The Campaign Builder's Guild

Quote from: Stargate525The people of Numenor

This is permissible, provided that we receive a quarter of all goods carried.[/ic]
[ic=Ilneress to Gregor]We accept your most attractive proposal.[/ic]
[ic=Ozola, Legate of the Agah, to Egwydor]The sublime Agah thanks you for your tribute, but must reject your proposal, as you are barbarians and not of the Light.  His Subliminity is uninterested in petty trade.[/ic]

Quote from: Holy Carp!Read the Silmarillion much? :p

Your fault for dubbing it so close to that darned name... :P

[ic=Bashkyrs Kelal and Yeddai from Gregor]A quarter on the way out, the way in, or both? This is an important point, as many of the goods we will take with us are needed for survival.

We will happily surrender a quarter of any wealth we acquire upon our return.[/ic]
 

[ic=Ozola, Legate of the Agah]
Perhaps there is something else his Subliminity is looking for that we could provide.  Is there any way you could allow us to trade up the river while paying you a toll of sorts?

For the balance of the four,
Idwal, Councilor of air
[/ic]

Current Units
Here's the current unit roster, with a colorful bonus borrowed from Fairline, an Apolyton graphics creator.

[spoiler=Armies]Spearmen (Spr)

Spearmen wield a short spear, and are usually equipped with a copper helmet, light armor (e.g. linen, hide, or leather), and a large hide or wooden shield. They are decent all-around troops that can handle most opponents adequately, but they don't excel at anything.

Bladesmen (Bld)

These are usually younger and more agile warriors that serve as light infantry, fighting with some manner of bronze blade '" usually an axe, knife, or short sword '" and a hide or wicker shield. They wear little or no armor to preserve their mobility. Bladesmen are fast and flexible light troops who can ably accomplish tactical maneuvers and ambushes.

Archers (Arc)

Archers carry a short bow, several sheaves of arrows, and little else. Their arrows are deadly, but inaccurate at long ranges, and can be blocked easily by shields and even light armor. They are often used to break up enemy formations and to assault or defend walled cities.

Slingers (Sli)

Slingers fire deadly lead bullets that significantly outrange bows, and can break bones even through shields and armor. These bullets are heavy, however, which limits the number that can be carried into battle. They make good battlefield skirmishers.

Swordsmen (Swd)

The first truly heavy infantry, swordsmen wield bronze short swords to hew through enemy footmen.  Equipped with shields, bronze helmets, and tunics reinforced with bronze scales, plates, or discs, swordsmen are excellent assault troops.  What they lack in mobility they make up for in durability.

Composite Archers (CAr)

These archers carry the composite bow, a vast improvement over the old 'self bow.'  Its composition of wood, horn, and sinew gives it nearly twice the range of a traditional bow with the same bow length, not to mention increased power to penetrate armor (though shields remain an effective defense).  The animal glue involved, however, means that it can fall apart in humid or wet conditions.

Camelry (Cam)

Camels are odd-looking animals perfectly suited for desert combat.  These warriors ride camels into battle, and carry a bow, spear, and small shield.  They are perfect for raids in the wide, trackless deserts and steppes, but are ill-suited for warfare in temperate regions.  The smell of camels is, coincidentally, very disturbing to horses. (This unit requires access to camels)

Chariots (Cha)

The chariot is a fearsome new weapon of war that brings mobility to the battlefield.  Each chariot carries a two-man crew, a driver and an archer, armored with bronze scales and equipped with a bow and a lance.  From their mobile platform, the crew can rain down arrows on infantry formations or trample them if they break formation.  For all their advantages, however, chariots are inoperable in rough terrain. (This unit requires access to horses)

Elephants (Ele)

Elephants are massive beasts that can easily trample foes, terrifying man and beast alike.  Each is ridden by a single mahout, who wears the heaviest armor possible to prevent the enemy from disabling the elephant by killing him.  Elephants are powerful but unpredictable, and can be a danger to their own side, even trampling their own troops if confused or panicked. (This unit requires access to elephants)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Fleets]Boats (Boa)

These represent canoes, barges, and small boats primarily designed for rivers and day voyages over calm seas. These small vessels are quite handy, but very vulnerable to storms and ill-suited for warfare at sea.

Outrigger Canoes (OCa)

Large canoes can be rendered more seaworthy by the addition of an outrigger, which stabilizes the hull.  Outrigger canoes are advanced craft driven by sail and oar that are noticeably more seaworthy than galleys, but their smaller crews and lower structures make them not much better than regular boats at naval warfare.

Galleys (Gal)

The galley is a round-bottomed ship with 20-40 oars and a single square-rigged mast. They are faster and more seaworthy than boats, but are unsuitable for open waters beyond sight of the coast. They have no weapons, combat being conducted by boarding an enemy ship.

War Galleys (WGa)

The war galley is a specialized fighting craft.  It is longer and narrower than a normal galley and has more oars, allowing for greater speed but reducing the available space for supplies (thus limiting its effective range).  The ship has two decks: the main (rowing) deck, and a raised fighting platform where marines can loose arrows and hurl javelins down into opposing ships.  This innovation, however, makes it substantially less seaworthy, and war galleys must be restricted to calm and coastal waters.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Other]Irregulars (Irr)

Irregulars wield whatever weapons are at hand '" javelins, clubs, staves, knives, bolas, farm equipment, or even simple rocks.  They usually have no armor to speak of, and fight as skirmishers '" their plan is to throw whatever they have in hand at the enemy, and then run like hell!  They lack training and discipline, but can be useful auxiliaries and scouts.  Their effectiveness can vary widely, from a veteran city militia to a disorganized rabble. (This unit cannot be trained)

Marines (Mar)

Marines are navy crews disembarked from their ships to fight on land.  They are as disciplined as regular soldiers, but are lightly equipped and unarmored (armor can be a hindrance when running a ship), usually with short bows, javelins, or assorted hand weapons.  They are best suited to a skirmishing or support role.  Their effectiveness tends to be somewhere between irregulars and regular army units. (This unit cannot be trained)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Regionals and Elites]Andosen Spearmen (ASp)

Unlike the spearmen of other lands, these warriors fight as loose warbands rather than dense formations.  They carry a selection of weapons, preferring the chor, a four foot bronze stabbing spear, and a versatile composite bow.  Equipped with a bronze cap, a hide shield, and a square bronze 'pectoral' as armor, they are swift and hardy raiders suited for ambushes and rough terrain, though they lack the cohesion and discipline of some troops. (This unit can only be trained by Andos)

Agnrian Guard (Agn)

Formed after the surprise attack in YC 53 on the Red Palace by fesshekou warriors, the Agnrian Guard functions as both the personal guard of the Despot and Kuregn's most elite body of soldiers.  Drawn from the western provinces, these men wear light armor made from layered felt and linen, as well as wicker shields and characteristic dark red peaked felt caps (with a copper skullcap underneath).  They are masters of both the bow and the kashol, the Kuregnite short stabbing sword, and can function as excellent archers or light infantry.  They receive lands and privileges for their service and have a deep religious loyalty to their divine leader.  (This unit is elite; more cannot be trained)[/spoiler]

[ic=To Machta-In]
Brothers of the sea,

Your recent victory over Inveran has peaked our interest.  Word has reached our ears that it was a victory of the sea that tipped the scale.  Truly you must be in tune with the sea within yourselves.  That is why I Hinrik, Councilor of Water, have sent this message instead of our Councilor of Air.  The people of Egwydor believe our people have much to offer each other.  Not only do we have gold and malachite, but we will soon have access to West of the mountain range that boarders the Middle Sea.  But, we are spread too thin with our manpower.  In an offer of alliance, we will give you significant discounts on all items brought from the West if you provide the manpower to get over there.  "To trade spears with your enemy is to commit suicide, but to trade spears with your friend will surely save both your lives a thousand times over."

For the balance of the four,
Hinrik, Councilor of Water
[/ic]

[ic=To Ilneress]
Dear People of Ilneress,

You are the sons and daughters of Inveran.  I need not tell you of the riches Inveran once had, for surely you knew it better than any.  Although not strong allies with Inveran, we feel that if time had allowed it we would have been great friends.  A force to truly be reconed with in the Middle Sea.  However, Inveran's life was cut short.  We feel that you, as the sons and daughters, have in you the ability to restore Inveran's greatness.  We of Egwydor want to help you restore that greatness, even if only to say we were there when the great Ilneress were but recovering.  We send you this gift and a sampling of our tradeable goods in hopes they will appease you.

For the balance of the four,
Idwal, Councilor of Air
[/ic]

 [ooc]
To both Ilneress and the Machta-In I'll send a sampling of goods.  To the Ilneress I'm sending the dagger that I sent to the other nations, but to the Machta-In I'm gunna send a spear with the spearhead made of gold.
[/ooc]

[ic=Bashkyrs Kelal and Yeddai to Gregor]We of course mean your trade goods, not your food.  We would not be so cruel as to starve your people on the steppe.[/ic]
[ic=Ozola, Legate of the Agah to Idwal]The only "toll" the Agah would accept would be the acknowledgment of the Agah's suzerainty by your people and a payment of tribute to his Sublime Majesty.  He is not interested in mere barter, but in the advancement of the Light and Righteousness to all corners of the world.[/ic]
[ic=Lord Arus of Inverness to Idwal]I welcome your gifts and your generous words.  I too look forward to rebuilding the great power and prestige of lost Inveran.  Your ships are welcome in our waters, so long as they are not prohibited by the Emperor; we must acknowledge his superior might and observe his policies at present.

Please accept these fine glazed pots, products of our native craftsmen, filled with rare spices procured from the land where the sun rises.[/ic]

[ic=Gregor to the Bashkyrs]
Thank you for clearing up this misunderstanding. We will comply, and expect the expedition soon.[/ic]

[ic=To Ozola, Legate of the Agah]
We are saddened by your request, but we must decline.  For if Egwydor were to accept those terms we would lose all honor, and surely be assassinated.

For the balance of the four,
Idwal, Councilor of Air
[/ic]

 [ic=To Ilneress]
Lord Arus, you truly are as wise as you predecessor.  We have sent word to them and eagerly await for their reply.  

For the balance of the four,
Idwal, Councilor of Air
[/ic]

[ic=At A Councilor Meeting]
Idwal: "We of the air have found trade very difficult over seas.  The winds allow easy access in, but the journey out is so difficult that it deters large amounts of trade.  We are willing to work with those of the water to fix this problem."
Hinrik: "Agreed, we have found the travel in easy, but out very difficult.  I believe that perhaps putting oars on every boat will fix this problem."
Livio: "No, putting oars on every boat would be illogical.  To have enough to be useful against the wind and current you would have to fill your hull with them, making leaving port pointless."
Idwal: "If it is the wind that's the problem, perhaps more or less sails will fix the problem."
Hinrik: "Or a different type of sail.  One that catches some of the wind, but not too much, maybe many really small sails."
Howel: "Perhaps we should leave this up to the minds of the Egwydorians.  I'm sure there's one of them out there that can fix this problem."
[/ic]

[ic=Kholon, Agah of All the Auri, to King Meas]My friend and ally under the Light,
Surely you have heard of the predations of the Sorghedai upon my realm; they have affected you as well, as I have seen the trade of silver into your land drawn down to nothing by their conquests.  The Light shines the stronger when its faithful are gathered in a common purpose.  I ask the assistance of your stalwart men in removing these raiders from my realm; I will subsequently return the favor by rendering you assistance in excising the sea-raiders from your own territory, for I have heard of their attacks upon you and unjust usurpation of your lands.[/ic]
[ic=Enlightened Assembly of the Sun and Moon to the Free Captains]Fellow survivors and sea-travelers, we send you our greetings.  We have often wondered why the gods saw fit to flood all the earth and leave our two peoples separated by such vast distances of water; we can only surmise that this was done so that we might learn the mysteries of the world in our own separate ways, to create a richer tapestry once bound together again.  In this spirit, we ask that you might show us the way to your harbors, so we may exchange the fruits of the soil, of the sea, and of the mind together.  Please accept this gift of Sweet Cane that your sailors had never heard of before - it is truly a gift from the sea gods that brings a divine taste to all things.  Perhaps you may be moved by piety to share with us your utmost gift, the Sunset Stone from which your tools and arms are crafted.[/ic]
[ic=Grand Archon Oldam to Kashtu]Long have the Archons respected the wishes of your people, and never took you with us into the depths of war - indeed, it is we who long ago lent our aid to you.  Thus, you must understand the request I make now is made with the utmost seriousness, for only the most grave could move me to ask of you what we have never required before.

We and our allies have failed to turn the oceans against our enemies - Inveran and Yaffa have fallen to them, and now our war must be fought on the land.  It should be plain to you that the "Emperor" poses a grave threat to both our peoples - should you fail to support us, and should the Archons be forced to submit, you will be encircled by an odious power that would be second only to the divinities themselves.  Life is precious and I do not ask you lightheartedly to throw it away.  We know well that some will die - but these deaths will buy the freedom of your people from the slavery of Despotic rule.  Cast aside your suicidal pact with this monstrous enemy and join us on the field of battle![/ic]
[ic=King Puul of Otahvy to Egwydor]Our Kingdom has been beset by a determined enemy that brings terror across the seas.  There is no people they will not assault, and we fear you will be next.  I ask that you sent fierce warriors to assist in expelling them from Mandra, so the impudent rascals will never again threaten good Mandrians like your people and mine.[/ic]
[ic=Connetar Pheren of the Black Goose Hayrines to the Emperor of the South (Machta-Kuregn)]Tidings of the Vale, Great King!  Even we have heard of the great size of your Kingdom of the south and its unsurpassed wealth and prominence.  I will get straight to my point - my people have need of a new home, and you have much land to give.  Give us a place to settle and I will bow to you.  To prove my good intentions, I come bearing a mighty gift - A pure golden wreath to crown your brow, adorned with gemstones of the Vale, crafted for a King of Hayar who never came to power.  What is your reply?[/ic]

[ic=The Emperor to Connetar Pheren]Land. Land is well enough, I have enough of it. Bow to me as lord and you may settle in my lands.[/ic]

[ic=Gregor to all Nations]
In light of our nation's mixed heritage, language, and culture, we have discovered that we are having difficulty convincing some of your merchants that we are indeed who we say we are, that being people of Numenas, and that some unsavory, dishonest people are masquerading as Numenas merchants

To that end, we have devised a way of assuring honesty amongst our merchants, and keeping the dishonest at bay. All merchants of Numenas must register with our government, at which time they will be issued a numbered banner, white with a red dragon. This they shall fly on their mast.

Anyone with a banner, properly numbered, should be considered Numenas, and afforded the courtesies as such. Any parading themselves as Numenas vessels without this banner should be detained and destroyed, as should ships whose banner number and ship name do not match. To aid you in keeping track, a book listing these banner numbers and to what ship they belong shall be issued to harbormasters in all major ports.
[/ic]

[ic= the harbour in Tari-pont]
"how long are you going to sit there?"   "but he said he'll be back today" "not with the way the winds are blowing" "but...."  "look, he'll be okay, the Hayrine doesn't know the isle and water like him, and it's not like it's the first time he's sailing off to get people from Stormshield, right?"  the young boy nodded "right"  "now be a good boy and go home, you dad's going to kill me, if I let anything happen to you" [/ic]


[ic=to the Strava of Andos] The Words of Peace does still apply, Avardera have nothing to do with the appeareance of these demons on your coast, and are even now, figthing them to regain our own lands that they have taken from us. the proof of the words being true shall be laid before you, when Avardera have shattered those that occopy our land, thereby encircling those that occopy your land.  

May We All Prosper[/ic]

[ic= by the southern border of Avardera]
"spirits damn him, where's Throm when I need him?" The head of the border guards looked around furiously, cursing inwardly his bad luck, and how these kind of things allways happens on his shift  "I think he's using a tree right now sir" "well, find the poor tree and tell him to finish bothering it quikly, we got some Rutherns here, who can't speak Avarderan"   nearby, two other guard watched quietly, the sight of the refugess bringing back memories of thier father tales from when he fled Narqag.  "some things never change, eh?"[/ic]

 [ic= to the Agah of the Auri]

Greetings, my brother in faith.

Clearly you have much foresight, to have allready sent me a message descriping the very thing I had wished to request and offer you. therefor, I have along with this message sent one of my commanders, so that you can discuss in details with him regarding how and when you wishes Avarderas aid, and will rest at ease, knowing that your warriors will aid Avardera afterward.
May the light guide our, and our warriors path to victory.

and may we all prosper.

King Meas V[/ic]

 [ic= in the throne room of King Meas]
King Meas V looked with great interest at the person standing before him, age had giving him much wisdom and insigh, though his habit of openly showing his feeling even when inapprobiated never really left him.
"Rise Sesto, general and victor against the army of the Kuregn" he paused, waiting for Sesto to act then continued "Avardera is much honoured over having you offer your migthy service and strenght to her, but Avardera also realises tat you and your men have living a long life of hardship, and so offer you two choice."
"the first is one of peace, you and your men may settle and live in Avardera as citizens, being asked of no more, nor no less then any other Avarderan, save that you and your must skilled are asked to share of your knowledge of warfare"
"the second one, is one of glory, Stormshield Isle have fallen to raiders from the west, and so if you wishes, then Avardera will be overjoyed to have you fight alongside her army to liberate her lands, and you and your men deeds shall be recorded and forever remembered and richly avarded after the victory that is sure to follow with your aid .   I understand that this can be a hard decision, and you may stay in the best guest warters in my palace, untill you have your answer" [/ic]

In generations past, the selection of Grand Warden from the Council of Wardens favored respected clan elders, who were generally of advanced age. In contrast, Malik had declared himself Grand Warden at a comparatively young age. His reign has already extended longer than any Grand Warden in memory.

What's more, Malik has out-lived all his chief rivals and main allies, and has grown in popularity as the years went by without mishap. With concern about war receding from the marketplaces, attention shifts to cleaning up Kashtu and outlying towns, and tax revenue from the increasing coffee trade provides the means to do it.

But the alliance of clan leaders and Peshuek had never forgiven Malik for by-passing them. The political situation remains tenuous, as the clans, Peshuek, church, and military squabble over control of taxes and rebuilding projects.

And then came the rumours... Celend was planning war against Kuregn. How should Kashtu respond? Some fear the disruptive effects and the prospect of a wider war throughout the Ma'a. Others relish the opportunity to re-establish Kashtu dominance over sacred lands. Lingering resentment over past tributes conflicts with the close commercial ties to Celend.

The military (now commanded by Malik's son Merwek), Grand Hierarch, Tarkad clans, and Malik himself lined up as the war party, while other old line Kashtu clans and Peshuek leaders counseled caution. Clan leaders forced Malik to convene the Council of Wardens, and this meeting was also attended by important Peshuek representatives. Malik found himself at something of a disadvantage here - he could not afford to commit the military without the support of clan leaders and their mercenary troops, and everyone new it. After several days of intense wrangling behind closed doors, a compromise was reached. But the participants were close-lipped about and little was said about the deals that had been cut and the decisions taken.

[ic=Malik to Merwek]My son, you must take some camels and travel to Zur'a to recruit new warriors. As you pass through Nem Ammar, please bring this letter to the Brotherhood. On your return, send word to me about your success, and wait in Nem Ammar for further word. The treasury will provide sufficient gold for your recruitment and to recompense the Brotherhood for their hospitality.[/ic]

[ic=Grand Warden Malik to Grand Archon Oldam]Kashtu stands ready to support their friends in Celend in their rightful efforts to drive the invaders from the lands they have occupied. We do not wish a wider war across the Ma'a, but we must have time to arrange for our defense and that of our allies in case of the worst.[/ic]

[ic=Grand Warden Malik to the Brotherhood of Nem Ammar]It is our information that Celend intends to attack Kuregn directly in order to free Yaffa and other lands that Kuregn has occupied. We of Kashtu will stand beside Celend against Kuregn. We cannot predict Kuregn's response to this, so all men of the Ma'a must stand ready to protect our sacred lands in case of need. Be assured that Kashtu will support you, our brothers, against the foreign invaders.

I am sending my son Merwek to recruit Zur'a warriors for our defense. I do not know how these warriors will be needed, although I am sure they will be. Kashtu requests that you allow these soldiers to stay briefly in your lands, until we see how circumstances develop.[/ic]

[ic=To Egwydor]I will give you a little of my manpower, but understand, not all of my Empire accepts my dominion. Rebellions must be crushed or it is quite possible that we will fall.[/ic]

[ic=To Machta-In]
Your decision is wise, and you will surely not regret it.

For the balance of the four,
Hinrik, Councilor of Water
[/ic]

 [ic=To Otahvy]
Word of these invaders has reached our ear, and we fear for not only our own people, but our Mandrian brothers as well.  However, we hardly have the troops to protect ourselves.  Not wanting to leave our brother for the dogs we will, however, send equipment for you to train soldiers of your own.

For the balance of the four,
Idwal, Councilor of Air
[/ic]