The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic=Tuvan Jalay to Gregor]My ancestors cannot provide the things you ask for.  We are herders, producing only what we need.  We have no supplies for you.  I do not know how I would come about an army that is not Xuk - are you not already acquainted with the peoples that surround us?  The mountain peoples of the Black Veil often fight for foreign princes for the promise of plunder, but they are on our eastern border and far from you.  They would have to be promised much indeed to go so far to fight, and my ancestors cannot give them that promise.

I wish you the fortune of heroes with your battles to the west, but I cannot concern myself in such matters so far from my sight.  I will help retake your outpost, but you and your ancestors must defend your own homeland.[/ic]

[ic=Khozun, Agah of All the Auri, to Gregor]Very well.  I will see that the King of Balan dispatches levies to assist you, but I put little stock in their fighting ability.  You will have to send ships for them, as I do not have ships enough to send both my warriors and those of Balan as well.[/ic]

[ic Pharaoh Orohtep I to Kashtu] Peoples and ruler of Kashtu, we have recently found that we have neighboing countries such as your own. Seeing as both of us, Kashtu and Artash would be better of if cooperated together, we would like to begin trade with you. We have much to offer: Gold, jewels, slaves, a large and ferocious cat called a lion, and many more things. As a token of good will, we are sending you ten slaves. do with them what you please.
- Pharaoh Orohtep I[/ic]

[ic=Gregor to the Agah]
Understood. You have Inveran's thanks.[/ic]

[ic=Inveran Fleet Captain to Balan]
We have orders from the Auri to collect your men in defense of Inveran. You will comply.

They will serve as homeland defense for Inveran, where they shall receive the benefits of training and conditioning from our training facilities.[/ic]  

[ic=Gregor to Inveran's leaders]
We will be having some foreign guests in the city. Make certain they are visited by a priest and some scholars. Learn what you can, and have them learn as much as you're able to drill into their heads.[/ic]

[ic=The Venerated Strava to Vys of the Anarvi]My, what venom you have for us!  Have we been so cruel to you in the past?  I must confess my ignorance on the facts.  We will surely pay reperations to your people if this is the case, as a sign of our present and future goodwill.  But what is this talk of breaking?  I have no wish to break you, only to ask of your service, noble people.  Indeed, having the blood of Andos in your veins yourself, you should not be so easy to break.  There have been many wars in the west in the past between the Vrenas trying to break one another, and I have studied these histories as firm lessons that the Blooded, such as you, are not so easily broken.  If you do not believe my noble intentions, then believe that I would not waste my resources on such a foolish goal of trying to break some of the Blooded.

That said, I must apologise for not addressing you in any kind of formal manner.  But, alas, I know not your standing, other then as a speaker of your people.  So, I ask, who are you, what is your standing, who exactly do you speak for, and are there any other people I must contact in order to pay reperations?[/ic]

[ic=The Strava to Spearmistress Hydryvayne, commander of the Northern Patrol]Find as much as you can about this Vys of the Anarvi.  Should Vys be just some sort of bandit lord, or should she actually hold a public office of some sort, find how many supporters she has and try to predict the rupercusions of imprisoning her beneath our fortress before.  You are not to capture her, until I order it, if I order it.  Also, assign compentent scouts to find if she speaks for all or if my messenger deserves execution for being fooled into thinking this was the case.  If it is the case that there exists multiple factions, deliver the original message from me, offering amber for labor.  If there are any who are agreeable to that proposition or agreable to us in genreral, arrange a council here in Stravam.

You have been asigned this task because I have confidence in you.  You did well under my mother when you put down that rebellion to the south of us, years ago.  Do well by me and your name shall be well remembered and honored.  Fail, and even in death your name will be remembered as a warning, as will your daughter's.

May the Spirit of O Glorious Rylodyn stride with you in this great task.[/ic]

[ic-To the Ivrusken]Glory to your ways, and to your aid.  Funny thing, we had felt that we where sane before we met you.  Indeed, it is known to us how the heat of the south addles one's brains, as we have the misfortune of dealing with such creatures as stinking southerners.  By their standards of madness we had appeared sane in comparison, but compared to you, we see this is not the case.  In their insane logic, our ancestors must have forgotten to record of the "Tree".  Please tell us of this, so that we may restore and keep to this blessed harmony of which you speak.

Also, if you were to give us directions on where to acquire what is needed for bronze-making more understandable to us and our ignorance, we would be much obliged.

Also of use to us would be knowledge on what danger we face in those lands and the dangers of the mountain demons, and how to recognise them, for we know demons can be tricky things.

We are also curious about these "Tuarescou", for our insane ancestors felt these where surely some sort of great guardians of some sort.  Could they have been s wrong?

There are six sheep with wool dyed as close to amber as could have been managed accompanying this message as tribute[/ic]

[ic=At the home of Peshuek Chief Councillor Grihmud]"Welcome, Warden. I presume I may still call you that?"

"I am still Warden of the Lharmok clan, whatever that usurper says. But this situation is intolerable. How can we have a Council of Wardens with no Lharmok representative? It's unheard of! And it's not just us, the Wihr and Kual clans too."

"True, it is an abomination. But what can we do about it? He has his army, and several of the clans are supporting him. Plus nearly all the Tarkad. Rough and superstitious as they are, they can't be ignored."

"Can't you use your position to press for a new Council of Wardens? Kick out the weaklings and lickspittles, and restore the clans to their rightful positions!"

"Malik will never accede to that. He won't go back to the squabbling of the clans. And he's right, to some extent. With our enemies threatening us, we need unity and strength. If the clans had been able to unite behind a strong Grand Warden, Malik's actions would not have been needed."

"And now that he has the power, you think he'll give it back some day? Hah! With all respect to his military prowess, all this has gone to his head. And there's precious little unity anyhow. I'm telling you, the Lharmoks are close to rebellion. We're one of the largest and oldest clans, and we have no say?"

"Completely wrong, we are agreed. Yet the facts of the matter still stand before us. What do you propose?"

"Perhaps an agreement. Let him restore the Council of Wardens to the traditional clans. But we'll let him choose. It's no secret I hate him, but I'll give up my position to ensure the Lharmoks at least have a seat at the table."

"A fair proposal, but I still doubt he'll go for it. Anyway, why come to me? Put your proposal to Malik."

"Because he's stupid and pig-headed, that's why! By Anwu's blue beard! He'd drink poison if I told him not to. Malik would never listen to us who opposed him. And, you Peshuek have some influence over him. An army can't march on an empty stomach, after all. If you suggest it to him, he might listen. Threaten him with labor unrest if he doesn't do something. It's not far off the truth, after all."

"Ah, I see. Well, the nub of the matter remains ... what's in it for me?"[/ic]

[ic=Ivran Cavuln, Voi of the Oaken Staff, to Andos]When we hold an enemy, there is but a single way to make peace.  The enemy pays tribute, and in recognition of this the Voci solemnly grow the sapling of a Fanglan Tree, the Tree of the Gods, and give it to the people who have paid us tribute.  So long as the tree lives, so too will peace; but should the tree wither away, war will return.  You are tree-keepers - water and nurture it as you would peace itself.  There is no harmony without the Fanglan Tree, which heals and preserves.

Tuarescou guards the Northern Gate, where the land turns cold and gives way to the desolate lands of the gods and winter giants.  It is the Tuarescol who thus hold the metal of the gods, tin, from which bronze is made.  You need only sail north along the coasts and you will find them - they once had a great empire, but abandoned it long ago.  They will not look in your eyes, for they think that the spirit is held in a gaze, and their spirits are too pure to be soiled by the gaze of a foreigner.

Beware, for we have seen ships from the west that mean ill, and have struck at our shores in years past.  Where they come from, we know not, but they have built a mighty fortress on an island to the west, where their ships safely harbor.  They are more dangerous than any serpent-headed mountain demons, who we have not seen in some time.[/ic]

[ic=Vys of the Anarvi to the Stavra]How quickly you forget how your people made war against us, seeking our land as your own.  It is these people I speak for, Warspeaker of the House of Myrun of the Anarvi, we who - with precious few other tribes - hold our land against your tyranny.  If it is peace you want now, then perhaps you will have it, but we will never serve you.[/ic]

[ic=In the Beshwur's camp]After a long wait, thirteen warriors arrive, seven women and fourty-two men.  Each recites their deeds of valor and their ancestor's deeds of greatness.  All forty-two of the Geethouses who sit directly on the Ryvan-Holme are represented.  Some of their stories of their ancestor's greatness are confusing because they speak more of the glory of their ancestor's Motherhouse or of their Vrena than of their individual glory, but it becomes clearer, on closer inspection.  An individual's glory is nothing without their Motherhouse.  Thus it is that any individual's honor and glory may mark their place within their motherhouse, but all the glory anf=d honor is owned by the motherhouse.  However, not everyone in a motherhouse possesses the honor or the glory that a Motherhouse has.  While the Vrena may own all of the glory, any other individual may only attribute glory to his personal history if he or she played a great role in that event.  Of course, males are "son of ___, daughter of ___, daughter or ___," and so on, with the deeds added on where appropriate.  Not all of the deeds have to do with glory on the battlefeild, though many do, some deal with saving kin from a fire or catching a great amount of fish on one day or carving a great work of art or plowing a field by one's self in a single day.[/ic]

[ic=In the Council of Svyorn]The high tide was coming in outside the expanded sea caves that served as the temple closest to the Ryvan-Holme's seat of power.  That meant that there would be no unexpected visitors, as the lower chamber and entrance would be flooded while the high council chambers would remain save and warm, albeit eerie with the burning driftwood casting blue and green light.  Not to mention that everyone on the high council wore a mask.

The high-priestess wished that the sea would come into this chamber someday, though, to wash away the scent of orgy.

Putting that thought aside, she stood.  "I have news, Daughters of the Serpent.  I have received word that children of the Serpent reside in the mountains in the north, on the mainland.  We must seek them.  We have brethren already near there."  She pauses dramatically and gazes at each council member individually, marking the two whose throat will have to be slit to hold their tongues.  "The fallen house, Geethouse Ovaytyes, led by no other than the great Avelyne.  However, we dare not strike at them, nor does the Ryvan-Holme or even the Ryvalnya, though we had better keep this from their ears as they sometimes do not listen to the wise Whispers of the Serpent.  No, they DARE not, for they hold the pact with the wise ones, the Ivrusken.  Somewhere, in their secret home, they have it planted.  So it is my intention to mount an expedition, to find the 'serpent-headed demons', as the wise ones called them.  If they have been corrupted somehow, than we will do what we must, but hopefully we will find great allies, or perhaps even great masters."[/ic]

[ic=In the High Hall of the Strava]The Strava was annoyed at the message she had just heard from King Meas V.  "What message did you bear to him?  That is not the way I remember saying it, fool!  I shall have your tongue cut out and your eyes burned out and your thumbs broken, then I will cast you out to sea to make your way to the king.  Perhaps he will be more forgiving of fools who do not bear messages properly!  Syravyta!"  She calls, her guard coming in, "My will be done, take him away and do as I commanded.  And now for some good news, hopefully."

The scribe from Grycham prostrates himself and says, "Yes, my Strava.  Well, at least, I hope it is to your satisfaction.  The Ryvan-HOlme has reached a concordance.  Starting at Southpoint and going all the way to Northpoint, following the western coast, you may construct your garrisons, I mean 'supply depots', have a day's sail from each other.  The Ryvan-Holme has even agreed to sponsor this endeavor with labor from each Vrena's holdings and some resources.  Al that remains is your approval for this, my Strava."

"Very well, prepare the documents, this is agreeable to me."[/ic]

[ooc]Announcement
Hello there!  Orders for the next update are due on Monday.[/ooc]

[ic=Despotissa Koura of Kuregn to the Grand Warden of Kashtu]We have been in conflict, if not at war, for all my years.  It has proved costly and profitless for us both.  I seek reconciliation and peace with the tribes of the Atur, including your noble people.  Tell me, how can you and I reach a suitable accord?[/ic]

QuoteAfter a long wait, thirteen warriors arrive, seven women and fourty-two men.

What?

[ic Chief Councillor Grihmud of Kashtu to Pharaoh Orohtep of Artash]In the name of Grand Warden Malik, we wish you all the blessings of the gods. The Grand Warden is occupied with matters of state, but I am empowered to speak for him in matters of trade.

We of Kashtu welcome all trade with friends. Please accept this gift of aromatic oils as a token of our esteem. In addition, Kashtu can offer many other goods, especially hides and leather, fruits from the desert, and we are especially known for our wooden flutes.

Right now, Kashtu is threatened  by enemies and we are in need of weapons or metals to make them. If you have any such supplies, they would be most welcome.[/ic]

[ic Pharaoh Orohtep to Chief Councillor Grihmund]Newlyfound allies, we can iron in the form of dhields and armor. we also have spears as well. we will also send you slaves so you do not need to use the lives of your own. these slaves are completely obedient[/ic]
 [ooc]Orders
>send kashtu supplies
>incorporate gladiatorial entertainment using lions
>incorporate war masks
>erect temples for the gods
>train soldiers in spear fighting and with the bow as well as the axe.[/ooc]

[ic=In the Hall of the Grand Warden]"Stay a moment, Waaduhl. I need your advice"

"Certainly, Grand Warden. I am always at your service."

"I have received a messenger from the Despotissa. She is suing for peace."

"Peace with Kuregn? Is it possible?"

"I mistrust every word of that devious witch. But it creates a serious problem for me. For now, only you and I know of this, but if that busy-body Grihmud and those so-called "Wardens" catch wind of this, they'll probably revolt. Only the threat of war is keeping them in line right now."

"True, it weakens your hand. But you still have the Tarkad clans. They, especially, do not like the Despotissa and may not want peace in any event."

"Without the food and gold of the Peshuek, I can't pay or feed the men. They would return home to their clans and I'd have nothing. We must keep this secret until the situation is more secure."

"Begging your pardon, Grand Warden, but have you considered Grihmud's proposal?"

"To choose a new Council of Wardens from the clans? And of course, that detestable worm would get his own seat on the Council! Phagh! It would be a sign of weakness, and just encourage the others."

"I think not, Grand Warden. I have been contacting candidates from all the clans who might join the Council with this plan. I think you could choose enough Wardens to support you. This would cement your position - but the time is now. If they hear of this peace offering, they'll surely press for more."

"Hmm, you could be right. I'll have to consider further. Meantime, send me your most trustworthy scribe. I need to respond to the Despotissa."[/ic]
[ic=Grand Warden Malik to the Despotissa of Kuregn]You speak of the war between our peoples, yet you forget that it is you that have warred on us. Through your actions and meddling, thousands of our desert kin have been slaughtered - and not a few of the true sons of Kashtu. And now you want peace!

I am sorely tempted to make you lie in the bed you have made for yourself. But my good nature gets the best of me. If the Nem-Ammar and other tribes are willing, Kashtu will offer you peace on the following terms:

Kuregn must renounce, for all time, all claims on any of the lands of the Ma'a.
Kuregn must withdraw all forces from the Ma'a.
Kuregn must withdraw all forces from all lands adjoining Kashtu, including the passes to Celend, and return these lands to their rightful owners.
Kuregn must send five wagonloads of good bronze weapons to Kashtu as war reparations and a token of its good faith.
The Despotissa must send a daughter to be my fourth wife, as a guarantee of future friendship.

Regards,
The Grand Warden[/ic]

[ic=Despotissa Koura of Kuregn to Grand Warden Malik of Kuregn]Both of us regret the violence of my father - but it was the Atur who had allied with the rebels against the Despotate, and in any case, my father is dead, murdered by the Atur.  You too warred against the Atur in those years; the Red Sands made my father's battles look like skirmishes.

The Atur ally with Kuregnite rebels, and you say we are responsible for the subsequent death - and when I ally with those who I saw to be the legitimate leaders of the Atur, still you say we are responsible.  One wonders when you will take responsibility for your own choices.

In any case, I am willing to withdraw from what little territory of the Ma'a I control, and renounce claims to that land.  Arms are not a problem either.  As far as the passes are concerned, these territories do not concern you and have no bearing on our conflict.  They were rightfully won from Celend in our peace agreement, which you are not a party to.

I have no objection to a marriage between our families, but my eldest daughter is hardly ten years of age; surely she would be better suited for your heir.

I await your response.[/ic]

[ic=Dragonlord Gregor to Otahvy]
Greetings Double Kings,

Inveran comes to you in a time of dire need. Kuregn has crushed Yaffa under its heel, and is now turning to us through its vassal, the Machta.

We know that you are wary of us, and to be honest, somewhat rightly so. However, we need your help in protecting us from the full might of Kuregn. To that end, can you aid us by harassing Kuregnite ships and vessels, so that they cannot bring re-enforcements to the Machta? In return, we are prepared to offer you either more favorable prices from our merchants, or we shall pull out from Otahvy trade altogether, depending on your decision.  

In need,
Dragonlord Aristo
[/ic]

[ic=To Otahvy]Hail, Two Kings.
In the past, the Machta has aided you against Inveran. Now, we ask for only one favour in return. Harass the ships of Inveran, and send us any aid - or trade - that you can. Otherwise, continue your ways, and we will continue to aid you from our holdings outside your lands. We will also be willing to negotiate the cede of our island to you, of course.[/ic]

Quote from: Holy Carp!

QuoteAfter a long wait, thirteen warriors arrive, seven women and forty-two men.

I had a fever that day, in my defense, but it should be forty-nine warriors who arrive to try to gain entry to the sorghedai tribe.


[ooc]Final Orders:

Ryvan-Holme:

Formalize a standard set of units of measurement, as agreed by the Ryvan-Holme:  Gryhams for weight, Grystyfe for distance, Gryaynker fo nautical units, Gryvayle for volume, and Gryfyay for areas of land (similar to an acre).

Develop giant bows or slings devices to be used against buildings in war.

Bands of warriors set out to obtain bronze making materials as per the instruction of the Ivruskens.

Build a fleet better suited to fight off other ships.  The older ships will be phased out of military ownership as the new fleet is constructed and given to merchants and fishers via a lottery, which may or may not be fixed, depending upon which Vrena is giving them out.

Reassign their ranks of spearmen to mariners.

Develop better agrarian methods.

Build bathhouses in Grychgayte settlements.

Stravam

The Ryvalnya are building outposts along the western coasts of Andos, from the southernmost tip of Andos to the northernmost point.  These outposts are each separated by no more than eight hours of sailing.

Kidnap the family of Vys of the Anarvi and other militant leaders identified as opposing Stravam among the northerners.

Adopt the Ryvan-Holme's standard units.

Scour the mountains in search of anything valuable, especialy an alternate metal to copper and/or tin

Force any survivors of Arrania found to work in the northern quarries and lumber camps, but do not mistreat them.  Well, at least by Ryvalnya standards.  Make them a "special" class of citizen in Stravam.

Trade with the Gryschgayte for better ships.

Grychgayte:

Adopt the Ryvan-Holm's standard units (At a later date than Stravam and the majority of the other Vrenas).

Build a fleet using superior components than those of the Ryvan-Holme's fleet.  They will be extremely loathe to sell these to the Strava and may refuse to entirely if they believe the Wytchegayte will ally with themselves to break Stravam's amber monopoly.

Develop better ships, perhaps trying to make a larger variation of the outrigger canoe which is more suited for ship-to-ship combat, using the huge trees of the Old forests.  Recruit from the shipwrights around Krynam aggressively for this purpose.

Develop wooden aqueducts or a similar means of transporting logs to the coastal shipyard and settlements.

Bands of warriors set out to obtain bronze making materials as per the instruction of the Ivruskens.  They will run for the aid of the Ryvan-Holme if they experience setbacks.

Scour the mountains for signs of other metals or anything valuable.

Obtain any survivors of Arrania found from the Ryvalnya to work in the northern quarries and lumber camps, agreeing to the Ryvalnya's stipulations that the Arranians are to be relinquished temporarily if the Strava is to call for it.  They will traet the laborers better than the Ryvalnys.

The Wytchegayte:

Nurture the Tree.

Keep their new mountain home hidden even from their closest allies, including the true Wytcheblooded Wytches.  Fortify the ase as well, especially the courtyard where the tree is planted.

Learn how to tunnel into the mountains on their own terms.

Get more tamed wolves and patrol the Old Forest.

Miscellaneous:

Develop bows with longer ranges to defend hold with.

The High Council of Svyorn is to launch an expedition in search of the "serpent-headed demons".

The Master Craftsmen of Krynam are also adopting the Ryvan-Holme's set of standard measurements.

All unattended male offspring of the Ryvalnya with the appearance of at least ten years of age are to be brought from Stravam to Krynam, where they will be put under the authority of the Ryvan-Holme such as it is in Krynam.  They are to be trained as "Wytchehunters".

Chronicler Chirub and/or his apprenticed chroniclers are to return from amongst the Sorghedei, come back to Andos, and bring the stories of the Sorghedei to the Andos by means of performing them.  This tradition is to reach every Vrena's holdings and Krynam, and shall incorporate regional and, later, national Andosen legends as it gains in popularity.  They shall become known as Chirubyans, and anyone ho harms them will be considered most disgusting for harming those who bring joy.

If any Nargaqi tunnelers or other craftsman can be found and convinced to move to Andos, a formidable bidding war will take place:

Some of the Grychgayte motherhouses actively participated in fighting with the Nargaqi and have resources to boot.

Stravam disdained Andosen involvement in that affair but did not actively oppose it, so this is not well known.  They also have a monopoly on amber, more or less, and seem to be on th political rise, though they are not very friendly to men.

The Wytchegayte fought most actively alongside the Nargaqi and are the exception to Stravam's monopoly on amber.  However, they  do have an unsavory reputation and somewhat limited power, though they also hint at greater political power in the future.  Any tunnelers who are allowed to help expan the scret mountain home will never be allowed to leave.

The Ryvan-Holme is more interested in agrarian innovation.  They promise funding in exchange for results and will remind the Nargaqi that they tried to save them even though they had never pledged to do so (and even though those who sent aid are no longer alive.)  The Nargaqi will be sent primarily to reside in Krynam.

As fas as having multiple alliances is concerned, the Grychgayte and Ryvan-Holme are not actively at odd with one another, though they are somewhat in competition over agrarian innovation, so working for both is viable.  Alliances with the Wytchegayte need not be overt.  Stravam brokers very little tolerance for less than absolute loyalty, though their agents abound in Krynam so they consider it practically theirs.  However, while dangerous, it is also possible to run the gambit of being loyal the the Wytchegayte as well.

In the long run, it would be most beneficial for a Nargaqi individual to marry into a motherhouse and stay loyal to them.[/ooc]

!!!***My forces should be changed to 1 Andosen Spearmen and 2 Navy.