EARLY HISTORY CHAPTER ONE!

[Klington]

I could say it was one of those nights… one of those nights where your eyes can’t pierce the darkness, one of those nights where mass confusion is present at every turn, one of those nights in the great legends where massive heroes of far away lands beat back the enemy and crushed them with such a passion that one wonders if the enemies souls ever managed to escape to hell or if they are still trapped on this earth. But it wasn’t one of those nights… The moon was as full as it had ever been, I remember looking at it in amazement, the Gods had apparently been quite pleased with the bloodshed that had been taking place for the past 30 years, and they would like to see the last night of it end in a great bang…

You see for the past 30 years, The Great Emperor Eratosthenes of Lago, sought to conquer all of Klington, all of the warring states. A great task for a weak, drooling fool who some considered to be a loon (Eratosthenes held the firm belief the Earth was round). So, the task of perfoming this great deed of legendary proportions was taken under by the Shogun Fallen, and he was successful. After nearly 30 years, the Great Shogun was near to his goal, he was now 50 years old, and while his sword arm quivered, his mind never faltered. And that’s how we came to that night…
It was the last pocket of resistance, and then the great land of the eye (aka Klington) would be conquered! We were severely outnumbered, but I had faith in the army I fought with, the light cavalry unit I commanded, and the Shogun who commanded us. And, my faith was not unfounded, for we survived many of the clashes, and then the sun set and the moon rose… and that night began, the night that would change history!

There was only a few of us left, some javelin throwers, a few of my light calvary unit, some light infantry, and whatever remained of the Generals bodyguard. On the other side, a heavy cavalry unit which was about the same size as all our forces put together, making the battle that night even. The generals aide Acturus had heard dissent amongst the ranks, the men had a firm belief that if they attacked the enemy, that they would be cut down by the heavy cavalry. Acturus confronted the General about it, “I say we charge straight into the damned cavalry, that would teach those damn cowards that nothing, not even God himself, can stop our destiny!” The Shogun looked up at him slowly, with that stare, the stare that seemed to pierce the soul itself and look beyond it, “Acturus, destiny is not always destined to happen. We must make destiny happen. Now, I have a plan to stop there cavalry, prepare the troops…”

The light infantry were lined up, and behind them were put the javelin throwers. Our cavalry units waited behind them. The Shogun gave the order, and the light infantry and javelin throwers ran at the enemy, the enemy responded with a charge straight back at them… But before the two lines clashed, the commander of the infantry yelled, “SPLIT!” and the infantry split in half exposing the javelin throwers behind them, at that instant hundreds of javelins went flying into the enemies charging cavalry, and unbeknowest to them, our cavalry had rid up behind them… The two infantry units which had split, now rested on the flanks of the javelin throwers (who had unsheathed their wakazashis in preparation for close range combat) forming a pincer movement on the weakened enemy. While the enemy occupied themselves with the infantry, our cavalry rode behind them to cut them down, once and for all. One the javelins had hit an enemy’s horse, throwing him onto the ground. He plucked the projectile out of his horse and threw it at me, which hit my horse, throwing me off. I dropped into a shoulder roll and popped up in a stance with my sword unsheathed, I engaged the fool who tried to kill me for a short while, eventually removing his head from his shoulders and launching it into the air, my eyes naturally followed it, which by a stroke of luck brought my eyes to the area I needed to focus on…
There was the Shogun, his horse was gone, and he was fighting on foot, behind him an enemy on horseback rose his sword above his heard and was about to strike a death blow to the Shogun. I jumped up, and my sword cut down through the enemys exposed armpit, cutting his upper half off of his body, blood rained down upon the battlefield, the Shogun looked at me as if acknowledging what I did. After that it was all just mopping up the enemy, and that night… that battle, was won. And all of the Eye was ours!

But to Fallen, the Shogun, we had one last enemy to conquer… As we went through the great Victory parade in the Capital city of Lago, we reached the end of the road, and the crowd cheered, “SPEECH! SPEECH!” So Fallen went up to the Great Stone Pedestal and began to speak his mind, “People of Klington! I thank you for your support throughout this glorious campaign, and look what it has brought you, VICTORY!” He yelled as the crowd cheered, “But we still have one enemy to conquer, The Emperor is an Embarrassment to this great nation, and I say we overthrow this fool, only then can we truly be united as one people!” And that kicked it off. A few days later, the Emperor Eratosthenes was killed, and his loyal subjects committed seppuku. And then came a new Emperor, Emperor Fallen, took control of the new Empire. He summoned me one day…
“Ota, you saved my life in the last battle. Which I am thankful for, but lets face it, an emperor just can’t have that kind of publicity. I am supposed to be a God. So, since I do not forget favors, I will not kill you. But I’m afraid that I must do something, so from this day forward, you are a ronin, masterless…”

__________________________________________________________________________

“Huh!” Ota Dokan yelled as he awoke to sounds of battle and a small bit of sea sickness. “Damn… he thought to himself, that dream about how I became a ronin again, I can’t seem to get it out of my head.”

He looked around at the darkness that engulfed him, and felt how crammed he was in the small space, “Where am I?” He asked himself aloud. Then he remembered, in Lago it was raining, and since he had no place to sleep as a ronin he got into a box to keep the rain out, and finally get some rest. He pushed the top off the box, and stood up. “Oh shi-” He was cutoff by a nearby explosion. Ota was out at sea, on board a Klingtonian Plume boat, and the plume boat was currently attacking a nearby ship of a strange alien origin…
____________________________________________________________________________

Captain Dietrich of the Airytaki Plume Boat Group had discovered a ship which wasn’t showing off the customary flags (all Klingtonian ships sport flags telling what their business is, whether it be naval affairs, merchants, etc.) they ordered the ship to stop but it didn’t respond, so they attacked the ship….


OOC: Ok, that ship is the first outside contact the Klingtonians are gonna receive, so I need a country to take control of it, so whoever posts first about it gets it, ok? Go!

IC:

Civilization Advancements in Klington:

Military-
Plume Boats Created: Plume boats are the fastest boats Klingtonians have, they are a bit on the small side, and they attack in groups, but their amazing speed makes up for their small size 10 fold.
Fire Launchers: Some great minds have thought up a primitive version of a flame thrower, but so far they are inefficient and only see use in the Navy of Klington.

Cultural-
Aritio Corins- A great book written by Avakari master Kurtzu, which deals on the threat that is a fear of death and other problems men face on the battlefield, and how to combat them.
The Great Lighthouse of Lago- The great lighthouse of Lago is a gigantic lighthouse which is built in the city of Lago, and can almost be seen throughout the White Sea, helping trade flow and communication flow throughout Klington.

OOC: Sorry if that kinda started to suck towards the end, I stayed up late writng this and I kinda started to Burn out towards the end, anyways, hope you like it. Oh yeah, make sure you guys add Advancements in your country at the bottom of your post, since this is “Early History” it encompasses everything that happened back than, so make sure you add that crapola.

[Alfonia]

Meanwhile in village Storvik, Leif Fredrikson was helping his father Fredrik Gunnlaugson with loading barrels onto the ship. The winter had been a mild one, and birches were already light green. Torsten and Sven were helping too, though being a bit tired after spending the past week hunting deer in the nearby forest.

In the houses, the women were busy cooking, repairing clothes, keeping track of the slaves. the ship was setting sail the next day, and it was of vital importance to get the hides, amber and salted herring on board. trade had been declining with the western regions for quite some time, and Fredrik watched the ship that would take them south-east with pride. She was a wonderful craft, slender and long, and could outsail most of the ships from the other villages at Skogsfjorden. Birger Segelmakare had repaired the sails, and Björn Smed had made sure the arms and armor of the crew were in order. Tomorrow at dawn, the mead barrel would be loaded aboard and the ship would set sail. The night was calm and Fredrik slept well.

They had been on the sea for 5 days when a great storm blew them far away and off course... for days the sky was clouded and navigation was poor. Around them nothing but darkness for several days.
Water was running out, and of the 20-man crew only Torsten, Per Långe and Thor were concious when they spotted a strange looking ship. The ship tried to communicate with them, but Torsten and Thor were to fatigued to be heard over such a distance, and Per Långe refused to have anything to do with the matter.
Their ship was taken without anyone fighting back except Per Långe, who in his rage fell overboard and sank quickly, never to see the sun again, into the dark waters. The crew and boat was in the hands of captain Dietrich, most of them being unaware of their defeat as they still lay unconcious on the deck.

Advancements:

Military:

The Berserk: Warrior dressed in bear skins (that's where the name comes from anyways), excessive eating of toadstools and drinking of mead makes these warriors madly enraged, wanting to... eh... go berserk on most things nearby. Can be difficult to control, and can not be used in any complex strategies.

Maille: Armor made of several thousand small rings put together in a characteristic pattern, very expensive and time consuming to produce where good quality iron is difficult to produce, this is an armor for the upper classes of society.

Cultural:

Mead: mead is a wonderful drink made from honey (fermented in water), mead is pretty strong although it doesn't give a strong impression, so it's rather easy to get drunk "by mistake".

The fort of Borgö: Center for culture as well as a strong fort situated where the river Rödälv meets the sea, many musicians, writers, and especially poets live here under the protection of culture-loving king Hjalmar II.

[Keamian Territories]

They said that the leader of Keam came from the north where fire and brimstone fill the air. He was a humble man capable of speaking and well known for his ideas of engineering. He found the kingdom of Keam and a kingdom of brick and before long made it an Empire of marble. Alexander knew that an island nation needed a navy to protect its waters so he quickly sent exploration groups to the uninhabited islands to the south to find the hardest wood for the ships of his navy.

They found more then just hardwood. They also found iron, gold, granite and copper. They used these resources to build a large economy and a grand navy to protect their waters. Alexander turned greedily towards its neighbors and began making plans for their conquest and destruction.

They made their first move on “The misty island”, a small island that was inhabited by a war like tribe that used primitive weapons. The navy landed a legion of four hundred men that took the island within hours.

As they landed they where unopposed but as they came towards the small villages that dotted the coastline they where ambushed and it seemed like there was a barbarian behind every rock. Over half the engaged force was killed but thousands of Natives would die of the next few weeks.

The Keamian Kingdom was on the rise.

OCC: Keamian Tech

Trireme – A narrow war galley that could chase and sink enemy ships with it’s ram. The ship can reach 10 knots. The hull was a compact special construction of light wood.
Corbita - The masts carried square sails. The ship was steered by two side rudders connected to each other.
Lorica Segmentata – A Cuirass whose segmented sections and hinged steel pieces riveted to leather straps
Scutum - a rectangular shield

[Beta Aurigae VII]

Sven Eriksson smiled grimly as he looked across the field to the opposing army. It was the first time he had smiled in almost 15 years. At last there would be peace in Aurigea. The man who approached him now, his half-brother Fredrick, was finally defeated some three days prior in a bloody battle along the banks of the Vigo River. The bastard Sven thought bitterly, if only he would have accepted father left the kingdom to me. This useless war never would have happened.

Similar thoughts crossed the mind of Fredrick as he came closer to his brother, I should have killed him when I had the chance, then the kingdom would be mine. Look at him standing there like he rules the world, I'll wipe that smile right off of his face. Fredrick smiled at the thought of what was about to happen. There would be no treaty, his brother would die today and finally the land would be his.

Face-to-face, the brothers regarded each other with looks of equal hatred before the mediator produced the treaty. "Today marks the surender agreement between Sven Eriksson and Fredrick Eriksson. The agreement will be signed in blood. Fredrick, you will sign first."

Fredrick smirked at his brother as he drew his dagger and made the cut. Blood came forth and his dipped the quill into it and signed. The mediator then held the paper out to Sven who also drew a dagger and cut himself. He was ready to sign when he saw a movement over his brother's shoulder, an archer was aiming directly at him. Thinking fast, Sven whipped upward with the dagger and buried it into his brother's stomach while using him as a shield against the archer. One of Sven's soldiers screamed "Assassin," and his army rushed forth to defend him. What began as a day of peace ended in battle.

Sven let go of his brother and drew his axe, charging at the enemy troops with abandon. Fueled with rage, Sven cut through the first few enemies in seconds swinging his axe with broad sweeping strokes. Turning quickly, he chopped down and enemy attacking from behind and ducked underneath another swing to bury the axe in the stomach of another. The man folded in two over the blade and Sven let go and drew his sword. Immediatly parrying a shot to the head and reciprocating by taking the offenders head. All around him, battle raged as his Ulfsarks clad in bearskin cut through troops with the berserker rage they were known for. While his Huskarls (elite infantry) moved slowly killing as they went. Many of his troops had fallen, but the enemy was falling back. We are driving them to the river, thought Sven, We'll push them onto the ice and send them to the bottom.

Shouting orders over the din of the battle, Sven urged his Jarls (heavy cavalry) forward into the battle giving the final push driving the fighting to the very banks of the Vigo. Then with another stupendous push they one wouldn't think possible given their enormous losses up to this point, Sven's army drove the enemy onto the thin ice of the river. As the rear of the enemy army reached the river's center, great cracks formed in the ice and troops began to fall through into the icy waters below. Shouting a great cry of victory, as the last of the enemy troops sank beneath the surface, Sven was happy for the first time in days, finally he could rule the kingdom and lead Aurigea to distant lands. They would finally know more than war.

OOC: Sorry about the crappy post, I was in a rush. Anyway here is the Tech stuff.

Dragon Ship: Shallow bottomed boat capable to mooring in very shallow waters. Very sturdy and great for quick coastal raids.
Huskarl: Very skilled warriors armed with greatswords or axes. Heavily armored but very fast on foot.
Heavy Throwing Axe: Larger than a traditional trowing axe, it capable to cutting through the thickest armor when thrown. It also can double as a handaxe it needed.

[Elgarve]

A new day had dawned in Elgarve. The 20 year long war against the Outer Island Cities had concluded successfully. Thuysididias, the king of the land, now had over 150 of his prized war galleys with nothing to do. The king had always been a wanderer himself and now set 15 of his ships on the fates of the four winds.

After thirty seven days at sea agroup of three of these ships, with the LEONIDAS as their Flagship, came upon some previously undiscovered barrier Islands. Continuing inland their capitan, Lycurgus, had them land in noone knew of. Several of the more superstitious spread the rumor that it was the land of the Gods or the Dead. Lycurgus quickly quelled these rumors but, in a defensive move sent out thirnteen men armed in traditional hoplite style, to explore. They brought back a native who spoke a strange tounge. Communicating through a semi shared dialect of trading language, the man explained he was a soldier of a dead king named Frodirack or something like that and he said he was being hunted. Lycurgus was skeptical of the mans claims of "Evil riders" but, now knowing their was a rather large fishing village a days travel to the west, he set out with his native as a guide. This mans clothing and manner were much removed from that of hs homeland. Still when they neared a natural harbor that had a large fires burning in the distance he prepared to face this new land bravely.

OOC: Sorry I've been away! This could get interesting.

[New Dracora]

Deep within the unexplored regions of the southern Himes Ocean there exists a land of both beauty and turmoil. It is a land of contridiction, endless deserts both hot and cold divided by lands of lush green fields or endless jungle. Peaceful realms sit in the middle of warring nations that have been feuding for thousands of years, and it is those of immense wisdom that spill blood while the innocent and ignorant stand watch and do nothing. The wise ones of which I speak is the race of the Drakken... the dragons.

Since the dawn of time this ancient land has been home to the dragons. It is not known when humans arrived but when they did their petty feuds threatened to destroy everything dragons had come to take for granted. Eventually finding they could evade humanity no more they decided to step in and make their presence known, thinking they could gain control of troublesome humanity and end it's maddness. The council of elders hoped they would be bringing peace and serenity back to the land... they were wrong. Instead, the dragons became influenced by the maddness of humanity. Power, greed, idealism - these were the things the race of drakken learned from humanity. Soon the old blood feuds awakened and extended to humanities would-be patrons resulting in a level of destruction never before seen as armies of both man and dragon clashed all over the continent. Lead by ex-members of the now disbanded council of elders several groups of smaller kingdoms banded together into mighty nations while others were wiped from existance.

This has lasted for a thousand years.

Now only five great kingdoms remain, each a shadow of the great nations of the past. Beyond their borders many smaller realms and independant lands struggle for survival against roaming bands of brigands, rival kingdoms and outside influences.

Yet a new hope is emerging. Weary from the endless battles some lands have turned their aims away from conquest and are opening themselves to talks with age old enemies....

Faction profiles
Dracora
The lands of Dracora extend over a wide area of the central eastern region of the continent, covering all lands between the outward curved coastline and the foothills of the Great Dracora Mountains. A royal dragon line rules the realm in much the same fashion as human kings, but it allows a certain degree of freedom amongst it's human citizenary. A unique mix of drakken brethren and human lords makes up the nobility but the dragons of the realm are known for their proactive involvement in the affairs of the local peasantry and are much respected for their wisdom, physical skill and charity. Dracora shares it's southern border with it's main rival Hewittruaxas.

Environment
The kingdom is one of the more developed regions on the continent and this is reflected by the high number of towns and farmland. Climate is mainly temperate and the wilderness areas consist of europian-style woodlands, rivers and streams. The highlands can be a bit cooler and was once a prime wine growing region however, it is now the stomping grounds of rogue groups of humans and dragons from the mountains. For every fort and castle in the realm there is about a dozen more ruins.

Faction Advancements

Military
- Castle construction: Dracorian engineers of old devoted themselves to the improved application of fortification much like many of the other regions of old. However, unlike many other regions of old Dracora still exists which is a testament to it's success in military construction.
- Crossbow: A simple mechanical weapon that removes most of the skill required to operate a standard bow. Crossbows are easy to use but their metal components make them both heavy and expensive.
- Ballista: The primary weapon of dragonslayers, these fiendish devices were developed to counteract enemy dragons in sieges and battles. The devices can range from deadly spear throwers to the large siege ballista that can throw projectiles made from an entire tree log.

Cultural
- The citizens charter: This ancient text is believed to be the first ever official document written in both the common and drakken tongue. It dictates a set of rights and responsiblities entitled to the peasantry that is the foundation of Dracora's culture.
- The Rock of Dracora: The rock of Dracora is the central fortress of the capital, built at a time when Dracora was just a citystate. The rock has never been taken by a foreign army ever since it's construction and stands as a monument to Dracorian resiliance.


Hewittruaxas
- info to be added in

Iceguard
- info to be added in

Omani
- info to be added in

Technoaslan
- info to be added in

[Eschonic Casa Don]

meanwhile... Kas Looking at the horizon notices a slight bright light around just over the horizon. Then it disappears knowing for 20 years that something must be going on he quickly rushes to the High-Priestlord's Shadow Temple.

The Moving Island(Currently Going at 5 Mph) was has founded the people of this islands seeking a way off the island. With Constant storms to hinder their technological advancements by a minor bit. For the race of people that live on this island they are called Dexians or People of Shadows. The Lord of this land ensures that
the people can survive with the religion with the Dark Lords(Gods). There is a Caste System within this place which goes like this Lord(Most Powerful)-High PriestLord-PriestWarrior-Women-Warrior-Priest-Servant-Children.
The Central High PriestLord will be both a warrior and a monk in battle fighting in spirit as well as in reality. Shadow Temples have been built around the area for the provision of the Dark Lords. Most Dexians are found in the PriestWarrior Caste for both culture and military are totally engraved as well as subsided for artisans and military personnel. The Conflict on the island still comes over as who will be the Lord. The Moving Islands environment is settle-able by any means but promotes underground living due to massive amount of predators.

Cultural Achievements:
Shadow Temple: A stone structure found underground which consists of an empty throne(alter) and a main praying area.
Caste System: A System of government alleignment that has the Lord as the highest Caste

Military Achievements:
Dark Warrior: A skilled Soldier who uses a blade sword with its blade on the a side so that it will just knock an enemy unconsiouse. This Warrior is as well a master of stealth, to achieve a better attack & kill.
Culture/Military Combine: This adds an extra edge for the Military having that everyone can fight with training swordsmanship as a part of their rituals.

Current warring Inner Factions
Darth-Eka;Current Feudal Government
Lordolan; Current Dexian Caste Government
Darth-Nuka; Dexian Caste Government
Eschonca; Imperial Government
Le-Nix; Current attempt at Communist Government.

OOC: I'll have to update more info as soon as possible i've been busy
OOC: Updated!

[Anceltierre]

OOC my short intro!

Anceltierrian flags blew softly as the dawn approached. "Sir, we have spotted land." whispered a small voice "Yes, I am aware of that. We shall begin our landing procedures. Remember we put a small boat onto the beach then see what state the natives are in.." said an authorative figure. "Yes sir" with that the deck was once again silent. "We shall not fail the Pontentiate" Krios thought to himself..."Not again." The lone ship continued towards the island it's triangular and square sails (maximizing the thrust and manueverability) of the newest ship in the the potentiates navy snapped in the wind. Krios saw smoke on the horizon, there was something wrong. Krios called the alarm and ordered his men to fire the sea catapults, but with unlit ammo. A ship had appeared from nowhere with what looked like a flame thrower spouting orange death.

Tech

Military-
The Dreadnaught- although consisting of only a hundred ships, The anceltierrian Navy is renowned for their manueverability and fire power. Having built sea worthy catapults atop their decks they had one of the greatest ranges at the time. Add to that the flaming arrows they often shoot at the used ammunition if it was not alreay lit and one would see a dazzle of burning hunks around the ship.

Cultural-
The globe mapping system- being explorers and astronomers as they are they have long since known the world was round and have mad maps accordingly

[Beta Aurigae VII]

Claus Jorgensson was the man who made contact with the Elgarve people, though at the time he didn't know who they were or what they wanted. These were desperate times however, Claus had fled the massacre at the river when things had gone awry for Fredrick and his army. He told the strangers how he was a hunted man and that red demons had been following him for days. In exchange for their protection, he would grant them knowledge of the land. And so, Claus set off with the Elgarve towards the nearest fishing village able to breathe freely for the first time in days.

About one day into the journey however, Claus' worst fear was realized as the Jarls who had been hunting him found the Elgarve party.

"By order of King Sven, we are to take this traitor back to the castle where he will face execution for his crimes. You will release him into our posession immediatly," said the leader of the little group, Peter Summanen regarding the Elgarve party with clear suspicion.

[Anceltierre]

The captain yawned, the flaming boat had proved to be abandoned. "Krios, we have made contact with the natives, they refer to themselves as Klingtonians.... we have begun landing procedures and we will be ready for official contact within the hour." Krios looked at the 1st mate and answered "Goood good, just be caustious, we don't know all the circumstances of the land"

[Keamian Territories]

The King of Keam walked his newly acquired island. A smile came to his face as looked out upon the piles of looted goods. Swords, spears, shields and suits of crude medal armor where being loaded in to triremes to be brought back to the capital. This iron would bring in a good sum of gold once it was sold.

Looking out over the island the king knew he would have to make an attempt to settle the island. Him and one of his generals started to plan the construction of roads and a rather large fort to protect their new claim that looked over several small islands that where good for nothing except the right to call them his.

“I want you to down every tree on those small islands and use them to build a town and a fort. I want roads to expand the length of the island and I want every resource stripped bare, these barbarians have no right controlling what is rightly ours.”

[Elgarve]

When the men of the "Jarls" came in to take Lycurgus' native friend away, he was troubled. He did not want to give up his new friend. However, he knew he must respect the laws of ths new land. Besides that he did not have enough men to put up any real fight. He decided to ask if the King of "Aurigea" would let him take Claus away with him back to his homeland. In return he would supply this king with coordinates to the capital where he could make friendly contact with Elgarvian civilzation.

Now it all hang in the balance of King Sven's decision.

[Beta Aurigae VII]

The messenger arrived in the capital city around one day after he was sent. Approaching the massive fortress in the center of the city, noting the huge ill-tempered looking guards standing near the gates as he went, the messenger began to wonder whether it was a good idea to try and talk to King Sven. He was bowed through the main gate by the guards and was dissarmed upon entrance into the fort itself. He was lead up a few flights of stairs into a massive hall. He approached Sven's throne quickly and dropped to one knee.

"I come to you King Sven of Aurigea to ask that you pardon a soldier of Fredrick. In return, I am prepared to provide coordinates to my homeland, Elgarve."

Sven regarded the man for a minute before responding, "I will need more time to consider your request. Return to your commander and bring your men here. We will feast and I will talk with your commander about this matter."

Relieved that he was still alive, the messenger hurried out of the fortress, hopped back on his horse and rode out of the city and back to his party.

OOC: You can take it from here Elgarve.

[Elgarve]

OOC: You mean the decision?

[Beta Aurigae VII]

OOC: Well the decision for your leader guy to meet with Sven. But I really ment just to RP your party entering the city and talking to Sven about the prisoner.

[Elgarve]

OOC: Cool.

IC: Lycugus accepted the invitation to the party with trepidation. He left twelve men on the ships and proceeded into the new lands capital.

On the way inside the center of the city, Lycurgus had already noted the heavy use of the hardy trees which covered this country, unlike the sparse and small olive trees in his home. For all its rough edges, the city was impressive and he also noted the heavy guard.

When time came for the feast it was also good, if different. After the roaster meat there was MORE roasted meat. Afterwards, Sven called Lycurgus into his chambers.

"Now suppose I was to let this captive go?" said the King. "What would I get in return?"

Lycurgus had been prepared for this. He pulled a small bag containing some olives, silver and copper ores out. He dumped these on the table between himself and the King.
"See these", he said "all these products and more can be yours if you are willing to give up a single man. ONE man for a multitude of exotic products to enrich your land."

The two men bent toward each other over the table and then the negotiating began...

[Anceltierre]

The band of Ancelts had been marching inward since the landing, they had managed to bring five collapsable catapults with them, they were ready for war since they believed they'd roll over the nation.... especially since they had sent for re-enforcements. Krios looked at the strange city. It was new and strange to him... but it had riches. Krios smiled "These people won't stand a chance" Krios laughed "Man the catapults, we're gonna break a few rules tonight." with that the catapults were fired at the grand building, where it seemed a negotiation was taking place

[Klington]

OOC: Just for the record. YOUR TECH STUFF IS NOT JUST INFO ON YOUR COUNTRIES TECH. It is a year-by-year advancement of Technology. I.E. If a guy in my country writes Dantes Inferno, than I would put that.
Its things that happen in your country, culturally, millitarily, socially and etc. You should make a post about it every "6 months" in the RP, and 6 months can be on your discretion(I.E. One dialogue post may not be 6 months, but a post in which your general is training your troops for a long time, can be.)

[Beta Aurigae VII]

Sven stared intently at the items before he smiled at Lycugus.

"Your land truly has great riches Lycugus but I cannot take that which I already have."

Seeing the worried look on Lycugus' face, Sven rose from the table and beckoned Lycugus to follow him.

"Come with me Lycugus, I have something to show you." The two men walked out of the great hall and down one flight of stairs, Sven was one step ahead of a wary Lycugus as they approached a large iron door emblazoned with the Raven of Odin. Seizing the handle, Sven grunted as he pulled open the heavy door and entered a well lit room.

Gesturing to the right, Sven reached out and pulled something from the wall. Lycugus looked at the item in wonder, it was the most beautiful suit of armor he had ever seen.

"Do you know what this is," inquired Sven. When Lycugus shook his head Sven replied, "It is called Mithril. What you see here is the strongest armor ever forged. Made by dwarven master craftsmen, only the surest weapons can pierce it most blows don't even leave a scratch. It is much lighter than steel plate armor and infinitley more durable." Setting the armor back where it was, Sven drew his sword. "And this, the blade is folded steel forged again by the dwarves. You will not find a sharper, more durable, or more destructive blade anywhere." Striding along the room, Lycugus saw hundreds more Mithril suits and swords like the one Sven had showed him. At last he came to the end of the hall to find a glorious helm sitting on a pedastal. "And that is the only one of it's kind. A dual layered Mithril helm made for the king by Jorg, leader of the dwarfs. That helm is indestructable."

Turning to leave, Sven again beckoned Lycugus to follow him as they made there way back to the great hall, Sven once again spoke, "So you see Lycugus we have no need for your riches nor do we wish to take something of value from your country. Allies do not pay tribute to one another. You may take the traitor with you on one condition, that he never returns to this country again. Now, as a token of our friendship I will travel to your nation and present your king with one of our Mithril suits. Let this exchange bring our nation's one step closer to being allies. Now stay and feast until your heart's content. For on the morrow we leave for your land and friendship."


OOC: I'm going to add Dwarves and Mithril to my Tech list if your guys don't mind. The dwarves are stictly miners and armorers they won't play and active role in the fighting. And I thought that Mithril would be a bit of a godmod so I toned it down so you can break it, but it just takes an almost perfect strike to do so.

[Alfonia]

Industrial improvements:

carburization - The previous iron types used in the land have been wrought iron, time-consuming to produce and far from an ideal material for weapons. Smiths have discovered that wrought iron objects that are heated for a long time in a charcoal bed and then quenched becomes much less brittle than bronze. This new material is also better for making weapons, which leads to the next discovery:

Military improvements:

Primitive steel weaponry, made possible due to the discovery of carburization. As a result, swords have increased in length, which in turn has affected tactics.

New Tactics:

Depending heavily on infantry, as always have been the case in the land, however new, longer weaponry allows for an advantage vs. a heavier armored foe armed with more typical shorter ancient weaponry, if space is not limited. New formations are quite different from the old greek and roman ones like the phalanx formation.
Longer spears are used, although rare. When they are, obviously a more tight formation is preferred.

[Klington]

I gotta post soon... Possibly Monday.

[Elgarve]

Lycurgus smiled at the wily King. "Alright. I will take you and the captive back to our homeland. I will ensure you recieve the welcome you deserve!"

The next day, Lycurgus loaded up his ships, accompanied by the kings personal "longboat".

Tech developments:
Cultural- a noted thinker, after spending several days out in the woods, has come up with a new philosophy, called stoicism. Several noted public figures were seen following this philosophy, mainly by frowningseverely at some bad news.

Tactics- Apparently there ae more ways of fighting than lining up in phalanxes! A military general has pushed for more funding for cavalry and auxiliary troops. He has also formulated a new unit called a "legion" in which the soldiers would be armed with square shields and short swords, as well as javelins.

[Eschonic Casa Don]

(Moving Island near New Dracora about 100 miles from shore)
King of Eshonca: We must survive our feuds and send my dark warriors out to take out at least one of our feuding factions(Darth-Eka,Le-Nix). We as well must find alliance from within the main teh Dexian Grand Alliance(Darth-Luka,Lordolan) or we will not survive. Send some water ships to scout out the area as well, it looks like a new day today.

Military Development/Advancments
Lordolan; Great Swordsman: A swordsman, heavily armoured who can hold a sword 8ft long, extremely strong at taking out large numbers.
Rasha-Rasha Swordsmanship: A swordsmanship type that is based on full force of a sword (i.e using a sword as a hammer or axe)

Eschonca; "Dark Magic" Daggership: this technigue enables a priestwarrior to slip a heavily poisoned dagger out quickly as well the dagger has gas on it so that it will catch on fire the instant the person flicks a wooden-match lighting the fire. Shipyards: They found the science of building on water.

Le-Nix; Flip work knife: a knife that can easily be flipped with a cutting edge on both sides.

Darth-Eka; Primative wooden sword: A training weapon that will help train soldiers. Assainship: Gained knowledge of stealth hit & run technigues.

Darth-Nuka; Water Ship: A ship much like a galley, but made out of pure stone(the stone is a Dexlia, light as a feather but stronger then iron). Shipyard: the Ability to build on water.

Cultural Advancements
Dexian Influence: the Spread of the Dexian way has begun.

The Dark Palace: Home to the leader of Eschonca massive underground fortress that has contrastant traps as well as government reformation rooms to debate issues. NEW GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT.

The Dark Guild Treaty: this treaty unites all but one moving island nation(Le-Nix).

Guilds: Seperate Warrior factions can unite under different peaceful flags.

[Alfonia]

OOC: (almost) indestructible mithril armour? Ships made out of stone with (what seems like) space age like qualities? You know someone will have to invent nukes or something to counter that right? Or at least magical weaponry and probably gunpowder.

Just wanted to know if this is a fantasy RP or something a bit more historical (both ways are fine) but as it looks now my (reasonably historical) iron age germanic warriors will hardly stand a chance...

As I said if this is like... a fantasy RP that's fine with me as well, i'd just like to know for sure since if it is that way, i should probably start upgrading my warriors a bit... heheh

[Beta Aurigae VII]

OOC: Well, I figured since there was a moving island involved that this would be at least partially fantasy. But it that isn't the case then I will revise my mithril armor to just be better than most armors instead of pretty much unbreakable. And minus the mithril, my scandinavians are reasonably historical as well though maybe a little more advanced than they should be at this stage.

[Klington]

Sorry, can't post tonight, one wil be up tomorrow.

[Klington]

OOC: This thread is supposed to be mostly historical, although a little fantasy is allowed. (Also, when you RP your country, don't make your country exactly like some other historical nation, just get your ideas from that nation, try to be orginal.)

IC:
With the Alfonians conquered the Sailors took control of the ship and headed towards Klington to present their prisoners to the Emperor Fallen….
It was at this moment that Ota decided to make his presence known. He began to clap loudly, and Captain Dietrich turned from commanding the Sailors to confront the newcomer. “I must say,” Ota lied with confidence, “I will have to add this to my report for the Emperor.”, “Excuse me?” said Captain Dietrich “Yes, The Emperor has tasked me with monitoring the new Plume boats secretly, and I must say, I am impressed.” At that instant, the whole mood changed and Ota was treated like a king…

But, alas, it would not last. As in life, periods of relaxation our followed with periods of work, and Ota found himself carrying the message of the newly discovered country to the Emperor as soon as the ship reached Harbor. Upon arrival, he walked up into the palace and after a long talk with the guards, was finally permitted to enter. He waltzed into the Emperors room followed closely by two guards. But something was wrong with the picture… No Emperor. Finally a voice broke the silence from behind them, “You leave us alone guards.” Ota instantly turned to face the Emperor, and bowed to the man who had ruined his life, the man he hated…
He relayed the news to the Emperor and when he finished, the Emperor said something that made the hate disappear with haste. “Well, you are now the Shogun of Klington.” Ota’s eyes popped out with disbelief and although he could not speak, his expression beckoned an explanation, “You see,” said the Emperor, “I had to make sure the Gods supported my decision, so I asked them to send you back to me, when I cast you out. And here you are, the Gods favor you, and so do I. Now, Shogun Dokan, go tell the troops that you are their new leader, and prepare them for battle. As for the newcomers from the other country, I have sent out some of Klingtons greatest Scholars to decipher their language, and a diplomat to travel back to their homeland once they have discovered the secrets of the language, be ready, because while I wish peace with these people, peace is not always assured.”

The Next Day:
Ota had gathered all the greatest Daimyo from all their provinces, and arranged a short speech.
“I believe in the old saying, ‘A pint of sweat, saves a gallon of blood.’ And god damn it by the time you’re done with your men, they’ll believe in it too, willingly, or by force.”
Ota tossed a sheet of paper detailing a rigid training schedule for each of the Daimyo’s troops….
And with that, the immense training began.

MEANWHILE:
Tourjo Kyan was a scholar renowned for his ideas and genius, and now, he had the task of decoding these newcomers language, he had discovered once thing…. Something called, “Alfonia,” he was making progress….


Advancements:
Rakhans: Rakhans are the most deadly troop on the field of a battle. From the forest of Harrows, Rakhans are giants normally 9 feet tall, they are taken at birth and trained in warfare, with an immense focus on strength. Once they reach the age of 17, they are given their armor. Rakhan armor is the thickest in Klington, and debatably the thickest in the world. The only known thing to pierce Rakhan armor, are siege weapons- catapults, scorpions, and the like. They are equipped with a giant mace and move into enemy lines slaughtering whole enemy units. They are normally in low number, and are extremely slow. They’re weaknesses: Fire, Siege Weaponry.

[Alfonia]

Agricultural developments:

Rather than growing different crops each year on every field due to the ground becoming tired, fields are now divided into thirds; one third "resting", one third growing crop type A and one third growing crop type B. This has made agriculture better.

Turnips are grown for food, as are apples. Lingonberries and blueberries can be collected from the forests. Different types of grain are grown, and used for making beer, bread and porridge. Hemp is grown for clothes and ropes.

The domestic animals that are common mainly include: pigs, horses, cats, cows and sheep. Roasted pork, preferably fat, is the preferred food, although fish is more common in coastal villages and deer, elk and reindeer are more common foods inland.


Scientific developments:

Destillation: The process of destillation got pretty well-known recently in a pretty short period of time. Although mostly used for making booze, some people are considering using it for more scientific purposes.

[Elgarve]

OOC: I'm feeling a bit left behind with regards to tech so i'll puit some stuff up tommorrow!

[Alfonia]

Following the recent disappearances of trade ships, including the one lost to the Klingonians, the chiefs and clerics of the four main towns of the land's west lake province, have held a meeting discussing the circumstances.

Asbjørn Gamle, elder cleric of Ilfjord:

"This is clearly the work of the gods. The Gods of the seas are upset since we take so many of their beings for food, and give so little in return. The gods must be pleased, and sacrifices must be made, let 24 good and fair virgins of our four towns be sacrificed to the sea lord at the old cliff, just as in the old times of Sture Glappkäft. For would you not be angered if you awoke one morning to find strangers had stolen your cattle when you were slumbering, not even leaving the yule pig, and without giving anything in return? But if he offered you such good payment as we shall, would you not be jumping with joy?"

All men at the site agreed that twenty four virgins was a grand price indeed, as a virgin for marriage to your son would cost you two cows or sometimes more, depending on how desirable she was, and how desirable he was as a husband. A lucky man had more than one cow at a time, they all knew that. And no one could imagine how one would translate a cow into fish, as the number of fishes required for such a transaction to take place would have to be gigantic.


Arne Svensson, Hirdman of Malvattna village:

"I would be even more worried when winter came and i had 24 women to feed and still no pigs... Nay, this is not the work of the sea gods, and if it is, I ask the seagod to strike me down where I stand..."

These words were ill-chosen, and though Arne was known for having a tongue faster than his mind, his words angered many. While he did not suffer any concequences, the hard gaze from the chiefs and clerics that were at the meeting told him he would have to lay low and behave for quite some time now.


Räv-Olov, a man known for his slimy appearance and his quick intellect, chief of Malvattna:

"I say this is the work of other peoples. The southern and eastern peoples have never been organized enough to dare to meet us in an open battle, yet now four or more ships have gone missing. During my last trip to the known provinces, nothing indicated any great military developments were about to happen. Jens here, a good man of many journeys who is mostly known as Enöga around these parts of the land, can confirm that there were no such indiczations in Unkland either, while their traders have grown even more tight fisted and fat, they still are no warriors and even employ Vändlanders as town guards. No, something new is happening. Someone else is out there, and may very well be more powerful than us. If they are just carrying out the will of the water gods, i do not know, but we should at least send out three good ships with equally good crews to investigate. Load the ships with enough food to sail off the edge of the world, and load them with so many arrows that you can turn a dragon into a porcupine, yet let them still be fast enough to outrun their enemies!"


...And so twenty-four virgins lost their lives at the cliffs and three ships were prepared, even though the winter stood by the door. Maille was repared, and the hiltmakers were working on the finishing touches of the hilts that would be coupled with the imported blades.

In the land, such trips were still pretty common, and the women, who had the same status as men and usually carried the keys to the houses, knew that they would have to rely a bit more on the children being good and helping this winter. Maja Jonsdotter was no exception and she gave the children porridge with honey, lingonberries and milk the evening before her husbands departure. Her husband was named Birger Sturesson, and he was one of the men that would return from this trip. He also ate of the porridge, and drank a glass of expensive Flymjöd (A drink that's drunk by men at special occasions at perhaps 30% alcoholic content that tastes pretty awful but is very intoxicating due to its ingredients; Toadstool, mugwort and hemp to name a few.) before he went to sleep.