.png[/img]
Something interesting has happened in the southwest which may be overlooked as of yet, but will no doubt be regarded as trendsetting in the distant future. Thanks to their rapid expansion, the half-men have outstripped their own state's ability to provide effective administration. As a result, Hugh of Huntingdon has been forced to appoint one of his most trusted stewards into a position of landed nobility, granting him control over some fringe lands of the realm. This, as it will soon become clear, is the only way that sovereigns can maintain control over vast lands, but it comes at a cost: Plentifold's highest state offices are now responsible for supplying and supporting the lesser nobility. Things are quite peaceful as they are, but someday, if said noble feels properly slighted, or if supplies run dry, then a petty kingdom may rise out of Plentifold territory. As of now, however, such a notion is completely daft.
In more concrete terms, Plentifold has been mainly concerned with addressing concerns exposed by the Ibrosean religious coup decades ago. Not only has the nobility instituted a stronger intelligence and security regime to prepare for further foreign influence, but the people have been goaded into a spirit of religious revivalism. Perhaps in anticipation of even further rapid growth, the state attempted to levy large amounts of ore for minting purposes, but the plan's actual success fell short of estimations. Most of the newly-minted currency was spent, by necessity, reinforcing the very mining operations which were leveraged to make the coins, and once all middlemen were paid, barely any change could be noted. Greater success was experienced in naval expansion projects, where the state was able to increase the size and strength of the fleet, as well as to make inroads with some less reputable sailors.
Humorously, the government has been playing both sides of the coin in regards to morality- encouraging religious devotion with its intelligence service while simultaneously funding an official arcane academy- a military institution for study of the dark arts.
+ 1 Culture
+ 2 Security
+ 1 Piracy
+ 1 Naval Technology
+ 1 Occultism
[img]http://i.imgur.com/vVMxuLw.png[/img]
Between the intense dysfunction to their north and the religious strife to their south, the Valkyrians have enjoyed an era of uninterrupted development and social unity. The Queen has wed and has produced an heir, Princess Laira, to great fanfare, and has continued to define her role as the realm's leader as opposed to just being a ruler. Her poise and presence has made her a favorite of peoples far and wide as an example of good governance. As a result, it is likely that future generations will imitate her grace.
In physical terms, Valkyria has grown as an economic power, with more care being placed into the development of infrastructure such as reliable, safe roadways and canals, and warehouses for trade goods behind fortified walls. Investment confidence is high, but as of late the focus seems to be on foreign exports as opposed to domestic goods, which seems appropriate given the spartan lifestyle practiced by many Valkyrian families. Now, more than ever, the citizenry is taking an active role in keeping the realm safe, as the state has gone to extensive efforts to teach the populace how to keep watch, identify potential danger, and even to make arrests or use militia force to prevent incursion. Not that the people have any reason to fear a breach of the army's defenses- a fighting force which has displayed its competency frequently through the use of drills, often in bright and shining new armor plating which has caught the eyes of foreign observers...
+ 2 Culture
+ 2 Security
+ 1 Currency
+ 2 Trade
+ 1 Intimidation
+ 1 Land Technology
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[B]Send in your turns no later than 12AM EDT, Wednesday, July 12th.[/B]
Turns are due in 8 hours. I still need Pezgod and DanRatherman to submit their entries or else they will be skipped.
rip
Believe it or not, I don't actually consider this thing to be dead, just mostly dead. I'll probably revive it once Starpath gets over with since the only thing I'll be doing at that point is playing Anvaris, assuming that game gets off the ground as intended.
:weeb:
Scumbag Sega-
Delays your turn because she won't have time to write it until she's playing your RP.
Delays your RP because you're busy playing her [I]other[/I] RP.
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