Gods, Guts and Glory - A tale of the Hebrides

[alexthewhite]

it's like people don't even bother to read the first post! :I

I did read it, I just made the misconception that post-revolution units would come into play after the revolution; in other words, you have to deal with a lesser army before the revolution in exchange for a stronger one afterwards. I've never actually played one of these games before, I'm sorry for the error.

Alexthewhite, I selected that city already. Please choose another. Plus, I don't think extradimensional psychic shapeshifting tentacle-beasts/mind flayers fit into the setting.

I disagree, for a few reasons.

1. They, except in combat, appear as and act like peculiar humans. As a matter of fact, their eldritch appearance is a well-kept secret! Most other nations just view them as freaks and weirdos.

2. They only have two forms. There are zombie factions and demons with eldritch abominations already in play, yes? I don't see how these are any more or less fitting to the setting than a faction that is, at least some of the time, physically human.

3. Their psychic powers have no effect on anything not in their species. They can talk to one another telepathically, but have no advantages over humans, dwarves, what-have-you in other interactions.

I will change the city, though. Sorry that I missed that.

[Palamedes]

Mirdini why don't you stop being so judgmental and finish yer own application.

We're all waiting for you.

[Kocel232]

I do like the fact that Alex's nation would be a hivemind, but, as neat as that is, I doubt Gallo would break the "HUMANS, ELVES, OR DWARVES" rule for it. But who knows.

Also, I have to agree with Pala that the whole "I GET MORE DUDES BY KILLING OTHER DUDES" bonus is a bit borked. Hopefully, if Gallo DOES let that slide, he'll put two nations that pick that next to each other and manipulate them into warring with each other. IT IS THE WAR THAT NEVER EEEEEEENDS....

[alexthewhite]

I do like the fact that Alex's nation would be a hivemind, but, as neat as that is, I doubt Gallo would break the "HUMANS, ELVES, OR DWARVES" rule for it. But who knows.

If Gallo vetoes it, I'll change the K'ddlrz to the alien minority rulers of a very cheerful human population. I'm pretty sure that would be acceptable under the previously stated guidelines.

The only real difference if I do that is the color; the bonuses will be very similar, albeit for different reasons. The objectionable parts of the faction are all aesthetics, which is why I'm hoping it can skirt the race rule.

[Mirdini]

Hey look I've got a profile up on the previous page and with me being WORDS!DINI it is obviously way too long. I'm a perfectionist so I will just apologize for that and slink away without changing anything.

[Tasr]

Updooted my post and added a flag.

[Ross_Varn]

So no answer to my question on the first page. Great. I'll draft something in the spare moments I have today.

As such, "reserved", for as much stock as you put by that word.

[Mirdini]

So no answer to my question on the first page. Great. I'll draft something in the spare moments I have today.

huh, thought someone had got to that.

[16:42] Galloglasses Yes you can only start in federation

Edit: Gallo posted a scale comparison in irc: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6541822/HEBRIDES/size%201.png

the real-life comparison paste-in is Ireland, for reference.

[Galloglasses]

ONLY ONE MORE APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED

First come first serve

[Galloglasses]

If Gallo vetoes it, I'll change the K'ddlrz to the alien minority rulers of a very cheerful human population. I'm pretty sure that would be acceptable under the previously stated guidelines.

The only real difference if I do that is the color; the bonuses will be very similar, albeit for different reasons. The objectionable parts of the faction are all aesthetics, which is why I'm hoping it can skirt the race rule.

These edits would be acceptable.

[Galloglasses]

So no answer to my question on the first page. Great. I'll draft something in the spare moments I have today.

As such, "reserved", for as much stock as you put by that word.

For reference, Ross_Varn has reserved the 29th spot in the game, the last spot, the 30th, is the one that is now first come first serve.

[Ross_Varn]

...daaang. Alright. Let's make it good.

Player: Ross Varn
Nation: Archaeon [Arch-Aeon, i.e. the Stonecarved City of Old.]
Government: Republic
Leader: Sebrastor Archaeonts
Location: Between the brown and blue valley centered under the Federation / the city northwest of Ink / an unclaimed city built on the edge of a dark blue/black mountainrange(?).
Colour: Jadeish.

Detail: In times both dark and light, there are those who will seek to tear down the boundaries of evil and who wish to see the world as a better place, however flawed that image may be. These are the people of the Republic of Archaon, a stone-carved city in the hills of the Federation. With their core values challenged at every turn, not even the leaders of the empire can always see the right path forward. A new firebrand in the empire, Sebrastor, from the ancient founding family of Archaeon, has been elected as an emergency leader in the rebellion of the city-states against the Federation.

History: Archaeon was constructed many years ago by like-minded men from a number of nations. They brought with them the technology that allowed the unique construction of the city, and the theory that there must be always be a place of light and life in the world.

Bonuses:
Honorbound- With the devotion of the Republic's men to the cause of the nation, they will not slay without cause and will not betray their fellows, but fight with the knowledge and energy of those who know that they are in the right. Many have a tendancy to fight in... unconvential ways when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Nationcraft- Old technology from the birth of the Republic has developed in it's course with Archaeon's engineers. Their lands exibit unique carved towns and towers, and the city of Archaeon is the pinnacle of this technology, having never fallen to an enemy in the history of the Republic. The engineers of the city have time and cause to make headway on many a strange invention.

Starting army: 4 Infantry, 2 Archer

Five words: Honor shall bind all empires' wounds.

I have 5% left on my charge and no power socket in this car. The flag is delayed. Thank you.

[Demonsul]

And now we await with baited breath the final entrant...

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As Gallo so demands, thus I obey.













Check filenames if you don't get which nations they are for.

[Ross_Varn]

Demonsul that is glorious and far cooler than anything I was imagining. Thank you.

[Galloglasses]

"Sitting comfortably?

Have you wetted the tea?

What do you mean no!? Get up offa yer arse and get the cups boy!"

---

"Now, where was I? Oh yes.

The assassination was a spark that ignited a fire, a conflagration unseen since the Gods split the Fjords of the world with their swords. The nations of the federation, long restricted and frustrated by the hopelessly bloated morass of the Federations Beuraeucracy, simultaneously erupted in revolt, peasants willingly joined in the infectious enthusiasm of their lords and took up arms In the name of freedom.

Where the seeds of the news of the parliament's destruction spread, armies like roses burst into bloom as nations awoke from a long unquiet slumber.

But this was not an age of comradery and friendship. The Federation only lasted so long as it did by playing its member nations against eachother, old hatreds and slights, real or imagined, burned in the hearts of kingdoms and city states, and more then a few wily rulers thought they're neighbours lands would look lovely with their personal banner flying over them.

The Cold northern Republic of Praegevium, long known to place Loyalty and skill above all other values was one of the first to be released and Archos Onero Satraps cast quick aspirations over the rest of its Island domain, but kept one hand on his dagger wary of the powerful wolves close to his home who might threaten it.

Far to the East, surrounded by mountains on three sides and the hated Elven lands on the last, The stalwart order of Malajon took steps to free itself from the stifling shackles of the dieing federation, keen to avoid its mission to protect against the Impending global cataclysm being sullied and ruined by the death of a hated nation.

The kingdom of bead and its glorious knights joyfully shod its ties tot he hated federation and pronounced its federation, and immediately set about gathering its famed horsemen for the coming firestorm.

The Dark and secretive cult of Baugh Orbega, led by its Prophet Urmlatum, quietly slunk away in the confusion of the dieing federation, keen to stake its own claim in the southern Colonies, and have already laid siege and captured a full city to use for its own ends.

The Academy of Lucren, famed for its Ruling class of Mages and savvy traders, felt its culture was too different from that of the mainland and struck out on its own, tired of being tied down to such repressive economic policies of the Federation, but remained wary of their powerful neighbour to the north.

More of a merchant republic then a Kingdom, Mastronere in the southern Colonies found it easy to break free from the shackles of subservience, their king couldnt stop them even if they wanted to, and vengeful and fearful eyes gazed to the neighbours on their island.

The Veiled Collective, a chilling abomination, half magical death curse, half... something else. The entire population of this land were literally of one mind and faceless behind their death masks, and keen on controlling their entire island.

The Tribal Kingdom of the Naks, Humans who think they are not humans and wear the skins of crocodiles about their persons had long awaited this day, when the hated 'human' federation would fall and sought to take advantage and reclaim their ancestral homeland, and boot out their rivals for the sacred island.

The proud Wolf Warriors of Chief Gelk Kromgar seize the city of Highthr and renamed it the Wulfhold in accordance with their chieftan's visions, and not a moment too soon, for they would need all the power of their mighty province to survive the onslaught that would inevitably fall down upon them.

While during the time of the Federation, the Grand Duchy of Askeria had been happy to loan troops to whatever end the Federation declared it needed them, it wasted no time in following its brother nations in striving for its own place in the sun after its Duke's death at the parliament. 'A hungry Throne Sits in the aisle of the old Faithful' an old saying of unknown origin, became commonly spoken throughout the Hebrides as more and more nations seceded.

Its cousin nation, the Kingdom of Resplendor, eagerly to not be left out fo the spoils of conquest, quickly followed suit and wary eyes were cast towards the mighty dwarven holds of the island.

Sonn in the southern most part of the Northern Federation, ever the mediator in all things State, wisely saw the federation as unsalvageable, and quickly declared its own independence, and a crafty Viceroy pondered how he could use this opportunity to finally strengthen the authority of his own crown.

The much benighted lands of Jobsworth, home to unspeakable horrors and nameless things spilling over from worlds that should not be, was normally left alone by the federation for rather obvious reasons, with no love nor hatred for the old bother that was the parliament, Jobsworth continued as it was as the entire system fell apart. But Lord Hurricane wisely saw the opportunities that abounded... and the threats.

Porttown, a rich port city that was a direct part of the federal parliament's personal demesne, quickly saw the opportunities in striking out for trade on its own terms, free from the parliament's restrictions, and cast hungry eyes on the sea lanes going to and from the famous trade city of Veno.

The poor, deluded people of Koganusan, a dwarven dominated Human city near Veno, had lost its dwarven overlords, sick of the disgusting practices of the Federal parliament and not wishing to stay during its downfall, they had left. The humans of the region despaired and formed the Confederacy of Dorf, to appease the patron god of the Dwarves, so that their masters 'true dorfs' wont neglect their benighted children, the 'dorfs'

And while all this was happening a true horror had occurred in the dual cities of Oh and Dritt, north of Askeria, the population, leaderless and angry had slaughtered itself, and the remainder formed roving bands of lawless barbarians, raiding and slaughtering all that crosses their path, during this time they set sail for plunder and war and terror and death followed in their wake.

Of course most nations were unaware of the impending danger, some, like the 'Empire' of Allegoria sought to restore former glories. King Erumbect I sought to restore his empire and please the Bog Maiden to recieve the ancient enchanted sword, but was wary of the powerful neighbours that could stand in his way.

Some nations, like the Queendom of Durest are strange beasts with confused histories and unsure of their origins, and revel in such confusion! What more could we expect from worshippers of the Story God. This plucky nation eager for adventure, saw the potential in the revolution an ever unfolding story and were eager to put pen to paper in worship and praise and song.

The Insane land, commonly referred to as 'The Juicebox' for it has gone through as many name changes and government coups in its history as one would socks, was hard to keep within the federation's control at the best of times, now... now no one knew what to expect.

The Sea of teeth as the land had become known, was one of the reasons why so many within the federation had loathed the establishment, for while the parliament frittered away their tithes and taxes, they did nothing when a madmen alchemist infected and entire province with a deathless poison, reducing the population to mindless beasts hungry for flesh. Now, the federation definitely would do nothing about this accursed land.

A small unassuming island off the coast of the federation, near Sonn, was home to a large secret. A sleeping dragon, worshipped as a god by the local humans, guarded his children jealously and the people quickly took to arms to defend their island home and their god from would be assailants.

A fort turned industrial heartland, the people of the Fort Boulderwood had only too gladly dropped the foolishness of the federation and were eager to turn their grit and hardwork to something that benefits them as a people instead, and looked to General Jon Candlenut to lead the way.

Spiders. My gods boy, spiders. You think you know spiders? Here in these warm sandy beaches? You do not know spiders boy, you do not know terror, for the people fo Anoch, or, if you feel your tongue is up to the challenge, Anoch'Itlan were famous for the giant spiders... and how much they loved the bastardisations of nature, so much so they didnt ride horse into the battle, but spiders. Their horses...well... their spiders had to eat SOMETHING.

The Ethidians were an ignorant people, and the Mage elite liked to keep it that way. They had believed, wrongfully, that magical blood was needed to be a mage and you had to be 'born' into it. It was hard enough keeping representatives from the other mageocracies out before they could spread any truth of the matter during the federation. Now with the land all to themselves, it would be much easier to control their people.

The Merchant Republic of Velille, under crisis of order for five full years before the revolution and a succession of governor generals from the federal capital, found itself awash and adrift with the destruction of the capital. Unaided, unloved and without higher authority, the Current Governor General had expected to inherit a city in riot and instead found a world in flames.

You like hard to pronounce names? I like hard to pronounce names. THe people of Jani'De-Nechhulzan were a peculiar lot determine to guard... something that existed beneath their very feet, and with the destruction of the federation, that desire only intensified.

The K'ddlz... not much I can tell you about the kuddles as people called them, except the smiled alot, even if you stuck them on the end of their pike, they smiled, the laughed cheerfuly, their eyes reached out to you through their tears, and unfathomable sadness was all that could be seen before the light left them. There's not much I want to tell you about the kuddles.

And, amidst all this, all this hell and violence and evil, stood an oddity. Between the evil of the federation and the callousness of the member nations that used to make it up, a voice cried "Enough!" The Crusading Republic of Archaeon, and its city wrought of old stone vowed to tear down evil and restore the world to a lighter order of goodness, and would follow through this bloody work with zeal and ferocity.

And so it was, the beginnings of a new age, like the pangs of childbirth, with shocking grating violence did a new order be born through Fire and steel, sorcery and faith.

Thus began the Wars of the Harvest tide Revolution..."



----

Ok Note here. Before I explain to you what all those little symbols mean, here's how this shit goes down. AND I WILL BE TYPING THIS IN RED SO YOU SEE IT FOR SURE

Normally, I will PM your commands to you during revolution war turns, and I will. Except for this first turn.

I am tired and I have a paper to write this sunday. So instead, for turn one of the Revolution, you all will PRIVATE MESSAGE ME with your commands where you want your armies and navies to go.

Whats that? confused about where you are on the map? Too bad, look closer, you'll find yourself.

I will respond via PM with the result of your war commands in two days time because Uni will be in the way.

Now with that said...

Here is how war works:

Anatomy of a flag


Q and A
What happens if I tell my guys to charge the other guys?
Then I will interpret that as a 'full on attack', your army will have no regards for tactics and charge the enemy openly.

Can I specify what I want the troops in my army to do in a given battle?
Yes, this will be classified in your war commands as 'tactics' and is generally adviseable. Dont bother asking what tactics your opponent will be using, half the fun of these nation on nation wars is anticipating your enemy and thinking ahead. Can't do that? Thats too bad then, isnt it?

How does Morale work?
Arbitrarily. IOW I determine how morale works by taking in a fuckton of factors, size, tactics, reputation of general, hero units, national reputation, units in opposing armies, and whether or not I am eating a sandwich at the time.

How to generals work?
Hard

That doesnt answer my question
Thats because it wont be answered until post revolution

How do Navies work?
1 regiment of ship can hold 3 thousand men. Not three regiments of men, three thousnad. Navies in revolutionary period consist of 2 regiments of ship and can carry 6 thousand men.

How-
More complicated naval shit will be covered post revolution so dont worry about it. Or I will fuck you.

Do I include national commands in my war posts?
No

Why?
Because that would be retarded. Wars generally happen over the course of maybe a season or two, therefore there is a distinction between 'War turns' and 'Proper turns' National issues and commands are addressed over the course of an in game year, 1 'Proper turn', army movements realistically take weeks or months, 1 'war turn', it is impractical and stupid to address national issues in the middle of a goddamn war. Revolution turns are war turns.

Can we engage in diplomacy and maybe even establish trade agreements in the revolutionary phase that carry over into 'proper turn' phase of the game?
Yes

Go forth and conquer.

[DenizenShipper]

The map font makes everything look so fancy!

[Ross_Varn]

Sebrastor is dreaming.

Murder. Death. War. The tangled plot unravels as he drifts through it all, the lands of the Federation spread out beneath his feet. He watches.

And it all burns.

He awakens with a short breath, sitting upright in his bed. Standing, walking to the carved window, looking out over the city below, and beyond the mountains. Dawn comes, and with it the gathering forces. Old friends will break their ties. Old enemies, rear their heads. It begins as it will end, in flame. And today? Today it burns. The council has convened. The post falls upon his shoulders. Archaeon may fall, but he will see it through to either end.

But that end will not be today.

The city prepares. It is time to light a torch.

[Demonsul]

The trumpets blared a militaristic tune as the new Grand Duke traveled up the stairs of the ducal chapel. Dedicated to the Gods in general, the structure was affixed to the side of the Grand Duke's palace in Askeria - a tall stone structure which, despite not being built on anywhere particularly holy, awed those who doubted the Gods' (and Grand Duke's) power. The long, shallow stairs Soltius climbed were freshly carpeted in a deep navy, the banners that flew to the sides a paler blue. Behind the throne that had been placed at the top of the stairs, before the altar, was draped in a teal cloth - the personal colour of the ducal family, and as such the colour of the nation.

The new Grand Duke's ascension was a matter of some interest, of course. With the old ruler, a pro-federal supporter, dead at parliament, the ascension of an anti-federal Duke, especially during times as turbulent as these, had people on edge. But Soltius had proven himself serving as a general; as was customary for the ducal family. With the federation now effectively powerless, they felt they needed a strong ruler to lead them through the coming storm. Soltius fulfilled these criteria perfectly.

Sitting on the throne atop the stairs, the chapel's bishop proceeded to crown him. Grand Duke Soltius I, he was to be. In all honesty, although he had been waiting for this day since he was small, he was itching for it to be over, and to get himself back into uniform instead of ceremonial robes; he had an army to command, so that he might secure the Duchy against the coming chaos.

[dragonpaul99]

Making this mostly for my own benefit so I wouldn't have to keep searching through 4 pages of entries to figure out who's who, but you guys can use it too if you want.

City Name - Nation Name - Dude Name

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NORTHERN NATIONS:
Praegevium - Praegevium - Palamedes
Lucern - Lucern - Protoman
Jahn - Jani'De-Nechhulzan - Kaynato
K'ddlz - K'ddlz - Alexthewhite
Fort Boulderwood - Boulder - Dragonpaul
Bead - Bead - Knight_of_Hide
Oh/Dritt - (Barbarians) - soumynonAylemitlU


CENTRAL NATIONS:
Askeria - Grand Duchy of Askeria - Demonsul
Resplendor - Kingdom of Resplendor - Formless Fable
Anoch'Itlan - Anoch'Itlan - Jacquerel
Allegoria - Allegoria - DenizenShipper
Archaeon - Archaeon - Ross_Varn
Jobsworth - Jobsworth - Pharmacy
Moldar - The Sea of Teeth - ArmoredSkunk
Wulfhold - The Wulfghren Holds - Kocel
Koganusan - Confederacy of Dorf - Neopie
Ant - Order of Malakon - Vancho


SOUTHERN NATIONS:
Porttown - Porttown - 98714123340
Ethidian - Ethidian - Carnegie
Jox - Juicebox - Fragowump
Sonn - Viceroyalty of Sonn - Daunting
Adoragon - Adoragon - Solaris


ACTUALLY SOUTHERN NATIONS:
Cyota - Ō no chikaradzuyoi ryū - Swampmist1142
Nakkanopolis - Nakkan - CSJ
Velille - Velille - Mirdini
Orbega - Baugh Orbega - Supernerd
Durest - Queendom of Durest - Laset
Mastronere - Mastronere - 001
Rast - The Veiled Collective - Tsar

[Galloglasses]

Making this mostly for my own benefit so I wouldn't have to keep searching through 4 pages of entries to figure out who's who, but you guys can use it too if you want.

City Name - Nation Name - Dude Name

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NORTHERN NATIONS:
Praegevium - Praegevium - Palamedes
Lucern - Lucern - Protoman
Jahn - Jani'De-Nechhulzan - Kaynato
K'ddlz - K'ddlz - Alexthewhite
Fort Boulderwood - Boulder - Dragonpaul
Bead - Bead - Knight_of_Hide
Oh/Dritt - (Barbarians) - soumynonAylemitlU


CENTRAL NATIONS:
Askeria - Grand Duchy of Askeria - Demonsul
Resplendor - Kingdom of Resplendor - Formless Fable
Anoch'Itlan - Anoch'Itlan - Jacquerel
Allegoria - Allegoria - DenizenShipper
Archaeon - Archaeon - Ross_Varn
Jobsworth - Jobsworth - Pharmacy
Moldar - The Sea of Teeth - ArmoredSkunk
Wulfhold - The Wulfghren Holds - Kocel
Koganusan - Confederacy of Dorf - Neopie
Ant - Order of Malakon - Vancho


SOUTHERN NATIONS:
Porttown - Porttown - 98714123340
Ethidian - Ethidian - Carnegie
Jox - Juicebox - Fragowump
Sonn - Viceroyalty of Sonn - Daunting
Adoragon - Adoragon - Solaris


ACTUALLY SOUTHERN NATIONS:
Cyota - Ō no chikaradzuyoi ryū - Swampmist1142
Nakkanopolis - Nakkan - CSJ
Velille - Velille - Mirdini
Orbega - Baugh Orbega - Supernerd
Durest - Queendom of Durest - Laset
Mastronere - Mastronere - 001
Rast - The Veiled Collective - Tsar

This gets my approval

[Ross_Varn]

Dangit Dragonpaul you beat me to the punch by several entries :V

[ProfessorLizzard]

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And here is a link to everyone's entry copy pasted together, to make nation details easier to find.

[Laset]

In Durest, the celebration of Queen Stella's coronation went long into the night, as the drinks flew freely and everyone started discussing the details to make sure they could tell all the best stories of the day.

The queen and her advisors, however, had long since withdrawn for a working dinner.

"So," spoke the young Queen, "Now that my heritage has been proclaimed and accepted, what are the most vital matters for Our attention?"

The first advisor to answer was the Minister of Trade. "Our country needs friends. Without trade we'll have nothing, and besides, who can we tell our stories to?"

The General of the Royal Army spoke next, declaring "The villains in our story are obvious; this Veiled Collective I've heard rumors of are clearly villains, as are the demon worshippers of Baugh Orbega."

The Queen excitedly responds with, "We're beset on all sides by foes who will surely come to destroy us? Our desperate valiant stand will be the thing of stories when we succeed at driving them off! Our top priority, then, must be preparing to survive the impending attacks."

And with that, the royal court set about their planning for war.

(OOC note: those of you who I sent diplomatic correspondence to last night, that was ICly after this. Not that it should matter, I think.)

[swampmist1142]

(UM... Where's my navy?)

[Mirdini]

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(UM... Where's my navy?)

Only two-city islanders get navies - note that I don't have one, neither do Nakkanopolis/Asteria/Resplendor/Praegevium