Origo Mundi (Map Game)

Welcome to Origo Mundi, a game about creating your own alternate nation in an unknown world.

In this game you will create your own alternate nation, starting from the dawn of its creation. Players will be able to explore to find new players and uncover the rest of the map, spread their culture and practices, and create the foundations of new empires.

The main features of the game are as follows:


 * Completely alternate nations, cultures, religions, etc., that are all player created and developed.
 * Fictional world map that is unknown to each player at the start. Each player will receive a map of only what their nation has discovered so far, and must explore the world to piece together the bigger picture.
 * Computer programs for easy war algorithms and realistic statistics tracking, which will be run by the moderators.

Moderators
Full Moderators:
 * Vandenhoek (talk)

Plausibility Moderators:
 * Nathan1123
 * ForsakenPear

Rules
Currently being expanded.

Maps

 * At the start of the game each player will receive their own personal map (PMed from the mods via Discord), which will show you where your starting location is situated. You will not be able to view the entire world map, only what you have discovered so far.
 * Each turn players may choose to explore the area around them. The mods will then send you a new map, expanding upon what you have knowledge of. Remember to be specific about where you send explorers.
 * No sharing your map with other players that you are not in contact with. If you have discovered another player you may arrange to trade maps in-game, at which point the mods will update each of your maps with details from the other person’s.

Population

 * The population of each nation will be tracked by the moderators, by tracking each individual city, rural area, and their individual classes. The exact population of your nation will be unknown to you.
 * To find out the approximate population of your nation you can conduct a census, but keep in mind that this will require an investment of time and money for your nation. Additionally, how accurate the census information is will be based on a number of factors, including the amount of money spent, technology level, your nation’s infrastructure, and overall area.
 * When you select the population of your city/nation in the nation creation section, keep in mind that you are only selecting the male population (or female if a matriarchy), so your total population will be approximately double what you select.
 * Cities and nations should have a plausible amount for each class. Noblemen represent the ruling elite and wealthiest inhabitants, citizens typically represent your middle-class or lesser property owners, and the third tier represents the majority of your inhabitants. Noblemen should be the smallest fraction of the population, with most of your nation’s inhabitants being landless poor or serfs. (A generic city might have 1,000 nobles, 2,500 citizens, 6,000 landless poor, for example.)
 * Recruiting armies will be based on the manpower you select. For example, infantry will be drawn from your landless inhabitants typically, elite cavalry will be drawn from your noblemen, and any foreign auxiliaries will be drawn from your foreigner section. Keep in mind that this limits how many of each type of unit you can recruit into your army.
 * Your population will grow as turns pass, based on a growth rate determined by the moderators. This growth rate will be set based on the actions you take in your turns to either positively or negatively affect your population, as well as your climate/biome, random chance, and other factors. Additionally each class of your society may have different growth rates depending on your actions.

Money

 * At the start of the game no currency exists, however, each player may invent their own forms of currency as the game progresses.
 * The starting wealth section of the nation creation represents how much money your nation has saved in its treasury, in either gold or whatever valuable you choose to use.
 * Your income in the form of taxes will be based on your government type, level of administration, infrastructure, classes, legislative policies, and other factors, and will be tracked by the moderators.
 * Anything undertaken ordered by the government, buildings, ships, armies, or other projects will require money to be spent, and if too many things are built at once expect it is possible to exceed your income.

Nation Creation

 * Player nations must be added to the nations page before players can enter the game.
 * Players can create their own nation by following the below rules, or signup as a nation already established in the game if it does not have a player. If you wish to do the latter, contact a moderator for more information.
 * Nations and cultures should be fictional. Although it is okay to base your nations on real life counterparts, make sure they are still alternate. No real life nation or place names should be used for nations. Real life names for people can be mixed in ("Game of Thrones style"), but it is encouraged that all people have fictional names as well.
 * Nations will be created with a point system, with points being spent on your nation’s starting attributes. Each new nation is limited to 175 points, which can be spent as follows:
 * City’s Start Location (guarantee that you will start in a certain biome):
 * Subarctic climate/tundra: 5 points
 * Desert: 5 points
 * Rain forests, Monsoons, tropical: 10 points
 * Savannas, Grasslands, Steppes: 10 points
 * Continental, Oceanic: 15 points
 * Mediterranean: 15 points
 * Location bonuses:
 * On Body of Water: 10 points
 * On Coast/Ocean: 20 points
 * On River Delta: 10 points
 * On Navigable River Delta: 15 points
 * On River: 10 points
 * On Navigable River: 15 points
 * Near mountains: 10 points
 * Major Island (e.g., Britain): 20
 * Small Island: 15
 * Starting resources (guarantee that you start with an abundance of something):
 * Rare Commodities: 30 points
 * Precious Metals: 20 points
 * Precious Gems: 15 points
 * Tin: 10 points
 * Iron: 10 points
 * Copper: 5 points
 * Religion Organization (if any):
 * Animism: 0
 * Disorganized polytheism (Germanic Paganism): 5
 * Formalized traditional (Hinduism): 10
 * Semi-monotheistic/henotheism (Atenism): 15
 * Full monotheistic (Judaism): 20
 * Starting Buildings
 * Granary: 2
 * Town Center/Forum: 5
 * Temple: 3
 * Government Center: 5
 * Harbor (requires Sailing; Coastal or on a Navigable River/Lake): 10
 * Library (requires Writing): 10
 * Walls: 5
 * Barracks: 5
 * Technology:
 * Sailing: 5
 * Ships (requires Sailing): 10
 * Calendar: 5
 * Bronze Working: 5
 * Iron Working (requires Bronze Working): 10
 * Horseback Riding: 10
 * Writing: 10
 * Basic Mathematics: 5
 * Advanced Mathematics (requires Writing and Basic Mathematics): 5
 * Advanced Astronomy (requires Writing and Calendar): 5
 * Negatives:
 * Hostile native population (e.g., Sparta): -15
 * Hostile neighboring natives: -10
 * Disease rife area: -10
 * Unpredictable flooding: -10
 * Drought prone: -10
 * Vulcanism/Seismic Instability: -5
 * Federal government:
 * Theocracy: 15
 * Empire: 15
 * Monarchy: 10
 * Feudal: 5
 * Republic: 20
 * Tribal: 5
 * Administration:
 * Unitary: 15
 * Feudal: 10
 * Republic: 20
 * Oligarchy: 10
 * City-state: 5
 * Nomadic: 0
 * Urban population:
 * Noblemen: 10 points per 1,000
 * Citizens: 5 points per 1,000
 * Landless poor: 1 point per 1,000
 * Foreigners: 0.5 points per 1,000
 * Slaves: 0.5 per 1,000
 * Rural population:
 * Citizens: 4 points per 1,000
 * Poor/serfs: 1 point per 1,000
 * Foreigners: 0.5 point per 1,000
 * Size of Empire (everyone starts with one urban and four rural, measured per px):
 * Urbanized Area: 20 points
 * Rural area: 1 point
 * Loosely-claimed: 0.5 point
 * Starting gold/currency supply: 1 point per 1,000 kg/gold, or an equivalent value

Government Examples
This chart is to give you an idea of what each government system and administration level might entail:

401-410
'If you haven’t posted in the previous turn and still need to, you may do so. '

'The city-state of Makuku manages to subjugate a neighboring tribe in the northeast, expanding its influence to surround the bay north of the titular city. The nations of Makuku reject the offer from Sillas to become autonomous military provinces. '

'With pressure from surrounding nations, most notably the arrival of Exhula in the south, the nation of Gahren takes efforts to upgrade its navy, while also sponsoring colonization of the islands just northwest of its lands. '

'The nation of Teninukal agrees to make peace with Exhula, ending its support for Kaloman rebels in the south, and creating a new border with Exhula. Afterward, when Sillas invades Teninukal suddenly, they request a white peace. '

'The Irrosian Islands agree to the terms put forth by Exhula, in which they will be allowed to continue their elective system of government, but will begin to curb their practice of piracy. The new king sponsors more legitimate naval practices, such as trading, exploration, and protection of settlements, and also omissions several new settlements in the surrounding area, including in the islands to the northeast. '

'A nomadic tribe known as the Kledesians migrates into the region between the Irian cities and Hythia, after making a name for themselves raiding the Ten Cities of Eldebethias. They conquer the natives of the region, and begin settling their people in the region. '

'General Talmai’s expedition to find the source of the Meran River leads to their discovery of the nation of Susanylon. Talmai reports that while traveling their movements are stalked by one of the nomadic desert tribes, and that these mysterious forces eventually attack his men, before disappearing into the desert. '


 * Chatna Empire: Arts and sciences begin to flourish across the empire under the singular system of language and economy. The Great Library of Iskandaria is completed at this time. The emperor reaches out to all nations near the Chatna domains if they wish to donate books to improving the library. The older, idealized art of early Azoz history disappears in favor of realistic sculpture work, often in dramatic and exaggerated poses commonly called the "Chatna Baroque". Most of the only such statues to survive the test of time are made of marble, but two bronze statues of javelin throwers were recently uncovered from a shipwreck near Mesallia, known as the "Lysandran Warriors". Ornate marble chess sets were produced en masse as well, with pieces made of stained glass. Milon of Isono was the most prominent mathematician at this time. He is primarily known for having developed the formula for the volume of a sphere, by calculating its ratio to that of a cylinder. Milon also studied extensively the contrast between truth and false statements, represented by the numbers one and zero respectively. In such a manner, Milon developed a binary system of logical mathematics, commonly known as Milean Algebra. In the north, the remaining troops stationed in Syres work to train a local military of the Syresians to be of the same equipment as those of the Azozans, so that the de facto government will have ability to instate order as the Azoz warriors pull out. In the south, a diplomatic expedition is sent to Susalyon to extend trade of both money and culture, including a contingent of Ulmian Apostles. Similar apostles continue to be sent to spread the Gospel of Nelrim to southern Emalia, but also pushing farther north to convert the lower-classes of Darna and Niani. The mysterious tribal attack is not firmly identified by modern historians, but it is noted in contemporary historians as the "Apirun" (nomads). Scholars of all manner of religions continue to sponsor debate at Iskandaria, even including some of Drokksidite faith, although generally not taken seriously. The navy of Tuartha continues to be upgraded and improved after each battle against the Syresian pirates, making adjustments along the way. The Chatna navy consists mainly of quinquereme as heavy warships, with a few hexareme in addition. These are supported by lighter hemiolia ships, with a few trihemiolia for defense of major ports. A full expedition of five ships are sent out of the Gabatrian Sea, exploring and trading with nations along the far eastern coast of the peninsula, and attempting to push farther south on the coast. According to one anecdote by Parius, this naval expedition eventually arrived back up on the Bangui Sea, having completely encircled the Asmeran continent. This is generally believed to be fiction by modern scholars, and owes to Parius often referred to as the "father of lies" instead of Father of History.
 * Mesallian intervention: The Emperor Iskandar throws his support behind Olynthimus and Pocrates, seeing them as the key players in the struggle to offset Erasidon's domination of the archipelago. 40,000 troops under the Edomite General Oman are sent to support Olynthimus to seize power over Erasidon. 5,000 troops are sent to support Proctates himself in Pheramos against the Agirans, dispatching trasports from Nerismos to the north of the peninsula. A further 10,000 troops with General Aren are sent to support our ally the Phydinians to defend their independence and resist further attack from Erasidon. A naval squadron of three quiremenes, one hexareme and seven hemiolas are deployed from Nerismos to blockade Yannis from involving itself with the war, sinking as much transport ships as possible. The contemporary chronicle of the Jafiad Stone mentions the invasion in the third year of the 50th Jafiad, which correlates with the 286th year after the Rising in the Chatna Chronicle. The Chatna court was possibly inspired to aid this faction after Pocrates' first defeat in the first year of the 50th Jafiad (= 284 AR), and supplied military support just before the the next campaign by Erasidon. In general, the synchronization between the two chronologies begins with the 1st year of the 1st Jafiad, which corresponds to the 84th year after the Rising.
 * Those Darn pirates! Major coastal cities in Azoz start to live in panic over the sacking and raids of the Darnan pirates, with many Ulmians living in those regions being taken captive in whole families at a time. In reaction to this, the armada formally positioned in blockade near Mesallia is diverted to intercept the Darnan pirates at Seita, accompanied by a second fleet stationed in that city, crushing the Darnan navy completely.
 * Qera: After almost 20 years of friendly relations with the Dolbalan political influence on them continues. After the hard plague a baby boom occurred from the better food situation the average women gets now four-to-five children on average in contrast to the former three-to-four. The basic sanitation in the major cities is also improved when Princess Zrias personally, out of disgust by the filth in the streets, orders to found a section of either prisoners or soldiers to clean the city every fifth day. These men and women will collect the garbage and other dirt like feces and waste from the shops and households, put it on an oxcart and drive it out of the city bounds where it is either used to produce fertilizers through turning it into ashes or simply burned. The newly founded colony Uotahtzija continues to grow, as well as the colony closer to the Sillan territorry which is now officially a county, called Cyrphetzija. The newly appointed count is the former governess Zekemâ, a distant relative from the ruling family of the Ualjaks. The county expands far west with many lands claimed along the coast (10 px become claimed). Massive investments are taken by rich merchants in the south of Qera proper and the Uotahtzija colony, to fund many coffee and spice plantations with nutmeg as the main good. The colony expands rapidly, by 408 the complete bay to the east of it is claimed for the colonists. A wonder happens in 409 when Zrias I gives birth to triplets and actually survives the torture that took, according to the scribes, a complete day and the whole night following the day. The children are three boys, Yller, Ycas and Vavas. The lands of Qera expand westward with an expedition in the southwest to discover new lands and a claim on said regions (30 px to the west is claimed, 15 px is rural). The Qeran arts are now a well-documented trade that has entire books written on how to build a mozaic or a statue. A great temple is planned in Uotahtzija in the classical Qeran architecture. This includes a gigantic, four-sided pyramid with two smaller buildings on top, one for the god of nature and creation, Uon and another building for the god or the concept/event the god represents. Here daily sacrifices are made which can reach from simply burning grain and fruits to actual humans being killed.


 * Hythia: Years 118-127 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Dynian dies without a clear heir under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Myrnerch Wyn assumes the throne as the highest ranked government official. His rule is notable for the exceeding stability it brings. Partech support for the government is exceptionally strong under Dynian, and with that support there is limited internal infighting among the nobility. New works projects are undertaken, a large iron-processing workshop is constructed to the south of Gyt, just across the rivers. This facility will replace the great arsenal with a network of bloomeries, blacksmiths, arsenals, kilns, and a large port for trade in these goods. Water is diverted from the Tythies to power several large water-wheels that run a system of hammers for crushing raw ore, as well as bellows to provide air to the bloomeries. The organization of these activities is run by the state and a large percent of profits are state-owned. Weapons for the Unar are standardized around bone-recurve bows, iron or rawhide lamellar armor, iron helmets, long thrusting spears, short throwing javelins, and the universal Gytan War-Axe. Heavy cavalry units are equipped with the iron armor, the long spears, and a selection of short javelins. Light cavalry is armed with the rawhide armor, recurve bows, and short javelins that can be used as spears. Across the south more irrigation canals are constructed, but it is becoming apparent that there is a limit to how far these systems can extend.
 * Mesallian Culture: Whether it orchestrated was the Azozians, the other Mesallians, or the gods themselves, Ptelamus’ ambition had been steadily contained by his debilitating injury. Over the past decade he remained mostly bed ridden, but still sought to oversee the expansion and training of the military, the tutoring of his children, and the growth of Erasidon. In the second year of the 49th Jafiad (Year 397), Ptelamus passed away peacefully. Despite their differences, the Agirans and the rest of Mesallas ordered a day of mourning in honor of the hero of the Azozian war. They had hoped that the death of the king would quietly end the chapter of Erasidon expansion, but that would prove to not be the case. Due to Ptelamus’ numerous wives and children, several claimants emerged. Ptelamus’ chosen heir was his son Ioxemander, who had been trained by his generals and tutored by the scholars of the region, and he was the first to be recognized in Erasidon. However, just north was Thusmos, where after its liberation the states had recognized Ptelamus’ brother Nolonus as king, and later Nolonus’ son Olythimus. In the east there was the nobleman of Nymander, who was the son of Ptelamus with a Phydinian noblewoman. And lastly there was Ptelamus’ son Zanates, who the Agirans secretly supported in exchange for a promise to restore certain Erasidonian lands to Agira. Within the span of one month after the death of Ptelamus, Zanates had already landed in Erasidon via its port in the Lydonian Sea, and marched south with a small group of supporters. Ioxemander won an unexpected battle against Zanates and his army of primarily Agiran mercenaries. Zanates was killed and Ioxemander persuaded the Agirans to support him by promptly releasing the Agirans he had captured and by offering trade concessions in Erasidon’s ports. After the news of this battle was known, Olythimus offered to swear fealty to Ioxemander, dropping his claim to Erasidon and clearing suspicion. The first test of this uneasy alliance came ten months later, when the two nobles jointly invaded the Pessalonians, after their king Kolander died without a clear heir soon before. By the end of the second year of the 49th Jafiad (Year 398), the kingdom had submitted, but the success of the young Erasidonian brought him unwanted attention from the surrounding area. In the winter of that year into the next year, the Erasidonians targeted the city of Eiramacolis, an important stronghold in the southeast Gudumanes peninsula. To dissuade Agiran intervention the king said the city would be turned over to Agiran control, as the city had before been part of the League of Agira. This was instead a diversionary tactic, and by the time the city fell Agira had been distracted by the machinations of Elapheron, after it ended its democratic government in favoring of ending support for Agira. The brief Social War of the 49th Jafiad ended with Agira retaining control over its territories, but as a consequence, Ioxemander took Eiramacolis. Erasidon formed an alliance with another powerful state in the peninsula, Sericolis, as a means of ensuring that they would not align with Agira, and offered them highly disadvantageous terms, including the offer of the city of Lementium in the center of the peninsula. The Agirans remained neutral because of the belief that they still may be granted Eiramacolis, but after the capture of the central Gudumanes, they elected to formally get involved. As promised Ioxemander granted the desired cities to Sericolis, and also allowed the Agirans of the captured territories free passage back to Agira, out of respect for the city. The situation reached a new high during the 50th Jafiad. During the eponymous festival and sporting event, the city’s religious authorities issued a fine against the town of Pheramos, who at this time was the head of a small confederacy of other towns, as they technically infringed upon holy land of the Jafiad. In reality, this accusation was heavily politically motivated, as the Agirans had persuaded the religious authority to come after Pheramos after it failed to support Agira during the Social War. Pheramos selected a general named Pocrates to lead their combined armies, and he elected to seize Jafia before anyone could respond to Jafia’s order. The city fell, and Pocrates used the massive treasury of the holy site to fund the coming war. A force of 10,000 mercenaries were raised, including many foreigners, and the rest having been convinced to fight for a sacrilegious cause after Pocrates heavily increased their pay. The Agirans would join the war on Jafia’s side, defeating Pocrates in a decisive battle the following year. Pheramos would nearly be brought to the point of defeat, but with the help of the stolen treasury, and by intimidating the confederacy with his mercenary army, he convinced the states of the alliance to press on. Soon after he managed to sway both Karissa and Meshwati to his side, as both states had a strong rivalry with Agira. The League of Agira faced a series of setbacks in by the third year of the Jafiad (Year 402), and under threat from Meshwati’s navy, the state of Karistos asked Erasidon for assistance and protection. Ioxemander agreed, leading an army first through the Phydinians, who submitted to Erasidon, and then up the Melopenes Peninsula. On the same side as Agira, Erasidon defeated Pocrates decisively, but Ioxemander would be unable to press the advantage, as he received word that Pocrates had bribed his relative Olythimus to stage a coup to take over Erasidon, also allying with much of the western Gudumanes. Ioxemander traveled by ship across the Lydonian to Eiramacolis, defeating an army in the north with aid from Sericolis. By the end of the year he had taken Thusmos, killing Olythimus in the process, as well as his makeshift alliance of Thusmos, Virados, and others. The war entered a second phase, as Agira had managed to subjugate Pheramos, and now an alliance against Erasidon’s rising power. Two years later at the Battle of Meganos Ioxemander would defeat the entirety of the alliance in battle. The battle was be the end of the Agiran Hegemony, which had governed Mesallas since the fall of Karissa. Instead, Ioxemander established that Mesallas would submit to Erasidon, with the League of Isthama being created under his leadership.
 * According to contemporaries, the intervention of the Emperor Iskandar was seen as clear jingoism to take advantage of the situation, in the same way that most writers admit Agira’s mission against Pheramos was politically motivated. Whatever the case, the attack by the Chatna Empire renewed support for a unified defense just as the region had a few decades earlier, and also helped to unify the region under the developing hegemon of Erasidon, although they would not formally take that title from Agira until the second phase of the Jafian War, which came after the Azozian invasion (two years after per the first turn). At the time of Azoz’s involvement, Pocrates had died soon after, and likewise Olythimus had been killed in the west. As such the reason for Azoz’s intervention became more evident. The army of Ioxemander numbered about 30,000 at this time in his campaign, which was at Thusmos when the Azozians arrived near Erasidon. From the Phydinians, southern Melopenesians, and Agirans, another 30,000 was called south. The two armies hoped to meet the Azozian invasion in the middle, force a decisive victory, and make peace with Azoz.
 * Yannis Empire: The last of the resistance from Weritsz is extinguished, with many rebels being killed in one final act of resistance. A Yannian army settles in the Weritsz capital, creating a new district in the ashes of the former settlement. Soldiers garrison these major cities and towns, and oversee the building of new Yannian-style cities, including temples. A great deal of labor at this time goes to connecting the many places of Weritsz into the empire with highways and fortifications. Elsewhere the spoils from the war also go to infrastructural upgrades nationwide. In the Holy City of Yagothna-vis the sewer system is completely covered by this time, and the Anointed One has it expanded to facilitate a larger population, complete with a new aqueduct into the city. In other major cities he orders that they should follow suit, and over the course of the next few decades also equip themselves with sewers, baths, fountains, and other amenities to improve the nation’s cities. In the west the nation also elects to formally integrate its possession as full provinces, as they hold large Yannian populations. In Mesallas, the governor of the Yannian hegemony supports the rise of Erasidon, partially due to a personal vendetta against the leaders of Agira.


 * Exhula: We agree to a White Peace with Teninukal, and request Sillas withdraw their forces from invading Teninukal, pointing out they can't realistically hold that territory regardless (SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED). With us now having agreed to peace with Teninukal and a long ceasefire we resume the process of settling our new conquest, consolidating control over the area as Teninukal is allowed to withdraw its troops from Texora and the surrounding region, leaving only the few remaining Kaloman Forces under General Tarrquo Qyqillipuq, which we easily overwhelm and defeat, resulting in the third and final sack of Texora and most of the remaining populations death while the rest flee. As a result Texora is left to ruin in the aftermath with the severed heads of every Kaloman soldier left impaled on wooden spikes on the city’s walls and gates and all around it, with thousands of heads on said spikes as a grim reminder of the price of defying us for years to come. With Kaloma now firmly under our heel we officially split the region into three territories rather than keeping it as one governing body, in order to make it harder for any potential rebellion to seize in the future. First, a large portion of the territory around it is annexed into the former Mexiquen land, the name of which, Brria, is finally decided on, with that territory consisting of most of what we took in our initial invasion, including the former capital of Kaloma, called Kallor in Kaloman but that we have now renamed to Ccisuris, and which becomes a major site of Exhulan settlement. The other two are the renamed provinces of Ryccayst and Srrun (We are renaming most major Kaloman Settlements with Exhulan names as part of the assimilation process we are forcing in the region), which consist of the former borders of those areas in Kaloma, with the exception of the lands ceded to Teninukal. The mass settlement of Amyrith (Kaloma, which we have renamed with this label, and the original borders of Brria). We heavily encourage the settlement of the region by ethnic Exhulans by providing many large tax breaks and Cash payments for several years for those willing to move there and settle permanently, with many being encouraged to take Kaloman wives but educate their children solely in Exhulan culture and religion as much as possible. Hundreds of Hcctaal preachers are sent to the region and the conversion of Kalomans to Hcctaal is greatly encouraged, with those who do gaining many economic incentives to do so and lessened taxes, in addition to being shown general favoritism over the masses who still follow the Kaloman religion. These changes are introduced over the turn slowly though, and although the Kaloman Faith is discouraged and often discriminated against, it is not actively persecuted and although assimilation is encouraged and many are discriminated against, the cultural and religious traditions of Kaloma mostly just receive low level harassment and discrimination from their new Exhulan overlords, and although it is disliked and resented by many most don’t see it as worth rebelling over, and many do end up doing the conversion and assimilation, although most still don’t. A census is also ordered throughout Exhula to learn of the population is now after we have conquered Kaloma and we have experienced so long without a census (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). In the Exhulan court, with the birth of three children including an heir to the throne during the last turn (And thus his claim secured on the throne of Kaloma), Vassiga looses most of his interest in Clorryil and they rarely spend time together anymore. Although the preachers in Beraba are severely limited in when they can preach and where they can go and when, they begin to get around this problem by teaching several of those who they do manage to convert how to be Hcctaal Priests and then using them to preach to the populace, as they are far less restricted than the Exhulan Missionaries. This is much more successful in gain8ng converts than the previous Missionaries where, both due to it being locals doing the preaching and due to them not being subject to the heavy restrictions imposed on the Exhulan Hcctaal missionaries.
 * Beraba: The Crown Princes agree that the tax code is outdated and needs to be upgraded. New taxes take the place of the old ones and pay for many services and projects across the nation. The Crown Princes also support the creation of a new class of skilled artisans and tradesmen know as the “Tangakwunu” or “men of skill”. One sect of cartographers among the Tangakwunu embark on ambitious project to map the known world. With support and patronage from the Crown Princes, they embark on voyages to the corners of the known world to both explore and trade. One group sails north past the Gahrenese Islands to explore what lies there. Nations encountered on the voyages are offered copies of what is known as the “Great Atlas of the Known World” in exchange for their maps and knowledge of the world. Offer is extended to Gahren, Makuku, Sillas, Sayalen, Qera, Exhula, and Yannis. On the journey to Makuku, the ambassadors propose the expansion of the Salt Road so that it would reach directly to Makuku, giving them more trade access to both Beraba and Gahren. One member of the Royal Academy notices that farmers who plant different crops in their fields year to year typically can grow crops for longer, especially when giving fields a “rest year”. This practice is implemented throughout the nation, with farmers rotating which crops are planted on their land between seasons.
 * Emalia: Prince Leto Siania (The Afflicted), comes to age, and decides to forge his own path through the sword, amassing a force of 30,000 Messelian men who are inspired by the young prince, his tragic story, and his infinite drive and ambition. Leto now addresses his men, giving them a speech. "I am Prince Leto, I am a Messelian man as my father Agetos before me, and for this reason of being Messelian my father was slain, my birthright of Emalia taken from me and given to my sister, Princess Pyra, I left landless and exiled from my childhood home. I know many of you have shared in my affliction, to have been surpassed by your sisters, wives, and daughters in this life, but I say no longer, for you shall all join me in the glory of conquest. This conquest shall be for the great city of Ephenus, where many of us are descended from and where my rule shall begin!" With this command, Leto's Legion of 30,000, (led by Leto with General Atalia beside him) marches upon Ephenus with record speed, adopting a light and mobile warfare by splitting the army in groups of 5,000, rejoining back to 50,000 when biseiging the city, surrounding it from all sides possible. In the chaos, the Emalian Navy takes the initiative under the command of Admiral Sabia, using the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the Ephenian navy in order to cement dominance in the Ema Delta. News of Leto's expedition reaches Queen Ionia, (who since the death of Agetos has dedicated her life to the teachings of Ema, becoming a full Priestess in her own right by continuing the sacred tradition of fertility by having as many children as possible.) Ionia's feelings are mixed on the matter, she dislikes that Leto's actions were unnanoucned and are dragging Emalia to war, however, she is pleased that a major enemy of the state is being invaded. Ionia sends Princess Pyra, now also of age, to watch over her twin brother Prince Leto and marches north with an army of 50,000 Emalian warriors to act as reserves in case anything goes wrong in Leto's conquest. Emalia is at war again, perhaps in its greatest, and in its midst Emalian and Messelian continue to merge into one people.
 * Syres: The training of men by the Kingdom of Azoz’s military garrison was alarming to the Syresian population. Quickly the Hensa reasserted control over the military, ensuring that Azoz could not forcefully recruit men from Syres to fight on its behalf. There was a panic in the city that the Azozians were creating an Ulmian army, leading the city nearly to the brink of civil war, as the military split between supporters of the Hensa and the Syresian religion and culture, and supports of the Azozians and Ulmism. The civil war was narrowly avoided through the diplomacy of the statesman Nabiethan, who had been elected consul around the same time as the Azozian military build up. Finally he issued a message to the Kingdom of Azoz, stating that they should lift the garrison of the city. In the meantime, the nation re-established control over its outposts on the nearby coasts, after the brief war with the Darnans. During this time under Azozian occupation and vassalage, the city made use of the trade network established by the Chatna Empire, allowing Syresian merchants greater entrance into the cities it had tried to permeate on the western coast. The nation’s merchants also heavily favored the cities of the Mesallas region, taking advantage of the conflicts appearing in the region.
 * Chatna Empire: The garrison has been decreased to 800 men.
 * Darna: In the thirst for Ulmian slaves the Darnan navy raids the Azozian coast and takes many prisoners as slaves. When the Kingdom of Chatna is distracted most they strike and seize valuables and loot, burning cities and towns. The island taken from Syres becomes a base of operations for these raids. Later the ships travel south toward Mesallas, and since we have good relations and trade connections with the Yannian-Mesallian governor, the Darnan navy becomes employed in raiding with its fleet being one of the largest in the world. The navy attacks Usinilago and Setia, taking many Ulmian slaves from Setia to be transferred back to Darna. Then it attacks farther to the east, all the while seizing as many slaves as possible.


 * Sillan Empire: Upon learning of the truce between the Exhulans and the Teninkualese, Silla accepts the offer of white peace – thus restoring boundaries to pre-war borders. However, despite a slight disappointment within the military nobility, Cabeza Canxi and the General leading the Teninkual Campaign – General Banzhen – still considers it to be a strategic victory (as it disrupted its economy, and thus its capacity to wage war), while the reported levels of destruction brings intense national pride and confidence in Sillan military might. The Eight Regiments is revamped to the Nine Banners system (corresponding to the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions, as well as an additional army to protect the interior); in order to better coordinate defense and enforce Silla's territorial legitimacy. Due to reports of suspicious activity and the refusal of the various Makuku city-states to cooperate with Silla, a garrison of ~3,000 military nobles (serving as active troops) each are stationed in three northernmost cities of Silla (Nuesixi, Danuerxi, and Norianxi) – through a high degree of centralization allows for the conscription of infantrymen, if needed. Meanwhile, Cabeza Canxi – due to an increasingly large population allowing the decreased need for auxilliary or non-combatant roles – reduced the ratio of military nobility to infantrymen to 1:2 (during times of war; as only the military nobility are active during peacetime, serving as a gendarmerie force). The Da Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Meanwhile, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Massive quantities of copper and tin are imported overseas, in order to produce bronze for mirrors, jewelry, and statues. Lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. Latrines, drainage, as well as communal baths and grammar schools are built. An increasing quantity of silk textiles, porcelaneous wares, jewelry is manufactured both for export and domestic consumption. In addition, cash crops such as hemp, tea, sugarcane, cocoa, coffee, honey, spices, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages and condiments are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to rice paddies. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants (water spinach, lilies, and water caltrops), and perennial fruit-bearing plants (namely coconuts and plantains) are done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish farms. The large-scale raising of mollusks (snails, oysters, mussels, clams) and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crabs), and the cultivation of seaweed in littoral areas also begins. In marshes or wet areas, deep-water rice is cultivated or small, rectangular artificial islands are built to provide cultivatable land. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * The Most Serene Vynos: For all the Nations under the Heaven, who can compare to the Most Serene of them all Vynos. Maz Div Tyv Neti managed to survive another election for the position of Maz Div held every ten years numbering his terms up to three. He orders the Construction of a Temple within the City of Vynos, dedicated to the god of the Sea and Commerce, Vyn. The exploration of the coast from North to South continues in search of new lands and people to trade with, along with new riches, along with the sponsoring of expeditions up the River Til (River beside me). He also expands the role of several prominent merchant families within the government, and grants land to them. This is seen as a snub to the traditional Noblist faction of the government, stirring up resentment toward him. These land grants primarily come from land where we expanded into by 2 px. Construction of the temple is placed on a top priority and many hope with it completion it can be a pilgrimage spot and bring wealth to the city. We also begin to explore the areas surrounding the River Til hoping to find more fertile land to grow food on. Mining of the Precious Metals surrounding the cities continue. Construction of storage areas for grain begins as well.

411-420
'If you haven’t posted in the previous turn yet you may still do so. '

'Although the tribe between the cities of Ibramos and Allsid accepts Beraban rule, allowing Beraba to claim the northern peninsula near Allsid, in the south the tribes are much more hostile. A powerful confederation known as Cazekorom manages to disrupt and raid the southern expanse of the Salt Road, before sacking the relatively new settlement of Eiros. '

'The Azozian invasion of Phydinia causes a rift between the Erasidon-aligned state and the Phydinian clans aligned with Chatna. When the Mesallian invasion from the Melopenes arrives a battle occurs that ends in a strategic Azozian victory, as it stops the Mesallians from rendezvousing. The Azozians suffer 3,340 losses, while the Mesallians suffer 5,100. '

'In the west that leaves the army of Erasidon outnumbered, but at the Battle of Ganatos, jurst north of the Thusmos River near the central mountains, Erasidon is victorious. The Mesallians suffer 1,940 casualties, while the Azozians suffer 5,450. '

'The Emalian invasion of Ephenus is successful, with Emalia successfully conquering the kingdom. The Emalian suffer 7,560 casualties in combat and another 16,440 from disease and other causes. '

'The nation of Valun launches a series of wars to expand considerably in its region, gaining loose control over the areas north of Azoz. '

'After Prince Leto acts partially independent of the Emalian government by invading Ephenus, the nobility in Emalia become anxious of his growing power, and seek to have him eliminated, or to at least convince Queen Ionia to have Ephenus striped from his possession and made a possession of the state. '

'The Kledesians settle a series of small cities in the center of their territory at this time. Then then continue outward epansion, raiding the northern edge of Solcia in the process. '

'A descendant of Cassander IV of Tuatha ascends to the throne of the Three Cities (as a vassal of the Chatna Empire), after he marries into the the daughter of Xares II. He becomes known as Cassander I Nerimanus. '


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The tsarina dies this year at the age of 92 and is succeeded by her son who takes the name of Boris I. He takes the annual Dodo pilgrimage and receives the Dodos blessing. He orders the tsar's fort to be strengthened and expands our colony by 1 px.


 * Mang: Legend says that the emperors are chosen by the 5 Mangi Stars, which civilians thought for a long time how Fuki and Ompai took power in the regions. A flag design was constructed, and it involves the colors Red, Yellow, and Blue on top of three stripes, and a green bird to represent the national Mangi bird. Meanwhile, a currency was being created, for a reason to sell stuff from the civilian food markets (not the current ones in 2018, like stands for food markets). This would give wealth to the food stands, and rice farmers, as people would buy their food in order to survive. Houses were also being built, like houses from straw or wood material. One problem is that straw was very rare, and barely in large quantities, so people usually made it up with material making to an axe for chopping trees (yes, they had axes in the BCE, CE, and the AD (present time) and also are pretty weak, mostly wooden).


 * The Most Serene Vynos: In a new and glorious Decade for Vynos they have accomplished much. The Temple dedicated to Vyn has finished it construction within the city overlooking the Great Forum. It has been enshrined with many gold statues and gelded to show the glory of the gods. The temple has quickly attracted many pilgrims and faithful to its halls in order to celebrate the father god. With the growing power of Maz Div Tyv Nyti, many nobilists in the city have begone to grown nervous at his power. During a feast held at his family's palace with many key supporters of the Merchant guilds, poison was slipped into the wine and the food causing the death of Maz Div Tyv Niti and several key supporters. The blame was shifted toward a servant who was discontent with his government resulting in his drawing, quartering, and beheading. The Nobilist quickly call an emergency election before the Merchants have unified under a successor. Because of this a landslide election is won by the Nobilist candidate Jor Birtyzi. Soon enough massive reforms are conducted with the term for a Maz Div being shortened to only five years and voting only be allowed to free landholders and landlords, which are primarily nobles with a small fraction being merchants. This sparks outrage in the merchants who begin riots which last for two weeks until they are put down by the army. The arresting of several prominent merchants occurs causing even further discontent among the middle-class. In order to maintain several barracks are built throughout the city. Many people angered by the sudden change in interests flee to surrounding areas claiming land in order to gain a greater voice (expands by 4 px). However, several merchants do flee to the neighboring Higros Islands south of the city and begin founding small trading outposts fleeing the political persecution. In addition to this in a search for land to claim five expeditions are conducted by several merchants - one going north up the coast, one going south down the coast, two following the newly discovered Emyr and Tilno rivers, and finally one heading east. One of these even decided to found a small trading outpost on the Emyr. The election for another Maz Div occurs and the current Maz Div Jor Birtyzi stays in power due to his popularity among the nobles, which only serves to enflame the merchants. However, he does sponsor the expansion of the navy by 15 ships in order to help compete against their bitter rivals the merchants.
 * Darna: Our ships continue to raid the coasts of the heathen lands, taking many valuable slaves. We decide to raid Syres while they are weakened, destroying coastal towns, taking slaves, and as many valuables as we can. Once we have taken as much as we can, we demand payment in order to bribe us to go away. After the Darnan fleet raids the Azozians, destroying their puny fleet of only a few ships. We raid their coastal cities, even landing soldiers at major cities there, and even raiding up their Ashe River. Upriver towns and cities are raided. The raids generate wealth which is used to create more raids, but also to improve infrastructure and new settlements in Darna. People move from the islands to the mainland in the north or to Isimandia, where new land is plentiful. In the thirst for Ulmian slaves the Darnan navy raids the Azozian coast and takes many prisoners as slaves. When the Kingdom of Chatna is distracted most they strike and seize valuables and loot, burning cities and towns. The island taken from Syres becomes a base of operations for these raids. Later the ships travel south toward Mesallas, and since we have good relations and trade connections with the Yannian-Mesallian governor, the Darnan navy becomes employed in raiding with its fleet being one of the largest in the world. Many slaves are sold to Yannis for sacrifice.
 * Qaryaat: King Ghasyan IV dies, and his son, Hassun, ascends the throne. The eastern boundary of Maqiri is expanded along the coast, while the western coast expands to cover the rest of the northern tip of the peninsula. Meanwhile, the southwestern boundary of the main territory is expanded along the coast. In both areas, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas to consolidate control of said areas. The outpost of Maqiri is improved upon, with a granary, temple, and basic walls being built. Exploration is done along the southern of two close-by rivers north of Mohejaro, dubbed the Bizafir River. We propose a trade deal with the Kingdom of Nolossia. We will trade spices, dates, dragon's blood tree resin from Saqqatra, dyes, and incense for whatever else they may have to offer. (IRIAN RESPONSE NEEDED)


 * Ri'Kiva: Agriculture continues to thrive in Suh'Hyik, but this is slightly problematic as Suh'Hyik has nearly eclipsed Ri'Kiva in population. In other news, the empire is expanded 8 px to the west, as well as 3 px along the north side of the river. Roads continue to be built. Contact is facilitated, with a trading post being established on an uninhabited stretch of land, in a bay similar to OTL Pylos. Regular trade is made, in an attempt to penetrate the markets of Gahren. A similar fortified trading post is established on the island of So'dor (the one where Personia is) in unclaimed territory, and colonists begin arriving there. The reason for this sudden burst of activity is that Ri'Kiva's cities are full, and so young men have taken to such enterprises. The high seas quicky become a wild west due to this, and attempts at trading posts are numerous and rarely successful. One such expedition to the north ends comically bad with the entire foundation being destroyed in a mudslide.
 * Chatna Empire: Economic and cultural developments continue to become more shared across the empire. The Library of Iskandaria especially is used as a central place of learning, with scholars from different religions and cultures as far away as Syres debating there. Separately, the various different sects of the Ulm religion convene at the Temple Library of Nerismos to pool together their ideas on theology and ethics. Milon of Isono continues his development of mathematics. This time, Milon considers how to calculate the volume of objects not in perfect shapes like a sphere, tetrahedron, or cylinder? He eventually developed the "method of exhaustion", in which consecutively-smaller rectangles are embedded within the remaining area of a solid, until it approximates the size of the object as close as desired. Using this method on a circle, he calculated the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter is approximately 355 divided by 113. Apostles continue to spread the gospel of Nelrim to the new lands discovered in the Far East, especially Phorintheon, Marensa, and Susalyon. Ulm apostles are also sent internally to the nation, setting up a Great Basilica in Usilinago. Many students of Anthrax or "geographers" begin traveling more frequently from Edom into Mesallia, studying individual cities' customs, politics and religions. Iskandar dies after a substantial reign, and left the Empire in charge of brother, Dara. Iskandar was given a magnificent funeral in Edom, and laid his body to rest in a glass coffin in the library that bore his name. Dara was amiable in personality, and unlike most other members of the Chatna family he tried to be well-liked and agreeable to everyone. It is generally considered that Dara was specifically named successor because he was the only member of the Chatna family not constantly hounding the emperor's court for power. However, as a result of this, Dara was far weaker in person, and allowed the rest of the Chatna clan attain de facto power in each part of the realm as they saw fit. Cassius, father-in-law of Cassander, held 15,000 men stationed in Dascelos and Nerismos. He held authority over the de jure Kingdom of Mesallia, which consisted of three disconnected parts of the archipelago. Oman, illegitimate son of Thalut by an Edomite woman, held 30,000 men in Iskandar, although also tasked with defending the Phydinians. Ricimer held 30,000 men stationed in Usilinago, having domain of all the lands south of it. Levian the Short held 30,000 men in Neum, and would often feud over finances with the Viceroy from Seita. Landrew the Generous was eventually made Viceroy of the Western Coastline, and thus held authority over vassalage in Syres as well, having a reserve force of 15,000 men. Finally, Ramu the Young led a reserve force of 30,000 men in Teman near Azoz itself. Unlike his predecessor, Dara withdrew himself back to the city of Azoz itself, leaving the rest of the empire under his relatives to organize, while he legislated directly to the Senate. He had no sons himself, but only one daughter named Roxanne. Husiang, the Holy Patra at the time, grew some great respect for the new emperor by his moderate lifestyle, as the Patra still ran the Senate directly at this time. The navy eventually returned to port in both Tuartha and Nerisomos, having crushed all the forces of the Darnan pirates, although losing many citizens as slaves in the process.


 * Hythia: Years 128-137 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnerch Wyn is replaced in the 129th year after he is implicated in the murder of the previous Myrnech. His successor, Myrnech Vyln is one of the youngest and more aggressive of the Partechs. His rule immediately departs from his immediate predecessors and follows the path of older Hythian policy. The Unar is reformed to a more professional force. Levies drill for several weeks a year with standardized equipment provided by the state. With support from the Partechs, Vyln leads a force of 2,000 heavy cavalry and 2,000 light cavalry to convince several of the tribes to the south to submit to the true lord Hythus and his chosen people. The target, the Baust people, are a large tribe to the southwest of Hytia. They are offered a chance to become vassals of Hythia or war. Despite the war footing late in the decade, across the south more irrigation canals are constructed in the first one-half.


 * Mesallian Culture: (Will update with more information later) The commencement of the League of Isthama came in the 51th Jafiad (Year 404), with Ioxemander appearing personally at the festival and sporting event in the center of the Melopenes. During this time he consolidated his rule in Mesallas, appointing new generals and administrators, and made plans for a new military campaign. One of his first actions was intevening when the Yannian governor in Mesallas died, with Ioxemander signing a deal with the Yannians to have himself appointed governor. When this was blocked by several noblemen, a short campaign was launched in the Nykos region, with the region finally accepting a single hegemon, even if only temporarily. Initially the Mesallians were in favor of a campaign against the Chatna Empire, who had attempted to conquer the Mesallians previously, and had succeeded in taking many Mesallian cities in the west. After the decisive victory at Ganatos an uneasy peace existed between Mesallas and the Chatna Empire, leaving Ioxemander free to turn his attention elsewhere for the time being. Across the Gabatrian Sea the rise of Prince Leto in Emalia led to an opportunity, although most of his army would remain in Erasidon in case of a threat in the region. That same year he departed with a small army toward the territory of Ephenus, offering to aid Emalia in their war. In exchange he asked for Emalia to join the League of Isthama and to marry the noblewoman Pyra, joining the two states in marriage. The remainder of Ephenus fell relatively quickly, and early in the following year Ioxemander crossed the Ema Delta and assaulted Iseisalia in Haretius, and north to Marlios and Idasimos, uniting the region of the Ema Delta under his and Emalia’s control. With 25,000 men from Mesallas (12,000 heavy infantry, 8,000 light infantry, 5,000 cavalry), a number of men from the Ema Delta, and forces from Emalia, Ioxemander crossed through the Heratian mountains and invaded Temayal. The attack came as a surprise to the Temayalans, but nevertheless they raised a large force from the major cities of the north, placed under the command of Lecolec’acnom. In the subsequent battle Ioxemander led a cavalry charge into the heart of the enemy line, nearly being killed himself. According to one account the king was nearly hit from behind, but one of his generals, Cestalus, severed the attackers arm off while he was mid-swing. Lecolec’acnom was killed while attempting to retreat, and owing to the fractured nature of the eastern region, his city soon opened its doors to Ioxemander. The king would consecrate the grounds outside the settlement toward the west river, which would later become a settlement of its own. After the fall of Ixima the forces of Itzqatoc II were raised in Temayal, and the king prepared to oust the Mesallians from the north. In the meantime, Ioxemander pursued a strategy opposite to what he did in Mesallas, where him and his generals had personally chosen tyrants and kings as needed to avoid revolts, and instead appeared as a “liberator”, granting towns in the region self rule. He ordered the dead of both sides to be buried, and had the armor and spoils of the battle shipped back to the temples at Jafia. As local governors surrender, Ioxemander ordered new ones to replace them, with independent officers to collect tribute and taxes. A number of towns also submitted and in exchange joined the League of Isthama, which required them to contribute military forces to aid Ioxemander. The Battle of Nezocal, north of Temayal, would result in the death of Itzqatoc II, and also prompted Fano’yetoc VI of Tik’akna to press a claim to Itzqatoc’s throne. As Ioxemander entered Temayal, he received word from the north of a Tik’aknan invasion toward Ixima. Ioxemander marched through the east of the nation with his cavalry, arriving at the rear of the approaching army and causing havoc among their ranks. Fano’yetoc would escape, and Ioxemander pursued north, achieving another small victory near Cuiracala. Toward the end of the year Ioxemander advanced on Tik’akna itself, and Fano’yetoc fell back to the ancient strongholds of the “Sky Level”, where he thought he’d be untouchable. After a few weeks one of the ancient tunnels of the underground kingdoms was discovered, and the Mesallians entered the city from below. Once inside Fano’yetoc was killed when the Mesallians demolished the foundations of part of his citadel. During his time in the region Ioxemander would visit the famed Mausoleum of Iximanasa, donating to improve the compound. To protect against threats to the east, Ioxemander would spend the rest of the year and the beginning of the following year campaigning against Jaris, the Franic Confederacy, and the Yannian colony in the east. In the later one-half of the third year of the 51st Jafiad (Year 406) he entered the Great Lakes region, befriending the Tahuan tribes and allying with them to subjugate the Kingdom of Uloyiso. His arrival aligned with a Tahuan prophecy that Nelrim would return when Uloyiso fell, and he was declared to be the prophet returned. He sought to travel to Sephimora to be affirmed by the high priests as Jesiphem, and to do so led his army and an army of the Tahuans and Lakemen into Lyania, which he decreed would fall back under the authority of Emalia. Arriving in Sephimora in the fourth year of the Jafiad, the king successfully proved himself to be the prophet reincarnated, and the kingdom bowed to him. Traveling to Leviea, he became the first ruler since Nelrim II to enter the holiest levels of the citadel. Having accomplished much in the east, the king sought to return to Mesallas for the 52nd Jafiad, and continue on to fulfill his destiny against the people who had killed his father. Luckily the death of the Chatnan emperor came soon after, and by that time the region fell largely to the authority of individual governors and claimants. From Leviea the king decided to first invade north and retake the Holy City of Nerimos, leading a small army of Sephimorans who believed him their prophet. They discovered the city under the command of Cassander I Nerimanus, and his father-in-law Cassius, and the king prepared for a siege. The Mesallians produced three siege towers which would be used to scale the walls, while the Sephimorans attempted to call upon divine intervention to curse the defenders. Both appeared to work, as the city soon fell. Although the king showed mercy to all the city’s inhabitants, when Cassius refused to kneel before the king, he had a rope forced through Cassius’ ankle, and had him dragged alive by chariot around the city, much like the ancient stories of Leto in the Dioman War. As Cassander had fall back to Dascelos, a garrison was left in the city and Ioxemander pursed the fleeing governor north. According to one account, once Ioxemander came to the city, as the city was almost entirely Mesallian, with many Ulmians and Enulmians, the city’s inhabitants decided to turn on their governor and grant Ioxemander entrance. The king knew that soon retaliation would likely come from the Chatna Empire, and he ordered a proper army to be raised in Mesallas. Men from every city were taken to ensure their compliance, and one of Ioxemander’s trusted generals, Evandus, was left in command in Mesallas. The king sailed back to Mesallas to oversee the action in Agira and to travel to Jafia, before traveling back to Nerimos in the beginning of the 52nd Jafiad. Once he landed he sacrificed to the Mesallian gods and departed with his army, leaving the Enulmian-Sephimorans and a Mesallian group to garrison the east. He marched on Iskandaria, hoping to catch the governor Oman and attract him toward the east. Not expecting an attack from that direction, Oman assembled his forces hastily and prepared for battle near the city. Mimicking the traditions of an Edomite monarch, Oman placed himself in the center, surrounded by his most elite infantry. Ioxemander split his forces in two, with himself on the right side, and his second-in-command, Xeracles, on the left flank. Ioxemander was positioned with the Mesallian cavalry, with veterans on the flank of the right and the lighter cavalry closer to the center near the infantry. The battle began with the heavy Erasidonian infantry advancing toward the enemy line, angled at 45 degrees to lure the Azozian cavalry. At the same time Oman sent a large portion of his army to try to attack Xeracles’ flank. Ioxemander responded by riding far to the right, which drew much of the Azozian cavalry to the side, which he hoped would create a gap in the enemy line near the Azozian general. Most of Oman’s cavalry was drawn to the flanks, with one-half now engaged far to the right and in the left against Xeracles. This created a gap in the Mesallian line, with some Azozians charging toward the center, but they were stopped by reserve forces still in the center. A gap formed in the Azozian left flank due to the Mesallian cavalry drawing most of the forces far to the side, and Ioxemander ordered a charge through the gap. In the end most of Oman’s army was left dead, although the general himself fled. The Mesallians continued on toward the Meran, while Oman managed to instigate conflict in the region of Phydinia, which would lead Evandus to lead an army into the region around the same time as Ioxemander approached the city of Edom. He found that the region of Edom, which had only recently fallen to the Chatna Empire, despised their Azozian overlords, and Ioxemander was welcomed as a liberator. He was declared king, marrying one of the claimants to the throne of Edom, Shameza, and he left the administration of Edom to her. During this time the king would travel down the Meran to the edges of Edom, where supposedly he wandered into the desert for several days until he came upon a small holy oasis. The nomadic peoples of the region, who had been hostile to all others who entered the region, saw this as a divine sign, and led Ioxemander in peace back north toward the sanctuary of the Umhlaba council, which had been operating in secret the last few decades after the Azozian conquest of the confederacy. Ioxemander was elected High Water Tyrant, and sought to liberate the region. Leading a small group of nomads and Water Merchants, he would strike from the south, shocking the small garrisons of the desert oases, before regrouping with the rest of the Mesallian army, stationed at the easternmost oases, west of the Meran. The Azozian-backed High Tyrant Lezenus assembled an army at Isono, while the governor Ricimer launched an invasion with 30,000 men toward Erasidon. With his homeland threatened, Ioxemander returned north and came toward Usinilago from the south, managing to attack the army of Ricimer from two sides. Emboldened, the forces of the confederacy launched a rebellion against the High Tyrant Lezenus. With him distracted and on the run to the west, Usinilago and Isono would both fall by the end of the year. Ioxemander would continue north along the coast, with the major cities that had been Mesallian surrendering quickly. Igounematis and Salarinos would be two cities to openly join Ioxemander immediately, while cities such as Setia were more elusive due the Azozian military presence in the city. Setia would ultimately fall only after the governor was promised that his rival, Levian the Short, would be removed. The next pivotal battle would occur at Neum,where Levian the Short had amassed a large army from his own lands and from Azoz. By this time the remaining governors of the empire had largely consolidated their forces with the king’s direct army, hoping to crush the invaders once and for all. Levian would ultimately be betrayed, and instead Harus of Setia replaced him under Ioxemander’s guidance. Next the king would follow the coast northward, eventually coming to the city of Syres. Here he instigated the city to revolt against its Azozian overlords and join him, while he proceeded to do battle against Landrew the Generous. By this time the situation in Azoz proper had become desperate, with parts of the remaining empire rebelling, and its remaining generals planning action against both Ioxemander and their ineffective king. Around the same time it is believed that Emperor Dara would be killed, although the circumstances around this death would not be made known to Ioxemander. Ramu the Young assumed virtual control over the empire, and would lead the defense against Ioxemander at the Battle of the Ashe River, in the eastern one-half of the old Azozian kingdom. Disappointed that the Chatnan emperor had been killed by someone else, Ioxemander attacked Ramu’s position, dealing a major defeat to the Azozians. The king would enter the ancient city of Azoz itself and have himself crowned Chatnan emperor, marrying Dara’s daughter Roxanne. He would spent the next several months campaign in Fashnoq and western Azoz, crushing the last of Ramu’s forces and others opposed to his rule, although many of the remaining governors of the empire elected to simply capitulate. In the capital he discovered enormous treasure, which he used to pay his troops handsomely, before sending the rest to be transported back to Mesallas. The king admired the city’s centers of learning, its basilicas, and other wonders, and widespread destruction was prohibited. Despite this a fire broke out in the city the following month that damaged part of the city, including the enormous Statute of Thalut. According to one anecdote, the king saw the damaged statute and asked it, “Shall I pass by and leave you lying there because of the expeditions you led against Mesallas, or shall I set you up again because of your magnanimity and your virtues in other respects?” Ultimately he had the statute and its complex restored completely. In the months Ioxemander would spend in the capital he adopted many Azozian customs, including a strong love for the game of chess. This would prove to cause an uneasy feeling among some of his officers, with one potential conspiracy against the king being discovered and halted. Seeking to promote a lasting peace between the two worlds, Ioxemander promoted trusted Azozians into his ranks, and ordered a mass marriage of senior Azozians and Mesallian officers and noblemen. After nearly one-half year in the Azoz region, Ioxemander continued westward. Over the course of the next two years he would campaign in the west, stretching the Mesallaian world’s knowledge of the known world. Sellasiyan, Corun, and the states of Eskaladun would ultimately be conquered, before Ioxemander came upon the western sea. Having reached the edge of the world, his men finally called for a return to their homeland, and Ioxemander obliged. The young king would ultimately never see his homeland, as while traveling back east the king fell ill suddenly and died. With his death the fate of his new empire hung in the balance, with no clear direction. When asked on his deathbed to whom he left his empire, Ioxemander simply replied, “to the strongest.”
 * Succession: (This is background information that will come into play in the next turn, as Ioxemander’s death occurs right as the turn ends.) After the death of the king the empire became divided among different claimants and generals. One such question was who would succeed as king. In the east it was believed that Ioxemander had a son with the Emalian Princess Pyra, but this was ignored by the army far in the west, who instead considered the possibility that Ioxemander’s latest wife, Roxane, was pregnant and could possibly give birth to a son. Ioxemander’s second-in-command, Xeracles assumed regency over the empire for either claimant, something that all the generals could roughly agree on. After several months Roxanne gave birth to Ptelamus, and Xeracles successfully persuaded to have him elevated to the position of king. The regent also divided the empire among the remaining commanders and governors appointed by Ioxemander. At the same time the empire faced numerous rebellions and threats. Notably the Mesallian city-states loosely held in the League of Isthama rebelled to re-establish their independence, and in distant parts of the empire the Mesallian garrisons stationed deserted their posts.
 * State of the Royal Family: At the time of Ioxemander’s death his family was as follows:
 * Relatives through Ptelamus:
 * Ioxemander’s brother, Amelianus, age 30, was considered mentally unfit to rule, and was in Veselia, Erasidon at the time of the king’s death.
 * Ioxemander’s sister, Erelia, age 23, was in Agira at the time of the king’s death.
 * Ioxemander’s sister, Calepide, age 32, was wed to Agenon III of Sericolis.
 * Through Pyra of Emalia
 * Igneous, age 6
 * Through Nelra of Sephimora
 * No issue
 * Through Shameza of Edom
 * Medesa, age 5
 * Through Roxane of Azoz
 * Ptelamus, age 0
 * State of the Governors: At the time of Ioxemander’s death the empire was divided among the following governors:
 * Xeracles - Had served as Ioxemander’s second-in-command, and was considered the most senior commander. In the aftermath of the king’s death he successfully convinced the army in Azoz to rally behind the future offspring of the pregnant Roxane, despite an alternate faction seeking to elevate a child from Emalia to the throne. One of the leaders in the faction Xeracles, named Stelanus, would be found dead soon after.
 * Evandus - One of Ptelamus’ most trusted advisors, Ioxemander had left the general in command of the home region in his absence. Evandus was named Regent of Eraisdon and General of Mesallas and the League of Isthama.
 * Cestalus - One of Ioxemander’s most trusted bodyguards and advisors, he had been ordered to return to Erasidon from Azoz at the time of the king’s death. He would join Evandus as his second-in-command for the time being.
 * Sotaren - An Edomian-Mesallian commander who sought to establish control over the rival claimant Igneous in Emalia.
 * Rambius - An Emalian who had been tasked with governing the northern Ema Delta from Iseisalia.
 * Ichabon - A Sephimoran who led Ioxemander’s religious zealots in the south. He was descended from the House of Xares on his father’s side, and a Tahuan noble family on his mother’s side. He was wed to a relative of Ioxemander, and his sister had been wed to Ioxemander.
 * Neoptolanus - Governor of the Great Lakes, he was wed to the daughter of the last Uloyiso king, Senzanganon.
 * Argon - Governor of the East, ruling over Temayal, Tik’akna, Ixima, and the Yannian lands.
 * Asandius - Governor of Edom, he quickly asserted control over the region by marrying the de facto ruler Shameza.
 * Lucanus - Elected High Tyrant of the Umhlaba Confederacy due to garrisoning the city of Isono at the time of the king’s death.
 * Dienades - Governor of Neum, who exerted control over the lower Ashe River and surrounding coastal areas.
 * Garius - Governor of the West, who exerted control over everything past the Kingdom of Azoz.
 * Emalia: In the union between Ioxamander and Pyra, Pyra bears the child, Igneous, the rightful heir of Emalia and Ioxamander's empire. Leto escapes the chaos of war, embarking on a naval expedition past the blue island in the far corner of the known world.
 * (Chatna? Edom? Mesallia? Erasidon?) Dip: Sotaren, an Edomite-born general under the command of Ioxamander, enters Emalia and becomes the godfather and guardian of the young child, proclaiming him to be the new Emperor.
 * Sillan Empire: The cultural exchange between Silla proper and the Olmac provinces becomes eventually known as the "Olmaco–Sillan Exchange"; with the introduction of various new spices (chili peppers, vanilla, nutmeg, cilantro), fruits (tomatoes, avocados, various berries and nuts), vegetables (squashes and gourds) into Sillan cuisine. However, perhaps the most significant introduction to Silla is potatoes and cassavas; joining other Sillan root crops such as sweet potatoes, taro, and yams are "food security crops" to be consumed during poor harvests. The culture of North Olmac – due to its proximity to Silla proper causing disproportionately higher levels of Sillan settlement and thus the increased transmission of Sillan culture – becomes heavily Sillanized, with little traces of pre-conquest culture remaining. However, South Olmac sees the birth of a "new culture" – a blend of both Sillan and indigenous elements. For example, while Sillan architecture is based around wood and (clay) brick, South Olmac architecture is based on stone. Meanwhile, millet and whole-wheat flour (imported from Exhula) becomes the staple grain; while maize continues to be grown as animal fodder. Indigenous lentils and pulses are also grown extensively, becoming a major source of protein. In addition, cash crops such as cotton (for the production of muslin, which becomes the main textile instead of silk), barley (for alcohol), spices, and opium and tobacco (for recreational purposes) are also cultivated. '''Meanwhile, a conquest of Punauia and Rakaroa commences – mobilizing a total of 31,000 troops. However, while cavalrymen continue to be trained in both archery and melee warfare, there is an increased (but still informal) distinction between lightly-armored mounted archers and highly-armored cataphracts. Due to the realization of lances as a clumsy and largely ineffective at close combat, cataphracts are instructed to use lances only as a "shock weapon" to disorganize enemy infantry lines while using sabers (previously designated as secondary weapons) as their primary weapon. 3,000 cavalrymen and 6,000 infantrymen (yielding a total force of ~9,000) are stationed in three army groups near the city-state of Makuku; thus allowing flexibility and ensuring there is no breach or vulnerable area in defenses (thus limiting the Makuku city-state's ability to launch an offensive on Sillan territory). The fortifications of Norianxi is heavily-reinforced, with massive sloping walls of rammed earth measuring 30 ft in height, and ranging from 30 ft (at the base) to 10 ft (at the top) in width. This design – unique to Silla – ensures that it is more structurally-sound and easier to build than other walls. 12,000 troops (consisting of 4,000 cavalrymen and 8,000 infantrymen) – divided into four army divisions consisting of ~3,000 each – are dispatched to Punauia and Rakaroa each; yielding a total of 24,000 troops. Rams, heavy crossbows, and incendiary arrows are used to effectively destroy walled cities and fortifications; thus limiting the two city-state's ability to inhibit the rapid movement of Sillan forces northward. Massive forest fires are intentionally started to clear land (thus allowing the utilization of traditional cavalry-heavy tactics), while settlements and the surrounding farmlands are razed – with the inhabitants told to spread the message (thus destabilizing unaffected settlements with a massive influx of refugees). In both Punauia and Rakaroa, two army divisions are sent north to outmaneuver and outflank enemy forces; leaving one army division to the south of enemy militias to engage with them and to create an illusion of numerical inferiority. They are told to inflict attrition, and then to feign retreat for about a few days (in order to maintain the illusion of a real retreat). The former group, utilizing their superior mobility, will then attack the enemy militia's rear and/or flanks in a surprise engagement; thus annihilating the weakened enemy militias in a swift, decisive move or forcing them to capitulate. The fourth army division is sent to the north to prevent the movement of any reinforcements and to cut supply lines – focusing more on ranged warfare rather than close combat to minimize any casualties. Communication between the four army divisions is maintained by a comprehensive system of mounted infantrymen (especially literate ones) serving as a rudimentary communications system and as reconnaissance troops. Most infantrymen are stationed (in phalanx formations and protected by mounted archers serving as skirmishers) in the remaining forested areas, therefore, preventing enemy militias to bypass cavalry through forested areas. However, many also fulfill auxiliary roles – such as acquiring resources through raids, managing the huge horse herds, or delivering (on mounts) armaments on the battlefield. When permitted, crossbows and incendiary arrows are heavily used to inflict damage on enemy militias as well as an element of psychological warfare; as the sight of such sophisticated weaponry would demoralize enemy militias.''' Sillan arsenals produce a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Meanwhile, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. Latrines, drainage, as well as communal baths and grammar schools are built. An increasing quantity of silk textiles, porcelaneous wares, jewelry is manufactured both for export and domestic consumption. In addition, cash crops such as hemp, tea, sugarcane, cocoa, coffee, honey, spices, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages and condiments are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to rice paddies. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants, and perennial fruit-bearing plants are done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms. In marshes or wet areas, deep-water rice is cultivated. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * The initial Sillan invasion north, crossing over the mountain range, is hampered by the poor terrain, and the Makuku make use of guerrilla tactics to harass the advancing army. To invasion of Makuku results in a Sillan defeat, with the Sillans suffering 8,540 total casualties, including casualties from disease and lack of supplies. In Rakaroa the Sillans achieve a pyrrhic victory, suffering 5,430 casualties.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One focuses his efforts in the home territories, building more highways to connect major cities and territories, and in the cities continuing his policy of building sewers, baths, fountains, and aqueducts. Major cities in the east such as Weritsz see vast upgrades to create a more Yannian city center. The destroyed parts of the cities are replaced by Yannian colonies, with new temples and other major buildings. In the west the Anointed One continues to influence the politics of the western neighbors, allowing for Yannian settlement and integration into the west. News of the rise of Ioxemander in the south initially causes alarm, although the Yannian authorities are pleased that his attention is primarily turned toward destroying the Chatna Empire. Because this task is deemed noble, for it will likely kill many Ulmians by the Anointed One’s estimation, it is allowed to proceed. The Yannian authorities in Mesallas recognize the king in his league, but remain highly autonomous. Yannian authorities also sought to increase their power while the king was away, with Yannian Holy Men spreading the faith to distracted parts of Mesallas and the subsequent empire. It was hoped that the Yannians would ultimately come to dominate Ioxemander’s future empire, potentially by controlling his succession. When the king dies unexpectedly, the Yannians in Mesallas decide to reassert their previous hegemony, splitting the region in one-half. Additionally the Anointed One is tired of tolerating Mesallian governance over Yannian lands, and orders an army to establish the independence of the Eastern States, which were formally governed by independent Yannian rulers.
 * Qera: The city of Imbalama is now officially the seat of the court by 413. The city has practically been the capital for all of the reign of Zrias I, but the first record that mentions it as the capital occurs in 413, when the her son Vavas met his future wife Zoeha for the first time. Other sources already mention Imbalama as a "governing city" around 20 years earlier. The colonies both expand, Uotahtzija expands some 10 px farther inland, while Cyrphetzija grows notably about 12 px, while one-half of it becomes rural. The first universal calender is defined in 416. The calender defines the start of the dry season in -160 as the founding date of the modern Qera, which is now set as the start of the calender, making this year the year of 576. The calender is based on the moon eclipse and by the dry and wet seasons. The latter is seen as more important since it plays a big role for agriculture. The usage of bell pepper enters the Qeran cuisine around this time, when merchants brought them from the lands of the Dhonbalan to the south. They are influenced heavily by the Qerans in this decade in hopes of having a strong ally to the south. A mutual military and trade deal is offered to them (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE) The land between the Ollea country and the Qeran territory is filled with small farms by now, herding either animals or supplying the small copper mines scatterd all over the land. When the Princess hears from Berabian merchants offering to share their "Atlas of the known world" with the Qerans, she immediately agrees, seeing the opportunity to potential new markets (BERABIA RESPONSE, PLEASE). She sends them back with the message that she agrees and samples of Qeran cinnamon, coffee and nutmeg.
 * Beraban Dip: Beraba appreciates the gifts and agrees to trade knowledge of the maps of the world.


 * Exhula: The population survey is finished in 412, reporting that we have about 249,000 citizens now, a major growth from the last survey. The Emperor's son Lorgar also marries in 412, to the last real non-Aurelian claimant to the throne of Kaloma, Cyrra Ryiqus, the daughter of a minor member of the Kalom Dynasty (the youngest daughter of the last King, who fell in love with and married the noble later before they could be stopped) and a high Exhulan noble who was spared due to that connection, securing the throne completely for the Aurelian Dynasty through the marriage. Their first child, a daughter named Lccania, is born in the second month of 413 and their first son Rttagan is born in 414, with their final daughter, Riyya, being born in 416. This could not come soon enough, as 416 is also the year Emperor Vassiga dies of a heart attack, leaving his son Lorgar to be crowned as Emperor Lorgar V in 416. Unfortunately each of his children have several defects, although they were not readily appearing right away. As later records and accounts of this time would show, Rttagan was a weak and sickly boy who was constantly bedridden as a result of frequently catching many diseases, something that later historians attribute to a weak immune system and which later records show would get no better over time. His first daughter Lccania was also blind and quite short and her sister Riyya was the only one who seemed to be completely healthy and normal, but her personality would later leave much to be desired, and she died young. Lorgar V is a strong ruler with a firm sense of justice and an iron grip on ruling, who encourages and sometimes actively orders and forces the increasing of the Exhulan Settlement Of Amyrith even further, actively beginning to outnumber the Kaloman population in some places and with many moving into the agricultural countryside in addition to the cities, which are already heavily saturated with Exhulans. Several new cities end up being built, named Syast, Riccarius, Vassiria, and Ipoyrius, which are mostly made of Exhulans and Kaloman Locals following Hcctaal and Exhulan Customs. Efforts are increased to assimilate the Kaloman Populace in addition to the many thousands of settlers that have by now been settled in the region, with a new tax being introduced in Amyirth where every family who’s members do not follow the Hcctaal faith must pay an additional 7% of their income to the government, with harsh punishments in place for all who try to avoid paying, while those who pay are left alone, although still heavily pressured to convert. To enforce this, a small organization know as the Ccouttirs is established. Made up mostly of former and current Exhulan Soldiers with experience in war and with notable skills for investigation they hunt down those who refuse to pay to either force them to or to punish them for refusing, with methods up to and including torture used in this. While it can't be enforced everywhere, this religious tax is a major factor in pressuring followers of the Kaloman Pantheon to convert, for the sake of their loved ones if nothing else. He also encourages the further settlement of The Northeastern Islands, which are named the Assiryan Islands, sending many settlers there as well, in addition to beginning to settle the newly discovered lands directly east of and north of them, founding seven settlements, named Syyorua, Gittoris, Siyyix, Rkoccarius, Cconul, Vninyiga, and Eittina. We also launch three expeditions with many ships, exploring 30 px east of the islands, 30 North, and another one to explore the bay east of them (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) We also begin, for the first time in a while, to begin actively settling the Ettyian Coast again, specifically expanding much of the land to encompasses by 47 px altogether with thousands of settlers in order to begin an ambitious plan to link the Ettyian Coast and our colony farther north. This is also to lay the foundations for a later plan to create a great road linking the Ettyian Qeran Road to our more Northern colony. In Irrosia the process of transitioning from piracy continues, as Barnam, the first elected King Of Irrosia dies in 413, resulting in an election for the next king lasting until 316, when Syrar Cclor, a member of a powerful Irrosian Noble family descended from a famous pirate Lord who served with Rogar I, is crowned as King of the Irrosian Isles. He continues the process of transitioning from piracy to more legitimate practices, also beginning to employ many pirates in the creation of a massive navy of ships to build on that already held by Irrosia. He also creates four more trade posts and sends an ambassador to the Kingdom of Luhent, asking to open trade relations between Irrosia and Luehnt (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).
 * Syres: The situation in the city stabilizes, with an uneasy peace existing. On one side remains the Azozians and Ulmians, and on the other the old nobility of Syres and its Mesallian population. The military is ultimately put on the control of commanders from both sides, and the Azozian garrison is negotiated to be lower, which helps to ease tensions. As a result the military grows once more, and the city begins using its navy to combat Darnan piracy and other threats at sea. The Syresian navy makes a name for itself during this time aiding the Chatna Empire near Usinilago, Neum, and Nerimos, slowly pushing back pirates and the threats to the Chatnan coast. When the Erasidonian king Ioxemander arrived at Neum the news reached Syres, and the city was enticed to join his side. Landrew the Generous responded by garrisoning the city and attempting to defeat the approaching king in battle, but after a defeat along the coast forced Landrew to retreat toward the city, the Syresian consuls elected to stage a revolt in the city and refuse him entry. A bloody battle ensued within the city that eventually chased out the Azozians, with a number captured as well. When Ioxemander approached he was allowed entry within the city. Syres remained largely autonomous as it had before, although a small number of men also joined Ioxemander’s army, as the population supported his endeavor. It was hoped that Syres would be able to exert the power it once held, and potentially be granted dominion over the nearby territories that the king had also vassalized. The abrupt death of the king derailed these plans, as soon his generals elected to divide the area into their own governorships, although Syresian territory itself was left to be governed by the Syresians, still nominally under the vassalage of an empire that was fracturing.
 * Beraba: The Crown Princes gather to confer about the new threat of the Cazekorom confederation. They agree that the only way to deal with the threat effectively is by use of force. Gathering an army of 20,000 strong, they march south into Cazekorom territory. (Mod Response Needed) As they march, they clear out enemy combatants and erect guard posts and stations along the Salt Road. The Beraban navy sails south to provide naval support. Cazekorom civilians are spared and shipped north to serve as labor on farms or in mines. As the Cazekorom resistance begins to diminish, soldiers are sent south with remaining members of House Eshashti to re-establish the settlement of Eiros. In the Great Cities, a militant branch of the Faith of Beraba begins to organize. This culminates with the expulsion of Hcctaal missionaries and practitioners alike from the nation, who are all sent back to Exhula. Past offer is still extended to Gahren, Makuku, Sillas, Sayalen, Qera, Exhula, and Yannis: copies of what is known as the “Great Atlas of the Known World” in exchange for their maps and knowledge of the world.

421-430
'An Ulmian apostle named Andionus makes use of the relative stability provided by Ioxemander’s empire, and the decline of the Yannian authorities in the east, to spread the Ulmian faith farther east. Although the Yannian colonies are unreceptive, he reaches the edge of Exhula. '

'Explorers sent by the Most Serene Vynos encounters the nation of Xinaben, a feudal kingdom centered around the city of Urum, along the Uthaga River. '

'The Baust people accept the offer to become vassals of Hythia, as they fear the Kledesians. They raid the Baust lands heavily, and after the '

'The Kingdom of Luehnt accepts the trade offer from the nation of Exhula, and Luehnt expresses interest in an alliance and future cooperation between the two states. '

'Gahren expresses a desire to trade with Ri’kiva and improve relations, however, the noble family who nominally owned the land on which Ri’kiva’s trade post sits asks for small financial compensation. '

'After Sillas fails to significantly occupy the Makuku states it invaded, the states offer peace, with Sillas being given a large number of slaves, amount of gold, and other tribute. In the meantime, an alliance of various Makuku states forms against the Sillas. '

The Valun successfully raid parts of northern Azoz in the chaos during the nation's breakup.

'The Cazekorom suffer a major defeat against the Berabans, with the Berabans suffer 3,400 total casualties. As a result they vacate the Eiros area and enlarge a migration primarily toward the southeast. '


 * Vytia Culture: The land of the Vytia continues to grow every more Serene in its beauty and prosperity. The Nobilist continue their stranglehold over the city of Vynos with another Nobilist Kal Vutos being elected Maz Div in the elections this year following the resignation of Jor Birtyzi as Maz Div. Under him the city begins to take a more centralized approach with a regulated taxation among the peasantry along with a census to count the number of people living in the city. Building projects are sponsored to create a library to hold the records of the various government meetings, along with a barracks being built. The discovery of Xinaben by our explorers intrigues the Assembly and they send an offer to exchange knowledge of maps and open trade between our nation to the newly discovered Kingdom Mod Response. Continued expansion of Land occurs to feed our cities. However, the tyranny of the nobilists inspires various Merchant families to flee the city. A few flee north to the River Emyr where they start a small settlement independent of Vynos. However, within the Hygros Islands south of Vynos, something else entirely occurs - the nephew of the former Maz Div Tyv Nytti, Erln Nytti with an army of ambitious young men conquer the main Island Hynor and found the Kingdom of Hygros under Erln Nytti as its King. They begin a conquest of the islands taking many natives on them as slaves and concubines. The foundation of a new city Karni occurrs within the city with it being the capital. We continue our exploration sending explorers North along the shores and South and following a newly discovered river. However, they also sponsor the election of the inland east of Vynos. The outskirts of Vynos, however, are raided by the surrounding Nykos causing the burning and destruction of several farms and harvests, the Maz Div responds to this by ordering troops to head into Nykos villages, burn them, and take their inhabitants as slaves to work for the Nobles and Merchants.
 * 'Mesallian Culture: The Empire of Ioxemander collapsed nearly as quickly as it formed. Initially the empire was largely united under the regency of Xeracles, who supported the infant heir Ptelamus III. The first major division came with the Emalians appointing Igneous as heir, which in effective split Emalia and the east from the empire, with Sotaren pulling the strings, and seeking to influence other eastern governors to support his government instead of Xeracles (Emalia player, the rest is up to you). In Mesallas proper the “Mesallian War” broke out, as a general revolt following Ioxemander’s death. The late king’s policies of shifting around the Mesallian governments, taking supplies and tribute to fuel his army, and other reforms, led to high discontent that turned to rebellion by the lack of clear succession. Nations like Agira and Meshwati saw an opportunity to reassert their independence, Additionally the King of Sericolis, Agenon III, saw an opportunity to potentially elevate his own kingdom in Erasidon’s absence, as his own dynasty had a claim to the throne as well, and was of full Mesallian heritage. Evandus and Cestalus remained loyal to the imperial government and to Xeracles, and organized an army to put down the unrest. Approximately 20,000 men were raised from returning veterans, new recruits, and mercenaries. The rebellion lasted about a year, with the states of the League of Isthama reunited and accepting of Evandus’ leadership. Xeracles’ power as regent grew, and a year after the death of Ioxemander he married the late king’s sister Erelia. This was seen as an attempt to elevate himself to the throne, and prompted a revolt from three of the major governors; Mesallas, Edom, and Neum. The war is triggered when Xeracles sends a funeral procession with the late king’s body back to Erasidon, and Dienades of Neum has the body intercepted. After one year of war the elderly Xeracles was killed by a conspiracy of three generals: Demus, Lyanates, and Nysimus, who were granted Azoz, Medan-Bangui, and Fashnoq respectively. In the west all parties continued to recognize Ptelamus III as king in Azoz, but Evandus became the new empire-wide regent. (Much more to come)
 * In the far west Governor Garius faced multiple problems. Although he had about 20,000 Mesallian soldiers stationed with him, as well as several thousand civilians which Ioxemander had planted there to begin settling the region, a portion of the Mesallian population rebelled, intending to return back to Mesallas. An army would have to be dispatched by Xeracles to the west (with the situation not fully resolving until after Xeracles’ death). A brief battle would be fought west of Azoz in which the deserters were defeated and forced back into the west. Around the same time the natives of the west revolted as well. Eskaladun had remained largely ungoverned during Ioxemander’s campaign, and the king of the nation reasserted his independence, as did numerous tribes between the small Azozian colony and the Eskaladunians. Garius proved to be a formidable general, but he was unable to fully control the vast western region. Garius decided to make peace with Eskaladun and the kingdom eventually broke off from Mesallian rule de facto. Garius made his capital in Fotashe, while he appointed his son, Lysus, to rule from Ioxemandia-Ekudus (Ioxemandia the Farthest), which was situated on the southwest coast. In the east the governor Argon found himself also facing difficulty. A Yannian army had landed near Tik’akna, and that sparked general rebellions all across the region. He hastily swore fealty to the Emalian claimant Igneous, asking for Emalian soldiers to aid him. Nonetheless, the city of Tik’akna itself fell relatively quickly, and Argon was defeated decisively farther south as well. Multiple strongholds still held out, such as Ioxemandia-Oran (Ioxemandia the East), which was situated on the river in the Far East near Phorintheon. There the Yannians and a number of recruited Phorintheons would storm the fortress, with a Yannian named Sezesec’tolem declaring himself King of Ometoc-vis and Quamocten, and soon after a nobleman named Calecqemec declares himself King of Tik’akna. Despite this, Argon would manage to secure Temayal, with assistance from neighboring provinces. In the Great Lakes the governor Neoptolanus found himself unable to juggle both the Tahuans/Enulmians and their ancient enemies, Uloyiso. Initially Neoptolanus chose the Tahuans, as they were religiously devoted to following Ioxemander, but after he died some elements of Tahuan society, who were annoyed at Neoptolanus’ policies, labelled him another Uloyiso king occupying the holy land. In Sephimora Ichabon succeeded Ioxemander, leading the zealots of Enulmism. Although he was initially to be tasked with governing the entire region between Edom and Emalia, the northern city-states instead aligned behind Mesallian commanders, with Adranates IV ascending to the throne of Ghanis and Zolius II rising in Dascelos. Ichabon would successfully defend Nerimos, turning the city into his capital, and finally transferring the Holy Dwelling back to the great temple in the city.
 * Emalia: It is in this time that Igneous, the first born of the deceased Ioxamander and the living Pyra, the rightful heir of both Emalia and the Empire, transforms from boy to man, being educated extensively in all subjects of human and supernatural thought, having unprecedanted access to the vast knowledge of the world and a constant thirst of knowledge, exploration, and adventure, and it is only with time that he starts to realize the weight of the future he is destined for, of all the land and people that will be under his rule. His youth is spent between his mother Pyra and his guardian/godfather Sotaren, who Pyra marries, not out of love as with the conqueror Ioxamander, but out of political purposes, Pyra to keep the reigns on Sotaren, ensuring he is at bay, and Sotaren to get inside access to the Emalian Imperial Court and having a position of power, though checked in the capital, it was free in the fringes, and he used this power, in conjuctuation with Pyra, to unite the Eastern governors to swear fealty to Emalia, most notablly Argon, who swore fealty to Emalia in the midst of Yannian Invasion. The call to arms is honored, with Emalia sending 20,000 elite soldiers to defend the Argonian lands along with the Thalutians (Exhulians), Neoptolanus and Messelians from the Yannian invasion, fortifiying the Argonian strongholds with boundless effectiveness. As the defense of Argonia continues,Lyania is fully integrated into the Eastern Empire, reuniting with Emalia once again. The integration of Ephesus into the Eastern Empire is also completed, and the integration of Rambia, the land ruled by the Emalian Rambius, naturally begins and ends in a relatively short time. With dominance over the entirety of the Ema Delta and its coastline secured, Emalia finally sees and receives the full abundance of wealth the sea has to offer. This newfound prosperity, in addition to its Imperial status, ushers in an unprecedented golden age in Emalia and its Imperial subjects, spurring many scientific discoveries and technological advancements, as evident not only by the massive infrastructure projects throughout the Empire, but also the rapid advancements of the military, with Emalia proper focused on making the army an unstoppable force, gaining procifient and profolic commanders and generals of the age. At the same time, Ephesus massively rebuilds the navy to establish dominance on the seas, both in war and in trade  During this time, a compact is formed with the Governor of the Great Lakes Neoptolanus, and we broker a peace between him and the Tahuans, concluding that Neoptolanus shall stay Governor and the Tahuans shall be autonamous. If Neoptolanus is deposed, however, he shall have a place in Emalian society and the new leader shall be supported in the interest of keeping peace. In the west, the Messelian appointed Governor of Sephimora, Ichabon, is under threat from Evandus' appointments of governor and viceroy over Sephimora. Sotaren declares his support for Ichabon as the rightful Governor of Sephimora, stating that the foreign appointees are unlawful and invalid, and thus raises an army of 20,000 and splits it into four groups of 5,000 to reconquer Sephimora for Ichabon, reinstalling him completely, now under Emalian suzerainty. Sotaren, however, did not stop here, for the Edomite set his sights for Edom, doubling his army, with 10,000 Sephimoran soldiers joining him as a thank you from Ichabon. This force of 50,000 march upon the great city of Edom and besiege it, declaring war on the Asandius, the Governor of Edom. Sotaren's purpose of thie Siege of Edom is twofold. One, to kill the Imperial claimant child Madesa, and two, to conquer Edom, his home, for himself, seeing Governor Asandius as a foreigner who had no right being there. Solaren further bolstered his claim on Edom by stating Asandius' rule was illegitimate due to being threatened by Evandus' appointees for governor and viceroy over Edom, who too are declared illegitimate. It thus follows that Sotaren himself is the only rightful person to rule Edom, being a native to it.During Sotaren's siege of Edom, the Eastern Imperial navy blockades Edom, forcing it to be surrounded by land and sea. All this happens while the Thalutians (Erasidonians), are embroiled in war against Yannis and others. We fear a counterattack from Evandus, even though we never declared war on him, and our army builds fortifications across the Eastern Empire, especially Emalia proper, taking strong defensive positions. A letter is wrote to Evandus, both by Sotaren and Pyra, informing we have no malice toward him, his family, or his land proper, we are only doing what we must against the vassal states, and we continue to provide support against Yannis. Follow up letters are written to Evandus, the one by Sotaren giving detailed reasons for why he did what he did and is doing, and Pyra apologizing profusely for the actions of her husband, chalking it up as natural male aggression in periods of war. As war rages, Prince Leto continues his voyage at sea, exploring the eastern fringes of the known world, now discovering that the blue island at the edge of the world are actually multiple blue islands at the edge of the world, and he continues past them. In the middle of all this, Ionia's life was fading, and with this fading she realized that Emalian culture and religion were fading too, thus she spoke with her daughter, Pyra, for one last time. "Pyra, it is my fear that we are forgetting our goddess Ema, I know you know Her, some still know her, but if things continue, continue as they do now, she will no longer be known, for people will know Messalia instead- the way of our late husbands. Please, do not let Ema, who gave all humanity life through her womb, be forgotten, do not let the life of the Queen Prophettess Nysia, the founder of our family, our people, and our nation, be in vain. Make sure that we will live forever, that Ema will never be forgotten. Defend Ema's City and Her Holy Court with your life, ensure that it will always worship and know Ema even as the rest of Emalia falls to the ways of Messalia. Find a new land where those who still know and worship Ema can live and prosper, keep some Sisters here and send other Sisters to venture out for the new land my daughter Pyra. May Ema be with you always." These words are Ionia's last, and Pyra honors her mother's dying words, with her first order as Queen to teach the new generation of girls in the ways of Ema so that they may know her. She also assigns Sisters  to become Guardians of the Temple/Holy Court, who continue the teaching of Ema in the Capital  and the Explorers of Ema, who are sent downstream south to Alsoba, accompanied by a band of Holy Emalian female warriors. The Ema Explorers, following the river, discover the southern edge of the known world, hoping to find a new home among the newfound lands.
 * Ri'Kiva: In an attempt to foster a good relationship as well as compensate the noble, an official tribute mission is dispatched to Gahren. In addition, due to population pressure in Ri'Kiva, settlers are sent to the colony at So'dor, which expands a bit. Several colonies are established, as well as exploration in Kjv'arn. Raids into the peninsula continue, and a few forts are built to help deal with Tarahiem raids. A trading post is built in Alegorgia. In Gahren, merchants look for signs of foreign undiscovered contacts.


 * Phorintheon: Early in the year, Mt. Atnosis erupts violently, accompanied by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. The tsunami practically wipes Phorintheon off the face of the Earth, while the earthquake destroys many ancient buildings. While the Obsidian Pyramids remain intact, the Arches of Phorintheon split, with the left side toppling over while the right side remains standing. Though it is mostly buried, the intricate columns that survive stand as the only recognizable building in the city after the calamity, as if to shout to the world, "Here was Phorintheon." Records of this calamity describe ash raining for weeks while a seemingly eternal night lasted for months. Black rain destroys crops and soils intricate buildings and works of art across Atnosia. The survivors scatter to the winds, often coming into contact with other survivors headed north. This contact sometimes turns violent, especially against non-Atnosians. Although Phorintheon is gone, its legacy remains. Its characters used for writing and record keeping have become the primary source of written communication on the island. Romantic depictions of its conquests across Atnosia are legion. Around this time, a survivor named Ph:anatok'i compiles a written history of Phorintheon's conquest of Kaiyoshor. This history, told in a poetic narrative, passes into legend, especially given the antiquity of the event in general. By this point, the Yannian colonies have introduced a few loan-words to Atnosian. With this catastrophic eruption, the Atnosian language begins to shift due to the movement of Yannian refugees along with Atnosian refugees to the north of the island. Though this is largely a change in vocabulary, it is enough to distinguish Phase III Atnosian (c.0 - c.420) from Phase IV Atnosian, which sees extensive use in written form. With this shift in power, Phorintheon's chapter in Atnosian history comes to a sudden close, but the history of Atnosis lives on...
 * Citanath: The city-state of Citanath is typically described as being founded around this year by refugees from various northern Atnosian city-states and Yannian settlements. It is located near the ruins of Hedabrig, which had been destroyed by the tsunami. It is guarded by a chain of mountains to the north, with natural springs dotting the landscape. It is said that the survivors stopped in what would become Citanath for water and discovered a hot spring so relaxing, they chose to settle near it. This group of survivors has a number of obstacles early-on. Atnosisians are typically hostile and place much importance on one's own city-state. A nomadic group is frequently seen as weak in the best of times. Some Atnosians believe that a citizen of any city-state should die with one's city-state. For this reason, a number of early conflicts with the nearby Dalgoades occur. This leads to a number of fortifications being constructed to protect the city. The city is established as a Heptarchy, much like Phorintheon's. Trade with Hedabrigian survivors proves fruitful and mutually-beneficial, leading to an early population boom.
 * Yannis Empire: A great army of Holy Men is assembled and lands in Tik’akna. The Anointed One personally travels to the city as well on an enormous ship, with multiple levels of palace-like decks. His fleet stations at Tik’akna, and the Anointed One is carried into the city by a royal procession of Holy Men. It is discovered that many other religions have permeated the city’s walls during the brief occupation, and the high priests of the Yannian procession enter the foreign temples and slaughter any worshipers they find. The Anointed One sees fit to have these structures reconsecrated as temples, and the priests of Nyghesecan, who are cloaked head to toe in long, black robes, who walk upon ten-foot stilts, hit the desecrated land with their black poles, as a means of purifying the land. Generally Mesallians are tolerated, but any disgusting Ulmian heathens are ritualistically tortured, with their limbs torn off. Their blood is then used to paint the floors of the new temples. When this task is done the army of the Anointed One continues south, intending to liberate Ixima, Temayal, and all cities of the Yannian faith. The Anointed One personally seaks to see the shores of Temayal, as his ancient predecessor once did, and from there continue the holy and righteous cause by bringing the Yannian faith across the Great Lakes. In the Holy City of Yagothna-vis the brutal slaughter of the Chatna Empire is celebrated with weeks of festivity and holy ritual. In Tohatia the governor orders that all Hcctaal preachers must be expelled by threat of death, and sends a message to the government in Exhula stating these preachers must never return. Additionally, the colony is damaged by the recent eruption across the sea in Phorintheon, and the colony calls upon the Anointed One for aid. A number of Holy Men are also spared to travel to the island and cleanse the lands of heathen activity, as the eruption is seen as a condemnation of the old peoples there, and an opportunity to spread the Yannian faith. Several small outposts are established in the south of the island, where Holy Men convert all who approach the temples, and kill those who resist. 25,000 Holy Men land in Tik’akna in the initial invasion. After they capture the city and depart south another 35,000 are landed in the region. Then 10,000 men are landed in the eastern colonies to join 10,000 men already there, and invade from the east. Then 20,000 men are recruited from the local population, as they rise up to restore Yannian rule.


 * Hythia: Years 128-137 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Vyln, seeing both an opportunity and a potential rival prepares for war. He bans the export of food, and even goes so far as to import grain from the neighboring states to bolster granaries across the nation. Arms are produced en masse to supply a greatly increased army which is raised over the course of about two years. Thus, in the 130th year since Hythus’ return, Vyln raises the Unar and calls on all of Hythia’s vassals. The Kledesians now represent a serious threat and must be destroyed. Vyln raises a massive army of heavy and light cavalry numbering 10,000 men in total. Of this, 4,000 is heavy cavalry with the remainder light cavalry armed with bows, javelins, and light armor. This strength is augmented by the addition of tribal warriors from across the region, any troops from Hythia’s allies, and those among the conquered tribes who wish to gain revenge. The Unar, after these gains swells before launching its attack on the Kledesians.
 * Erasidonian Empire: In a surprising turn of events, the Mesallian and Azozan cultures had completely married together through the conquests of Ioximander the Great. Historians usually refer to the Chatna Empire as a brief prototype of the true Imperial Age of the city, laying the foundation of the successive empire. Also on the fire of Azoz, some historians sepculate if this destruction was actually responsible for the burning of the Great Library of Azoz, and not the earlier burning in the Ebony Era, but this is uncertain. Xeracles was the first to proclaim Ptelamus III as the new King of Erasidon, and in the Chatna tradition, Emperor of the Erasidonian domains. Xeracles went on to marry Erelia and sire a child, but shortly after was murdered in a conspiracy of his political rivals. This event is commonly referred to as the "Pallan Massacre", due to its execution during the funeral procession of Ioximander. Xeracles' infant son, named Xarenvaras, was hidden by his mother in an Ulmian monestary. Evandus, with main support of his fellow conspirators, and general acceptance of all Ioximander's generals, processed into Azoz personally on his horse, and was recongized by the Senate as the new Regent. Now the task lay to Evandus to restore order to the Empire in the ongoing chaos. A temporary truce is offered to Valun, offering them a high payment of slaves and continual ransom for them to save off their raids for the time being (Mod response). In Mesallias, Evandus pursued a policy to looser control, allowing the Kingdom of Sericolis and the Confederacy of Isthama to operate as autonomous vassals. In the north, General Diodenes is dispatched with 3,000 troops to pacify the region, securing the empire up to the border with Syres, who is offered the same autonomous vassalage. Next Evandus worked to pacify the west. General Castelus was sent to Azoz with 5,000 men to restore peace, and was ultimately made Viceroy as he restored the meritocratic satrapies over Frasnoq and Bangui. In the farther west, Evandus was determined to restore order over the western territories, and so raised a new army of 40,000 men from Azoz and Fotashe to reconquer the Kingdom of Eskaladun. In the east, Evandus dispatched 10,000 men to restore peace across the Upper Meran, appointing Asandius as Viceroy of the Kingdom from Iskandaria. In accordance with our treaty of alliance with Emalia, Asandius and Shemza is strongly encouraged to enter the child Medesa into holy orders of an Ulmian Nunnery just east of Edom, a very highly prestigious vocation according to Edomite culture, while the garrison of peacekeeping soldiers remain near the capital. Farther east, Evandus was keen to ensure a military alliance with Emalia, recognizing its independence and jurisdiction over the eastern and southern territories through their equally-rightful claim to the throne. 30,000 troops under General Ichabon are sent to the northeast, restoring control over the cities of Dascelos and Ghanis under the Empire. Evandus operated out of two capitals, moving back and forth between the courts of Erasidon and Azoz equally, while the child Ptelamus remained secluded in Azoz. In the name of Ptelamus III, Evandus made many reforms to gradually centralize the Empire, instituting the same Azoz system of Satraps over directly controlled regions of many parts of Tuartha, Edom, Usilinago, and Mesallia. In combining Mesallian and Azoz customs of political structure, Evadus instituted both a Viceroy and Governor over each constituent Kingdom in his title: Fotashe, Eskaladun, Azoz, Tuartha, Usilinago, Mesallia, Edom, and Sephimora. In each constituent Kingdom, a census was conducted to estimate the entire population of the empire, as well as the population of each individual kingdom (Mod response). Reforms also worked to create a single, centralized military that included levies from every region and ethnicity of the Empire. Once peace was restored in the east, a new army of 40,000 troops was raised in support of our allies Emalia and Neoptolanus to stall the expanse of Yannis in the east. The largely-undisturbed navy of the former Chatna Empire was deployed once more to support Sericolis and the Isthmala Confederacy to secure control over Nykos, in reaction to Yannis attempts to remove their independence there. The arts and sciences were patronized once more, with the Great Basilicas in both Azoz, Iskandaria and Nerimos remodeled. Ulm religion and Apostolic preachers continue to be sent to the far eastern regions even after Yannis' invasion, spreading the theology of Priapas to contrast their brutal methods against the eternal love of Nelrim. Djorge, one famous martyr at this time, continued to quote from the Hymns of Nelrim as his body was severed at his limbs "Although my body may be turned to ash, I will stand in the presence of God". Historians are often tempted to consider this new phase of the nation as "Mesallian-dominiated" culture, primarily due to the overwhelming presence of Mesallian customs, people and philosophy over so much of the continent. However, this influence also went both ways and the reign of Ptelamus III saw equally as much appearence of Azoz and Edomite philosphy and customs in the Mesallian Archipelago. As such, most historians have instead referred to this period as a "Mesallianistic" Era, with the new empire under Ptelamus III as vaguely similar to the older era but mixed with dozens of other cultures.
 * Emalian affair: Evandus was disappointed to see Emalia reject his very specific offer of peace, and denied both the legitimacy of Ptelamus III and his governors. As a result of this, support could not be given to Emalia's war in the east against Yannis, seeing defense of the homeland far more important, and the alliance with Emalia not completed in the first place. 50,000 troops of the new army, instead of being sent east, stay in Descalos under General Ichabon to stop the Emalian invasion. In support of the defense, both Ichabon and Asandius raised troops of their own people to defend their respective cities. This was far more successful in Edom, of course, due to Asandius being generally loved by the Edomite people through his marriage to Shanza, with volunteers joining from all across both Upper and Lower Meran. Evandus declares that if Emalia wants to reject his legitimacy and invade the empire, he can fight Yannis on his own.
 * Emalian response: The invasion upon Seiphoria and Edom was conducted by Sotaren, not by the Eastern Imperial Court. In the interests of the continued peace between East and West, and the blossoming alliance against the Yannian Invasion, we rescind the claim of suzerainty, over Sephmoria, proposing instead that it becomes a neutral buffer zone between the Western and Eastern Empires, Ichabon's Siphoria regaining independence. We also propose that Edom, the eternal city, be made into an Imperial tributary city-state due to its history and importance, it will be the sight of mutual Western and Eastern cooperation while maintaining its domestic rule under Asandius, further bolstering Asandius' power and leading to a more united Empire, and with this unity we seek to sit in Edom to discuss battleplans against Yannis.
 * Erasidon response: We accept the Emalian rescinding of suzerainty, of the region, as well as their support of our governor Ichabon's rule. We also accept establishing the city of Iskandaria as a vassalized city-state, where both courts of the empire from Emalia and Erasidon can meet collectively. We also agree to establish Neglistos and the regions south of that as an autonomous vassal of Erasidon as a buffer, while the original Three Cities centered at Nerimos remain under Erisadon. This is the terms of our alliance, after which we will dispatch the troops we promised to fight for Emalia in the east.
 * Emalian response response: With the independence of Ichabon's Siphoria granted and the semi-independence of Iskandria as a meeting place between East and West, we accept the Thalutite proposal, the Treaty of Edom now signed, a meeting is set between the leaders of the East and the West, discussing strategies to counter the Yannians. Once the meeting is concluded, Sotaren and the armies led by him, 50,000 strong are sent to the Yannian front to defend Argon, attacking the Yannian besiegers to help relieve the Emalian and Argonite defending the strongholds, with the defending Emalian forces numbering 20,000 in total throughout Argonite territory attempting to drive them back to Ti'Kana. The navy also withdraws from Edom, some attacking Yannian ships with the Western fleet, while others returning to the Ema Delta to defend the homeland.
 * Erasidon: The 50,000 troops in Dascalon move east to aid Emalia in all of their endeavors.


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The tsar creates the royal institute for mathematics and enginering and allows girls to also go to school there. The tsar's fort is finished completing and is inaugurated by the tsar.
 * Kingdom of Ouayi: In the early part of this decade, King Eizen I dies and is suceeded by his son, Belerik. Belerik is an ambitious young man who sailed in a number of voyages alongside the traders of Ouayi before ascending to the throne. As such, he begins to reorganize the kingdom to promote the maximal economic power of the nation. This includes construction of a new and modern shipbuilding facility at the port of Araghet, the nation's capital city located on the western coast. Meanwhile, the system of roads that criss-cross the big island are improved. We approach Yannis in pursuit of a trade deal, whereby we will sell Exhulan goods to the theocracy. In exchange, we are willing to allow greater Yannian religious influences on the island but want support in future naval endeavors with Yannian manpower. Finally, toward the end of the decade, Belerik orders a census to be undertaken of all Ouayisl people across the archipelago. (MOD)
 * Yannis Diplomacy: The nation accepts trade with the Kingdom of Ouayi, and sends Holy Men to the nation to aid them in spreading the faith. Additionally the empire offers to guarantee the independence of Ouayi, so that no harm may befall them.
 * Exhulan Empire: With the opening of trade relations with Lueht and the continued trade with Beraba and Gahren our trade economy begins to swell as we become more wealthy. The process of assimilating Amyirth (former Kaloma) continues as we set up a number of government-run schools throughout the many population centers in the area. These schools take in orphans and impoverished children around the ages of six to 13 and gives them the highest education possible until the age of 16 to 18 (depending on when they were taken in) Teaching them things such as History and how to read and write, preparing them for jobs (often administrative positions in the bureucracy with which we run the region) and how to survive in the real world. However, this is not done out of the goodness of our hearts, but instead is part of our assimilation effort, as we teach them history and views that are highly in favor of Exhula, Teach them how to read and write in Exhulan to encourage them to speak in that language and encourage the adoption of Exhulan Religious and Cultural customs, in efforts to slowly make more and more of the population assimilated among the lower- and small middle-classes. By now most of the Nobility has adopted Exhulan Culture and converted to the Hcctaal faith in order to gain favour with Exhulan leaders or to get out of the tax implemented last turn, or were Exhulans to begin with, meaning almost all of the leaders of the region are Exhulan culturally and religiously, regardless of actual ethnicity, meaning by now it is mostly a matter of converting the lower poorer agricultural and poorer-classes and the lower-class members of the regions population, which is why we begin sending many of the preachers (and the enforcers of the tax along with armed followers) into the various smaller agricultural villages and communities, where we have less people assimilated but which mostly didn't care about the change in who ruled them, but that now find themselves under increasing pressure to convert (from the tax and from the preachers) and many do, although many others remain discontent and don't convert, although we plan to get them in time. Meanwhile, in the Imperial Court at Siccarius Prince Rttagan, the only heir to the throne after his mother died giving birth to his second sister, continues to be sickly and frequently confined to his bed with various fevers and sicknesses. This is only worsened by the fact that his constant confinement to his bed causes his muscles to atrophy and his legs to develop weakly as he grows up, causing him to constantly have to be carried around on a bed by several slaves or servants on a bed, despite his desire to walk around himself. He is very intelligent and is constantly reading, a thing that developed when he desired it as one of his only forms of entertainment during his constant confinement to the sickbed. His father loved him and helped protect him from many manipulative nobles and people trying to get to him at court, making sure he got the best education he could and even ordering the construction of an entire new wing of the Imperial Palace to house thousands of books for him to entertain himself with. Unfortunately, he is seen as weak and it is believed it is likey he will die before he produces an heir, leading to increasing factionalism at court as both of his sisters betrothed and their families begin competing to gather influence in an attempt to get their future sons as heirs to the throne, with one being the King of Irrosia Syrar Cclor, who marries Princess Lccania in 430, and one being the influential Governor of Amyirth, Lorgar Arassis, who is set to marry Princess Riyya in 432, although she would be the one who would later convince him to compete for the throne, as she is power hungry and quite arrogant and has always despised her sister and brother and hates her father. Lorgar is not blind to this and does his best to crush this factionalism at court, favouring those who oppose them and support his son for the throne, and having Rttagan married as soon as possible (with his son's cooperation and consent as he recognizes the necessity and his help in selecting a suitable match), with him marrying the daughter of the current Fillaq of the Sayalen Tupitoqeri II, Quipi, who is the 2nd great-grandaughter of Tupitoqeri I, when both of them are 16 - although they have produced no children by the end of the turn. In other news Lorgar V, in response to the forced expulsion (And in many cases Murder) Of hundreds Hcctaal followers and Exhulan Preachers from Beraba, Threatens war with Beraba if they do not find and prosecute the militia that expelled the Hcctaal followers, as several of them were our citizens (although it is meant as a show of strength) (Beraba Response needed). We also request our Ally Sayalen provide aid to us and offer to transport their troops with our navy and in the future help them create a larger one if they do help since they are our allies and they have such a small one compared to the large amount of coastline they have (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). In Irrosia the process of ending the endemic Piracy is mostly complete, as although wartime Piracy against the enemies of the gods remains seen as a noble and heroic pursuit, and acting as mercenaries and hired ships also does, piracy during peacetime and against Irrosian and Exhulan allies has been largely eliminated and discredited, with trade being much more common and beneficial to Irrosia, as the archipelago continues to become extremely rich as a major trade center and not a den of piracy. Many Irrosians who formerly made their living through piracy but who are now unable to due to the changes in policy and culture begin to instead make careers as Mercenaries and Sellsails in numerous conflicts throughout the North and South Seas, making even more money for Irrosia, keeping its warriors experienced, and making Irrosian mercenaries and shired ships famed throughout the North Sea as ferocious warriors and even better sailors who will be very loyal to whoever hires them.... so long as they are paid. The Irrosian Government also begins to become heavily involved in sponsoring, many of which have upper ranks and leaders made up of Irrosian Nobles, including the famous "Iron Company" Which would become famed for its many deeds as mercenaries and later in service of the Irrosian Government as extremely skilled and powerful warriors and sailors in various conflicts throughout the North Sea, and the adventures of which would be heavily romantasised in later Literature and Poetry, becoming folk heros in many parts of Irrosia. Irrosias position as a nexus of trade in the North Sea also leads to further diversity in Irrosia as many traders and sailors from distant lands dock in Irrosian Ports, including an Ulmian Apostle named Andonius, who reaches Irrosia in 429 and begins preaching and attempting to spread the Ulmian Faith in Irrosia, finding that the area's relative religious tolerance puts him at less of a risk than in many other places and allows him to safely gather a number of converts, although he dose not have over 30 by the end of 430, as he is only one man despite his charisma and he has not finished training any Locals as Ulmian Priests yet. This is also due to his desire to lay low due to the many followers of the Yannian Faith in the Area, who are known for persecuting Ulmians and have shown on numerous occasions that they are unafraid to do so even in other nations, regardless of government approval. Finally, we decide to extend an offer to some of the Various nations and city-states in Makuku (The ones Sillas is not at war with) to open trade relations between us, although we make it clear that this does not make us allies if they accept and that we will not get involved with a conflict with Sillas (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) Intrestingly but unknown to the Exhulan or Irrosian governments a large slave ship carrying over 600 slaves (It is part of an expensive and rare class of ship designed to carry hundreds of slaves as part of our Huge slave trade and the few thousand slaves we are supposed to bring to Sillas each year which was designed specifically to do that and are massive but quite slow and only meant to travel for a few months at most so the inhabitants can be fed (Although they are often malnourished and many usually die in the cramped horrible conditions, so many died even on the journey after the revolt too)) as a massive portion of the shipments of slaves we send to Sillas every year is captured when the slaves onboard, being carried from Slave markets from the West and intending to sail to Sillas and deliver a massive part of the annual shipment of SLaves to Sillas from Exhula, revolt and slaughter the crew, managing to take over the ship and redirect it to sail away from the south (Where the slave markets are as they are about 100 miles North of Irrosia at the time) and instead head north and found a small hidden colony to hide from Exhulans or others seeking to re-enslave them. They find a location on the tip of the area North of Irrosia relatively hard to see if you don't know where it is and where a small abandoned Exhulan Fortress is Located and settle the area around it, building a small port and city around the fortress, where they can retreat in the event of potential raids or attacks on their new refuge, which they name Luls, which in the coming decades will become the center of a large trade network and a refuge for thousands of slaves fleeing recapture, who will settle in the city and grow it further and cause its rapid growth in the future. We also offer an alliance to Luehnt, and begin sending many Hcctaal Missonaries to that nation through our new trade contections (LUEHNT RESPONSE NEEDED)
 * Diplomacy to Yannis: In response to the sudden mass expulsion of Hcctaal Preachers from Toahita by Yannis and their letter stating they will never allow them to return, we send back a letter stating that although we will not send any more Hcctaal preachers into Yannian Territory we will also no longer allow Yannian Holy Men to enter Exhulan Territory, stating that our understanding of our previous arrangement was that we would allow their Holy Men into Exhula in exchange for being allowed to do the same in reverse (which had already become rare by this time as Hcctaal folowers were and despite the expulsion of many preachers still are a long-established community in the region, although a minority one) and that with their revoking of permission for preachers of our faith to enter their territory it is only fair for us to do the same to their Holy Men (with the obvious exceptions of diplomatic missions that are not religious in nature). Although we make it clear we will not expel citizens of Exhula or Irrosia who follow the Yannian Faith or their Holy Men who are citizens of Exhula, as we are better than that and will not persecute our citizens on the basis of their religion.
 * Ouayi (formerly known as Lueht) Diplomacy: We accept the offer of an alliance with the Exhulan Empire, and welcome the missionaries of the Hcctaal faith into our island nation with open arms.
 * Tohatian Diplomacy: The Governor states that you thought very wrong. There will not be any attempt to stop Yannian Holy Men, nor will there be any harm done to them.
 * Exhulan Response: We are greatly insulted by the rude demands by Toahita, stating “We are not your vassals, and we will not tolerate being treated like we are, you do not dictate our policy”. We block any attempts by Yannian Holy Men to enter our territory and although we do not harm them (as we stated we would not) we do not tolerate their entrance into our territory either.
 * Darna: We continue to slave and slave, taking new slaves and enslaving them to the slave pits of the Darna. On the coasts our raids enslave new slaves, and on sea they are transported back to Darna, and back to the slave pits. We attack the Chadna Empire until their coasts are desolate and bare, their children kidnapped, and their wealth destroyed. Our ships continue to raid the coasts of the heathen lands, taking many valuable slaves. We decide to raid Syres while they are weakened, destroying coastal towns, taking slaves, and as many valuables as we can. Once we have taken as much as we can, we demand payment in order to bribe us to go away. After the Darnan fleet raids the Azozians, destroying their puny fleet of only a few ships. We raid their coastal cities, even landing soldiers at major cities there, and even raiding up their Ashe River. Up river towns and cities are raided. The raids generate wealth which is used to create more raids, but also to improve infrastructure and new settlements in Darna. People move from the islands to the mainland in the north or to Isimandia, where new land is plentiful. In the thirst for Ulmian slaves the Darnan navy raids the Azozian coast and takes many prisoners as slaves. When the Kingdom of Chatna is distracted most they strike and seize valuables and loot, burning cities and towns. The island taken from Syres becomes a base of operations for these raids. Later the ships travel south toward Mesallas, and since we have good relations and trade connections with the Yannian-Mesallian governor, the Darnan navy becomes employed in raiding with its fleet being one of the largest in the world. Many slaves are sold to Yannis for sacrifice.


 * Sillan Empire: 10,000 troops (divided into four army groups) are stationed along the city-state of Makuku; with 2,500 in Norianxi (which is heavily-fortified). Its arsenals are stockpiled with heavy crossbows – capable of shooting crossbow bolts and its incendiary variants; thus preventing enemy forces from seizing the walled city. Similarly, while the wall's structure and main material render siege engines (such as rams) ineffective, a shallow moat is hastily-built just in case. Sillan control over recently-seized Rakaroa is further consolidated; with the population pacified with psychological tactics in order to instill fear and thus obedience – which allows leniency, which further incentivizes submission. A walled city is established, w/ a garrison of 2,500 military nobles. The territory has two more defending army divisions numbering ~1,250 each. Vast tracts of forested land are burned to allow the easier location of enemy militias or rebels. A second expedition to Punauia is launched with 18,000 troops divided into nine army divisions instead of four; with the smaller size and more division allowing flexibility, easier movement in forested terrain, and increased ability to evade enemy militias. Due to the pyrrhic victory sustained by the Sillans in the first campaign, Sillan leadership decides to utilize the tactics used in the Olmac Conquest. Guerilla tactics are employed due to differences in terrain preventing the usage of traditional tactics. Mounted archers dismount and form groups of three-to-five – and from concealed positions – target high-ranking officials in order to deprive enemy militias of leadership. Then, operating in groups of five-to-30, they proceed to "lure" and "herd" (keeping them moving in one direction, and contained within a small space) enemy militias (feigning numerical inferiority and retreat) to where infantrymen (who are organized into phalanx formations) are located. The infantrymen are armed with either pikes or halberds, with their light armor enabling faster movement and organized marching, while the foliage helps conceal their exact locations. Archers serve as skirmishers. Upon engaging with enemy militias, reinforcements of cavalrymen arrive and attack the flanks and rear (thus inflicting attrition); while also forcing enemy militias to phalanxes where they would be forced to descend to melee (however, the usage of superior polearms and more effective organization proves advantageous). If they are under heavy attack, infantrymen form effectively pike squares while cavalry flees and instead attack with their bows – thus forcing enemy troops to choose between attacking the pikemen (but losing men at the process) or attacking cavalrymen (but losing cohesiveness at the process). Meanwhile, the razing of settlements and surrounding farmland continues; with rams, heavy crossbows and incendiary arrows used to destroy their poorly-made and hastily-made fortifications. Crossbows are also wielded by some infantrymen (organized in the volley formation) or sometimes by cavalrymen due to its superior range and projectile velocity – being capable of piercing their armor.
 * Beraba: The Crown Princes of Beraba respond to the message from Exhula by stating that, even if they had the means, the militia formed at a time of great crisis when the nation’s attention was focused south, dealing with the Cazekorom. They also state that the Hcctaal missionaries were in violation of their original agreement, therefore they would have been sent away regardless. Meanwhile, the cartographers among the Tangakwunu use the new information from Qera to update the “Great Atlas of the Known World”. In exchange for their generous gifts, the Crown Princes send back a delegation laden with salt and pearls, customary gifts among the Beraban people. This delegation requests a formal trade agreement with Qera. Meanwhile, more attention is shifted south, strengthening the Beraban presence along the Salt Road south toward Eiros. A garrison of soldiers is permanently stationed in Eiros to protect against the Cazekorom. Exas of House Rhethlune, the oldest (and considered wisest) of the crown princes, makes a recommendation that Beraba seek to atone for the hatred felt toward them by the Cazekorom. Official delegates are sent to negotiate with the chiefs to see if some kind of civil relationship can be established (Mod Response Needed). Expansion continues north toward Allsid and Ibramos and east toward Cohibos and Lake Conylt.
 * The Cazekorom accept the offer to normalize relations, if Beraba swears not to harm them in their new territory, if both states mutually pledge not to war with each other, if Beraba allows all their people and their possessions free passage to their new territory, and if Beraba ensures that any Cazekorom captives or slaves are freed.
 * Beraban Dip: This news is received with hope and optimism in the High Cities. Exas and the other Crown Princes accept the offer and send surveyors south to formalize the borders of the two nations. The Cazekorom captives are freed and sent south with some provisions to join their countrymen. A formal non-aggression pact is drafted and presented to the Cazekorom chiefs, with the stipulation that Beraba has sovereign control over the Salt Road and the land surrounding it.

431-440
'In the east, Yannian forces retake Ometoc-vis and Quamocten, but they are delayed in the push west by an uprising of the Franics, who declare their independence under a king named Jegany. '

'The Battle of Ixima results in a Yannian victory, with the Yannis Empire defeating the forces of Argon decisively. The Yannis Empire suffers 6,500 casualties, the Yannian allies suffer 3,940 casualties, the defenders suffer 13,420 casualties. '

'The Governor of the Great Lakes, Neoptolanus elects to make a secret peace with Yannis and declare independence. He declares himself King of the Lakes with his capital in Uloyiso. This prompts a segment of the Tahuan tribes to revolt against him. '

'The forces of Emalia and Azoz meet the Yannian invaders at the Battle of Telocnom, north of Temayal. The battle ends in a Yannian victory, with Yannis suffering 7,430 casualties, Emalia suffering 7,530, and Azoz suffering 5,100. '

'The forces of Eskaladun manage to stave off the attacks from Azoz, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain to ambush the approaching army. They also hire the Valun to raid Azoz, which harms the city and their supply lines. Eventually the leader of Valun agrees to a ceasefire, but not before seizing a part of Azozian land. '

'The states of Makaku (that are neutral) agree to trade with the nation of Exhula, gaining valuable supplies and weapons. An alliance of other Makuku cities send support against the Sillan invasion. The attempted Sillan settlement in Rakaroa is razed by an army of Makuku after a fierce battle, resulting in 4,000 Sillan casualties. Later Sillas achieves a victory in Punauia, suffering 6,540 casualties. '

'Ichabon is killed while attacking the forces of Adranates IV, which divides the Sephimoran cause for a time. With Emalian and Azozian support the Sephimorans still manage to achieve victory, in the Three Cities, however, but with its army disputing who should succeed. '

'The Hythians suffer a defeat against the Kledesians, with the Hythians suffering 2,100 casualties. After partially raiding the southern lands of Hythia, the Kledesians become distracted by a war against the Ten Cities. '


 * Hythia: Years 138-147 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Vyln is killed by an angry mob for his failures. He is replaced by a new Council of the Partechs as it has become clear that monarchy is no longer working. The new government reaches out to indigenous every tribe that still exists around the Kledesians, offering a defensive pact. Additionally the confederation to the west if offered protection and vassalage. With alliances secured, and other allies called, the Unar is reformed and once more prepares to march south. The military is restructured to improve discipline and the professional core increased to 3,000. More levies are raised and trained and the Unar swells to 13,000 Hythians along with (MOD Response Here) allied troops. These men engage in a series of raids meant to draw a Kledesian army north away from their centers administration where it might be destroyed. The specific aim is to use small bands of light cavalry to lure the Kledesian host into a valley between two of the hills that dot the plains, where it might be encircled and its cavalry-centric advantages negated. The Hythian Unar is comprised of 4,000 heavy cavalry, 4,000 light cavalry, 3,000 archers, and 2,000 spearmen, in addition to the various other troops employed by the allies and other tribes. As per Candies: Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to wheat paddies (Just copying Candies here, so fuck it). Intercropping of wheat, sweet potatoes, and perennial fruit-bearing plants plants is conducted to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms in the river. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * Qaryaat: King Hassun dies, and his son, Najrim III, ascends the throne. The colony of Maqiri expands southward to the edge of the Ghiqir Peninsula (the mini-peninsula on the western shore of the Maqiri Peninsula). On the main territory, the southwestern edge is expanded along the coast. In both places, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas of the kingdom to consolidate control over said areas. The Benyisran religion begins to grow in Qaryaat, though still remaining a minority religion, and a Benyisran temple is built in the outer parts of Makra. Due to influence from Mohejaro through trade, some aspects of Mohejaran urban planning are brought to Qaryaat and drainage systems similar to Mohejaran drainage systems are built in Makra. Inland on the main territory, a salt deposit is discovered and salt mining in said area promptly begins. As a result of the trade between Qaryaat and Solcia, grapes and olives are being grown, primarily in the colony of Maqiri. The use of bovine manure as fertilizer and the use canals for irrigation and delivering nutrients to plants from the silt increases agricultural production around Lake Al'Muyadi and the Muyadi River. Wheat and barley are the main crops, being grown extensively in that area. A national census is conducted in Qaryaat. Since no response from the Drakans was given to Qaryaat's trade proposal decades earlier, King Najrim III requests the Drakans for a trade deal once more. We can trade our spices, dates, dragon's blood tree resin from Saqqatra, dyes, sesame oil from Mohejaro, and incense for their precious minerals and whatever else they may have up for trade. (DRAKAN RESPONSE NEEDED) In the year 440, King Najrim, setting his sights west, sends an ultimatum to Mohejaro. They can submit peacefully as vassals, but if they do not, a war and total annexation will follow. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED. Also, no algo yet, the war occurs the next turn if Mohejaro does not comply.)
 * Drakan Response: Trade pact is agreed. (More to come)


 * Vytia Culture: Vytia remains strong, serene, and beautiful in all its elegance. In the past Vyt explorers stumbled upon the Empire of Mang and the Kingdom of Xinaben to the North of the Vyt lands. During this time a new realm is founded on the River Til by a group of Vyts that have long since been isolated from the main line. The realm has begun to be called Diama with its capital sharing the name. Unlike the rest which Vyn the god of commerce, sea, and prosperity the Diama worship Dai the god of war, death, and conquest. They are led by a God-King said to be descended from Dai himself. Trade brings new wealth to the Vyt allowing the economy of our people to continuously grow and expand with gold and silver being mined and crafts being expanded. With the settlement on the River Emyr it has grown and centralized under the control of several influential merchant families, the settlement has come to known as Nis with it expanding it control over neighboring lands. The city organizes under a Rule of Ten calling itself the Decarchy of Nis, with the ten richest most influential families ruling over the city. Diama begins a rapid conquest of the neighboring Nykos lands in eastern Til, rapidly bringing around 10 px under their control and taking many slaves to satisfy their need for farmers and craftsman. In the Kingdom of Hygros, King Erln I begins to open commerce with the Most Serene Vynos sponsoring many marketplaces to be opened bringing some amount of Prosperity and Growth to Hynor. He continues his conquests of Islands bringing the island of Hithi under his control by nine years. While within Vynos land expansion continues, experimentation with forms of canals and irrigation occur attempting to divert water from the river Tyr to fields surrounding the area. Also governmental projects are sponsored were granaries and roads are built in order to further connect the agricultural outliers to the urban center. The expansion of the navy occurs as well with many new ships being built. Meanwhile, exploration to the north coast continues as well, in hopes of finding further lands, with exploration of the south coast beginning to lessen due to interest in it waning. However, exploration of lands east of the River Til begin to occur under the patronage of Vynos and Daima.


 * Mesallian Culture: Despite attempts by generals such as Xeracles and Evandus to keep the empire together, the Empire of Ioxemander began to fracture further a decade after the king’s death. The empire remained in a precarious position, with multiple provinces operating either semi independently, or declaring full independence against the government in Azoz. In the third year of the 57th Jafiad (Year 430) Evandus died while in Azoz, declaring the respected General Cestalus as the new regent of the empire. However, in Erasidon the situation would not go as planned. Evandus’ own son, Lysimedes, rejected the decision made by his father, and raised an army in Erasidon. In Mesallas he launched a successful raid against the pro-Evandian navy in Agira, then defeated Cestalus’ appointed governor in the Gudumanes, Laius of Sericolis. The widow of Agenon III of Sericolis, Calepide, who was Ioxemander’s sister, was captured and wed to Lysimedes, furthering his legitimacy. Ioxemander’s mother, Nolona, would lead a resistance effort against the new regent, attempting to rally men behind Ioxemander’s brother Amelianus. This would fail however, and both Nolona and Amelianus would be quietly killed. Next Lysimedes negotiated with Asandius of Edom, who had held ambition for an independent kingdom for some time, and they agreed to mutual aid against Cestalus, with Lysimedes marrying Ioxemander’s daughter Medesa. Three years after the death of Evandus, and after the men of Azoz had fought their campaigns in the west, Cestalus turned east, eager to crush the upstart rival regent, and his supporting governors. Cestalus was highly confident of victory, expecting the Erasidonians to defect to him a battle became near. In order to prevent this, knowing that the Erasidonians wouldn’t fight against one of the most revered generals of the era, Lysimedes didn’t reveal who their true adversary was, and claimed the army was led by one of Azoz’s generals from Usinilago, Abdeshmun. Expecting Cestalus to place himself on the right flank in the traditional place of honor, Lysimedes placed his foreign mercenaries on the left flank, with no Erasidonians near Cestalus. In the center Lysimedes deployed his heavy infantry, with some lighter infantry on the right, which in total numbered about 20,000, followed by Lysimedes himself and the Erasidonian cavalry. When Cestalus arrived he deployed himself and his elite cavalry on the right flank, then 20,000 heavy infantry, primarily from Azoz, Fashnoq, and Tuatha, followed by the rest of his cavalry. Cestalus advanced forward to a nearby hill, hoping to reveal himself, and Lysimedes ordered his foreign cavalry to charge against Cestalus, while he charged himself on the right. All the while the infantry remained back, unable to hear of Cestalus. Overwhelmed on the flank, Cestalus would fall in battle, leaving one of Ioxemander’s most formidable generals now dead. The rest of Cestalus’ army retreated, elevating Lysimedes from an upstart to a true commander. Meanwhile, with Ichabon dead, the elders of Sephimora elected a new leader for themselves, without consulting any imperial authority. The result was Vedun V Sotiras, a Sephimoran officer who had demonstrated himself on the battlefield. This soon caused further crisis, as Adranates IV managed to take Dascelos, while in Nerimos one of Ichabnon’s commanders, Xares, managed to take Vedun’s de jure capital while he was in Nelgistis receiving the blessing of the Sephimorans, and Xares received the approval of Evandus as official governor, as he was married to Evandus’ cousin, although by the time this news arrived in Sephimora Evandus had already passed. In Leviea the high priests of the city declared neutrality until a sign was granted by Enyeas, although neither side was foolish enough to force the city to comply to their will just yet, as such an action would likely be viewed as both sacrilegious and a logistical disaster. Under Xares III and one of his lead generals, Esibander of Naro, Nerimos would hold out against Vedun V’s first attempted attack. When Evandus died and Lysimedes contested the regency of Cestalus, both sides viewed the Three Cities as an important ally to secure Mesallas. While Xares III was hesitant to support Lysimedes, Erisander secretly agreed to support him as regent. In the south Erisander convinced Lysimedes’ ally, Asandius of Edom, to lead a military expedition into Sephimora from the west and south, which proved to be a popular decision among the Edomites, and led to Vedun V’s capture and death. Around the same time Erisander would have Xares III assassinated, then have himself crowned in Nerimos and Nelgistis, with the Sephimorans compelled by Edomite force. In exchange Erisander swore fealty to Edom, although secretly at first. The following year Adranates IV peacefully negotiated to join Erisander’s kingdom, in exchange for retaining rule as a vassal over his domain. Erisander would also convert to Enulmism, taking the name Erisander I Levian, in order to appease the Sephimorans, and to persuade Leviea to submit peacefully as well. In the Far East the Kingdom of the Great Lakes, or Ypelomnes as it came to be known, became the first province to formally break away from the empire, taking advantage of the chaos in the east. Neoptolanus would send messengers to the Yannis Empire, hoping to have them recognize his independence in exchange for peace between the two nations. He also sent messengers to Emalia, asking that peace be recognized between them as well, under threat of joining the Yannians to have independence recognized by force.
 * Emalia: The Yannian natural philosopher appeared in the Emalian court, suing for peace after defeating the joint forces of Emalia and Azoz in the Argonite lands of the East, stated that "Emalia and its parent empire and all else will recognize the “eastern provinces" " the term "Emalia and its parent empire" ignited a furious anger in Igneous, proclaiming "I am the Emperor! The Empire is here!" While getting a sword to lash out against the Yannian, with his mother Pyra restraining him, accepting peace with Yannis and recognizing the independence of the Great Lakes. While Yannis did not see Igneous as the Emperor, Igneous is now of age, and he set sail to Iskandaria, Edom, (with the royal navy and a contingency of the royal guard,) the meeting place between the East and the West. Upon arrival to the Iskandrian Court, Igneous proclaims, “I am Emperor Igneous, first born of Ioxamander, and I have now come of age, making the rule of the Western Regents over Iskandaria and Edom to be irrelevant, you are now free of their oppression over you! I implore my sister, Medesa, and my brother in-law, Lysimedes, to join me against the Western Regents in Erasidon, for together we shall defeat them, those who have long tried to control this land under their rule.” With this proclamation, Igneous has effectively established Edom, specifically Iskandria as a landing point to support his army from. While the Thaluites (Erasidon) is distracted, Igneous rises a force of 80,000, Sotaren beside him, to advance westward into Erasidonian territory to conquer it for the Eastern Empire, removing it from the illegitimate Eradisonian regents into the hands of the true Emperor, Igneous. As Emalia, The Eastern Empire, goes deep into war, the Holy Ema Explorers continue their journey into Alsoba, where they enter the Holy River naked and bathe, attracting males to give birth to a new generation of children, who join their mothers in the journey south of Alsoba, all the while spreading the word of Ema, the goddess who gave birth to the world. Meanwhile, Prince Leto also spreads his seed to the various eastern islands, gets more crew, and travels even futher east.
 * Erasidonian Empire: In his last years on earth, Evandus was desperate to procure an heir to the the house of Erasidon through Ptalemus III. As soon as the boy reached puberty, he was awarded with the "Garden of Pleasures" in the Palace of Azoz, fitted with an extensive harem of slave women imported from a variety of nations. Ptalemus was compelled to remain among the diversions of the palace at all times. Upon gaining control as regent, Casteles garnered support of the Senate in Azoz in a similar manner as his father, but kept Ptalemus contained in the Garden. Troops are raised from Edom and Sephimora to aid in Emalia's war in the east against Yannis, and also allying with the new independent state of the Great Lakes, to help in whichever way they can. Having secured the east almost bloodlessly, Casteles focused on the ongoing threat of Eskaladun and Valun. Having raised an army of another 40,000 troops from Azoz, accompanied by 10,000 troops of Fotashe, the brilliant General Garius led an impressive strategy to put an end to the issues in the western border. They first pushed north with the main contingent of forces to secure control over the Occidental Mountains separating Valun and Eskaladun, which are already firmly in the fortified defenses of Azoz. Then they came down from the mountains up the Eskala River to assault the capital city, while the 10,000 troops under Demus came up from the south just west of the mountains to secure their flank and create supply lines back to Azoz fortifications. This strategy, although-brilliantly executed to cut off support from Valun, failed to completely annex the kingdom, but instead forced Eskaladun into a strong vassalage under Azoz. Immediately after this, the military turned north to dispatch 20,000 troops under Garius and Nysimos on a punitive expedition into Valun. This expedition focused mainly on lancer cavalry, with support of infantry in the Erasidonian style. This was mainly done to push back Valun out of Azoz territory and force them to a more comfortable border. It was this very same campiagn that Lysimedes ordered the construction of the Castelean Wall, or the Great Wall of Azoz, which stands as a magnificent structure to this day. It was originally built to form a sure barrier between the Valun raiders and the homeland of Azoz. Casteles concluded that the true reason Evandus and Xeracles failed to unite the empire was due to being too nice and fair to all the constitunet leaders, who in turn only backstabbed the regent for their own selfish gain. Thus, Casteles raised armies in the regions of his direct control to apply more force to the centralization reforms. Each individual general, governor and viceroy he approached with three tiers of diplomacy: first, a series of flattery and bribes, second a series of immediate threats and show of force, and finally execution or assasination. The contingent of forces returning home from fighting in the east, now changed in loyalties to the new regent, proceeded to occupy both Sephimora and Edom, aiding in the forced centralization and reunification. After Casteles was killed in battle, Randomo of Bagui was appointed as the new regent by the Senate, who inexplicably allowed Lysimedes to continue independent with claims to both Ioximander and Edom, but historians need not judge. Recognizing his legitimacy to the throne through his wife Meseda, even though she was put in a monestary and shouldn't have retained her claim, similarly to the claim recognized in Emalia, Randomo offered a peace treaty to recognize the full independence of the Erasidonian Kingdom from the rest of the empire, despite the fact that the other Mesallian kingdoms were made independent vassals already. Mathematics begins to flourish again in the city of Iskandaria, almost as if the Chatna Empire had been restored. Eudox of Dascelos was the most instrumental at this time, who expanded on earlier work to develop a system of language based on only two symbols, representing a one and zero. The "Hall of Geographica" was likewise added to the Library, housing an extensive collection of maps from across the entirety of the empire, its trading associates, and allies. Anything else in this decade is evidently irrelevant.
 * Exhulan Empire: With the increasingly aggressive attitude of Yannis nearbye we began to see them as a major threat and search for ways to defend ourselves. We first begin a massive amount of naval buildup and subtly try to discourage the Yannian religion among our populace, while secretly reaching out to Sillas and Qera about the possibility of a mutual defensive pact between us, so that if Yannis attacks any of us the attacked nation will have support from the other two, as if we are conquered they are likely the next targets (QERA AND SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED). However, publicly we maintain a neutral or even friendly stance on Yannis, to discourage potential aggression and to disguise our buildup to defend ourselves, while anti-Yannian sentiment begins to be felt by much of the populace, especially in the northern territories. This also leads us to invest increasingly in Sayalen and do our best to help them build up as a major military and naval power, in the hopes that as our ally they would also be a source of help, and also greatly increase trade with them as a result, resulting in the Salt Barons finally losing their monopoly, especially when they attempt to rebel in 433 and are quickly and decisively crushed by the Imperial army of 7,000 that we usually have had in the capital, which quickly overtakes their meager forces and storms their fortresses, forcing them to surrender and resulting in them being stripped of their wealth, status, and power and being exiled from Exhula, although they manage to flee with a significant portion of their wealth and fund some of the various factions at court. Speaking of which, at the court Prince Rttagan fathers his first and only child, Princess Nyiccia, in 432, with his wife dying in childbirth and his daughter ending up beginning to be raised to be Rttagan's heir and the future Empress despite her gender, resulting in many being cemented in opposing Rttagan and the Emperors faction at court and several times different factions attempted to assassinate her despite her young age, although they are all luckily thwarted, mostly by the Sarkoni guard that has guarded the Emperor and his heirs for the last few centuries but been largely neglected by many of the Emperors. One of these assasination attempts in particular, when the Princess was eight, will greatly affect her outlook on life and personality alongside two others soon to occur when she is 12 and 16, and many historians believe that they were at least partially responsible for the ruthless personality she would later develop. Out of recognition for the need to expand their ability to guard the royal family in light of these frequent and well-planned attempts to murder members of the family including Rttagan himself and Nyccia and out of gratefulness for their fierce defense of them and savior of himself and his daughter, Prince Rttagan begins a massive and ambitious project to greatly expand the Sarkoni guards size, as well their power and ability to effect Imperial politics and policies, enlarging them by thousands and removing them from the traditional imperial command structure so that they answer only to the Emperor and his heirs (but de facto being mostly under the command of Rttagan himself and used to enforce his will throughout the capital and the surrounding empire, and later by his daughter). Under Rttagans direction and with his father's permission they will increasingly come under his command and they slowly begin to become fiercely and fanaticly devoted to him due to his massive expansion of their organization and role in greatly increasing theirs and their families paychecks and standards of living and giving them true influence. His daughter also frequently interacts with the different members of the guard starting near the end of this turn when she is eight, during which time and after she endears herself to them and will later slowly shape them into her own personal enforcers of her rule and politics, although this obviously hasn’t really started to occur yet. Meanwhile, on the edges of the Empire the extensive Colonization of Amyirth continues as thousands upon thousands of Exhulan settlers pour into the fertile lands of what was once Kaloma and the Mexiquen Peninsula and colonize them while building settlements and infestructure, with an astounding nine more cities being built over the course of this turn while many of the extensive number of settlers intermix with the native population and produce many children while further serving to assimilate the area. This is also when the later practice of intentionally and sometimes forcibly recruiting many of the men of Kaloman communities that have not assimilated or who have proved resistant our rule and relocating them to the region between the Ettyian coast and our other more Northern colony (without any families they may have) while also using them to make room for many thousands more Exhulan male settlers, who are intentionally largely redirected to this region in immigration in order to rapidly increase the speed of the populations assimilation, both among the thousands of Kalomans we suddenly and forcibly relocated and among the remaining native population, as the many settlers marry and have children with the Kaloman native women in the men’s abesence and thus raise their resulting children in Exhulan Religious and cultural customs while simultaneously forcing the relocated men to assimilate by relocating them to a primarily Exhulan area to settle it without any native Kaloman influences besides each other while they are usually pretty uneducated while making them incredibly reliant on food and supplies from heavily assimilated Exhulans to survive in the heavily arid desert area, meaning most either assimilate slowly over time when they accept the aid and accept major amounts of Exhulan influence into their lives, with those who refuse to do so either dying, manage to scrape off a living for themselves in the area despite this and persevere, or being forced to accept it by circumstances and giving in. In efforts to more quickly increase the population of Exhulans in Amyrith we begin heavily encouraging and introducing a mix of several natural medicines and fertility boosters to increase the number of children Exhulan settlers of the region have so that they can more quickly finish the process of overwhelming the numbers of the local population, something much more successful in the new process. The colonization Of the Northeastern islands and of the new temprate regions discovered massively increases as they are found to be in an excellent climate to grow great amounts of wheat and other food crops that are difficult or immpossible to grow in much of our territory due to the massive deserts in much of our coastal land. This results in a huge amount of immigration to the area from Exhulan settlers and farmers who are attracted to settle in the area by the profitability of potentially being able to grow a massive surplus in the area and stories of the success of those who have been doing so over the last few years (in addition to being encouraged to do so by the government through large srtipends Of money and promises of economic support for those who move there and farm the land). As a result of the massive immigration increase to the region we are able to claim large amounts of land in the region as our own (40 px become loosely-claimed) but the focus on agriculture makes it less urban than many other areas of the Empire, with the seven cities we found in the region being smaller than many others, although they begin to expand and be colonized by many more people as they slowly begin to become centers of administration in the area and become surrounded by thousands of agricultural laborers and farmers working the land to yield huge harvests that help to further increase population a lot back in core Exhulan Territory as their health improves due to the new abundance of food coming from the Northern Territory, resulting in better health and higher brith rates and more surviving children as it decreases malnourishment and more and more allows those in more harsh environments increase their population due to more access to larger amounts of food, increasing nutrition and decreasing rates of starvation. In other news, trade greatly increases with both Sillas and Qera through the Olmac territory and their coastal regions with a Sillas and through our usual trade connections with Qera. This also results in our relationship greatly improving and us beginning to have an overwhelmingly positive relationship with both Qera and Sillas for the first time in several hundred years (as we had a mostly negative relationship with them for a very long time after the series of wars between us but ever since our cooperation the way we dealt with Sayalen the relationship between us has been slowly returning to a positive state), and most Exhulans end up with a usually positive view of Qera by this point in time, a fact which allows trade to prosper between us, them, and Sillas and which allows us to attempt to form the defensive coalition with Qera and Sillas. It also results in us seeking to increase our chances of defending against Yannis in a potential war (although we mostly want to deter them) and we become less xenophobic overall and with a more positive view of forigeners, leading us to decide to extend the offer to form a defensive collation to the nations of Teninukal (as despite our historic enimity and hatred our relations have become a lot more positive over the last few decades and we wish to get all the help we can and to whom we offer large amounts of developmental and economic aid in exchange), Sayalen (one of our main historic and traditional allies), Ouayi (our other main ally at this time), and to the various Makuku states which we have developed a large trade and diplomatic relationship with (MAKUKU, OUYAI, AND MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). We decide to formalize this offer in what is called the Council Of Siccarius, a meeting of various diplomats and leaders from the many nations we have offered to form a defensive coalition with nearbye to discuss such an organizations potential formation, and which we invite many other nearbye nations to attend (With the obvious exception of Yannis). We also make sure to offer to help win any conflicts that the nations who do join are engaged in, not demanding anything in return besides joining the proposed Pact Of Siccarius, holding the council in the Imperial Palace in 439 Finally, in Irrosia Andionus form of Ulm, which is rather diffrent from the mainstream religion, continues to spread throughout the Isles, eventually having about 3,000 followers overall which, although small compared to the entire Irrosian population, is still a large number of people. It also develops several more doctrinal differences from mainstream Ulm, often as a result of integration of local traditions and beliefs into the religion and some strange mutations of beliefs over time in isolation from the main branches of Ulm, such as Drokksid and Kharrnan being the same being under different names, the various Hcctaal gods being real beings but only aspects of the True God (as are any gods of diffrent religions including hereticly to many Ulm followers the Yannian Gods), and that the Ulmian True god is a completely supreme being that controls all of his enemies and uses them as forces with which to ensure the worthiness of his worshipers for heaven by ensuring that only the truly devoted and faithful may survive and truly ascend into heaven at the end of times. This results in it becoming identified by many as a newer offshoot branch of Ulm rather than something truly like to the mainstream Ulm religion, coming to be known as Irrulmism for its origins in Irrosia, which also results in a large abscess of normal Ulm in the region and becomes the dominant branch of the (rather small) Ulmian community in Exhula and the surrounding region. However, this also makes it harder to hide and results in it coming under increasing scrutiny from the Irrosian authorities.
 * Yannis Empire: In the south the people celebrate from Tik’akna to Temayal, as the usurper “Argon” is soon gone from the nation. Yannian forces achieve a great victory, sending the Emalians into retreat. The Anointed One sends a natural philosopher to the court of Emalia, stating that Emalia and its parent empire and all else will recognize the “eastern province”, which includes all territory previously owned by Tik’akna and Temayal, as ceded to the Yannis Empire. The Anointed One also accepts the offer from Neoptolanus, and states to Emalia that all parties must recognize the independence of Neoptolanus’ kingdom. A great army remains in the region, with many more Yannians settling the conquered regions. Some Holy Men are returned to the coasts of Yannis proper, where they guard the major cities. Elsewhere, 10,000 men invade the Franics from the west to aid those in the east. In Tohatia the governor orders the construction of a fort every few miles down the entirety of the colony’s river border, as well as new defenses in the coastal cities and major settlements. A number of Holy Men are sent to the colony as well, with some men eventually to connect the colony by land to the Franics. Holy Men are also sent into the Exhulan territory, spreading the faith of Yannis. The nation continues to build up its nation, with the fleet on the coast hosting bigger and bigger ships. A number of large ships become mounted with catapults and fighting towers, while smaller ships focus on grappling and boarding. We guarantee the independence of Ouayi, as a declaration to the hungry nations of the south not to harm them. Many Holy Men and natural philosophers enter the kingdom to spread culture and learning peacefully. 20,000 men are sent to Nykos, with a message stating that the Yannis Empire will fully back Lysimedes, giving him use of this army for his own needs, in exchange for him allowing the old arrangement of Yannis controlling a certain collection of vassals. If he refuses this army is prepared to take the territory by force and depose Lysimedes.
 * Exhulan Diplomacy: As promised, we block all attempts by Yannis to send their Holy Men into our territory, sending them back and warning Yannis that further violations of our sovereignty will be met with force, although we do not harm the Holy Men. Although the few Yannian Holy Men who get through attempt to spread their faith, they find little success as any public appearances by Yannian Holy Men from outside pre-existing followers of the religion in Exhula result in them quickly being arrested by public authorities and deported back to Yannis and those events result in a manhunt for Yannian Holy Men, who are all either arrested or deported. We also put up a bounty throughout the Empire for the capture of living Yannian Holy Men that have illegally entered our borders, resulting in those few who managed to evade us being quickly caught (and in several cases Holy Men of the Yannian religion who are native to Exhula are also mistakenly caught up in these manhunts and deported on threat of death).


 * Mang: The nation declares full isolationist, but will still be open for trades and economic prosper alliances. The nation started off with a full isolationist path, removing any traces of other nations and expanding industries for the goal of surviving in this world. The second enacted plan is to expand cities and villages, starting with the rural areas and working their way up to the main area of Mang, basically expanding any cities and population. The third and final plan enacted was to stay away from any nations who try to find us and start to declare war on the nation for resources or for purposes of gaining more land areas.


 * Sillan Empire: Shortly following the conclusion of the Lower Makuku Campaigns in 441, Cabeza Canxi dies at the age of 76, and is succeeded by her 31-year old niece Yanzen. She sends a diplomatic mission to the neutral Makuku city-states, and accepts their offer to send tribute in exchange for peace, and establishes an annual quota of 1,000 slaves (collectively) but also encourages the shipment of grain. Upon entry into Sillan territory, the sent slaves would then be freed and then converted into tenant farmers (most being categorized as "sharecroppers", as rent and tax are paid in grain rather than coinage). A close relationship is maintained between these ex-slaves, and their landlords, in order to ease their assimilation into Sillan society. In addition, they are highly encouraged to intermarry with Sillans, and are given monetary incentives to do so. Sillan control over recently-conquered Rakaroa and Punauia city-states (renamed into the provinces of Nakaroa and Funaoya, respectively) is consolidated. Cabeza Yanzen decides to establish two Sillan colonies in each province (each having a population of ~2,500 – of which, one-fifth would be military nobles). However, in 442, opposition to enforced taxation laws manifested in a peasant revolt that results in the deaths of 200 colonists and an attempted siege on Danuerxi (which while ending in failure, resulted in the deaths of 800 additional civilians and military nobles). Shortly after these events, a punitive force of ~1,000 troops are sent to quell the rebellion; with its main leaders being placed on trial and being executed for incitement. Small-scale revolts still continue but are dispersed and opposition instead is manifested through tax evasion. In order to incentivize assimilation, the Makuku deities are added to the Grand Pantheon. Meanwhile, the Cabeza commissioned the construction of a wall bordering the Makuku city-states (made with rammed earth) for the purpose of inhibiting the transfer of ethnic Makuku from Silla's new tributary states into Sillan territory. Meanwhile, the Cabeza institutes several sweeping reforms, including a crackdown on cross-cousin and consanguineous marriages of all forms, in order to reduce the power of clans and to promote communalism. However, the formation of extended families is not only tolerated but encouraged. Meanwhile, a minimum age of marriage is established: being 18 (three years after the average age of menarche) for women, and being slightly lower for men, who could be married at 16 (the average age of spermarche). However, the ages drop to 15 and 13 respectively if they receive parental consent; however, couples are prohibited from having children until their late teens due to the widespread belief that teenage pregnancy damages the mother's body, and its associated with the uncivilized border tribes. There is a crackdown on tax evasion and government corruption. Meanwhile, the government and institutions are codified into law – though this is more of a symbolic move. The Secretariat and Chancellory are formally abolished and is replaced with an appointed Imperial Court (with each of the Nine Banners represented by ten officials). A nominally ministerial government is established, with each of the Six Ministers being equal status, though the Cabeza (the highest-ranking General and the Minister of War) is considered "first among equals" (primus inter pares). The Cabeza increases the role of the Censorate in the sectors of surveillance and law enforcement. Due to an increasing shortage of bureaucrats, many lesser positions are fulfilled by members of the middle-class (lesser property holders, such as independent farmers, merchants, artisans, and craftsmen). In addition, they also fulfill the roles of physicians and skilled workers. After recent censuses indicate the stagnation of population growth, the Cabeza begins to undertake measures to facilitate marriage and child-bearing. Licensing and proper medical standards are imposed on physicians, wet nurses, and midwives. Sillan arsenals produce a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Meanwhile, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. Latrines, drainage, as well as communal baths and grammar schools are built. An increasing quantity of silk textiles, porcelain wares, jewelry is manufactured both for export and domestic consumption. In addition, cash crops such as hemp, tea, sugar cane, cocoa, coffee, honey, spices, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages and condiments are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to rice paddies. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants, and perennial fruit-bearing plants are done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms. In marshes or wet areas, deep-water rice is cultivated. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * Syres: Just as the city of Syres welcomed the arrival of Ioxemander during his lifetime, the city also continues as a vassal of his empire after his death. The nation retains a high degree of autonomy and its own internal government, finally doing away with the Azozian garrison after Ioxemander defeated its commander in battle. As such the city recovers and expands its trade networks, using the stability of the empire to reach new found places across the known world. That said, the city retains its anti-monarchy attitude, with the “theft” of the city’s taxes and levies to a king becoming a hotly contested point within the Hensa. Because of the threat of Darnan piracy, the nation spends this time upgrading its navy once more. The primary warship of the nation remains a trireme-style ship with three banks of rowers, but following suit with its neighbors, Syres also increases its number of larger ships. Ships with four banks of rowers become a large portion of the war fleet, as well as a small number with five banks of rowers. Also at this time the first ever ship with six banks of oars is created. The ships largely do not have any artillery or special mechanisms in order to remain relatively light. Likewise a number of smaller ships are designed for rapid speed and for use in rivers and other applications. The nation slowly begins to learn from the military innovations of the recent wars, with Erasidonian phalanxes being trained in Syres, and Azozian tactics being incorporated from the city’s time under occupation. The nation decides to reassert control over its outposts on the neighboring shores. After this, an army of 5,000 men is also sent to the mainland to reassert control over the areas west of Syres, doing battle with the local governors of the coast.
 * Qera: Trading with Exhula, Sillas and the Dholbalan is flourishing as mostly agricultural products and minerals, but also art and jewelery. Fishing is very prominent at the coast, especially to the south, while in the north crocodiles are hunted as well for their skin and meat (as reptile meat is not banned by the Qeran religion). Spices and grain like rice is cultivated in the north and central area of Qera. As Qera is de facto a command economy when it comes to rice farming, records are plenty in almost every city where beaurocratic centers are organized in the palaces of the local counts, or if the region lacks a count, in the local temple. The government grants the produce of rice to grant that even the poor can survive without having to pay much for their life. In 433 Yller becomes prince, while his brother Vavas is the heir of Rollver and Ycas is given the title of General of the Army and additionally the Regent of Tortla. He could gain this title only because the house of Tortla died out long ago and the previous regent couldnt be able to appoint an heir. Yller II, also called Yller the Righteous is loved by the people, especially by the poor. He is seen as caring for the poor and sympathetic more to the people themselves. One of his first laws was the disposession of landlords and making every farm more or less state property (though no farmer was forced to sell any of the produce they need for themselves). This leads to a huge controversy. His brother Valvas is more conservative and sees the actions of his brother as something that will cause more trouble than actual good, while Ycas supports the cause of Yller. In 434 Valvas dares to rebel, but without popular support or any experience of leading an army he fails miserably. Yller strips him of his title and his riches and appoints his cousin Yceues, a loyal follower of his as the Count of Rollver. Other nobles mostly follow Yller II's laws in fear of a farmers riot or the wrath of Yller himself. When Exhula is threatened by Yannis, Yller sees them as a threat to his trading routes and allies, too, he agrees to the pact that the Exhulans proposed. The Berabians prove to be good trading partners, mostly potatoes and spices are traded with them. The tend for mothers to give birth to more children continues, the average women gives birth to 3.9 children by 435. Infant mortality is relatively low since food and medicine is available for almost everyone. This leads to an increase of new farms, who settle mostly in the area to the south (the area around the southernmost river becomes rural).
 * Darna: The great enslaving goes greatly, and soon many slaves have been captured for sale around the world. From the coasts of the Chatna Empire the Ulmian-Azozian heathens fetch a great price, and spend their lives in the slave pits producing more offspring for sale. Darnan ships explore east into the ocean far to the east, and also along the coasts north and south in the west, as well as west into the sea. When the western edge of Chatna is discovered, many Darnans begin trading in the far west. But also, this opens another place where slavers can attack the Chatna Empire, and soon people travel to this region to capture slaves.
 * Beraba: Beraba continues to normalize relations with Cazekorom and further defines the border, careful to respect the sovereignty of the nation while still protecting its own borders. Trade flourishes as new markets open up with Qera. Salt, pearls, cotton, grapes, dates, mangoes, and plums are sent west. Trade continues with Gahren, and trade offers are made with the Makuku states, Teninukal and Cazekorom as well (Mod Response Needed). More farmland is created in the south to cultivate more of these crops. A new textile industry emerges, especially in the high cities, as members of the Tangakwunu begin creating large tapestries and garments to sell to members of the Great Houses. With textile production increases, the Crown Princes commission the creation of a national flag to give the nation a symbol to tie them together. A white, three-layered pyramid on a red field is created, symbolizing the natures of Baione, God of the Overhead, Umbor, God of the In-Between, and Sydes, God of the Underneath. This flag is exported to the other cities and military detachments. Exas, Crown Prince of House Rhethlune, dies in 438, leaving only distantly related male heirs. His daughter, Otekah, using her keen political demeanor, bloodline, education, and understanding of religion, rises to the rank of Crown Prince.

441-450
'The western tribal confederation, as well as numerous other tribes who have been plagued by the Kledesians, agree to raise another 7,000 men to supplement Hythian forces. Together they achieve a major victory in the south, killing the high chief of the Kledesians. The Hythians suffer 1,310 casualties, their allies suffer 1,680, and the Kledesians suffer more than twice as many as the former combined. '

'After being pushed east by Beraba, the tribes of Cazekorom seize lands near the lake to the east of them, causing a migration of tribes south and east. '

'The expeditions north from Azoz prove successful in establishing a vassal state in Eskaladun, and in pushing back the Valun from the border. Instead, many Valunian chiefs decide to turn east or north. '

'Of the nations that Exhula approaches in search of an alliance, Teninukal refuses due to its historical animosity against Exhula, and because it does not know of or understand the threat that Exhula speaks of. Likewise the Makuku states refuse to ally with Exhula and Sillas, on the grounds that Sillas is attacking their region, while Exhula refused their call for help when it was them who needed aid. Additionally, the state they can't spare men when the threat of Sillas is present. Sayalen agrees to send some men to Exhula if they are paid to do so. '

'The Yannian-Tohatian invasion of the Franic Kingdom is successful, with Yannis suffering 3,400 casualties and Tohatia suffering 4,120 casualties. '

The forces of Edom agree to the request from Emalia, raising an army of their own to aid them.

'The Makuku states and Teninukal accept the trade offer from Beraba with open arms. Cazekorom is willing to accept but seeks a higher tariff on Beraban goods out of fear of being taken advantage of. '


 * Vytia Culture: The continued growth of the Vyts is a sign of our destiny from the gods. Within the nation at Vynos, the crop Bananas are introduced to city, and begin to be cultivated in the land surrounding Vynos. This crop proves to be massively successful and quickly becomes a staple product of the Vyt diet with it spreading to Daima, and Nys very quickly. The city of Vynos continues to sponsor its many construction products creating roads and Canals for transport of goods through Vynos. The resulting population boom in Nis causes a new city to form farther inland on the river Emyr called Miro. The government begins to take a records of the yearly intake of gold, grains, and Bananas in Vynos hoping to place taxes on these in order to further fund public projects. Most notably are underground sewer systems being built within Vynos in order to move the waste outside of the city. While within Daima consolidation of their territory continues with them further conquering lands west on the River Til bringing them close to Vynos and expanding east to near the Mediterranean area. However, some explorers from Vynos venture south around the Bend of Vand, the god of the continent and exploration who knows all land, and even farther north past Mang into areas far from the safety of Vytia. Under Daima they begin to mine the iron located near their capital by the foot of the Norgis mountains. While within the Hygros Islands the conquest of the islands comes to end under Erln I conquering the last islands to resist his rule. He begins a process of Vytizing the Hygrosi people introducing the Vyt religion and writing system. Some explorers notice how winds blow east at certain times in the sea and west at certain times and begin to document this.
 * Hythia: Years 148-157 Since the Return of Hythus. The Council of the Partechs, urged on by Meunarch Klynius, general for the battle with the Kledesians, agrees to take advantage of the enemies weakness. The Unar, 12,000 strong, and bolstered by its allies, marches against the Kledesians to burn out their evil. Missionaries accompany the army and convert all those who will listen as it marches south. With the Kledesian High Chief killed in battle, the enemy are disunited, a power struggle between the influential chiefs of the Kledesian breaks out and Hythia swoops in to exploit the weakness. With the great Kledesian army fragmented into smaller, chief-led bands, the Hythian Unar and its allies stand nearly unstoppable. Many small Kledesian armies, loyal to their individual chiefs, are soundly defeated before the Unar sets upon the Kledesian major settlements. Having only briefly inhabited the area, the walls of their cities are unable to hold back the Hythian Unar. The Kledesians are given a choice before the start of each assault. Surrender, convert to the true faith in Hythus, and be spared, or die as heathens in a doomed city. Those that accept are taken north and taught the ways of Hythus. The rest either burn with the city or are enslaved and taken north into bondage for the customary decade of service to Hythia. Hythian troops thoroughly raze the buildings of all the Kledesian cities in an effort to wipe them from the map. This process is repeated across the Kledesian lands as Kledesian cities are destroyed without mercy. By the end of the decade dozens of Kledesian settlements have been destroyed in full, among them the largest city. The cities of the native tribes are spared, their people given aid and welcomed into the fold of Hythia as free and full citizens of the True God’s realm. It is among these poor and wretched people that faith in Hythus takes deep roots as missionaries administer much of the aid in feeding and clothing the native tribesmen in this time of hardship. This faith and the cultural ties that bind the Gytans of Hythia and these people of the southern plains allow for their rapid integration. More food is imported from abroad to support the Unar, paid for in iron, but the strain of war does truly begin to show as orphans now dot the Hythian lands. These children are rolled into the service of the government as wards, and are rented as labor to landowners in need of farm hands.
 * Erasidonian Empire in Azoz: The official capital of the empire at this point had been located in Azoz, as the original core territory of Erasidon was broken off under Lysimedes. Ptalemus III had finally reached majority at this point, and an official coronation passed on control from the Regent Randomo to the young Emperor, reducing Randomo's title to Viceroy of Azoz. Even still, in private Ptalemus remained utterly unstable mentally, and largely remained a puppet of Randamo's charismatic leadership. In one anecdote, Ptalemus ordered three dogs hanged for suspected treason. But for the most part, the rest of the empire remained firmly loyal to the Emperor through his Viceroy Randomo, who also had a very likable personality. Seeing Emalia directly violated our treaty of peace earlier, to the same ruler of Igneous in fact, a full military is raised of the most troops capable from across the empire. The great humanist historian Mores gave the most detail of this military campiagn, describing it as the most defining event in the history of Azoz up to that point. Randomo sounded the alarm of healds to the farthest regions, declaring how the treacherous Emalian prince is determined to destroy the peace of the empire by their insidious rule. It was at this point Viceroy Randomo reached out to King Lysimedes of Erasidon. He explained that the invading armies of Emalia are bent on the utter destruction of independent states and conquest of the empire, threatning the existence of Erasidon more so than Azoz, especially as Lysimedes was just now granted independence for this very reason, that the liberty of Mesallian people is of high importance. Furthermore, the Ithmala confederacy and their allies are indebted to the Empire for our support in them retaking control of Nykos, homeland of the Ulmian faith in Mesallia. For this reason, we ask for Lysimedes of Erasidon, as well as the kingdoms of his vassalage, to offer their full or partial military support toward pushing Emalia out of territories where they pose a threat. We hope that the Mesallians are satisfied by having given everything that we understood they wanted, and we want them to be comfortable as new allies to jointly defend the archipelago, and if there is anything else we can give Mesallis to ensure his friendship we will gladly consider it. (PLAYER RESPONSE). After gathering the largest army they can muster in the city of Usilinago, command was structured under three tiers of leadership to maximize the effective organization: Demus, the hero against the Valuns, put in charge at the top, followed by lower generals appointed by each participating governor, and then the lower colonels at the bottom. Defecting spies were plentiful for Randomo to employ, as many subjects in the military of Edom and Nerimos to that point had been more comfortable under Azoz rule. If their scouts reported a smaller military size, then Demus organized a coordinated three-pronged attack: one main thrust in the center to split the Emalian forces in one-half, followed by two other flanks to surround the enemy in a double envelopment maneuver. If they reported a larger force, Demus split off a smaller section of the army to attack Emalian forces from an angle, drawing them into the desert with a feigned retreat. This feigned reateat went on for more than a day into the desert, drawing the enemy farther out until they would be ambushed by the larger proportion of Azoz military. The tactics of the military incorporated the Erasidonian phalanx into the professional Azoz military, augmented with Azozan lancers and longbowmen. Simultaneous with this, a naval assault consisting of twelve heavy warships and dozens of smaller vessals transport 40,000 troops led by General Xarenvarus from Tuartha to invade the Three Cities, seizing control of Nerimos, Dascelos and Garantes yet again. With such light population in Sephimora, the invading forces occupying the coastline quickly cuts off the supply lines of the Emalian forces, and exposes the rear flank to a further invasion of the forces south to seize control of Edom from the east. Xarenvarus was a rather young, ambitious commander and although he was told this plan to be utterly crazy, he believed he had the best strategy to implement it. (More to be added in response of battle results). A new form of art in Azoz went back to an older time of Azoz history using mosaic patterns of faience, but this time enhanced with the more classical style of perspective developed under the Chatna Empire. Ulmian Apostles continue being sent farther east, to spread the Gospel of Nelrim to all the regions in the Great Lakes, as well as the lands in the process of being conquered by Yannis, to ensure a church remains under Yannis rule. In the west, apostles continue being sent north to convert the Valun themselves. The Cestelean Wall continues being constructed. We offer Valun to pay them substantial amounts of money and slaves in exchange of hiring Valunian military as mercenaries to further bolster our military forces against Emalia (MOD RESPONSE).
 * Emalian War Continues: The pivotal battle of West Edom ultimately proved to be a victory for Azoz, which forever shaped their future history. However, the forces of the empire alone were not enough to dislodge Emalia from their position in Edom near Deshema, and Demus executed a retreat from that position, although keeping the Emalian forces mostly stuck in their entrenchment. Both Demus and Xarenvarus reached out to the states of the Mesallian peninsula, asking to help recruiting more forces for their seizure of Edom and Nerimos away from Emalia, in order to fulfill the compromise treaty we determined.
 * Mesallian Culture: The outbreak of war in the Erasidonian Empire, with Lysimedes’ kingdom caught in the middle, would prove a turning point in Mesallian history. With the responsibility of practically choosing a victor in the largest war the empire had seen since Ioxemander, Lysimedes would later become known as “the Kingmaker”. Ultimately, although the emperor in Azoz had granted what Lysimedes wanted initially, he saw Azoz as too dangerous to leave unchecked, and so Lysimedes planned to support his allies Edom and Emalia. Before he would enter his first battle, Lysimedes attempted diplomacy. He proposed that the “Empire of Ioxemander” should formally break up, so that none of the successors would have a claim to that title or against each other. Instead four kingdoms: Erasidon (Lysimedes), Edom (Mesena), Emalia (Igneous), and Azoz (Ptelamus III), would be created as independent nations, and hoped to create a lasting peace and “balance” in the region between the four states. To his end, Lysimedes would vow to never claim Azoz or the “imperial” title, despite the belief among many Erasidonians that he was the most qualified or connected to the empire, through his descent from the House of Ptelamus and through his marriage connections. To the Yannis Empire, Lysimedes proposed the following deal: a de jure “kingdom” title would be created, under which all the Yannian states or Yannian vassals would fall, which would be ruled by a Yannian, however, this kingdom would swear fealty to Erasidon. In effect, Lysimedes would continue to rule over the region, but would allow a Yannian substate to continue the promotion of Yannian customs and religion within its designated area. Regardless, he accepted the 20,000 men that the Yannis Empire had stationed, which he used to augment his own army. After the above diplomacy was attempted, Lysimedes (now in his late 50's), marched through Phydinia to meet with the army of Asandius (now also in his 50's). The king’s strategy would involve leaving one large army guarding the mountain passes into Erasidon from the west, so that if the Azozians attempted to invade Erasidon they would be forced to fight in a poor position similar to the great battle at the Thusmos River two generations prior. Ultimately, Lysimedes had concealed his involvement, so he hoped that the Azozians would not think to attack Erasidon, as they would not realize Lysimedes’ had joined Edom until they witnessed the act itself on the battlefield of Edom. Although after the involvement was revealed he did not discount the possibility that Azoz would attack through Erasidon with a second army. A second army would cross the small strait from Lysandria to northeast Edom, to further augment Lysimedes, but afterward, when Azoz invaded Nerimos, Lysimedes ordered Gamedes of Lamigis to march with 25,000 men east toward Nerimos, expecting the Emalians to also attack the isolated Azozian army from the east as well. At sea the powerful navies of Agira, Meshwati, and Lysandria, some of the quintessential naval powers of the period, would also patrol the Gabatrian Sea to further trap this army, but mostly focused their attention toward protecting the rest of the Mesallas region from the west and north. Finally two smaller armies would be raised, one under Dephamus as “Deputy of the Gudumanes” and one under Hynagalus as “Deputy of the Melopenes”, which would be tasked with maintaining order and protecting the region. After an initial battle Lysimedes accepted that if the Kingdom of Azoz implemented the idea of releasing Edom as free then he would not have a need to fight them, so he withdrew back to Mesallas. He then proposed that both sides should make peace, with Emalia vassalizing Edom if need be, due to their current possession of it.
 * Azoz Dip: In the original correspondance of Randomo to Lysimedes, we accept the treaty proposed by Lysimedes, except that Edom remains a vassal under the Empire, but otherwise an independent kingdom.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One commissions many great writers to compile the histories of the region, and establish the Yannis civilization as the center of the universe and the beginning of human history. During this time many great accounts would also be written of the stunning fall of the Chatna Empire, brought down by the fierce vengeance of the gods and their devout followers. They write of the current history in the region as follows: “The heathen in Chatna is called the “Thalutite, the Whore of Azoz”, and the Yannians condemn their sacreligious, overly aggressive ways. To protect the holy Yannian followers of the world, the Anointed One allows his forces and allies in Mesallas to aid the nation of Emalia until sufficient apocalyptic fire has been rained down upon the evildoers, their false idols named “Nolrim” cast aside and scattered, and their savage people stripped of their barbarity, either by conversion or death. Forty plagues ascend upon the Thalutites, cast down by 40 sparrows of the gods. These mouthpieces of the eternal scream curses in bird speak that the Thalutite witches can't unutter. The Hydra Mother brings out 1,000 of the octopi to pull apart Azozian ships in the turbulent seas near Norimo, the false city. The sea speak with an unparalleled fury for the burden of supporting such heathen-rich machinations that are the Azozian ships. Their accursed vessels are made from weak, dying spirits that can't compare to Yannian timber. Their oars shimmer crooked in the sea, and their sails hardly contain the pulls of the wind. When an Azozian speaks a thick foam spews from his cracking, pale lips, leaving sprinklings of spew on their bald, narrow heads. They are birthed from the fire pits of Azoz, the dark and twisting tunnels deep below that city, where all that is good in this world is burned and consumed to produce beings not of any mother or father, but pulled from primordial matter and formed of fleshly, cruel metal. Their bones become twisted and mismatched in that hell place, with Azozians permanently hunched over and lumbering on all fours to walk. They scream and cry, “Nolrim save us,” but their false god can't hear their prayers. They speak in the black tongue that the Yannians reserve only for evil spirits, led by their king, “Asasg-ishi krimpazdis”. He is portrayed a great thin man who commands over a horde of “writers”. They are blinded with rags and unable to see, but scribble the gibberish of “Ulm” and the other falsehoods of the great deceiver. Their books, fashioned from the skin of their own people, contains volume after volume of lies and deception, written in the blood of the innocents.” Elsewhere, five governors are appointed to rule the territories of the southern lands. Cities are rebuilt with new walls and new amenities, including sewers, baths, and aqueducts. By this time in the Holy City of Yagothna-vis most homes possess private outlets into the sewers and canals of the city, all powered by the might of the Soloney River. In the many wetlands of the nation the harvesting of fish and other animals of the sea is also plentiful. With a deep love of fish and meat himself, the Anointed One has soldiers and their offspring accustom to their consumption. All along the river and around the Yannian cities the fertile land is converted to farmland, with bovine manure becoming more widespread, and canals connecting farmland to the rivers. The main crops are rotated with perennial plants and other crops.
 * Emalian Diplomacy: We thank Yannis for raining Hellfire upon the Thalulites, and urge the Yannians to launch a full scale attack upon the Thalulite homeland, ensuring they face massive destruction while their forces are busy fighting the Eastern Imperial Forces outside of Edom.


 * Sillan Republic: As the population grows (thus proving harder to control) while the number of military nobility (relative to the total population) declines, there is an increasing need for a solid and strong bureaucracy to manage the country's administrative and civil affairs. Acknowledging this necessity, Cabeza Yanzen revives the practice of issuing civil examinations (as a separate institution) – and as a result, military officials are stripped of any real administrative powers within the provinces but still continue to oversee military affairs and exercise a wide degree of influence. This leads to the revival of a powerful class of scholar-bureaucrats and civil servants. In order to enforce the "quality" of acceptants, more stringent standards for imperial examinations are established. Similarly, since the abolition of serfdom (and associated feudal institutions), social structure has been undefined and thus have been in a state of flux, with everyone being roughly egalitarian and high social mobility (thus leading to instability within the composition of the elite). While this system was initially viable, a growing population has led to the necessity for increased social stratification. Through the "Code of 445", three classes are officially delineated, characterized by the amount of property owned: major property holders or landed gentry (comprising 10% of the population), lesser property holders (30%), and finally, leaseholders (60%); the latter is further into sharecroppers and tenant farmers, which differ by whether they pay their rent in allotment of grain or coinage, respectively. As these reforms have shifted the main determinator of social status from occupation to wealth and land ownership, high social status becomes de facto hereditary. In addition, the imposition of higher score requirements (which requires a higher level of educational attainment) and a renewed emphasis on legal education has led to the landed gentry-class dominating (or even monopolizing) participation in imperial examinations; thus stifling social mobility but also maintaining social stability. However, since imperial examinations are open to all (but in practice, limited to the literati), some non-nobles continue to pass imperial examinations or acquire a sufficient amount of wealth to acquire noble status. These individuals are known as the "newly rich" (in contrast to the "old rich") and supplement the population of nobility (as a percentage of the total population). Due to reports of pirate raids, a centralized navy (managed by the Office of the Navy, which in turn, is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War) is established in 442. Over the course of a decade, ten "motherships" and 40 "lesser ships" are built, based on enlarged Sillan riverine designs. Ships are equipped with heavy crossbows (which could shoot incendiary arrows or regular bolts) and are covered in lacquer to improve their capability to resist the elements. In 349, the Imperial Court declares an edict which discourages the slaughtering of mammals. As a result, the main sources of (animal) protein continue to shift to poultry and seafood; while leather is derived from ratites (such as rheas and ostriches) or hunted from crocodiles and snakes. All city walls (consisting of rammed earth) are annually maintained and reinforced, while canals and flattened dirt-roads are built to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and communal baths (along with evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation and groundwater-wells are also built to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (from fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus leading to high productivity with the excess produce being stored in town granaries to ensure food security. Meanwhile, bloomeries and workshops are built; manufacturing textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelain wares), jewelry, leather, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization begins. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as a staple; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, legumes), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (for honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar, though it specializes in the production of leather, the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and crocodile-hunting. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different and include millet, wheat, and maize (though it is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include cotton, coffee, and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans (with the trio being referred to as the "Three Sisters" system). While small, they are highly productive, being capable of yielding seven harvests annually. In more deeper water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms for fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs) – which become the main source of animal protein. In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civilization through the assimilation of the barbarians.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The tsar orders that the wall should be expanded and expands our colony with 1 px.
 * Darna: A number of Darna’s finest raiders take to the sea and begin to pillage the cities of the Thalutite Empire, traveling farther inland. 5,000 raiders travel up the Ashe River and extort payment from many major cities. They leave a path of destruction in their wake, destroying many smaller towns. All that is valuable is seized and taken back to the islands of Darna. Additionally many people are captured and enslaved, and these slaves are taken back to the Darna islands. In some cities the Darnan warriors demand that the cities pay them a hefty bribe in order to spare their cities, and when they do so this money is used to fuel more raids. Later when the Chatnan soldiers are defeated in the east, the Darnan navy arrives at Nerimos and takes thousands of people hostage as slaves. Many resist and are killed by the Darnan army. Many also decide to become mercenaries against the Thalutites or for various powers.
 * Qaryaat: In the year 441, the war against Mohejaro begins due to Mohejaro not complying when given the chance. King Najrim III requests Benyisra, Kepitits, and Anakhedam to aid him in his fight against Mohejaro as allies. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) A small division of the Qaryaati navy is sent to the northern coast of Mohejaro. While the Mohejaran navy fights off this distraction, the rest of the navy along with land soldiers on boat launch a direct attack on the capital of Mohejaro, in the strait where the rivers known in Mohejaro as the Seru and the Sindha. (ALGO NEEDED) Explorers are sent to explore the coastline in southern Anakhedam. Desert caravan trade routes are expanded. Qaryaati farmers discover that burning weeds and mixing the burnt weeds with manure before using it to fertilize their fields makes their crops grow better. The aforementioned change causes an increase in food supply. Qaryaati poetry begins to flourish, with poems being mostly written about nature, romance, and fables.
 * Syres: In the city of Syres the condition of being a vassal to a king finally becomes too much to bear, and the Hensa requests to the empire in Azoz that the nature of Syres’ relationship to the primary government be renegotiated. Syres will become independent, but continue to ally with the empire in Azoz and pay a certain amount of tribute. Due to the wars waging across the empire, it is hoped that the empire in Azoz will be compelled to accept this deal. In the meantime, the nation formalizes its peace with the western vassals of Azoz, creating an agreed upon border in the west. As a result the areas formally claimed by Syres are legitimized to some degree, and many more people begin settling the regions, especially along the two rivers. The area between the two rivers also is settled heavily, expanding the claims of the city of Syres farther along the southern river.
 * Emalia: Igneous, with the speed of 1,000 horses and strength of 100,000 men charges into Thaluite lands with his Imperial Army full of youthful vigor, ambition, and hope, war not yet known to him. But war made herself known to him, for though Igneous and his Imperial Army killed many, they lost 5,000 more to the defenders, thus the young Emperor was driven back by the Thaluties just outside of Edom. With the knowledge of war gained by the humbling defeat, Igneous successfully mounted a defense against the Thaluite counter invasion of Edom with the Edomites on his side in Deshema. Simultaneously the Emalian-Edomite forces decisively crush the Thalutites in Nerimos, giving a huge morale boost to the Imperial forces and ascending a new hero into Emalian history, Shimizu, a soldier from an unknown land who managed to rally the garrison tto victory in the chaos of battle. The combined victories at Deshema and Nerimos have inspired the Yannians to join our ranks, filling up our lines and replenishing the losses previously suffered, all of them eager to quench their bloodlust for the Thaluties. Darnian mercenaries are also hired for their services. The new Eastern Imperial Army is divided into multiple divisions to allow for flexibility and mobility in command, ensuring versatility everywhere. From Deshema to Nerimos, the Eastern Imperial Forces assumed strong defensive positions, garrisoning in behind walls of shields and spears, with swordsmen in the center. Out of all of these cities, however, Iskandria is the most fortified and well-defended, with Emalian forces stationed all over the city, effectively taking over Iskandria through occupation. Meanwhile, the Yannians and Darnians are sent to the frontlines in Deshema, where they to harassed and raided the Thalulites, using hit and run tactics to weaken the Thalutite forces and destroy supply lines, with small encirclement campaigns conducted as well, softening the Thalutite lines. Combined with the raiding and the small scale campaigns, fire arrows are rained upon the Thalulite forces. With news that the Thalulites are being invaded elsewhere, his forces repleshened, and the enemy being weakened, Igneous follows up his defensive victories and launches a second offensive from Deshema, this time more careful, one that is intended to attack from all sides and kill the Thalulite leadership in order to cause chaos into the Thalulite ranks and break them, dispersing the Thalulites throughout and achieving midsized gains. In Absobla, the Holy Ema Explorers, start a new phenomenon in the Holy River, women from all over the land ritualistically bathe in the river to bathe and attract males, and at these river bathings the teaching of Ema is spread, and the Sisterhood grows, now flourishing in Alsoba where it was stagnating in Emalia. While the Holy River has ended, there's a small contingent who are determined to go even farther south, and so they explore south of Alsoba with the chapter in Alsoba sending vital supplies down the Ema Explorer's way. Leto continues his perilous journey east, passing the orange archipelago.


 * Exhulan Empire: With the decades of colonization and assimilation efforts, the area that was once Kaloma has by now been mostly assimilated and integrated into the Empire, a few thousand more colonists arrive in the last few years of our efforts, but they stop before the year is over as we finally ban the Kaloman religion officially and begin hunting down its remaining followers, a process made easier by the large bounty soon put on their heads. Meanwhile, at the court of Siccarius, The enlargement of the Sarkoni guard continues, with about 3,000 members eventually coming to be part of it, essentially serving as the private army of the Prince and later, his daughter. The two main factions that sought to have their members, the husbands of Rttagan’s sisters, continue to seek to push their claims to the throne, using the justification of his only heir being a woman, and thus unsuitable to succeed to the throne in their eyes, although The Emperor continues to support her claim. Unfortunately Rttagan unsurprisingly dies of a fever due to his weak immune system in 442, when his daughter is only ten years of age. This leads to the two factions, led by King Of Irrosia Syrar Cclor and Governor Of Amyirth Lorgar Arrasis, to much more confidently push their claims while Lorgar V increasingly devotes much of his efforts to countering their influence, leaving Princess Nyiccia to spend the rest of her time in the palace being raised by the Sarkoni, leading to many becoming increasingly loyal to her. In just a few more years her claim would likely have been secured, but unfortunately in 446 the Emperor is found dead with his throat slit and she is forced to flee the capital soon after as a coup, led by Syrar, quickly leads thousands of his armed supporters into seizing Siccarius and the Isle of Zoelle overall, forcing her to go into hiding somewhere on the island unknown to Syrar or Lorgar Arrasis. This leads to the two factions relying many forces and seizing the north and south of Exhula, leading them to fight each other in a civil war for three years. During this many die and thousands are killed, significantly weakening both of the, and leading to Siccarius being poorly defended despite being the center of Syrar’s power. This leads to the new Empress Nyiccia being able to successfully march on and size Siccarius at the age of only 17, using the remaining 1,756 Sarkoni as the core of the army of 4,000 she is able to rally and wit which she successfully sizes the capital and the rest of the island, after which she has Syrar and his entire family executed and burned alive, after which she sends an ultimatum to all the remaining forces and territories neutral or supporting his claim, demanding they either support the rightful heir to the throne or later be destroyed, but promising to forgive all their crimes and to provide alive economic benefits (and hunting at the possibility of a royal marriage) to those who rally to her side. Most accept this, as Syrar and all carriers of his legacy and bloodline are now dead and they have no alternative to survive other than siding with her, and thus only the strongholds of Lorgar, who was losing the war regardless and by this point had largely been confined to Amyirth, as the only place still in rebellion in the Empire. The Empress begins to gather a large Army to strike back at him and retake her territory, which by now is almost entirely sure to be crushed. She leads this army of 11,000 into battle herself near the end of 450, launching an invasion eerily similar to the one launched during the Exhulan Conquest Of Kaloma a few decades before, facing the remaining army of 4,000 Lorgar had on his side in the battle of Myriq (a town near the center of the Amyirth territory), where she is victorious and where she personally slays the usurper herself and latter has his corpse burned. The site of her victory leads to the routing of his army and to thousands of his soldiers surrendering en masse, leading to her easily retaking the other two areas of the region. She decides to spare those who fought for Lorgar (with the exception of the main leaders of his faction and his family) in order to avoid the depleting of the population in the aftermath of the civil war and to ensure she has a manpower base to draw from in the future. She returns to Siccarius at the end of the war, and is officially crowned as Empress Nyiccia I Aurelian. She marries the newly elected King of Irrosia, Rogar Rythius, who was one of the main loyalist supporters of her claim in Irrosia, which had largely sided with their King in his claim, and suffered large amounts of damage for it (staying loyal due to a historic rivalry with Syrar’s family). Although they have no children yet, it is generally agreed that the heir will take the father's family name, although the Empress will remain in charge, as Rogar is only Emperor-Consort (as his wife has made abundantly clear).

451-460
'After Nerimos is surrounded by Emalia and its allies, the commander Xarenvarus manages to slip out of the city and escape, rather than surrender his army to enemy forces. The general and 6,000 men manage to escape by sea to Azozian land, several thousand others escape into Sephimora and Edom and are unaccounted for, and 10,000 turn themselves over to Emalian forces. '

'The initial attacks by the Qaryaat against the nation of Mohejaro falls, with Mohejaro beating back the attacks. Qaryaat's remaining forces manage to withdraw, taking a large amount of loot and pillaging parts of the countryside. Benyisra sends a small contingent of 2,000 men to aid Qaryaat, while Kepitis and Anakhedam state they are willing to send mercenaries. '

'In western Edom the forces of Emalia (and its Yannian-Mesallians, Darnans, and other allied troops or mercenaries) and Azoz (with Valun mercenaries) meet in battle, and Emalia is victorious. Emalia suffers 5,400 casualties, Yannis suffers 2,110, Darna suffers 590, and Azoz suffers 12,300. '

'After the defeat of their main army by Hythus, many of the tribes of the Kledesians submit to Hythian rule. In the south some of the Kledesians cluster around a series of small cities and walled settlements, resisting Hythian rule and offering peace. '

'A similar tribe to the Kledesians, known as the Adandites, migrates through the eastern mountain range to settle the region between Hythia and the Ten Cities. They bring stories of a growing threat that pushed them from their homelands. '

'A nation known as the Tabornites, pushed north by a much larger empire to the south of them, travels north along the coast, arriving at the city of Fashnoq. They successfully sack the city after a short battle, and pillage farther north. '

'After Igneous dies in battle, Medesa of Edom becomes the primary claimant to the throne of Emalia. Despite this, due to Mesallian influence in the Emalian court, factions arise supporting Prince Leto or one of his descendants, or another male relative, to the Emalian throne, despite the nation’s historical matriarchy. In Edom, the governor Asandius, who had ruled as consort of Edom, and then in a regent/prime minister role after the death of Shameza, seeks to appoint his own son, Ioxemander, to the throne of Edom, instead of a personal union led between Edom and Emalia. Asandius dies soon after of old age, but his son manages to seize control of Edom the city. '


 * Emalia: Igneous, at the sight of his greatest victory, is slain in the midst of the brutal chaos of war, slaying a multitude of Thalulites with him, as he rained a maelstrom of death upon his enemies, he too, died, victorious with the burning of 1,000 suns, teaching all he knew the ways of war, and all learned to fear war and all the devastation it brings. In death, Igneous became immortalized as nothingless than the firey bringer of death, Igneous now meaning Death, and with his death, his sister Medesa immediately ascends the throne of Emalia, uniting the Kingdoms of Edom and Emalia into one state, forging the Medesan Empire. Upon ascension to the throne of Emalia, Madesa proposes peace with the Thalulites in Azoz, forming the Treaty of Iskandaria, which states “Empress Madesa will be recognized as ruler of Edom and Emalia, as well as ruler of Sephmoria, and maintain claims to the fallen East, and she shall surrender the claims to the rest of Ioxamander’s Empire, instead forming an alliance with the successor states. In turn, the other rulers shall drop claims to the entirety of Ioxamander’s Empire, instead maintaining the status quo and forming an alliance of nations.” While the process of peace is being pursued, the Medesan Army maintains a defensive position, in case any nations decide to prey upon it during this transition to peace.


 * Erasidonian Empire in Azoz: Historians are somewhat confused on the chronology of the Emalian-Erasidon war at this particular time. Although the general era of the event is known to take place 340 AR, the exact decade seems to shift between one writer and another. The initial victory in defending against the Emalians proved to be a defining moment for the unity of the empire, as most provinces as far away as Fotashe were donating forces for the defense. However, the continued losses against Emalia in dislodging them from Edom and Nerimos has been greatly damaging to public opinion against the derranged monarch Ptalemus and his Viceroy Randomo, especially among the Senate and other courtiers in Azoz. The naval forces in both Tuartha and near Nerimos once again work at crushing the involvement of Darnan piracy, as well as blockading their military involvement in the war against Emalia. Eight large warships and 10 smaller vessals make up the largest contingent to blockade passage toward the largest cities on the Ashe River. Seeing that Emalia continues to invade and refuses the peace agreement between Lysimedes and Randomo, we fully expect military cooperation from the Mesallian states to enforce the agreement on the upstart Igneous (numbers assumed, feel free to correct me). General Demus worked to raise an additional 20,000 troops from among the people of Usilinago to recoup his losses in the previous two battles in Edom. The majority of those who were recruited this time were more nomadic tribes of the southern deserts, often skilled in unconventional warfare but work on a more mercenary basis. Additional mercenaries are purchased as well from Valun, as well as the Tabornites, who are offered tracts of land to settle as Azoz citizens should they volunteer forces within the military. An additional 30,000 troops are brought in from the Kingdom of Erasidon under Lysimedes, in order to enforce the Treaty of Randomo. Additonally, the Kingdom of Edom complies with the call of the rulers' son-in-law, and switches sides to fight against the more unfamiliar invaders. Viceroy Randomo officially supports Ioximander II as the rightful king of Edom, and reaches out to petition his forces in the region to support our counterattack to ensure their independence away from the occupation of Emalia. In addition, Edom supports the side that promises their independence after the war as a vassal nation, granting the independent kingdom they require (mod response, if required). With compliance of Edom to be allowed passed the fortifications near the city, the Second Battle of Dashen saw a general siege of the city against the remaining Emalian troops, with exits on all sides cut off by the combined forces of the empire and her allies. The nomadic cavalry of Usilinago, Valun, and Tabornites are sent in first, using their unconventional tactics to disrupt and confuse the enemy forces while softening their main infantry lines. This is immediately followed through by lancer charges of the Azozans, striking through the army groups to divide them into separate clumps. Finally, the elite Erasidonian phalanx is combined with the infantry of the Azozan hoplites for surrounding the remaining army groups, coupled with peppering of the Azoz longbowmen. Meanwhile, Xarenvarus retreated back to rest in Agira with his remaining 6,000 troops from the initial attack, his famous "band of brothers" featured in a number of later plays. Xarenvarus proceeded with a second attack for Sephimora, this time focused at Dascelos, and accompanied by a far larger group of supporters. 23,000 troops along with the entire navy of the Ithmala Confederacy accompany his invasion from the Mesallian peninsula, in addition to the Edomite troops in Nerimos who switched sides to turn against the Emalian oppressors. Xarenvarus reaches out to Prince Leto of Emalia, and offers to help support his rise to power over Emalia after the current invasion forces have been defeated, so long as he begins recruiting power to begin seizing control within Emalia now. (More to come after algo results)
 * Medesan Diplomacy: Igneous is dead, and with him, his war of conquest. I, Medesa, have ascended the throne of Emalia and I continue to reign in Edom, and I propose the end of war between Emalia and Azoz. Hopefully peace can finally be achieved between our two powers.
 * Azoz Dip: Ioximander II is the rightful ruler of Edom, and we will not allow the Emalians to annex the nation that rightfully belongs as independent.
 * Emalian War update: The military invasion occupying parts of Edom became increasingly confused and disorganized by the sudden change of the political situation. Orders from the capital dictated by Randomo, on behalf of the Emperor Ptalemus III, were becoming increasing eratic and incoherant. It seems that Ptalemus wanted to give in with supporting independence of Edom and Sephimora, which almost certainily would continue fracturing the empire, as well as giving as much economic and tributary sacrifice to Emalia as possible in order to end the conflict. Demus continued to faithfully follow these orders and moved his military in support of Ioximander II, fighting against both the Emalian military stationed there and the invading troops of Lysimedes and Mesallia. Xarenvarus, however, had a better and more ambitious idea. Xarenvarus landed his "band of brothers" of 6,000 troops in Edom, having recruited an additional 10,000 men to his cause of fighting back against the legacy of Igneous. Xarenvarus declared his support for Lysimedes to overthrow Ioximander II and fight against Azoz. He unfurled a banner of the family of his father, Xeracles, and under that flag absorbed most of the troops away from Demus' control. As Demus was crushed in defeat at the Battle of Dashen, Xarenvarus found himself in a powerful position, commanding a rebel army of over 100,000 men. Xaren immedaitely offered to marry the daughter of Lysimedes, and further support her claim as rightful Queen of Edom in opposition to Azoz. Likewise, Xaren supported Prince Leto of Emalia to marry Lysimedes' other daughter in support of her place as Queen of Emalia, and send a large contingent of his military into Emalia to enforce that support. Ioximander II, meanwhile, was officially deposed and executed under Xaren's orders, as well as burning remaining letters sent to him by Ptalemus.
 * Second update: Xaren's marriage to Queen Evanemetra is celebrated as "Union Day" among traditional Azoz holidays to this day, and is often romanticised for its immense beauty. In reality, however, this was only the beginning of a renewed conflict with Azoz, known as the "last great Azoz Civil War", finally putting an end to the string of internal conflicts up to this point. Demus was beaten back with his remaining forces expulsed from Edom, and regrouped at the city of Isono. Ptalemus contninued to order Demus to maintian the war against Lysimedes and Xarenvarus, declaring him to be in contempt of treason, and so Demus complied with what all of his commanders agreed as a suicide mission. Xaren's military, meanwhile, first dispatched into Emalia while their forces were temproarily depleted, ensuring an alliance to Leto and his wife Audesta while exacting tribute from major cities. After regathering the military near Edom once again, Xaren continued on the offensive to strike against the remaining forces of Demus at Isono.
 * Mesallian Culture: Initially prepared to declare war on Emalia to ensure Edom’s independence, Lysimedes found that unexpectedly Igneous had died, and that made him king of Emalia through his wife Medesa. He immediately sailed for Emalia to quell Emalia’s Mesallian population, appearing as a strong and well-respected ruler, even if under Emalian law it was his wife that technically ruled over Edom and Emalia. By this strange turn of inheritance, Lysimedes prepared Emalian and Edomite forces to defend against the Azozians, who acted under the assumption that they would acquire Edom for themselves. First he sought to ensure that Edom was secured, going to war against Ioxemander II. He reinstituted the same strategy as before, with three armies stationed in Mesallas proper, while one-fourth, small army, met up with the remaining one-half of Edom’s forces that were loyal to Medesa, to retake the city of Edom. In total, this would appoint to some 40,000 men. Although he means to retain his grip over all three kingdoms, he realizes in his old age that a more permanent solution is needed, and seeks to have his three eldest children designated to different kingdoms, so that by the time of his death Edom, Emalia, and Mesallas will become independent once more - and he notes, at that time it may still turn out that Edom becomes a vassal of Emalia or Azoz, which seems fitting enough. His son Democrates becomes heir to Erasidon, his daughter Evanematra becomes heir of Edom, and his youngest daughter Audasta became heir to Emalia. In an effort to ensure peace, it was proposed that Lysimedes’ eldest daughter, Thesalla, would marry Ptelamus III, while Evanematra would marry someone of Ptelamus III’s choosing. Additionally it was proposed that Audasta be wed to Leto, son of Ionia. (Much more to come)


 * Hythia: Years 158-167 Since the Return of Hythus. The Council of the Partechs, shows its political weakness as Klynius, assumes ever increasing political influence from his military position. His power becomes nearly absolute thanks to his popularity and military exploits. Under his command the Unar has won its largest victories in history and become a serious and professional fighting force. It is with this power that Meunarch Klynius offers the Kledesians peace under the condition of vassalage. The Kledesians will be able to live in relative peace so long as they convert to Hythianism and accept Hythian overlordship. Furthermore, the Kledesians will pay a yearly tithe to Hythia to consist of grain, livestock, and other goods to the value of 500 kilograms of gold a year. Should they refuse the campaign will continue. [Mod Response] The native cities in the region are granted a greater degree of autonomy and receive military and economic support from Hythia. Settlement by Hythian soldiers among the native population is encouraged and nearly 6,000 Hythian immigrants are documented as settling with what remains of this population. The city of Klynia is founded in the heart of the new territories to administer the once Kledesian lands. A string of smaller cities are built, along with roads to connect them in order to properly control at least a small section of the territory. These cities, Lythania and Tystia are named for Klynius’ progenaic Mepartechs, leaders of the professional fighting core of the Unar, and are also famous for their military exploits. Overall, the nation recovers from the war, which expanded Hythia massively, despite the expense. Agricultural production increases due to the expansion of farmlands, the use of human, bovine, and equestrian excrement to enrich soil, and the construction of canals and tythoruses for irrigation. A basic form of crop rotation begins to appear with cereal crops, sweet potatoes, legumes, and then animal fodder become the standard. Each year farmers switch to the next in the crop sequence with many farms divided into four sections to maximize the overall yearly diversity. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms in and along the river bank. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition. Pomegranate and cotton become the favorite luxury crops as both are highly valuable and relatively easy to transport.
 * Qera: The prince still enjoys a massive support and popularity from the commoners and also the nobles. Yet after some time, the land redistribution laws turn out to be far less effective than they thought. Although the landlords are lifted from their power, competition between the settlements and villages is desired now. (more added later)


 * Vytia Culture: During this year the continual expansion of Vytia goes through new length with Daima, Nis, and Vynos expanding. However, Vynos becomes burdened with feeding its evergrowing urban population, as such they begin to cut down vast numbers of trees in the lands surrounding Vynos expanding agricultural land by 15 px and offering this new land to many poor within the city in order to farm Nis also begins a proces of expanding agricultural land by 5 px. In order to maintain the current land knowledge of how to farm the various crops is spread to the various farms. However, in order to cope with the water constraints, a new type of well designed to store the yearly monsoon rains are created. This helps expand our food surplus with the excess wood being used to create food storage, and ships. Daima follows a similar system of chopping down the trees, however, offering the land to former soldiers to farm off of and grow wealthy expanding agricultural land by 13 px. This encourages enlistment within the Daima army, expansion of Daima continues into neighboring lands. However, the oppression of Daima encourages many Vyt to flee east to the temperate river founding the city of Fygio. The land surrounding Milor proves to be very suited for agricultural with the city ordering the expansion of these farmlands. While in Vynos the expansion of agricultural encourages the city to build canals, and roads to transport the farmstuff back to their city. In order to officially keep track of the population but unofficially to monitor the lower-classes to prevent them from growing too strong the government orders yearly censuses to be taken that monitor population, family land size, and money to occur within Vynos (One census per five turns is fine). Furthermore, explorers continue to explore farther north of the Eastern side of the Bend of Vand, and an accident occurs where several sailors sail on Monsoon winds blowing west across the Gulf and manage to find their way back to Vytia on these same winds blowing west. They take note of this and record it down in severla books.
 * Ouayi: In the Kingdom, Belerik - feeling secure with guarantees from Yannis and Exhula - announces that war will be made with the slave city of Luls. He mobilizes the nation's navy, including the ships of the local merchants who base out of Ouayi, and begins a blockade of the city from the western shore. He then ships his army to encircle the city, and begins the siege. In total, 3,000 men are dispatched to capture the city of Luls.
 * Northern Saemonites: The ascension of Naditabirus to the status of King has prompted some general discontent due to his more hardline ruling style and military training. He begins his reign by stating that the Northern Realm will return to its superiority in the continent to please the goddess's Anatu and Humusi and to end the Era of Decline. This gains him much large support within the nation. He follows this statement with the raising of taxes to comfort areas of increased trade and society, with more developed regions with higher populations paying more while regions without development and primarily farm-filled are kept at a base fare of two-hundred. This also re-organizes the realm into numerous districts. Following this re-assortment, military conscription is imposed as prepare for large war against the realm's enemies and former tributaries. Spy networks are made throughout the Southern Realm, Kaughn, Herati, Ri'Kiva, and Mithadia in 455. In 458, with an army size of 25,000: 20,000 trained soldiers armed with large daggers while 5,000 are armed with bow and arrows, war is declared on Herati for re-conquest and re-subjugation. Much of the soldiers invading are promised land within the nation and as many slaves as the population of Herati supports, which boosts moral. Expected to be somewhat of a medium conflict, progress is asked for from Anatu, the Goddess of War (Mod).
 * Syres: The nation of Syres during this time supplied a number of men and ships to the cause of the Kingdom of Azoz. However, the number of land forces was considerably small, after the pro-independence faction won out, campaigning on the idea that the theft of Syresian levies to the empire was untenable. The navy was much more committed, especially as Darnan pirates began to threaten Syresian trade in the south. As attention was taken away from the army the navy continued to see expansion, with Syres’ main fleet seeing battle against pirates as far as Edom and the Gabatrian Sea. During this time the city nearly falls apart when the poor of the city exit in protest. The Hensa is forced to give the poor a number of concessions, including their own assembly and elected officials, in order to persuade them back into the city and back into Syresian society.
 * Darna: A great number of Darnans join the company of Emalia and Edom, becoming mercenaries in the wars of the south. Many slaves are captured and taken back to the Darnan islands. A number of Darna’s finest raiders take to the sea and begin to pillage the cities of the Thalutite Empire, traveling farther inland. 5,000 raiders travel up the Ashe River and extort payment from many major cities. They leave a path of destruction in their wake, destroying many smaller towns. All that is valuable is seized and taken back to the islands of Darna. Additionally many people are captured and enslaved, and these slaves are taken back to the Darna islands. In some cities the Darnan warriors demand that the cities pay them a hefty bribe in order to spare their cities, and when they do so this money is used to fuel more raids. Later when the Chatnan soldiers are defeated in the east, the Darnan navy arrives at Nerimos and takes thousands of people hostage as slaves. Many resist and are killed by a Darnan army. Many also decide to become mercenaries against the Thalutites or for various powers.
 * Exhulan Empire: The New dynasty becomes secure throughout this turn as the first children bearing the new name are born, Lorgar, Yiia, and Myrroam. We also send 4,000 forces to assist Ouyai in conquering Luls, on the condition that we are able to take a large portion of the population as slaves. Trade increases with Ouyai, Sillas, and Qera, as well as with Yannis as relations are slowly repaired. Nonetheless we Once again extend an invitation to Sillas to join the defensive pact between us and Qera, stating it is not just against Yannis but against aggression from any other powers, and that it would make us obligated to assist hem in future wars if they join (SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED!).
 * Khin Federation: By an auspicious sign from the heavens and a slowly expanding population, the Chanri announces the great hunt, where the riders of Khin shall venture to the far corners of the steppes for prey that will be sacrificed to Than. More contact is made with Azoz traders.


 * Sillan Republic: In order to facilitate foreign trade and to secure key trading routes, Cabeza Yanzen authorities the construction of 50 more ships – specifically 15 more mother-ships (for a total of ~25) and 35 more out-rigger ships (for a total of ~75). The mother-ships, driven largely by sail power, have rounded hulls and higher drafts; being intended to carry supplies and serve in defensive roles. Typically operating in pairs, its sailors are armed with heavy crossbows and pikes in order to discourage pirates from boarding. Meanwhile, the out-rigger ships are driven solely by three decks of oars and are fitted with outriggers – allowing for the ships to reach high speed without sacrificing stability. However, since both of these vessel types are essentially upscaled versions of riverine ships, they are not sea-worthy and are limited to littoral areas and requiring frequent resupplies at ports (only being able to withstand open sea conditions for a maximum of three or so days before exhausting supplies or risking capsizing). Meanwhile, the Cabeza Yanzen begins to tour around Silla to monitor the assimilation of newly-conquered and peripheral peoples; particularly within the recently-acquired and pacified Makuku provinces – where resistance and opposition to taxation have stifled the adoption of Sillan culture. Meanwhile, the official currency is changed from coinage to bars, with silver, gold, and copper also being accepted. Promissory notes made of silk (with written silk) is made, and as a result, many begin to store their money in bullion vaults. All city walls (consisting of rammed earth cores and brick exteriors) are annually maintained and reinforced, while an intricate system of canals and flattened dirt-roads are constructed to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, extensive sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and communal baths (accompanied by evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by a comprehensive system of aqueducts and minor water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation channels and groundwater-wells are built in agricultural lands to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (in the form of fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus resulting in high agricultural productivity. Excess produce is either sold to the market or is stored within town granaries to ensure food security. With heightened demand for consumer goods (both for domestic consumption and for export), many bloomeries and workshops are built – manufacturing a high quantity of textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelaneous wares), luxury goods (jewelry), farm tools, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization continues. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as staples; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, aquatic plants, soybeans), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (to acquire honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar. Economically, however, it specializes in the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and hunting of wild crocodiles and snake – all for the purpose of acquiring an alternative source of leather. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different, consisting of millet, wheat, and maize (though the latter is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include coffee, cotton, opiates and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans – intercropped together to maximize agricultural yield. While each plot of land is small (less than one-tenth of the hectare), it is capable of yielding seven harvests annually – enough to support a single household (assuming they utilize all produce for human consumption). In lower depths of water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Finally, the areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms raising fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs). In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civility through the assimilation of the barbarians.
 * Beraba: Beraba draws politically closer to Gahren, sending delegations to regulate trade and commerce between the two nations. Until now, the government of the nation had been based on individual Crown Princes. Now, with seven Princes, a governing body is codified as the Princely Council. Each prince will speak for their city and territory, but they will make decisions that affect the whole nation as a unit. The Court of the Princes is established in Ngaoudera, the geographic center of the nation. Cohibos, which lacks a prince, will be governed as a territory since adding another prince to the council would split the council evenly.

461-470
'In the aftermath of the Hythian defeat of the Kledesians, the tribes of the confederacy split into numerous, differing nations. In the north two nations emerge, Joredesh and Antanem, who both agree to become Hythian vassals. In the south one of the tribes migrates south and founds a city on the coast, known as Gomis. '

'Numerous Kledesian tribes invade the Irian nations. Most simply raid and take tribute, but some manage to conquer cities, beginning a period of Kledesian lordship over certain nations. Alternatively, several northern Irian cities take advantage of the chaos to expand north, and in the far north a new nation, known as Lomia is founded by an Irian king. '

'The attack by the nation of Ouayi against the city of Luls is successful, with Ouayi suffering 535 casualties in the attack. '

'The invasion of Herati by the Saemonites results in a Saemonite defeat, with the Saemonites suffering 5,300 casualties. Nevertheless the Herati offer to pay tribute to the Saemonites for them to leave the country. '

Explorers dispatched by the city of Vynos to the east encounter a city-state named Daukani, which offers to trade with Vynos.

'The nation of Benyisra, and other nations of the region, begin trading across the vast desert to the south, creating outposts at major oases along the route. They encounter a coast to the south where they establish small trading posts among the natives. '

'Ioxemander II of Edom is defeated and killed in battle, solidifying Lysimedes’ control over Erasidon, Edom, and Emalia. For a brief period the Mesallian rules over all three kingdoms, until his death in Year 454. '


 * Mang: After declaring isolationist, the leader dies from an unknown fate, and is replaced by Huzin Emperor, who happens to be the brother of Fuki Emperor. He was believed to be chosen by the 5 Mangi Stars (Backstory: The 5 Mangi Stars are five stars in a straight belt line, meant to represent by Mangis the honor and glory of the world, and the nation it shines bright upon, which the Mangis believed the five stars gave Mangi the pride it has.) The nation decides to explore a bit to the north, hoping to gain more land in case an invasion (who would try that) came into place, or just for the general purposes to expand the Mangi culture around the areas. The nation only send 45 explorers from the Mangi military to explore farther north to generalize the culture and the people living in the region security from outside threats. Legend said that two people tried to create wax wings to fly out and explore the stars, especially the 5 Mangi Stars. However, the idea wasn't enacted because it was nearly impossible, as the Mangis already had a legend dedicated to the 5 Mangi Stars, which was known by many Mangi civilians as "Honozo" - an old legend before the Mangi civilization existed in the known era. [Work in Progress]
 * Xeran Empire: Xeranvarus crushed Demus in the Battle of Isono, scattering most of the troops, although many joined on his side as well. At the climax of the battle, Demus himself fought fiercely, breaking through the enemy lines and facing Xeranvarus head on. Although two of Xeran's body guards were killed in the process, Demus himself was ultimately hacked down by a battle axe. From there Xeran marched south upon the city of Azoz itself. Randomo himself led the last remaining forces of Azoz against the revolt, consisting of less than 3,000 troops. The Battle of Teman was a clear slaughter for the enemy, and Randomo attempted to flee from the field but was picked off by an arrow. Xeranvarus then entered the city of Azoz itself, who by this time had turned to welcome the new leader and gladly gave up Ptalemus alive. Ptalemus willing abdicated the crown to Xaren, on the only condition he would be allowed to retire to his harem he grown accustomed to. Thus Xarenvarus was crowned Emperor of the Xera realms, inlcuding the King of Azoz, Frasnoq, Tuartha, Usilinago, Edom and Sephimora. Xeranvarus first declared he was to destroy the barbarian invasion of the Tobarnmites, and dispatched 15,000 troops to the south led by General Remu to conquer the entirety of the Tobarnmite realms, including what they previously owned in the south. Having secured occupation of the city of Frasnoq, Xeran used this opportunity to spread the faith of Ulm and culture of Azoz through the region, and declare his reign as a hallmark of a united, homogenous culture through the entire empire as a whole. Various new libraries and centers of learning and culture are spread to various cities, taking the same model of Iskandaria and consolidating their religion and philosphy into a single, consistent message. Since all the former governors had donated their armies to the defense of the Emalian invasion, the Xaren dynasty now had complete and total control of the government, and fully completed the policies of establishing annexed satraps started by previous Regents. Azoz was proclaimed to be the official capital of the empire, with all other major cities expanded to accomodate local military garrisons. Xarenvarus further implemented a reform to establish a centralized road system across the entire empire, allowing quick access between major cities as far flung as Fotashe and Ioximander-Farthest. A census was taken at this time to determine the full extent of the military and tax pool. The Castelian Wall continues to be constructed. The military is further expanded and recovered from the civil war, including expansion of a more advanced navy in both Seita, Tuartha, Neum, Nerimos, and Dascalos. A new western navy is likewise built on ports constructed on the western coast, with a total of eleven ships made in Ioximander-Farthest and Fotashe. A military expedition of 1,400 men is sent to aid Eskaladun, our vassal, expand west along the coast into the black, trying to confirm if the lake is actually in fact a bay. A military contingent of 20,000 troops under General Joab is sent north toward Syres, annexing more territory east to touch Valun. Syres is offered to be given complete independence, as long as they remain in the same economic sphere of Azoz and retain relations as a friendly military ally. The military of Joab is sent into Syres to expel all the Darnan piracy and liberate their ports. Any Darnan ships caught near the coastline are fully captured and are forced to disembark in Xera, simultaneously freeing all their slaves and forcing the Darnan crew to live in the empire. 
 * Qera: New laws that give land to the respective community give groth to the economy in the rural areas, where every community competes over the prices of their grain on the markets of the major cities. Farmers are responsible for their fields by themselves, yet the state is allowed to seize the land and produce in order to combat a famine or similar crisis. Population continues to grow, especially in the "new" colony of Uotahtzija (the colony becomes rural) The trade with Exhula requires a large army to combat pirates and corsars, while smaller tribes to the west are integrated to the realm of Qera (50 px to the southwest are claimed). One of them are the Vaskatan, or as they call themselves Bästssatan, who are relatively small compared to other tribes in the empire with only around 3,000 members, yet they are known to resist the Qeran forces for around three years, until they disappear without anybody having seen or heard about them. The land they previously owned is now under Qeran rule. A party of soldiers, diplomats and translators is sent out, to contact the Vaskatan leaders and turn them into a vassal or incorporate them into Qera (MOD RESPONSE; PLEASE). The cultivation of potatoes has by now replaced largely the rice production in the dry south of Qera proper. In Uotahtzija and Ollea wheat starts to be cultivated in large scale along potatoes since it is dryer. Cash crops like cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper are grown in large quantities. Culurally, Qera sees a time of flourishing arts like pottery, jewelery, and sculptures being produced with turquois, copper, iron, gold and from the tagua palm (also called the ivory palm). Notable popular images are religious scenes or scenes from the national epos Qojoquez. Political influence over the Dholbalan and the Adjibans is made, with many diplomats entering the courts of the countries. Since the Dholbalan have a long time of political influence from Qera and are on good terms, the Prince Yller II personally asks the king of the Dholbalan to join the Qeran-Exhulan alliance of defense (MOD RESPONSE, Please). Trade with the Ajibans increases.


 * Hythia: Years 168-177 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarch Klynius passes his authority to his two generals, Lythanius and Tystius. The two will share the Meunarchship as co-Meunarchs in these trying times. In accordance with Hythia’s treaties, food, weapons, armor, 3,000 heavy cavalry, and 2,000 light cavalry are sent to our friends the Herati. The rise of the dual Meunarchs causes the Council of the Partechs to become increasingly irrelevant as power becomes increasingly concentrated. With the Kledesians subdued, Lythanius marches south with 1,000 men to consolidate Hythian authority over the remnants of the tribal confederation and establish vassals from the remainder of the states. Gomis is offered a trade arrangement under which it will retain independence but accept Hythian missionaries and merchants as terms of a peace deal. Additionally, a map of their surroundings is demanded. [Mod Response] Further road networks are built to the south and another three cities founded to extend the administrative influence of Hythia. These cities, Lyanta, Syllia, and Pysa, are each built a days’ horse ride apart due south from Klynia. The road, with the customary guard houses is extended down into Antanem (the eastern state) with the intention of connecting to Gomis in the south. The full development of the new land is organized around a system of grants under which single citizens can claim as much as one quarter square septon (160 acres) and married citizens may claim three-fifths of a septon (384 acres). The depopulation of the cities of Hythia does cause significant issues with revenue, but the end of the war allows the government to cut back greatly on its spending. Furthermore, under the grant arrangement the new farmers agree to pay double taxes for five years after the first full harvest. A full 10,000 families are settled from across the nation to fill out the rural northwest, southeast, and around the recently founded cities in the south. This great ruralization of the nation sees increased agricultural output but an overall reduction in trade revenues. However, it also witnesses a minor population explosion as rural mothers are known to bear more children who more often survive to adulthood in the absence of the disease of the cities. The labor provided by enslaved Kledesians helps continue the public works projects of the past while decreasing the dependence on the Hythian workforce. The administrative burden of the protracted war sees the creation of new governing power structures including the establishment of a standing mint for the creation of Hythian coinage, as well as the introduction of more standard taxation and levy policies that reach a greater percentage of the population. Overall, the nation recovers from the war, which expanded Hythia massively, despite the expense. Agricultural production increases due to the expansion of farmlands, the use of human, bovine, and equestrian excrement to enrich soil, and the construction of canals and tythoruses for irrigation. A basic form of crop rotation begins to appear with cereal crops, sweet potatoes, legumes, and then animal fodder become the standard. Each year farmers switch to the next in the crop sequence with many farms divided into four sections to maximize the overall yearly diversity. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms in and along the river bank. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition. Pomegranate and cotton become the favorite luxury crops as both are highly valuable and relatively easy to transport. Under direct orders from the Meunarchs, a band of 200 heavy and light cavalrymen cross the southern mountain pass to the eastern wastes. They are ordered to return with information about the lands of the east and to verify the truthfulness of the reports of savage cannibals. They are accompanied by a band of female warrior monks of Hythus, the Hytoriy, who are in many ways similar to the Bysula of the past.
 * Gomis accepts the offer. 
 * The Herati send a message to Hythia offering to become a vassal of Hythia if they help Herati to repulse the Saemonites. 
 * Hythian Update: (Steph asked me to post this) Envoys are sent to the South Saemonites and to Mithadia, promising each land in the Saemonites' realm in exchange for aid (they accept). The Hythians also send word to their vassals and allies, although not the recently acquired Kledesian states, and 10,000 men are raised from them. After this the Hythians accept the offer to vassalize the Herati, and raise an army against the Saemonites.
 * Northern Saemonites: The ascension of Naditabirus to the status of King has prompted some general discontent due to his more hardline ruling style and military training. He begins his reign by stating that the Northern Realm will return to its superiority in the continent to please the goddess's Anatu and Humusi and to end the Era of Decline. This gains him much large support within the nation. He follows this statement with the raising of taxes to comfort areas of increased trade and society, with more developed regions with higher populations paying more while regions without development and primarily farm-filled are kept at a base fare of 200. This also re-organizes the realm into numerous districts. Following this re-assortment, military conscription is imposed as prepare for large war against the realm's enemies and former tributaries. After the major loss, the war is considered to not be over until the Heratian King's head is cut off. With this, the infantry is once more increased by another 40,000, making the total now 59,700. Although expecting the daggers to be a successfully useful weapon, their failure causes for them to be deduced to a secondary close-combat weapon, and as such spears are replaced as the primary weapon. The offer for Herati to become a tributary state is declined, and as such another invasion is launched into the region in 462 (Mod).
 * A second battle takes place between the Saemonites and the Herati, with the Saemonites being victorious. The Herati suffer 6,600 casualties, Hythia suffers 1,290 casualties, and the Saemonites suffer 5,300 casualties.
 * Vytia Culture: In these times of growth and prosperity change comes to Vytia as fast as the Monsoon winds. Within the Most Serene Vynos, the current Maz Div Kynr Birtyzi, the adopted son of the former Maz Div Jor Birtyzi, begins to build up his power base. He starts a land distribution program to the soldiers within the army winning their loyalty to him. He also begins numerous "welfare" programs to the people in order to gain the common folk's trust in him - and begins to build infrastructure throughout the city and surrounding farmland, along with building forms of entertainment for the people to enjoy including Amphitheaters, and Blood Pits. The Most Seren Vynos accepts the offer from Daukani to trade with them following their merchants back to their city in order to find the trade route. Farmland in Vynos is continually expanded through the chopping of trees and is expanded by 15 px. Within Daima the expansion of Land continues into foreign lands by about 10 px continually conquering the neighboring people and enslaving them. They also continue the process of settling soldiers onto newly created farmlands expanding it by 15 px. Within Milor and Kygras the cultivation of wheat and barley on the suitable farmland begins allowing them to further utilize livestock within their agriculture and beginning a surplus in order to accomodate this they expand farmland by about 10 px. Within Nis the cultivation of grapes, black plums, rice, mangoes, and mustard starts increasing the demand for farmland within the city expanding it about 20 px. Iron weapons produced by the Daima begin to spread throughout the Til Valley and beyond throughout Vytia. We continue our exploration of the Eastern Coast north of Kygras and explore farther Northwest and travel through the river of Mang and Xinaben along with the two northwestern Rivers.
 * Exhulan Empire: With the succesful capture of the city of Luls by our ally Ouyai with our assistance, the city is sacked and we enslave one-fourth of the population, and before the forces we sent to assist him, led by the Empress, depart a great celebration is held outside the walls of the city as we feast on the city’s food stores and enjoy the spoils of war we split with our Allies during this great celebration. However, as the celebration goes on both Empress Nyccia and King Belerik end up getting extremely drunk and sleeping with each other, resulting in the birth of a bastard son named Raccim nine months later, after Nyccia has already departed back to Siccarius. Her husband does not take it well, but since she holds the real power he can't do anything, and when he tries to have the child killed in 463 she has him executed by decapitation, leaving her authority unquestioned. She begins heavily building up the military again and begins implementing Agricultural reforms to increase crop yield, testing a rudimentary form of crop rotation for the first in the Fertile Northern Colonies, which become a heavy focus of colonization as thousands are moved to the area, founding six cities in the area, named Masier, Bosor, Rtteor, Assiron, Dyral, and Petra, although the area continues to be mostly agriculturaly focused as production of wheat and other food crops within the temprate region continues to increase. The further expansion of the Sarkoni guard increases, with them numbering about 6,000 by now and being used by the Empress to begin suppressing dissent in several areas and to monitor (and in some cases.... dispose of) her political enemies and rivals, giving her an iron tight grip over Siccarius and all of its affairs. Trade continues to increase with Ouyai, Sillas, and Qera, as well as with Sayalen, and we continue to trade and slowly repair relations with Yannis. We also begin sending Hcctaal Preachers into Qera again, alibit in small numbers. Finally, the Empress begins seeking war with Teninukal (as we only agreed to a white peace instead of actually agreeing on a non-aggression pact and it’s been over 70 years since the last war by the time this is prepared for) and thus has her son marry a minor Siccarian Noblewoman from a small Loyalist family and father a child (later found out to be a daughter, but the birth only occurred post departure of Lorgar, Nyccia, and Myrroam) before they depart while they make preparations for the war, departing with 29,000 Soldiers near the end of 469 after the birth occurred earlier in the year, arriving and marching through Amyirth before launching a three pronged attack into Teninukal, with one led up the coast led by Lorgar, one led up the other side by Myrroam, and one, led by Nyccia herself, through the center, planning on meeting up with Lorgar’s prong Of attack at the river farther up the land if these attacks succeed. Lorgars prong has 9,000 troops, Myrroam’s has 9,000, and Nyccia’s has 11,000 troops ALGORITHM NEEDED!. We also ask to open trade relations with Cazekorom (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). Finally, in the chaos of the civil war Irrulmism was able to gain a significant following in Exhula in the chaos, but it has remained a minority. However, it has now begun sending missionaries into Sillas and Qera, seeking to spread beyond Exhulas borders.
 * Mesallian Culture: The death of Lysimedes was a major event in Mesallian history, closing the chapter of the “War of the Successors”, and ushering in a period of culture and cooperation among the known world. In matters of religion the conquests of Ioxemander had opened the door for the Mesallian religion to spread across the empire, with the emperor founding numerous notable temples during his lifetime, as did many of his descendants. While the primary Mesallian cities of the northern peninsulas saw little religious change, several cities in the south and other parts of the empire saw the introduction of new gods and customs, ss foreign influence began to spread back to Mesallas as well. Parts of the native Edomite religion were particularly popular, with the cult of the goddess Seza even spreading as far as the city of Agira. The island of Oximilos would become another center for the worship of Seza, with a major temple being constructed during this time. Several gods would come about through religious syncretism, one such notable god being Soronis. The god would be mentioned in the account of Aphimus, who lived around the time just after Ioxemander’s death, who states that Soronis had a temple in Azoz built by the emperor. Whether or not this would have been the case in an Ulmian city such as Azoz, this would become the earliest known mention of the god in literature. Around the same time Asandius of Edom is said to have dispatched a raid to the city of Isono to take the cult statue of Soronis back to Edom, after being instructed by an “unknown god” in a dream. Whatever the case, the first known temple of Soronis was built in Edom by Asandius, and was promoted by the later rulers of Edom descended from Lysimedes. The exact characteristics of the bod aren’t fully known, but they are believed to have come from a combination of Mesallian and Edomite deities. Also during this time the Cult of Lementer emerged as a major force in the city, creating lavish temples in Edom, Iskandria, and other cities. According to one account, the Cult of Lementer had secretly orchestrated the entirety of the War of the Successors. Various sources indicate that they pulled the strings of Asandius’ reign to gain full control over Edom, and that they had created Ioxemander II from among their own ranks. Although still unlikely, the idea that the Lementarians were behind the government of Edom bears some truth to it, judging by their increased presence in Edomite society around this time, and their close relationship with many Edomite rulers. Other sources accuse them of assassinating figures such as Xeracles, Evandus, or even Ioxemander himself, but most of these claims have little to no evidence about them. Also in Edom, the promotion of a cult around Ioxemander himself emerged. Although such a practice was unheard of in Mesallas, the practice was likely introduced from elsewhere in the empire, and surrounded Ioxemander due to his mythical and unprecedented conquests. Although Mesallas was reluctant to adopt such a practice, the many cities that Ioxemander had founded accepted the idea, due in part to the tradition of Mesallian cities attributing the founding of their cities to divine heroes or gods. Asandius would also be responsible for shaping the cult in Edom, and later Evanematra followed suit. Monuments in Edom became centers for the worship of Ioxemander, and this also helped to solidify the new ruler’s legitimacy, due to their connections to the late emperor, which led to worship of many Edomite rulers after as well. Due to Azozian influence, the Ulm religion likewise spread back east, growing in major cities in the north of Edom, such as Iskandria. Just as Ioxemander had founded numerous cities during his reign, many of his successors did as well in their new territories. Notably, Lysimedes is credited with founding the city of Calepa (named after his wife), in the southern end of the Melopenes Peninsula. Asandius would found the city of Ascana south of Edom, which became a temporary capital of the kingdom during Ioxemander II’s brief reign. Farther south along the Meran Lysimedes would begin construction of the city Lysimedia, which would be completed by Evanematra. The queen would also commission Evanematria several years later. In Sephimora Lysimedes would also found the city of Democratos, which quickly eclipsed the much older cities in the west to become the honorary “Fourth City” of the Sephimoran coast, along with Nerimos, Dascelos, and Ghanis. During this time Mesallian culture in the Great Lakes region would lead to the first Mesallian-style statues of Tahuan and Enulmian figures, as well as representations of Enyeas in artwork. There the Tahuan revolt had been crushed with aid from the Yannis Empire, allowing Neoptolanus to establish a dynasty in the region that would continue through his son.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: This year the tsar visits the kingdoms first ever centenarian (100-year-old citizen) and awards him the centenarian medal. We begin researching more complicated mathematics.
 * Ri'Kiva: Over the recent Saemonite declaration, we send an alliance proposal to Mithadia and Hythia. The fortress at Sud'Kivja is massively expanded, with a secondary stone wall being placed between the hold and the river port. The bridge to the South of Sud'Kivja is rigged to collapse in case of Saemonite ships. A few forts are built along the border, and minor conscription is implimented. Arms depots are built near towns in order to ensure hasty mobilization. Infrastructure is put in place to evacuate the noncombatant population of Suh'Hyik and Sud'Kivja. Food storages are built in Ri'Kiva, and they are filled from excess harvests. The colonies continue to grow, most notably in Kjv'arn and So'dor, where a native/Ri'Kivan elite begins to emerge. Exploration and economic penetration continues south of Iria, west of Gahren, and southwest from Kjv'arn.
 * Yannis Empire: A great stadium is built in the Holy City of Yagothna-vis, which will host festivals and games for the holy citizens of the city. When the stadium is opened a great celebration is held, in which there is gladiatorial combat, ritual sacrifices, and games of sport. A small shanty town is also created and brought out to the center of the stadium, so that people can act out the “Fall of Chatna”, in which Holy Men destroy the mock town and slaughter a number of Ulmian prisoners, who were placed within the assembly. There is a great uproar from the crowd as the cheer on the fall of the Thalutites. An Ulmian prisoner, who was a pricey royal-blood slave from Darna, dressed in the regalia of a Patra is strapped to the top of the city, with a crown of thorns on his head. An inscription states, “behold, the false prophet Thalutus”. As the mock city burns he is burned alive, much to the crowd’s enjoyment. The nation begins an increase in its navies, with larger ships mounted with artillery being constructed. The Yannians begin to incorporate catapults into their line of siege weapons. The major cities of the empire see interest in constructing new walls, now that many of them have grown past their original boundaries. It is ordered that these cities will have walls made of earth and stone, incredibly thick and taller than most walls of the world. In the Holy City of Yagothna-vis this includes the most impressive fortifications. The lower portion of the city features a great number of artificial islands of extremely fertile land in the shallow banks of the Soloney River. A great network of islands emerge in the delta, connected by canals into the city, which are guarded by gates. In the other nearby deltas and rivers of the fertile Yannis empire other floating islands emerge, but they are especially popular in Lake Xlaban. In case of drought or other problems, the Anointed One orders the creation of reservoirs and cisterns in the major cities and around farming areas, which are supplied by canals and aqueducts. The easternmost provinces of the empire see expansion east, claiming part of the peninsula above our trusted ally Ouyai, and in the north up to the nearby river.
 * Beraba: After years of dissatisfaction and unrest, the citizens of Cohibos and the Lake Region demand their own representation on the Princely Council. After careful consideration, the cadet branch of House Hjadra, known as Hjadra-Xun, is given the title of Crown Prince. This elevates the number of princes on the Princely Council to eight. The power to break ties is rotated between the eight princes once a year, so that all the Houses have an equal amount of power. The textile industry continues to boom as new methods of dyeing fabric are researched. More expansion occurs around Lake Conylt due to the discovery of a rare fish that is considered a delicacy among the Great Houses of Beraba. Expansion also continues in the south, to the west of the Salt Road onto the southern peninsula.
 * Syres: The nation accepts the offer from the Xeran Empire, hoping to rid itself of Darnan piracy. The decision to welcome Azozian troops into the city is minimally controversial, but it is accepted due to the dire state of the piracy situation. With renewed vigor the nation’s navy is sent to uproot the Darnan presence. The straits near Syres are patrolled by ships, with small camps being set up by Syresian soldiers on either end of the straits. Slowly the straits are cut off, preventing easy movement of Darnan ships into the south, and it is hoped that this will allow the Xeran Empire in the south an easy opportunity to capture or destroy the ships still operating in the area. Numerous religious movements spread to the city of Syres from Mesallas, after the city’s short time as a Mesallian vassal. A small sect of the Cult of Ioxemander appears in the city, among the most adamantly anti-Azozian of the lower-classes. He also becomes heavily associated with the Syresian deity Victory.
 * Darna: The King of Darna launches a major expedition to destroy Azoz itself. One of the largest armies ever assembled sails for the Ashe River. The great army decides against taking too many slaves or loot for the time being, so that they can remain highly mobile. They sack the cities of the coast, sailing closer and closer toward the unholy city. Eventually they are stopped at the eastern city and attack it for a time, but ultimately choose to continue on land, pillaging and ravaging the lands. They sail back for the coast and flee into the ocean before any proper defense can be made. None of the Thotites is spared or saved. Many are killed or enslaved. The stolen treasure is used to build more ships and improve the military.


 * Sillan Republic: '''With news of the invasion of Teninkual by the Exhulans, the Sillans quickly amass an army of 25,000 troops (consisting of 6,250 cavalrymen, 1,250 crossbowmen, and 17,500 infantrymen) organized into five army divisions. In addition, in exchange for lowering the annual slave quota from ~1,000 to ~500, 5,000 Makuku mercenaries are hired to serve auxiliary roles; thus increasing the total number of Sillan-led forces to ~30,000. Sillan-led forces – grouped loosely together to allow flexibility and to repel enemy attacks – rapidly advanced northward, using their numerical superiority and ranged weaponry to crush any advancing enemy troops. Any settlements that agree to surrender are ordered to provide Sillan armies needed goods and commodities. Meanwhile, any settlements that refuse (and surrounding farmland) are immediately razed, with displaced populations being forced to resettle in unaffected settlements (bringing the news of Sillan invasion); this influx of refugees leads to destabilization of native populations, thus encouraging immediate capitulation to Sillan forces upon encountering them. For encountered fortified settlements, a policy of encirclement is used to exhaust defending militias of supplies, while heavy crossbows (firing both crossbow bolts and incendiary arrows) are used to inflict damage from a range. Once the defending garrison is weakened, Sillan forces then besiege the settlement from multiple directions – increasing the chances of a successful breach. Upon reaching the Teninkualese capital (assumingly heavily-fortified), the five army divisions then diverge. Two army divisions proceed to attack from the south – drawing enemy troops outside of the city and proceeding to outmaneuver them with massed cavalry charges. When approaching the enemy formations, cavalry use bows to inflict attrition and to disorganize enemy troops, before switching to melee weapons. In order to inflict shock, the first ranks use lances, while the following ranks use sabers as their main weapon (due to its effectiveness close combat), which are superior to clumsy and inferior thrusting-spears. They then proceed to raze the city and damage enemy fortifications with incendiary arrows and crossbow bolts and utilize siege engines (rams) to create numerous breaches in enemy defenses. Once enemy fortifications are weakened, the three remaining army divisions arrive (with one arriving from the south; and the other pair arriving from the north) and join the other two army divisions in besieging the city – this arrangement allows the Sillan forces to overwhelm the defenders and prevent them from successfully coordinating their defenses against the Sillans.''' All city walls (consisting of rammed earth cores and brick exteriors) are annually maintained and reinforced, while an intricate system of canals and flattened dirt-roads are constructed to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, extensive sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and communal baths (accompanied by evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by a comprehensive system of aqueducts and minor water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation channels and groundwater-wells are built in agricultural lands to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (in the form of fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus resulting in high agricultural productivity. Excess produce is either sold to the market or is stored within town granaries to ensure food security. With heightened demand for consumer goods (both for domestic consumption and for export), many bloomeries and workshops are built – manufacturing a high quantity of textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelaneous wares), luxury goods (jewelry), farm tools, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization continues. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as staples; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, aquatic plants, soybeans), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (to acquire honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar. Economically, however, it specializes in the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and hunting of wild crocodiles and snake – all for the purpose of acquiring an alternative source of leather. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different, consisting of millet, wheat, and maize (though the latter is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include coffee, cotton, opiates and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans – intercropped together to maximize agricultural yield. While each plot of land is small (less than one-tenth of the hectare), it is capable of yielding seven harvests annually – enough to support a single household (assuming they utilize all produce for human consumption). In lower depths of water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Finally, the areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms raising fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs). In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civility through the assimilation of the barbarians.

471-480
'A Tabornite chief named Arsamesneqem seizes control over the city of Fashnoq after the previous governor in the city fails to pay a substantial enough bribe to its invading army. Rather than face retaliation from the government in Azoz, Arsamesneqem pledges to become a vassal of the Azozians as long as his governorship over Fashnoq is confirmed, and in exchange pledges to end the incursion of rival Tabornites into Azozian territory all together, by conquering them for Azoz. '

'The Exhulan march along the coast into Teninukal, led by Lorgar, is decisively defeated, with Lorgar’s army suffering 5,700 total casualties. Myrroam’s army is also defeated, suffering 3,450 casualties. Nyccia’s army achieves a minor victory, suffering 2,700 casualties. The Sillan attack is successful, capturing southeast Teninukal. The Sillans suffer 3,700 total casualties in battle and another 3,000 casualties from other causes. '

'Teninukal raises a large army to counter the invasion, crossing over the border into Exhula, and also enlists the aid of many Makuku states or their mercenaries. One of the leaders of Teninukal sends a message to Sillas, promising to accept vassalage under Sillas if they expel the Exhulans. '

The Azozian expedition to the west encounters that the region west of Eskaladun is particularly difficult terrain to traverse, with the native tribes fiercely beating back expedition parties, with many disappearing completely.

'The Darnan sack of the Ashe River results in numerous towns being destroyed. In the retreat back to Darna, however, many of the Darnans are killed or captured after the locals stage an organized counterattack. '

'The Vaskatan refuse the offer to become a vassal of Qera. Similarly, Dholbalan is willing to ally with Qera, but is unaware of who Exhula is, and so does not want to accept an alliance with them. '

'The Mithadians accept the offer from Hythia and order 50,000 men to cross the border into Saemonite territory and siege their coastal cities. Additionally the South Saemonites dispatch 50,000 troops toward the Saemonite capital. Their king, Nesaranasser IV means to oust the Saemonite king and unite the two realms, at which point he secretly plans to counter the foreign invasions. '

'The nation of Anakadeham experiences a period of upheaval, with numerous nations breaking from their empire, and rival kingdoms being forced around them. (Note: The nations of Avsylann and Anakadeham have gotten confused, Avsylann is the name of the one that is near Qaaryat.)'

'Several of the explorers dispatched by the nation of Vynos discover trade posts in the northern desert. The traders they encounter claim to be from a nation called Benyisra, and they seek to spread their religion to the newcomers. '


 * Xeran Empire: Xarenvarus continues to administer over the empire from Azoz, but now the more complex beauracracy under him has been taken care of matters in his name. Arsamesn is accepted as Satrap of Frasnoq, but as a result the Tabornites living in the region were required to be annointed into the Ulm faith. The Holy Patra Levian III called a Grand Council of Patras to be held in the city of Medan. This council, filled with the most eminnet Ulmian theologians of every branch and flavor, was tasked to compile a single theologic doctrine to be mandated across the entirety of the empire. The extent to which this Council enforced its policies is often debated by historians. Some have argued that their theology was the same as that of earlier, Orthodox Ulm, and successfully eliminated the syncretic denominations. On the other hand, more critical scholars point out that the council instead worked to recognize all Nerlimic religions as the same, Ulmian communion of one theology, represented in different cultures. As a result of the council, however, more obscure mystery cults surrounding Ioximander and Shema were gradually removed from public discource of theology, and transitioned to become cloesd-off secret societies. The native pagan religion in Edom also began to phase out at this time, as Xeran ordered the Edomite temples to be converted into Monestaries. At the same time, other religions such as Lementarianism and Enulmism begin spreading farther than ever, appearing in the southern territories as well as Emalia and Susaylon. Occam of Iskandaria was the most famous scholar at this time, most famous for "Occam's razor" which is a cornerstone of the modern scientific method. Occam was also profficient with the earlier mathematical works of Ganddai, and used it to calculate the precise trajectory of objects in reference to gravity. This was especially usefulf for the continued advances in the military, which at this time perfected the use of long-distance catepults. On the western coast, a new porrt city of Garan is made just north of Ioximander-Farthest, where the new western fleet has been started. From Garan, the fleet of three ships is tasked to move north along the coast, and attempt to meet up with the northern coast mapped out in previous exploations. In the east, an exploration mission of three large ships and five smaller ships is sent to open trade relations with the kingdoms of Jaris, Bangelor, Angelites, and the Isles. We offer them fine crafted bronze and copper, alumite, and copies of the Nelrimic scriptures. Cyris is overall in charge of carrying out this mission, and appointed as embassador to these nations in the Far East. Being a convert of Enulmism himself, the theology given by their religious mission is more Enulmian based than Orthodoxy. Xarenvarus was next tasked with the largest land campaign of his reign, against the Valun. General Remu comprised 60,000 people of Azoz and 20,000 of Eskaladun into his army, focusing mainly on the cavalry-heavy tactics learned from the Tabornites and Usilinagans. Eskaladun's attack was mainly used as a distraction, while the rest of Remu's forces pushed in a coordinated three-part attack to carve out a new border against the Valun, comfortably away from the Occidental Mountains. Having crushed the initial forces, Remu pushed farther against the Valun capital, forcefully deposing the current monarch. Nkore, a lower officer of the Valun army, betrayed to Remu's side at the last minute, and so was chosen by Remu to be the new monarch of the kingdom. Nkore was forced to sign a treaty by Remu, recognizing the new borders and paying annual tribute to the Xerans ever since. In the north, Xaren's navy of 30 warships and 80 smaller ships were led under the command of General Joab, in addition to an infantry command of 30,000 soldiers. They offer to aid Syres to declare war on the Kingdom of Darna, and help Syres recapture the island they had lost from Darna for so many years, and along the way exact enough tribute to compensate for Darna's attacks on the Ashe River.
 * Northern Saemonites: The ascension of Naditabirus to the status of King has prompted some general discontent due to his more hardline ruling style and military training. He begins his reign by stating that the Northern Realm will return to its superiority in the continent to please the goddess's Anatu and Humusi and to end the Era of Decline. This gains him much large support within the nation. He follows this statement with the raising of taxes to comfort areas of increased trade and society, with more developed regions with higher populations paying more while regions without development and primarily farm-filled are kept at a base fare of two-hundred. This also re-organizes the realm into numerous districts. Following this re-assortment, military conscription is imposed as prepare for large war against the realm's enemies and former tributaries. With the successful invasion on Herati, the war continues onward as the soldiers march into the capital and start besieging the city [currently 54,400 attacking] (Mod response on siege). The declaration of war from Hythia invokes both higher national morality for the war and discontent, with many seeing the large war as the returning to the Golden Era of the Saemonites while others consider it to be costly and unwinnable. The Mangonel is created, and begins being produced in 473, and will be used during the expected final years of the war as secondary help on the front. The slavery number reaches 175,000, and after some speculation, it is decided for a minimum of 90,000 slaves to be recruited in the military. To actually get their support and full moral in the war effort, freedom and land is offered in return for their efforts. They are armed with spears and shields, as well as much of the battle armor and protection used by most lower class military divisions that are cheap to produce. They remain on standby, waiting for the next declaration of war from our neighboring enemies. Offers for vassalized states are sent to the already sieged down Herati and its friend Hythia, as well as the state of Kaughn (Mod/Player Responses).
 * Mesallian Culture: The conflict between the Water Merchants and the Cult of Lementer had been an ancient feud, but in the third year of the 67th Jafiad (Year 470), a full scale war broke out as a result of their animosity. Both organizations had risen considerably during the period of Ioxemander and his successors. The Water Merchants had crushed their hated adversary of Karissa, establishing a presence in the Melopenes once more, but also had benefited by the fall of Usinilago and other obstacles in the south, allowing them to become the premiere traders across the Chatnan Empire, and its successor states. Despite their close proximity and similarities to the Mesallians, the people of Usinilago had retained their unique culture and religion, and as a result had historically resisted the Cult of Lementer from permeating its borders. Despite also initially rejecting the Water Merchants and invading the Umhlaba Confederacy on numerous occasions, after Ioxemander forcefully opened Usinilago to the Mesallian world they came to accept them, with many texts of the period finding parallels between the god Caniphon of Cania and the Iouneosasan (nation of Usinilago) god of the sea, Crascituno. No longer on opposite sides of an international border, the Water Merchants established trade routes linking Isono and Ajayiba to Usinilago and other Iouneosasan cities. Years prior, as the civil war in Edom was waged, the Water Merchants had experienced their own upheaval as well. After decades of conflict between the Azozian-appointed line of High Tyrants in Isono and the mysterious underground council of Umhlaba, the council emerged from the shadows and successfully led a takeover of much of the confederacy. Parallel to the larger fighting around Edom, a smaller, lesser known conflict took place, and by the ascension of the Xaren Dynasty in Azoz, Isono itself had fallen to the councilmen. According to one legend, the Cult of Lementer partially infiltrated the council, as the Lementarians were able to influence the fragile government while in hiding in Edom. The Umhlaban writer Aldracod states that this would be the most disastrous year in the history of the Water Merchants, nearly destroying the organization entirely. One by one the members of the council turned on each other out of paranoia and mistrust. One of its allies, Ghis Ra Atun, seized control over Isono and instigated a purge of much of the remaining council. He would step down and allow for a new election, which selected Lisnaro Basus as new High Tyrant, while Ghis Ra Atun remained an enforcer of his reign and trusted advisor. Together they reunited the confederacy, but the confederacy had become a shell of its former self. They would found a new stronghold in the center of the confederacy, known simply as The Hub. In the far west Azozian officials had taken over much of the confederacy’s branches, with many Water Tyrants of the mountains and the Asamdah having converted to Ulmism. The High Tyrant was a vassal of the governor in Usinilago, and in the east, found itself contending with a renewed Edomite and Lementarian presence. Specifically, the Lementarians had extended their secret network all along the Meran River, by taking a keen interest in the construction of new settlements along its banks. The southern of Edom is where the Lementarians would build one of their largest strongholds, the Necropolis of Lementer, a city of the dead. Here they build colossal statues that stood towering over the endless sands, labyrinths of ancient tombs from centuries of interred Edomite bodies, and long tunnels and mines. These structures would become the center of the Lementarian advance into the deserts of the south and west, disrupting the main vestige of Water Merchant control. Under this pretext the great war between the two seemed inevitable, but now both sides had the backing of various nation states and powerful benefactors. The war began when the Lementarians persuaded the city guard of Edom to raid the Water Merchant quarter. Edomite soldiers cracked down on them, scattering the Water Merchants from one of their most profitable outposts. After this profitable raid the officer in charge, Sanandenun, was promoted to governor of Iskandria, supposedly with through the corruption of the Lementarians. As it turned out, Sanandenun was one of the descendants of the tyrants of Agira, when the city had been conquered by Karissa. The Water Merchants were able to persuade the Agirans to take action, as the Lementarians had not only attacked their ally, but had promoted one of the city’s hated outlaws. Additionally, the local government in Iskandria had taken numerous loans from the city of Agira, which the Agirans needed to recoup. Agira responded by sending Euxenus and 2,200 soldiers to the city. When Euxenus arrived he was greeted as an honored guest, and told that Sanandenun had been betrayed and killed. Euxenus responded by bringing his soldiers ashore, and led them through the city to intimidate the Lementarians. The Iskandrians, disgusted by this arrogant act, began to protest and riot, and Euxenus fled to the city’s small royal quarter. The collection of government buildings in the north of the city became barricaded by the Agirans, and they discovered that they had accidentally taken many of the Lementarian high priests into custody by doing so, as they were trapped within the fortified royal quarter. Euxenus tried to negotiate with the captives to have the Agiran debts repaid, but this failed, and elsewhere the riots in the city continued, most likely encouraged by the high priests. As holder of the royal quarter, Euxenus decided to appoint a new governor over the city, named Cimon, who was also a relative of the Edomite royal family. In response 10,000 Iskandrians took up arms with support of the military and the Lementarians, with a still alive Sanandenun reappearing to led the siege of the royal quarter. Euxenus sent messages out of the city calling for aid, but soon Sanandenun prevented any word from getting in or out of the city. Euxenus ordered some of his men to break out to the north and take the royal harbor, and they successfully fought back the Iskandrians and set fire to part of their fleet. According to one legend this fire spread to engulf the Library of Iskandria, but this is considered by historians to be a later invention, as it is known that library continued to operate after this event. The newly captured territory within the city was fortified and closed off, with intense fighting taking place in the streets. Later historians would consider the battle one of the most vicious campaigns of urban warfare in the ancient world, although in the first several days neither side made any significant progress. All the while the Lementarians controlled the flow of information out of the city, convincing the royal family in Edom that a small protest was being taken care of. The siege within the city continued for weeks, with that section of the city becoming walled off with fortifications and the center of constant attacks. Meanwhile, the Lementarians supported the creation of a new fleet for the city, according to some accounts even uprooting buildings for materials. Fearing being outnumbered at sea, Euxenus took 400 men and set sail for the other side of the harbor, in the hopes of closing it off to the new enemy ships. The Iskandrians reacted by sending men there as well, causing a violent clash. A few of the Iskandrian ships deployed soldiers behind this Agiran group as well, and Euxenus ordered a retreat. The general himself would fall from a ship and be forced to swim all the way back to the royal quarter alone. After weeks of siege, the Iskandrians sent a messenger claiming to want to negotiate peace if the high priests were released. Desperate, Euxenus agreed, but instead as soon as the high priests were freed they instead ordered an all out attack on Euxenus. When it seemed like all was lost, Euxenus then received a letter from Niconus of Democratos, stating that he had just arrived in Edom with a few thousand soldiers. Euxenus loaded most of his men onto his ships, leaving only a small garrison, and sailed for Niconus’ position. The Iskandrians caught word of this approaching army, and Sanandenun marched east to meet them. The Iskandrians positioned themselves on a small branch of the Meran, with most of their soldiers on a small hill. Light soldiers also guarded the river to harass any crossers, but Euxenus dispatched his cavalry to secretly cross the river farther upstream, and then come around and outflank these defenders. In the meantime, the rest of his army crossed by creating small bridges from tree trunks. Instead of immediately attacking the hill the Agirans raided a nearby town, but this failed to lure the defenders from their hill position. The next day the Agirans finally began an attack up the hill from the west, while Euxenus also instructed a small number of soldiers to sneak to the east area between the hill and the river, and then attack the defenders from the rear. Ultimately this small force failed to make any progress, and suffered heavy casualties, while the main attack also made little progress. Euxenus noticed that the eager Iskandrians had shifted to the side during their attack down the hill, and a small number of Agirans were ordered through this gap. They managed to sneak onto the hill top and attack the main Iskandrian army from the rear, causing a panic. A retreat was ordered, with Sanandenun dying when his boat capsized. Euxenus returned to Iskandria and the remaining besiegers surrendered, with Cimon becoming governor of the city. The entire event largely occurred outside the knowledge of the government in Edom, and the Agirans became extremely lucky when the Queen of Edom decided to confirm Cimon’s governorship and ignore the pleading from her Lementarian advisors. Euxenus returned to Agira in the latter one-half of that year, receiving word that the Lementarians had next attempted to army the Phydinians to cut off trade into the Melopenes. This sparked another year of campaigning in the south, with the Agirans managing to retain control over the region. The Lementarians would get their revenge against Democatos when they persuaded the ruler of Sephimora, the elderly Erisander I Levian, to “restore order” in the city, which resulted in Niconus’ death. After this early action in the north the rest of the far primarily focused in the south. In the region of the south, both sides appealed to various nomadic Vomasian and Apirun tribes to fight a proxy war in the region. Most of the fantastical depictions of wars in the desert were thought to be mostly legend, until the discovery of the Esdem site in modern times, where a mass grave of several hundred people was discovered. The discovery is believed to be the site of the infamous Esdem Massacre, where Aldracod claims the Lementarians massacred thousands of tribesmen in a fierce battle. The next battle of note came over a year later, when the Lementarians launched a full scale attack on the oasis of Ajayiba. The battle would not be fought by the Water Merchants alone, however, as the Cult of Soronis, disgruntled by the Lementarian monopoly over Edom, contributed forces as well. One of the most pivotal battles of the war would result in a victory for the Water Merchants, preserving their control over the confederacy for the time being. (More to come)


 * Vytia Culture: Within the city of Vynos, Maz Div Kynr Birtyzi continues to expand his power. He is subsequently declared Maz Div for life by the general assembly. However, this angers many nobles within the Archon assembly and a year later Kynr is assassinated by a group of Archons. This action causes great anger among the general populace and military with whom Kynr was very popular with. This leads to the rise of his son Tita Birtyzi who is seen as Kynr's heir, he begins a civil war against the Archons who assassinated his father and rose to power. By the end of five years, he has managed to capture all the archons who assassinated him, and all those who are too powerful and would oppose him and executed and confiscated their lands. He redistributes to many of his loyal commanders and supporters cementing their loyalty and his power base and is declared Maz Div for life. He announces his desire to unite the Vyt into one "Glorious Empire" and begins increasing production of iron weapons, and recruitment of soldiers into the army. This news spreads to Daima who despite being wary are overconfident in their ability to defend themselves, they still increase their defenses moderately, however, and continue their expansion of farmland by 20 px. While in Kygras and Milor they continue their expansion of their own farmland by about 15 px and begin to produce a new red intoxicating drink called Ven from grapes. Nis continues to build up their economy trading with Xinaben and sending explorers farther north into the Mangi rivers, they also send explorers farther west into the great desert. Maz Div Tita Birtyzi is intrigued by the strange offer of the Benysira and while not accepting, does send diplomats and explorers to meet with the Benysirans and follow their route on the desert back to Benysira. Also, Kygras sends explorer farther east of Daukani continuing the proud tradition of the Vyt. We also ask the Daukani if they would be inclined to share maps between the two of us for finding further trade routes MOD RESPONSE. 
 * Qera: Yller II is happy when he receives the message from the Dholbalan that they would like to join an alliance with Qera. Since they don't know who and where Exhula exactly is, another separate alliance is proposes (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Trade with the south continues and the colony of Uotahtzija continues to grow in population. The population of Qera itself rises steady, the average woman gives birth to five or six children. The standing army has now a size of 35,000 men, as the armed forces of the vassals are counted as Qeras military too. An attempt is started to connect the colonies of Uotahtzija and Cyrpetzijavia land and the land is discovered farther inland (DISCOVER 50 px to the northeast of the Uotahtzija colony, claim said territorry). In the land to the west, a small deposit of jade is found. The Qerans don't value it that much for themselves but they learn about the love of the Sillans for the material. This maxes it a high demanded and is sold for huge amounts of money. The alchemists of Yller IIs yourt start experimenting with various poisons. One is made from rhubarb leaves and leads to a painful and slow death, including bloody urine, vomiting and eye pain after wich the victim dies from a heart attack. It can't be produced in large quantities though, as rhubarb has to be imported from Exhula and Sillas. The other assassination method is way easier to acquire, since it just is undercooked kidney beans. When these beans are cooked under the boiling point just a single bean can trigger vomiting blood and diarrhea. After a complete plate the victim usually dies from a dehydration and blood loss. The Hcctaal preachers are not quite welcomed by Yller II, yet he allows them to stay in the empire. The preachers are limited to the cities they arrived to, leaving them but for Exhula is strictly prohibited. The Qerans themselves are quite suspicious but they largely tolerate other religions. A grand temple is build in Rollver to honor the goddess of wisdom and portrays a large harpy-eagle statue made out of copper. The temple is built as a square pyramid, but it is larger than any of its kind before. When the decade ends, just the first three storages are done, 11 more have to be built.
 * Yannis Empire: In the ruins of the Thalutite/Thotite Empire the last remaining hope of humanity in the desolate land, the Holy Men who have infiltrated the south, found The O, a mysterious organization based on infinity, and symbolized by a serpent eating its own tail. In the city of Edom they enact a “Killing of the Thots”, when a group of Yannians massacre a group of Azozians. The order disappears into the shadows after the Thots fight back and attempt to destroy Yannian culture and religion in the city. In response numerous people launch a “People’s Crusade” into the Yannian heartland, with inpromptu preachers and Holy Men spreading the righteous and just religion of Yannis. On the coast the crusaders drop giant stone O’s all along the coastline, as a reminder of the great Anointed One’s watchful eyes over the land. In the Holy City of Yagothna-vis the House of Knowledge is founded as a new library and center of discussion for natural philosophers. Many innovations in math and physics are discovered. The navy continues to see growth with new ships being made. The great cities of civilization now have large walls and new aqueducts, and slowly every population center is improved to Yannian standards.
 * Qaryaat: King Najrim III dies, and his son, Midhet, ascends the throne. Immediately after his coronation ceremony, King Midhet prays to the chief god of Qaryaat, Elmekah, that Qaryaat may prosper and triumph against the nation's enemies. The colony of Maqiri expands to cover the whole northern one-half of the Maqiri Peninsula, plus the Ghiqir Peninsula. Meanwhile, the main territory continues to expand along the western coast. In both locations, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas of the empire in order to consolidate control over said areas. A new calendar is developed, similar to the OTL ancient Egyptian calendar. The beginning year of the Qaryaati calendar is set to the foundation of Qaryaat by the legendary King Muhirat, around 1,180 years ago. The vast irrigation system on the main territory spreads to new areas of the empire. In Makra, the architecture becomes a mix of native Qaryaati elements, Mohejaran elements (from earlier influence), Irian elements, and Benyisran elements. The mathematician Mazim comes up a theorem involving the equation for the hypotenuse of a right triangle, independently of the Azozian mathematician Gandai nearly three centuries prior. A census is officially carried out. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)


 * Hythia: Years 178-187 Since the Return of Hythus. Under the leadership of Meunarchs Lythanius and Tystius, both veteran military men themselves, the war with the Saemonites is expected to cost Hythia greatly, but also enable the future peace of the people of Hythus. The greatest Unar ever to grace the lands of Hythia is raised. With 4,000 heavy cavalrymen, 6,000 light cavalrymen, 6,000 spearmen, 4,000 archers, and 2,000 Bysula and Hytoriy the force is larger than any previously raised. It is supplemented by a host of vassal and allied armies, swelling the Great Unar to 30,000. This force marches north to face the Saemonites. With the Saemonite supply column stretching for hundreds of septons, it is vulnerable to hit and run attacks by expert Herati light horsemen, and the Saemonite combat forces are all vulnerable to mounted archers as the spearmen are seemingly equipped with little more than long daggers on sticks. These probing raids sap Saemonite morale and strength. Meanwhile, Hythian military experience is put to use, greatly improve the discipline and fighting spirit of the Unar. The strategy for this battle shall be one of feints and withdrawals. Hythia commands a vastly more mobile force with its greater use of cavalry and more developed knowledge of the terrain thanks to Herati scouts, and it is this knowledge which must be used to win the day. The goal is to draw the Saemonite infantry horde deep into Herati territory, an easily accomplished feat, where it might be trapped without water, encircled, and obliterated. Thus, the allied Unar stages strategic withdrawal after strategic withdrawal, pulling the horde to a large plain known to have only one source of water. It is as this source of water that the Hythian army intends to meet the Saemonite horde. Reinforced by the Herati Army, the Hythian Unar awaits the enemy. Upon the arrival of the Saemonites at the chosen battlefield, 20,000 Hythian and allied spear infantry, bolstered by the fanatic Bysula and Hytoriy, close to within charging distance of the Saemonites with support from 12,000 archers. After taunting and jeering the force braces for a Saemonite charge hoping to engage the majority of the Saemonite force. Then, while the Saemonites are distracted by the infantry, the Hythian and allied light cavalry will sally forth and draw off the Saemonite cavalry escort with a bombardment of javelins, arrows, and bolts. This accomplished, the professional heavy cavalry, drafted from the largest and most dangerous of men will ride out from the rear and execute repeated charges into the Saemonite rear and flanks. Eventually, the Hythian light cavalry will join them in finishing-off the routing Saemonites. This is the plan to destroy the Saemonite invasion, and great pains are taken to prepare, not only the advance scouting of the battlefield, but also training in the small scale tactics that will be used. Hythian units are broken into bands of ten men, who will fight, live, die, and survive together. These small units, called Dymuens, then comprise larger units of 100 named, Mymuens. With these more flexible tactics the infantry component of the Unar is more mobile and more effective in combat. The domestic programs of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed toward feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are retasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host that invaded the Saemonites early in the decade continues to lay siege to the coastal cities of the Saemonites. The main force of their army maintains a tenuous frontier in an effort to prevent invasion by the North Saemonites, but its commanders attempt to avoid any true battles in an effort to protect their forces.
 * Darna: At this time a great Darnan creates the Darnan alphabet, and writes a series of texts about Darnan history and culture. His most famous epic, the Darnan, begins with the famous passage, “गեकաe-նσ’ወ d͡ʒजuك يΦʒ-& म/jɛtʃʰ/ %तʔةги W’रa-խե ပါΨᠡ ʊթशሴख ቾ, ﻱ-ডᚉჰ ⵙⵇzכㅉu ठo0( զ-ጐጪש, ⵓll!” A great new palace is constructed in the city of Darna, with the king’s name carved into the front; “ლЛoमž”. Many Darnans are dispatched to fight against the Thot invasion, with 5,000 men raised on our southern island, and a similar number raised along our coastal colonies. A Darnan discovers the cruel Ulmite practice of child sacrifice and cannibalism, and spreads this truth across the ancient world through our trade routes. It is revealed that Nolrom the Infidel was a bloodthirsty monster, who consumed the souls of children through his harsh torture. Sure enough, it is recorded that the Darnan slavers witnessed the mongrel Ulmite slaves taking part in this cannibalistic practice after they left a slave cage unattended for some time. One of the greatest scientists of the day, նጌուㅔ, hypothesizes that the Ulmites are in such a primitive state of cognition that they revert to animalistic tendencies when left alone. The Darnan king orders that primitive children from the Ulmite dens are to be trained as pack animals, and they are used in the deep mines pulling carts of ore to the surface.


 * Exhulan Empire: In Teninukal, Nyccias advance stops as she receives news of the failure of Lorgar and Myyoram’s advances. Instead, she orders the mass withdrawal of all forces from Teninukal and instead moves to defend Kaloma against The Sillian Traitors and invaders, loudly condemning them as treacherous imperialists with no principles beyond blind expansionism, and mass recruiting as much of the population from Kaloma as possible. Meanwhile, in the rest of the Empire the colonization Of the northeast areas continues as the new methods of crop rotation are implemented more and more after large scale success by those who implemented them during the last turn, many thousands of colonists continue to come to the area, resulting in an expansion by 40 px. The colony next to Irrosia has by now become one of the Empires most populous regions, and as a result the region is expanded by 20 px while seven new cities are founded. Meanwhile, trade continues with Ouyai, Yannis, Qera, and Sayalen while Irrosia elects a new king, named Bergan. An expedition is also sent to explore 60 px northeast of the farthest Northeast island, through the large amount of open water Mod Response needed.


 * Sillan Republic: '''Cabeza Yanzen dies, and is replaced by her niece, Qianlana. Qianlana abandons the pacifist foreign policy championed by Cabeza Yanzen – reverting back to the expansionist policy of Cabeza Sanza and her immediate successor Cabeza Canxi. Seeing Teninkual's offer as an opportunity to drive the Exhulans off the mainland, as well as seize control over large swathes of potentially-valuable territory and resources (while minimizing casualties from warfare), Qianlana quickly accepts the offer, but continues the occupation of southeast Teninkual (by a skeleton force of ~5,000) until the expulsion of the Exhulans from Kaloman peninsula is completed. Meanwhile, the remainder of Teninkual is converted into a fiefdom of the Sillan Empire, with the native ruler and nobility retaining all their respective rights and privileges. The Fief, however, loses control over foreign and military affairs – both of which is overseen by the centrally-appointed Governor–General and the Provincial Court (which acts as the executive, legislative, and judicial bodies). In addition to representing Sillan interests within Teninkual, they also serve as advisory bodies to the Fief. Meanwhile, an army of 20,000 troops (6,000 cavalrymen, 1,000 crossbowmen, and 13,000 infantrymen) divided into four divisions is withdrawn from Teninkual and sent into Exhula's mainland colonies. To minimize casualties and to maintain a rapid advance to the colonial capital, any encountered fortifications or walled settlements are encircled (in order to limit the inflow of goods or reinforcements) and razed with heavy crossbows firing both crossbow bolts and incendiary arrows. The surrounding farmlands are also seized of any utilisable grain or produce (including those that can be used as fodder), and then burnt to deprive any defending garrison of potential supplies – thus dooming them to starvation unless they move (thus overwhelming and destabilizing the unaffected towns and villages they choose to resettle in). After a period of three days to a week (depending on the size of the settlement and the number of inhabitants), Sillan forces then move on. Auxiliaries are used as reconnaisance, determing the location and the activities of the Exhulan militias. For encountered field armies, traditional tactics are used. One army group (to feign numerical inferiority, and thus lure and embolden Exhulan forces) attacks from the front of the enemy formation; inflicting attrition with their bows then feigning retreat (but also spending time to recuperate and switch weapons and armor). They also receive support from crossbowmen. Then, two army groups then attack the flanks (with their bows – further inflicting attrition) as well as encircle them – thus preventing them from gathering reinforcements or spreading information to their army command. Once this is achieved, the two other army divisions arrive and charges into Exhulan forces; using lances as a shock weapon (thus further deteriorating enemy lines), though their primary weapon remains the saber (which is more efficient in close combat than either lances or thrusting-spears). Upon reaching the colonial capital, a siege from four directions is staged to overwhelm the defending garrison and inflict a swift, decisive victory. Using heavy crossbows, the fortifications of the colonial capital are destroyed with both crossbow bolts and incendiary arrows. In addition, mounted cavalry charges any enemy forces outside the fortifications – thus confining them to a small, concentrated area (limiting their ability to coordinate and their mobility). In addition, using their bows, they target people in defensive towers, further inhibiting their ability to maintain and operate their defenses. The infantrymen use siege engines (the ram) to create two or three breaches into enemy fortifications; and then from two or three directions, they rush into the inner city and use melee weapons (halberds for infantry, sabers for cavalry) to finish off the remaining defenders.''' All city walls (consisting of rammed earth cores and brick exteriors) are annually maintained and reinforced, while an intricate system of canals and flattened dirt-roads are constructed to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, extensive sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and communal baths (accompanied by evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by a comprehensive system of aqueducts and minor water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation channels and groundwater-wells are built in agricultural lands to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (in the form of fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus resulting in high agricultural productivity. Excess produce is either sold to the market or is stored within town granaries to ensure food security. With heightened demand for consumer goods (both for domestic consumption and for export), many bloomeries and workshops are built – manufacturing a high quantity of textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelaneous wares), luxury goods (jewelry), farm tools, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization continues. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as staples; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, aquatic plants, soybeans), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (to acquire honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar. Economically, however, it specializes in the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and hunting of wild crocodiles and snake – all for the purpose of acquiring an alternative source of leather. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different, consisting of millet, wheat, and maize (though the latter is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include coffee, cotton, opiates and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans – intercropped together to maximize agricultural yield. While each plot of land is small (less than one-tenth of the hectare), it is capable of yielding seven harvests annually – enough to support a single household (assuming they utilize all produce for human consumption). In lower depths of water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Finally, the areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms raising fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs). In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civility through the assimilation of the barbarians.

481-490
'The Azozian attack on the Darnan island is successful, with the island being captured. The Azozians suffer 2,300 casualties, while the Darnans suffer 4,100, and also have many more people captured. '

'At the Battle of Khoras in the heart of Herati, a decisive battle is fought between the Saemonites and the Herati, Hythians, and their allies. The battle results in a Saemonite defeat, with the Saemonites suffering 17,300 casualties, the Hythians suffering 2,900, the Herati suffering 4,100, and Hythia’s allies suffering a combined 2,000 casualties. '

'In the Janter mines of Darna’s coastal colonies, a slave revolt begins led by an Ulmian named Jacaras. Having been an entertainer employed in the art of sleight-of-hand magic and firebreathing, Jacaras becomes a self-proclaimed prophet, foretelling the fall of Darna and his ascension as king. '

'Many of the ships sent by the nation of Vynos east past Daukani do not return, and it is believed that the sea in that region is highly dangerous. '

'The Exhulan attack on Teninukal results in a narrow defeat, owing in part to a famed Teninukalan general named Yecacedal. The Exhulans suffer 4,210 casualties, inflicting about as many on the defenders as well. '

'Arsamesneqem converts to the Ulm religion, as do many other Tabornites. He wages a successful campaign that expands Azoz’s borders south, and pacifies or otherwise enacts tribute from numerous other tribes. '

'The Mithadians successfully capture part of the Saemonite coast, while Nesaranasser IV attacks the Saemonite capital itself, demanding its surrender. The Kingdom of Kaughn, one of the enemies of the Saemonites, rejects their offer of vassalage. '

'The nation of Dholbalan accepts the offer of an alliance with Qera, and expresses interest in further trade and cooperation between the two nations. '

'The Benyisran king, Davim son of Jesondem, creates the first written accounts of the ancient Benyisran scripture, and supports the spread of the religion along the southern desert trade routes. A new temple is built in the Holy City of Ebracomon after the Drakan occupation, which houses the holy altar of the Prophjet Solaram, containing his original tablets entrusted to him by their god.'

'The Sillan attack on Exhula is successful, with Exhula suffering 2,800 casualties and Sillas suffering 2,000 casualties. '

'The Sillan garrison of 5,000 men in southern Teninukal is mysteriously attacked, seemingly by a mercenary band from Makuku that had gone unpaid. The garrison is killed or captured, with a small number escaping to relay the events. '

'In the Bangor region the Anglenites are the most receptive to Azozian culture and trade. The Yannian nations of the island are more hesitant to accept them, firmly rejecting their religious proposal. '


 * Xeran Empire: Culture and scientific growth continue throughout the empire, in spite of the occasional internal disputes such as the tragic Lemantarian War. A new wave of artistic devleopment was stimulated in both Azoz and abroad, creating a more stylized, metaphorical representation on media such as mosaics and glassware. True perspective of the Chatna Dynasty has started to be phased out, and replaced with a more universal pattern of false perspective. Occam of Iskandaria further develops his theories of the motions of planets in the universe, taking the "Sandreckoner" of previous studies and comes to the conclusion that the all the planets and stars revolve around the sun. Some years later, Occam also concludes that the universe must be finite in size, arguing that otherwise the entire sky would be filled by stars in every direction. The native Edomite religion, in its orthodox practice before the advent of Ulm, completely disappears from historical record around this time, only to be preserved in a few underground mystery cults for specific gods. In fact, it wasn't until the 20th century AR that native Edomite religous rites were rediscovered. Xarenvarus favored his wife's address toward the events in Iskandaria, and called together a council of his advisors to discuss the matter in Edom. He came to the conclusion that the Lemantarians had grown too corrupt and influential, and thus worked to began to systematically limit the Lemantarian influence over politics in the region. Instead, the Apocist branch of Ulm became greatly promoted in the kingdom, and rose to prominence to replace Lemantarians in most public offices. It is believed that the "Shemona Library" was buried at this time, being an archaeological treasure trove of Apocist apocryphal scripture. As the island of 'At some Point' [placeholder because I can't find the name] has been taken from Darna, it is given control officially to our ally Syres. Syres is now tasked to guard the narrow straight using this more strategic position, and prevent Darnan Pirates from entering the Gabatrian Sea. A sizable navy is kept at the island to help defend it in the meantime. Continuing farther east, the naval expedition of Cyris reaches the Island of Phorintheon. Cyris offers trade and diplomatic relations to the natives of Phorintheon on behalf of the Xeran Empire, and offers to sell them minerals, exotic foods, technology, and Ulm. In order to find out where the Valun ultimately come from, the western expedition fleet is sent north along the coast to explore more of the continent.
 * Qaryaat: King Midhet declares war on Gomis, looking to colonize the city-state. He requests Solcia (IRIAN RESPONSE NEEDED), Benyisra, and Kepitis to aid his war efforts and for Avsylann to send mercenaries. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) He sends a navy of about 20,000 troops on 13 small ships and seven large ships to seize the port of Gomis to fight the Gomis navy, looking to besiege the city afterward. (ALGO NEEDED) Meanwhile, expansion into unclaimed lands is also carried out. The colony of Maqiri expands to cover the entire southern one-half of the Maqiri Peninsula. The main territory expands along the southern coast of the Bay of Ghasir. In both areas, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas of the empire to consolidate control. The mathematician Mazim dedicates himself to solving the Three Classical Problems, three geometric problems that are to be solved by purely geometric means (squaring the circle, doubling the cube, and trisecting an angle). His contribution to the "squaring the circle" problem is called the Mazim's Crescent. At this time, he also compiles a book of geometry known as The Pillars of Arithmetics. The walls surrounding Makra are annually maintained and reinforced. Former cultural exchange with Mohejaro brought along sanitation ideas as well, and thus, sanitation reforms are done through the building of latrines and communal baths accompanied by evaporative coolers. A breakthrough in agriculture is made when it is discovered that adding crushed-up sea shells to manure before using it in their fields causes crops to grow healthier and stronger, increasing overall agricultural output. Besides the staple crops of wheat and barley, vegetables such as eggplants, onions, radishes, beans, lettuce, and sesame seeds (which were first brought to Qaryaat from the trade with Mohejaro) and fruits such as grapes, figs, melons and apples are grown in the Muyadi region, around Lake Al'Muyadi and the Muyadi River. Sheep, cows, and goats are raised as livestock.
 * Solcian Response: Solcia, already embroiled in a war against the southern Cledesian tribes, does not wish to involve itself with Qaryaat's piratical endeavors.


 * Draka: King Baldric II is killed by a lone assassin. His son, Gondre III takes the throne. He announces other 'deceptive' nations might have had a role in his fathers death. Military reforms begin, from a largely unprofessional warrior society, a standing army is created. Quickly an expedition is created to subdue Northern tribes, in order to get us a border with that red nation near us. When passing the river, a Tribal encampment is sacked and renamed "Gondreium." The military reforms proves effective. A diplomatic mission is sent to the red nation Draka seeks borders with, offering gifts and such (MOD RESPONSE). The navy meanwhile, is scaled down and meant to play a more defensive role, with infantry being emphasized.


 * Vytia Culture: Within the Nation of Vytia, the peace and tranquility is shattered when the Maz Div of Vynos, Tita Birtyzi sends his troops into the Kingdom of Daima in order to conquer and unify the lands of the Til River. This campaign is initially meant with success at the Battles of Korta's Bridge, and Silma Stream, but is eventually stalled by a defeat at the Battle of Nyrta Field. The war continues to become less and less successful with defeats being stalled. While in Vynos some merchants start to convert to Solaramism in order to secure better trade agreements with the Benyisrans. This lead to the diffusion of Solaramism in Vynos and neighboring Vyt lands, from this Maz Div Tita Birtyzi eventually Hears about the religion. During the 6th year of the difficult and drawn out campaign against the Daima Kingdom, Tita Birtyzi is said to receive a vision from Shobah himself describing what he must do in order to win the battle against Daima. During the Battle of the Til crossing he secures a crushing defeat of the Daima forces managing to capture their king and crown prince. He begins to attributes this massive victory, and the ensuing string of victories to the god Shobah and him being chosen by him, because of this many soldiers begin to convert to Soloramism. He then captures the city of Daima bringing it under Vynos control. Following this he is confirmed into Solaramism through the Blessings by Oil under a traveling priest from Benyisra. He is then proclaimed by the Assembly, Timoi of All Vyts, and the Most Glorious Empire of Vytia is founded. He begins to land many of the converted soldiers within various captured lands. However, his new religion doesn't play a major role within politics with citizen being allowed to maintain their faith for a tax to support finances of the state. In order to incorporate the city of Daima into the empire he makes a standardized dialect of Vyt for communication, and sponsors conversions within the city offering land and positions of power to poor and disenfranchised within the city as long as they convert to Solaramism, and secretly assassinates the various key power holders within the Kingdom. He also sponsors the idea that he was divinely chosen to be Timoi by the god Shobah. In order to further cement his conversion to Solaramism he sends a Messenger to the Kingdom of Benyisra to marry the daughter of King Davem to his eldest son Jor (MOD RESPONSE). He begins to utilize Daima as a launching point to invade Kygras secretly and quickly. Kygras, however, does not take note of this and celebrates the destruction of the hated Daima with festivals throughout the city. They continue exploration east of Daukani, and in Nis they send explorers north of Xinaben and Mang. While several merchants traveling to Ebracon continue their travels north, east, and west of Benyisra in hopes of finding more trade routes. 


 * Irian Culture: Countless seasons have passed since we last looked at Iria. In the century that is now behind us, this civilization has grown internally with the help of strong leaders who guided their people in the ways of wisdom. Because of their efforts, and the achievements of the men of science and the arts — which, in the interest of condensing history, may go unrecorded — the Irians have become the most influential civilization to ever inhabit this corner of the great world river. It is in the penultimate decade of the fifth century that Time permits me to resume my work. Picture the parts of the Irian world: The summer-green coasts of Solcia and Sadaium are peppered with merchant ships that sail between the island ports of Pyrgeiros, weaving a web of trade from the Casphiron. The women of Ceta export their fabrics far and wide, while their men wage wars for the sake of petty lords. Irian culture has by now spread throughout the whole island, resulting in a complex system of clans and spawning 13 new states, all under the suzerainty of a high king who rules centrally at Massaion. In Nolossia, the Dardasian colonies have grown tremendously, with important population centers at Kyras, Pelini and Beiodorum. And the palatial states of the west are recovering from the dying embers of an ill-remembered war. Any historical record of this period would be incomplete without mentioning the Kingdom of Lomia, the Cledesians, or the Opal League. Fortunately for us, their paths converge in this decade. For most of the century, the Ludo-Irian kingdoms were harried by the Cledesians, a nomadic tribe of the east. In the 460s, after being repelled by the Hythians, various Cledesian tribes invaded en masse, subjugated Hecyra and Ludia, conquered a large portion of Corenia and Solcia, and continued to threaten the stability of the region with their raids. The Opal League was one political entity that sprang from that discord. Named after the precious minerals worn by the rulers of Solcia, Corenia and Nolossia, it was an alliance of these three great kingdoms. Its influence was not limited to the east, but also included vast swathes of land around the Hecis Valley that had been absorbed by Corenia and Nolossia in earlier conquests. The Opal League reached the height of its power in the 480s, during the hegemony of Corenian king Asymagos IV. That brings us to the present part of Irian history, where the might of civilization is continually eroding and receding, being replaced by barbarian rule that is opposed only by this alliance. In the year 485, Asymagos IV is ready to strike back at the Cledesians with an army numbering 10,000 or more. He crosses the Cebrion, supported by a smaller Solcian force of 6,000, and meets a tribal army at Canasthae. It is a bloody engagement without triumph for either side. Asymagos makes good use of a contingent of charioteers to break through the enemy lines, but ultimately the battle is indecisive. Over the next few years, more battles occur at Marum (486), Harasi (487), Heturra (487), Tigha (488-489), and the Ludian Plain (489). [Mod Response for the outcome of the war]
 * Kingdom of Lomia: Another state to rise out of the turmoil of the Cledesian invasions was Lomia, a northern kingdom founded by a minor Hecis warlord named Vigall. Lomia exists near the source of the Hecis, beyond the lands of the Sarpedes. The cult of Phythos is prevalent here due to its proximity to Hythia. The language spoken is a harsh variety of Ludo-Irian. Ruban is the capital, a mountain city surrounded by mining towns, and the gateway to the north. Its inhabitants are poorer than most cities because the land here is relatively barren and unsuitable for planting. Most food, with the exception of wild cabbage and berries, is imported from other places via the rocky, winding caravan routes through the mountains. Lomia is loosely allied with Corenia and by extension the Opal League.
 * Mesallian Culture: After the construction of the titular Necropolis in the deserts of Edom, similar structures spread across the southern desert. Notably a necropolis would be constructed at the site of the Battle of Dashen, with archaeologists finding evidence of an immense monument and tomb system. Additionally each site would typically feature an immense well in the center of the complex as a “portal” to the underworld. At Dashen this consisted of a stone-lined circular hole about five meters in diameter, and about 20 meters deep, which would connect to a central atrium in the underground tomb section of the complex. A partially restored fresco seems to indicate that the Lementarians would christen fallen warriors as a form of vicarious baptism, which seems to have been the subject of a highly critical Ulmian document from Sundenun of Edom, a fifth century AR theologian. Whatever the case, it is clear several decades after the construction of the Dashen site the ruler of Edom or possibly even the Azozian emperor had the holy site pillaged and completely razed, nearly erasing the site from history completely. According to another legend, there was a confrontation between the Water Merchants’ Mesallian allies and a contingent of Lementarians, called the Battle of Disganes. The Lementarians consisted of a band of people dressed in black, arranged in a mob, with a line of women in front carrying torches. The mob chanted and screamed incantations, stunning the Mesallians, but they eventually charged and slaughtered the mob. To their astonishment, they discovered that the mob had been standing on a ritualistic funeral pyre, with one of the last surviving women lighting the mob on fire as the battle ended. The event had been no battle, but a mass human sacrifice, christening the site of a new necropolis, and the Mesallians had inadvertently participated in the ritual. Heavily superstitious, the Mesallians became terrified of the region, fearing whatever magical bewitchment they had placed upon themselves. A precarious situation began in the city of Edom itself, where the Lementarians possessed a centuries-old temple that rivaled the palaces and temples of the Edom monarchy itself. The complex also housed an impressive library and center of the arts and sciences, and its fall would later contribute to the rise of Iskandria’s library, at the expense of countless ancient texts that would be destroyed in the process. But evidently the Lementarian temple would not fall at this time, but several decades later when a mob of Ulmian protesters finally raided the complex. In the meantime, the temple remained an important part of Edomite political life, albeit in a slowly diminishing capacity. At this time the ruler of Edom was Queen Evanematra, but power was often entrusted to her lead advisor and regent Eylamudnun, who ruled the country during times of the queen’s absence in Azoz. The edicts of Xarenvarus were slow to be enforced in Edom, partially due to Eylamudnun’s careful sabotage of Ulmian and Azozian rule of law. Finally, Evanematra became convinced that Eylamudnun would have to be removed, but when she ordered a contingent of soldiers to remove him, she discovered that Eylamudnun had taken her oldest son and daughter captive. He stated that if the queen attempted to inform the emperor of what had occurred, or acted against him in any way, they would be killed. According to legend the queen slapped him, and later that day the oldest son of Xarenvarus was discovered dead, supposedly of sickness. The queen fled to the palace city of Thema, located several miles south of Edom, where she would remain for most of her life. For the next few years Eylamudnun ruled the city of Edom, although he contented with an increasing number of Azozian officials. He would ultimately be forced to allow the Ulmian faith to grow in the city, although he managed to delay any retaliation against the Lementarians for a time through misdirection. All the while, Xarenvarus’ second oldest child remained hidden, with the Edomites routinely reassuring the Azozian emperor that she was simply attending schooling and tutoring abroad. But the ruse would not last forever, and Eylamudnun carefully took steps to blame the Edomite cult of Zez, using his authority as regent to order an “investigation”, which uncovered evidence of kidnapping in their temple. The result was the Azozian crackdown on the Edomite religion, which saw dozens of temples and other structures demolished, and Edomite worshippers massacred. Eylamudnun then claimed to have rescued the queen’s daughter, satisfying the skeptical Azozian officers that he was genuine. Soon after, according to legend Eylamudnun was killed by an Edomite named Dema the Mage, who attacked him for his anti-Edomite policies. The primary sources for the events of Eylamudnun’s reign would ultimately be written by Ulmian writers after the fact, leading some to question if the entire story was simply made up. Possibly, Xarenvarus’ child did naturally die, and the Lementarians were innocent, but their enemies fabricated the story as part of the eventual witch hunt against the Lementarians that would occur a generation later. (More to come)


 * Hythia: Years 188-197 Since the Return of Hythus. It is early in the decade when Meunarch Lythanius perishes of fever. He is followed by Meunarch Pycitus, one of his Mepartechs from the war with the Saemonites. Tystius, now an exceedingly old man, also resigns a few years after Lythanius’ death and cedes his position to his son, Qyntine. The transition of power fortunately occurs before the Saemonites have time to truly regroup following their major defeat at the Battle of Khoras. The Saemonite army, which lost a large portion of its cavalry escort battle, is hounded by Hythian cavalry the entire way back to the border. Unable to outpace the Hythian light or heavy cavalry, a constant rain of arrows, bolts, and javelins assails the retreating columns of Saemonite infantry. Hythian generals estimate that at least another 5,000 casualties are inflicted by these attacks, and Saemonite morale must be extremely low. The Hythian commanders decide to press the attack and engage the Saemonite forces before they can retreat to their homeland. Thus, Hythian cavalry units attack the lead units of the Saemonite column, while Hythian infantry move in from the rear. The envelopment is completed by skirmishers and assorted light infantry units supplied by the Herati and Hythia’s allies. In total the force consists of 5,000 heavy cavalry, 7,000 light cavalry, 16,000 spearmen, and 11,000 archers and skirmishers. The goal is to capture or otherwise destroy the entirety of the Saemonite main column, some 33,000 soldiers. With the enemy forces enveloped by the more maneuverable Hythian Unar the battle becomes a slaughter as the Saemonite forces are surrounded and under a constant bombardment from the archers and light cavalry forces. The domestic developments of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed toward feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are retasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. A trade proposal is sent to several of the Irian city-states to the south and the Drakans looking to secure more sources of food for the nation. Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host continues its invasion of the coastal Saemonite cities and launches a series of raids by small light cavalry units to burn Saemonite crops and force them to surrender.
 * Exhulan Empire: With the narrow defeat of our forces in Teninukal and the news of a successful Sillian attack into Amyirth, Empress Nyccia decides to mostly withdraw from Teninukal, we then raise 8,000 more troops to fight Sillas and Teninukal and launch a massive lighting attack on Sillian forces to the South, launching a massive attack led by cavalry on Sillian forces led by experienced cavalry on horses armed with long iron lances to drive into the Sillian forces, while infantry armed with shields and short swords allow them to cut down the remaining Sillian forces. If this attack is successful we then move around to attack the Sillian forces besieging our colonial capital and a sortie is led out of the city simultaneously by Exhulan forces inside to try to drive off the Sillians.  Meanwhile, in the colony West of Irrosia we continue to expand as many colonists are attracted to the region and it continues to grow immensely, as several more (six) cities are founded and expansion by 30 px occurs. Peace is offered to Teninukal, if they agree not to attempt to take any of our territory and agree to a non-aggression pact. (Mod Response needed) In the northeast colonization Of the area continues, as we expand by 40 px when thousands of colonists come to the region, founding six more settlements, with one, the city of Ettana, later becoming the region’s capital and most populated city. Trade continues to increase with Qera, Ouyai, Yannis, Sayalen, Beraba, Gahren, and other nations, although as a result of the attacks all trade with Sillas is banned. This also results in the Irrulmians ceasing attempts to enter Sillas, seeing it as not worth the trouble to get past the ban, with them instead focusing on areas such as Qera, diffrent regions of Exhula, and Sayalen. In Siccarius Lorgar has failed to father any more children due to taking a serious injury to the groin, and he does in 484, leaving no heir but his daughter. The bastard prince Raccim Cyithrys takes advantage of this by marrying his niece and thus becomes the heir to the throne himself, passing over his older brother. He fathers three sons, named Rttagan, Brytin, and Lorgar during the rest of the turn, thus securing his claim on the throne. In culture, the art of theaters experiences a resurgence during this time as Lorgar was known to be quite fond of the arts but especially Poetry and Theater, and thus lavished money on his favorite playwrites and poets, leading to a large resurgence in the genre and the construction of dozens of new theaters. After he dies Raccim continues this, and also expands it, encouraging and funding a number of poets and playwrights himself. During this time The epic “Tales Of Erytor” play is first written by the famous Playwrite Rittuys Porihs, and it would later have a major influence on Exhulan plays, borrowing heavily from the style began by the playwrite prince and combining it with many ideas from Qeran theater and his own ideas, which also results in a new trend of stories detailing talking animals as characters rather than humans to tell complex tales and, often, to criticize powerful figures in ways that they cannot reasonably stop due to the nature of it being animals rather than humans, and thus easier to disguise as something other than criticism or satire. The idea of women as warriors also becomes more accepted due to the well-known martial prowess and proud status as a warrior of the current Empress, and the encouragement of her sons, and thus the roles of the female deities in the Hcctaal Pantheon, specifically in the stories of the gods many fights and wars and especially in the war in heaven, become much more emphasizes and expanded upon, and many of these tales are reaxamened and expanded upon. In addition, the first of a complex system of sewers is built in Siccarius in this time, due to Raccim being disgusted by the filth in the streets and feeling like there should be more clean streets in the largest and most important city of the Empire.
 * Sillan Diplomacy: Teninukal is a fiefdom of the Sillan Empire, and thus foreign and military affairs are directly administered by the Sillan central government.
 * Exhula Response: You have invaded us and thus we are at war, and we were already at war with Teninukal, therefore this does not matter and we will be at war with you both until you make peace or withdraw from our territory.


 * Sillan Republic: The Makuku mercenaries are sent back to Makuku after being paid, though those unmarried or those who have already formed relationships with Sillan women are allowed to settle in Sillan territory and attain citizenship (with many even partaking in imperial examinations to pursue a professional military career). The Teninukual garrison is replenished by 1,000 military nobles and 3,000 Teninukualese troops. Meanwhile, about 13,500 troops (two-thirds of whom are horsemen, with the remainder fulfilling auxiliary roles) are sent to intercept the Exhulan counterattack. They are divided into three army divisions. While they are lightly-armored (however, given the need for greater speed and agility, this is rather appropriate), they possess far more superior weaponry consisting of iron-tipped lances (which are easily-produced), sabers, and reflex composite bows (which, due to their ability to store more energy and withstand such pressure, can shoot arrows from an effective distance of 350–400 yards). In addition, due to their status as military nobility, and thus, their subjection to rigorous instruction and training, they are far more experienced and well-versed in military strategy than their Exhulan counterparts. Upon approaching Exhulan enemy forces, one group attacks the front and after afflicting sufficient attrition with their bows (exploiting Exhulan horsemen's overreliance on cumbersome and clumsy melee weapons), proceed to feign retreat – thus emboldening enemy forces and encouraging them to disengage (thus leaving them to disorganize upon the arrival of Sillan reinforcements). After this, two army divisions then arrive in a surprise engagement and bombard the enemy formation's rear and flanks with arrows and other projectiles. The third army division then turns around and proceeds to charge into the enemy formation, with the first few lines being armed with lances (as a shock weapon) and then the remainder utilizing sabers, as the latter is more effective in close combat. The remaining forces – if they refuse to capitulate – are then killed with pikemen organized into a phalanx position, with horsemen encircling enemy forces in order to prevent any from escaping. The sheer length of the pikes themselves and the ability of pikemen to organize into multiple layers of spearheads are able to nullify any protection offered by shields, as well as proves superior to the short-swords given to Exhulan infantrymen. The siege of the Exhulan colonial capital continues with 20,000 troops (of which one-fourth are horsemen), with the policy of encirclement being pursued; thus depriving the defending garrison of any military supplies or basic goods; dooming them to starvation unless they surrender. Heavy crossbows firing both crossbow bolts and incendiary arrows are used to damage the fortifications and as tactical weapons, while groups of 1,000 or so infantrymen try to establish several large breaches into enemy fortifications – from there, they will proceed to enter the breach en masse in at least three separate directions; thus overwhelming the weakened and starving defending garrison, thus leading to victory. To incentivize assimilation, Hcctaal temples are built and all inhabitants of occupied territories are given limited citizenship (until the formal handover of the territory) in which they are subjected to all the rights and protections exercised by Sillan citizens with the exception of suffrage (though they can hold political posts if they succeed in imperial examinations). In addition, prisoners of war are fairly-treated and are offered full citizenship and aristocratic titles (and Sillan brides or grooms) should they defect and offer Sillans valuable information.''' All city walls (consisting of rammed earth cores and brick exteriors) are annually maintained and reinforced, while an intricate system of canals and flattened dirt-roads are constructed to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, extensive sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and public baths (accompanied by evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by a comprehensive system of aqueducts and minor water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation channels and groundwater-wells are built in agricultural lands to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (in the form of fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus resulting in high agricultural productivity. Excess produce is either sold to the market or is stored within town granaries to ensure food security. With heightened demand for consumer goods (both for domestic consumption and for export), many bloomeries and workshops are built – manufacturing a high quantity of textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelaneous wares), luxury goods (jewelry), farm tools, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization continues. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as staples; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, aquatic plants, soybeans), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (to acquire honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar. Economically, however, it specializes in the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and hunting of wild crocodiles and snake – all for the purpose of acquiring an alternative source of leather. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different, consisting of millet, wheat, and maize (though the latter is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include coffee, cotton, opiates and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans – intercropped together to maximize agricultural yield. While each plot of land is small (less than one-tenth of the hectare), it is capable of yielding seven harvests annually – enough to support a single household (assuming they utilize all produce for human consumption). In lower depths of water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Finally, the areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms raising fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs). '''In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civility through the assimilation of the barbarians.
 * Qera: The court is concerned about the current developments between the old Qeran ally Exhula and the kingdoms to the east. Even though Sillas has a huge market to exploit, Prince Yller II decides to support Exhula in the crisis by actively supporting the Exhulans with weaponry and troops. Around the same time at the end of 482 the last harvest is made in Cyrphetzija and a plan is drawn to evacuate the colony before it falls in Sillan hands. Only some 3,000 soldiers and five advisors are left there along with a few rural peasants. (Secret) To execute the plan, we reach out to our Exhulan allies from which we ask for help to evacuate the colony (EXHULA RESPONSE, PLEASE) (Secret end). The refugees will be resettled in a less densely populated area of the southwest. Yller II's brother Ycas of Tortla and grand general of the army is called to prepare for war with Sillas. Other generals of the vassals are called too to help with the war effort. The generals consist of the Ualjak special forces under General Vamwor, the smaller Ollean forces under the leadership of Ûbeness and the Koloman forces under count Uektor. combined with Ycas' forces and some 4,000 raised men from the Qeran peasantry the Qeran army are around 40.000 men. After all preperations are finished the generals meet to discuss the situation and tactics that will be used in the upcoming war. The generals set on a more psychological warfare doctrine if needed but they are unsure if the Exhulans are willing to cooperate when the Qerans are involved in these atrocities. Thus the first battles will be fought in a more civilized manner. In the year 485 war is officially declared of Sillas. The navy is increased by ten armored "turtle ships". The ships are rowing boats constructed for naval blockades, as the boats have an armored roof, holes in the sides to shoot arrows to the enemy and two catapults can be attached to the roof if needed. (Secret) A naval blockade toward Sillas is proposed to the Exhulans to weaken Sillas significantly (EXHULAN RESPONSE, PLEASE) (End secret). Trade with Beraba, Exhula and Dholbalan deepens. Because of the good relations with Dholbalan their merchants are lifted from most tariffs except one. The merchants have to pay a two percent tariff to the city government when their goods are sold.
 * Exhula Response: We thank our Qeran allies for their support and agree to help them evacuate their colony, although we are unable to contribute many military forces to it due to being busy defending our own territory. However, we nonetheless do our best to help them and agree to the plan to navally blockade Sillas, and begin dedicating much of our Nagy to this endeavor. We also ensure the Qerans that our soldiers have strong stomachs and are perfectly used to some atrocities, and will be able to handle Qeran Psychological Warfare doctrine.
 * Yannis Empire: We continue to order the construction of new cities and towns, as Yannian colonies in our vast empire. These new cities are created with a specially designed grid, with temples, marketplaces, and government buildings in the center of the city, and many stone apartments and buildings. These cities are built with sewers and aqueducts in some of the larger settlements, providing basic sanitation to its population. New land is cleared for farming, with crops being rotated and manure from cows being used to increase crop yields. In the east the great highway is expanded to new, major settlements, with its system of runners and messengers for fast communication. The navy sees expansion as new ships are created with new innovations. A ship with seven banks of oars is also created for the first time, as the new flagship of the imperial fleet.
 * Beraba: Beraba continues to expand in the southwest on the Mikutek Peninsula, as well as to the east past the mouths of the rivers. Tribes in the north are contacted and presented gifts, shown as some of the benefits of becoming part of the Beraban nation. The textile industry grows, with members of the Tangakwunu and other middle classes now able to afford high-quality fabrics and garments at relatively inexpensive prices. More trade is poured into Cazekorom, with respectful intentions toward Beraba’s southern neighbor. Otekah of House Rhethlune, Crown Prince of Ngaoudera, dies and leaves her crown to her daughter, Zipacna, an unprecedented move in the patriarchal society that is prevalent in Beraba, especially in the Great Houses. Some members of the other Great Houses are dissatisfied with this occurrence. More exploration north and east of Gahren occurs, with traders looking for new markets to open up to the nation.

491-500
'In retaliation for the state-sponsored closure of their temples in Edom, an Edomite pagan mob raids one of the chief basilicas in the city, killing the Patra of Edom and many Ulmians. The rioting turns into a full scale revolt in the city, with the pagans rallying behind a cousin of the queen, Leneba. '

'The city of Gomis falls to the Qaryaat invasion, with the Qaryaat army suffering a total of 6,100 casualties in the process. In the same region the Drakan campaign subdues the area upto Gomis, and the Ten Cities accept the diplomatic mission from Draka. '

'King Davim accepts the offer from Vynos to have his daughter, Rasmel, to Prince Jor. The Benyisrans launch a number of expeditions to further control the trade routes running to the Vynos area. '

'The Hythians achieve a victory in the southwest regions of the Saemonite Empire, when the Saemonite general is killed. The Saemonites suffer 7,100 casualties, the Hythians suffer 3,000, and Herati suffers 1,050. '

'Nesaranasser IV successfully breaches the Saemonite capital and has himself crowned as monarch of both realms. He consolidates power in the city by purging the old king and his royal family, before launching a military campaign against the Mithadians. An important victory is achieved which sees the Mithadians pushed back, with the king dedicating 60,000 men toward securing the status quo against Mithadia, and 70,000 men toward repulsing the Hythians. '

'The nation of Teninukal accepts the peace offer from Exhula and a non-aggression pact, pledging to not claim any Exhulan territory. The Sillans successfully defeat the Exhulans near their colonial capital, suffering 3,400 casualties, while Exhula suffers 5,000. However, during this campaign it is revealed that Yecacedal has secretly orchestrated a trap. The remaining Sillan army is turned on by Teninukal, killing or capturing some 12,000 men at the ambush at Semecituc Forest. Elsewhere, the rest of the nation’s forces assault the Sillan presence in Teninukal proper, pushing them back in a more costly battle. From this position Teninukal offers Sillas a white peace, in exchange for paying tribute and slaves. '

'The arrival of Qera’s forces results in an Exhulan-Qeran victory against Sillas, with Sillas suffering the loss of the remainder of its army in Kaloma. This also prompts Teninukal to ask for an alliance with Qera. '


 * Hythia: Years 198-207 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarch Pycitus and Qyntine, determined to end the war, offer King Nesaranasser IV of the Saemonites a peace deal under which his claim to the modern lands of both the Northern and Southern Saemonite Kingdoms will be respected by Hythia and its allies with a return to territorial status quo ante bellum. Under the terms the Herati will remain a Hythian Vassal but no territory will change sides. [Mod Response] As a sign of goodwill the Hythian Unar falls back to Herati territory and repairs and expands the fortifications of the Herati capital, including a large earthen and stone wall, trenches, sharpened wood stakes, and an array of newly developed Eyscurpieron, bolt throwers, essentially large crossbows mounted to the towers. Many Herati, estimated at 30,000 civilians, have fled south into Hythian lands since the beginning of the conflict with most of them contracted in the Gyt and other northern cities. The domestic developments of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed toward feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are re-tasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. A trade proposal is sent to several of the Irian city-states to the south and the Drakans looking to secure more sources of food for the nation. [Players Response] Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host retreats after news of the superior Saemonite Unar approaching and prepares to defend the border.


 * The Kingdom of Otan Takat: The first act of the new kingdom is to perform a census. This will be of considerable cost in both manpower and in gold. The King prepares it to be very well-funded and using the most advanced technology the Kingdom can offer using the technologies of Advanced Mathematics and Writing as the biggest tools. Along with this, the results of the census will be stored in the Library. With the vast resources of both tin and copper at the Kingdom’s disposal the use of these minerals along with the knowledge of Bronze working will be used to develop the Kingdom’s population. Along with this the knowledge of the calendar will better helped to establish proper farming seasons. The King has decreed that a portion of the grain produced will be sent to communal grain silos in every town, this will help crackdown on the possibilities of starvation. These grain silos will also serve as payments to the serfs who are owned by the crown. The King has also sent explorers to the North, East, and South to search for more valuable farm and trading resources. Instead of colonizing further lands, it had been decided that the Kingdom should be focused on expanding the control of the lands already under loose control. Specifically focusing on the areas on the river, the King has decided that with the implements of better agricultural techniques that these areas should grow as there will be more food. A town guard/militia has been formed from 20 or so members of the nobility and around 200 or so citizens to keep order in the Urban section of the Kingdom. The religion of the Kingdom is a mix of polytheistic and monotheistic beliefs with the belief of many different gods and goddesses representing different aspects of one all-knowing, all-powerful god.
 * Mesallian Culture: At this time the Edomite religion, that had lasted some 1,500 years (or more) had come under siege from the forces of Ulmism and other foreign influences. Despite having an impact on the outside world still, as evidenced by the religion’s appearance in parts of Mesallas, in its native city of Edom the Edomites had come under siege. Traditionally the Maleka of Edom traced its lineage directly to Shashimra, the mother of the Meran River and the giver of life. Within the city the Temple of Shashimra served as a government building and meeting place, and remained in use for several decades after the fall of the religion from favor. Additionally, religion made up a large part of daily life, dictating societal roles and practices, e.g., the Edomite bureaucracy worked on a strict system of dividing all land along the Meran to specific gods and goddesses, which government officials would “rent” to citizens. Farmers were expected to pay back everything to their respective temples, from crops, seeds, beer, and any other products produced. This system would be one of the last to break down during the Ulmian upheaval, as evidence suggests that most farmers continued the traditional offering and prayers to the Edomite deities surrounding every step of the harvest, even if just out of habit. During the later reign of Queen Evanematra this system began to break down, as most temples were demolished. Many high priests transitioned to a form similar to that of a landlord, the temple being replaced by the feudal manor in the hierarchy of Edomite society. To curb the influence of pagan “feudal lords” a decree would be passed that mandated landowners to convert formally to the Ulm religion, leading to a massive increase in Ulmian participation from the nobility. There were also several forms of resistance to the decline of the religion. The first would be the uprising of Leneba, a high priestess and relative of the queen. Leneba rose to prominence after successfully leading a counter raid against Ulmians in the city of Edom, which saw the city’s basilica destroyed. The short civil war that followed saw numerous acts of violence and vandalism on both sides, with temples and places of worship being destroyed. Ultimately Leneba would be outnumbered, and in a formal battle between a zealous Edomite army and an imperial army, she would be defeated. Similarly, a cult arose at this time based around the ancient Edomite deity of Zama, the sun goddess, known as the Zamists The religion is believed to have arisen through the cultural exchange and influence of religions such as Ulm on the Edomite faith, resulting in a henotheistic, and later monotheistic, branch of the Edomite religion that solely focused on the worship of Zama. The religion would enter notability under the leadership of Omnuna, a former high priest turned to royal advisor, after the Temple of Zama-Thema supposedly aided Maleka Evanematra back to power in the city of Edom. Omnuna began to serve the role of regent, replacing the vacuum left by the death of Eylamudnun. Under her leadership the Zamists would become formally supported by the state, with Omnuna linking Zama to the royal family by calling Evanematra the daughter of Zama. Ultimately the Zamists would not please traditionalist elements on either side of the religious debate, but it grew to become a primary form of Edomite worship, even after the traditional polytheistic religion declined. In the year of the 72nd Jafiad (Year 488) the great war between the Lementarians and Water Merchants culminated in a major battle at the mountainous Aposic outpost of Seslenom. A contingent of Water Merchants became trapped in the outpost’s ancient tunnels, which consisted of thousands of meters of storerooms, copying rooms, temples, and corridors, which had been used to hide the worship of Ulm centuries earlier. The Lementerians assembled an army, primarily consisting of several thousand Apirun desert warriors, led by Arum-Sa-Iyll. Soon a siege developed, with the attackers breaking into the labyrinth of tunnels below to undermine the outpost’s defenses. Fierce fighting occurred within the tunnels, and for weeks it is said that guerrilla fights stalked the chasms of the fortress searching in the dark for enemies. The Apiruns employed mountain lions and other wild animals, in the hopes that it would disrupt the defenders in the tunnels below, and this, too, cost numerous casualties. According to legend, a small group had been assembled in the north that sought to relieve the defenders, but had been lost searching for the site of the battle. Then, the True God opened up the sky and illuminated a path to Seslenom, allowing them to break the siege. Elsewhere, in Semphimora the son of Erisander I Levian, Erenus III, continued to support the Lemenetarian side for the benefit of the kingdom, however, this led to heavy resentment from the population, who were more sympathetic and religiously similar to the Water Merchants. A religious leader of the Enulmians called Ichabon II would lead a popular movement to replace the king, prompting the Erenus III to raise a major force in Nerimos with Lementarian support. The king then marched south, stopping first at Leviea. He discovered that the fortress refused him entry, and a siege began. Over the next few months Erenus suffered many losses from a lack of supplies in the desert, which forced him to dedicate even more resources toward creating a caravan to his location to support himself. His army was constantly harassed by arrows and projectiles, further withering away his army. Finally he ordered an assault, confidence in success due to having, according to one source, more than 20 times more soldiers than the defenders. Instead the attack horribly failed, and Erenus would be killed. The Lementarians had lost two of their most important allies, Sephimora and Edom, and finally the war was ended. It is said that both sides sent a delegation to the neutral town of Mesonda, located on the Upper Meran, and agreed to a peace. The terms would be carved about ten meters in the air on a massive cliff face, creating a new boundary for the two factions. The Lementarians would withdraw from the countryside of Edom (at least publically), although the public also did not afford them much choice, forcing them back into hiding. Ultimately they would be forced out of the city of Edom as well when the Ulmian government came for their great temple, but that would not come immediately. In some sense the return to their natural state of intrigue and covertness may have helped the Cult of Lementer recover, but also the Water Merchants found new found success and growth all across the nation.
 * Xeran Empire: Tragedy began to strike late in the reign of Xarenvarus. The death of his eldest son, Ashkenaz, is carefully noted in contemporary chronicles, describing the sobering affect it had on the kingdom as well as the Emperor's personal health. However, the exact circumstances of how his death came about isn't given until the Parallel Lives of Azoz and Mesallia, which was written over 100 years after the fact. So in spite of the dramatization by later playwrites, we cannot draw for certain this death was unnatural. His second eldest son, Taulot, had entered the city of Edom to inturn his older brother, when Leneba's revolt took place. Taulot reached out to a nearby contingent of imperial forces, who sent 3,000 men to occupy the city and put down the revolt. Leneba's revolt is often seen as a reactionary effect of the decline of Edomite paganism, which had all but disappeared from the historical record at this point. Leneba fled from the city and was later imprisoned by Xarenvarus for some time, but didn't ultimately face any repercussions. Taulot would continue on to fight many other battles in the Lemantarian Wars, supporting the Apocist faction to ultimately force the Lemantarians into the countriside. The Xeran military heavily evolved, largely as a result of smoothly marrying military tactics of Azoz and Edom together, with heavy influences from Eskaladun. A sizable camel cavalry, almost entirely female run, evolved as a unit largely based in Upper Edom. They would likewise be deployed for protecting military outposts and caravan trade along the desert south of Usilinago. Old short swords used by the Xeran hoplites were completely replaced with the Edomite khopesh, a sword far more superior in effectiveness. Balistas and catapults were added to the military at this time as well, although entirely used for city sieges. The navy based in Neum constructed some of the first octerimes, although extremely rare in number. As the road system throughout the empire was completed, a full sewage system was also needed. The Xeran empire was the first to pioneer a complete plumbing system, utilizing gravity and vaccuums to run water from the Ashe River into public baths and outhouses. This was used primarily with copper pipes, but a cheaper version was also used with alumite minerals. Poorer regions of the city had outhouses situated directly over the river itself, which was then redirected to help fertilize the farmlands. The Castilean Wall was also completed, being a wonder of the world itself, as it was thick enough in its prime to ride two horses on top of it. In the far west, the Fotashe Kingdom extended its borders north to meet the newly-discovered river, known as the Garan River. The Tabornites were aided by Xeran military technology to settle farther south, now ruling from the capital in Frasnoq, to expand the empire farther along the coast. The Garian Fleet opens diplomatic relations with Jasmira, presumed to be the original homeland of the Valun, where trade is extended to buy products with silver and gold, as well as offering the Gospel of Nelrim. In the Far East, the fleet of Cyris reaches the homeland of Exhula, as well as touring around the islands of Irrosia. Cyris opens close relations with the Irrosians, seeing them as Ulmist brethren, and also asks to open trade with Exhula itself. Cyris tells the king of Exhula all the wonders and arts that exist back in Azoz, including the Great Library of Iskandaria. Cyris asks the king to send his finest scholars and geographers back home with him to Iskandaria, and add Exhula's maps of the world into the growing Hall of Geographica. 
 * Yannis Empire: The city of Izambeqem is founded on the northern river, and it becomes the center of trade with nations such as Aurelia, as well as exploration to the north. Many tribes in the north are encountered, with goods being given in exchange for the acceptance of Yannian Holy Men. The northern colony expands until it reaches the land of the Niani Empire. In the east the provinces meet the Aurelians in the center of the peninsula. These eastern provinces trade heavily with the allied nation of Ouayi, with many Holy Men arriving in its borders to spread the Yannian faith and aid the small nation. The nation also begins to have closer ties to the Niani Empire, hoping to protect the northern border. To this end the Anointed One’s daughter would be wed to the new Niani emperor, after he converted to the Yannian faith. In 493, the Anointed One and his son both died, and with no clear heir this same Niani Emperor would invade and claim the nation, ushering in a new dynasty and period in Yannian history. A war would commence across the nation, as the new emperor established control over the nation. In the south the kingdoms of Tik’akna, Temayal, Ometoc-vis, Quamocten, and Tohatia would become independent of the Yannian empire, with their own local governments succeeding in establishing a new government. The new emperor would attempt to connect the two realms, ordering that the Yannian style highways be expanded into Niani, and that Yannian culture be intermixed into Niani life.
 * Beraba: Supply ships are sent south to both congratulate and aid Teninukal and the Makuku states on their recent conflict with Sillas. The debate over the legality of Otekah of House Rhethlume passing the title of Crown Prince to her daughter Xipacna comes to a head, and the delegates from Damatura, Kitsura, Cohibos walk out in protest. These delegates had been in secret negotiations and had created a plan in the case that Xipacna was allowed to keep her title. The delegation from Damatura returns to Ngaoudera and, under the pretenses of being willing to negotiate, takes Xipacna hostage and barricade themselves inside the Royal Palace as soldiers from Ngaoudera are forced to allow the Damaturain army inside the walls of the city. Armies from Kitsura and Cohibos travel down the Cinhoedl River and reinforce the occupation of Ngaoudera, taking up defensive positions in case of retaliation. In response, loyalist forces muster armies, one marching south from Ibramos and Allsid, and the other marching north from Eiros and Doulaba. The Northern Coalition of Ibramos and Allsid lays siege to Damatura, which is left relatively undefended. The Damaturan army withdraws most of its troops from Ngaoudera to retake Damatura. Meanwhile, the armies of the Southern Coalition of Doulaba and Eiros march north and skirmish with the armies of the Eastern Coalition of Kitsura and Cohibos. A group of specially trained soldiers infiltrate Ngaoudera under the cover of night and rescue Xipacna and escort her out of the city. No longer held back by the hostage situation, the Southern Coalition wins a decisive victory and liberates Ngaoudera. The loyalist faction demands that the separatist forces yield. The armies of Damatura and Kitsura do, but the Cohibosian army retreats back up the Cinhoedl River to Cohibos and declare independence as “the Kingdom of the Lake”. Armies of the Northern and Southern Coalitions lay siege to the city and force its capitulation. Xipacna is re-crowned as Crown Princess of Ngaoudera in her own right following an official law that is set in place that states that women are legally allowed to hold the title of “Crown Princess” and are equal to men of the title “Crown Prince”. As part of war reparations, marriages are arranged between the victorious houses and the defeated houses. However, the male heirs from Houses Hjadra, Hjadra-Xun, and Kitsur are married to women from houses Vingod, Eshashti, and Rihen, respectfully. These women take the title of Crown Princess, and their husbands are given the status Prince Consort. The Princely Council at the end of the year 500 is made up of Crown Princess Xipacna of House Rhethlune representing Ngaoudera, Crown Prince Honovi of House Tayanita representing Doulaba, Crown Princess Wicasa of House Hjadra (née Vingod) representing Damatura, Crown Prince Makkapitew of House Rihen representing Allsid, Crown Prince Atohi of House Vingod representing Ibramos, Crown Prince Chayton of House Eshashti representing Eiros, Crown Princess Tokala of House Kitsur (née Rihen) representing Kitsura, and Crown Princess Wanikiya of House Hjadra-Xun (née Eshashti) representing Cohibos.


 * Vytia Culture: Timoi Tita I continues his unification of the great lands of Vytia. During the beginning of the new decade, he launches his troops to take the city of Kygras by surprise and quickly conquer. The troops managed to take Kygras completely by surprise and in less than six months the city is conquered and put under Vyt governance. He continues with this strategy to conquer Milor with the same amount of success, clearly showing how this is blessed by Shobah to unify and bring peace to the lands of Vyt. Attributing these successes to Shobah and how they were divinely chosen, many soldiers continue to convert to Solaramism. He begins a strategy of installing various governors from the cities but utilizes spies to make sure they stay loyal and if they show disloyalty then.. Timoi Tita I also continues his expansion of farmlands chopping down trees and expanding them by 25 px. Also, increased migration to Vynos increases the size of the city by 2 px. 'Meanwhile, traders who have discovered Draka to the north follow the Drakan trade routes in order to find further rich land while they continue their exploration westward of Benyisra, and explorers are launched farther east of Daukani into the lands unknown. Meanwhile, farming of nutmeg continues with them exchanging in market for Benyisran traded goods from the west. This results in new residents being built and wealth flowing into Vynos and Nis. Within the city of Vynos, Crown Prince Jor and Princess Jasmel give birth to their first son under the lights of the winter which signals greatness within Vyt culture, the son is named after his maternal grandfather Davon.
 * Saemonites: King Nesaranasser IV denies the peace offer from the Hythians, and uses the combined forces of the Southern and Northern Armies to their full usage as a means of defeating the neighboring enemies. With the Hythians, the full force of 70,000 troops invading through the top of the nation are assisted by Mangonels. In the war against the Mithadians, 60,000 soldiers are sent to retake regions and effectively push them out of the nation. 90,000 slave soldiers recruited off of promises of freedom and land, are divided into two regiments and are moved into the former Southern regions. 45,000 slave soldiers, armed with spears, low-level armor, and shields, are sent into Hythia as a means of launching an invasion into their homelands while the primary military forces are not at home.
 * Hythian and Allied Response: Seeing that King Nesaranasser IV cannot be trusted defenses are set to protect against his renewed attack. Hythian and Mythadian agents are dispatched to sow discontent among the slave-soldiers who are promised lands, true freedom, and recognition of statue if they turn against their slave-drivers. These soldiers are asked if they truly believe that a king who would betray his allies will not betray his slaves once he has defeated his enemies. More raiding parties are dispatched into the South Saemonite Lands to burn crops and generally disrupt production of food. These raids work quickly to avoid capture or combat. An emergency force of another 6,000 infantry is raised in Hythia, which marches north to support the army. These men are equipped with long 12 ft spears, wooden shields, and a mixture of light and heavy armor. Another force of 2,000 light cavalry is also raised equipped in a similar manner. The constant state of war has led to marked development of military technology and cavalry spears have continued to lengthen and require more of a seated lance-like hold. This change has accompanied the development of war-saddles, (no stirups yet) which provide greater support to the lower back when charging (higher cantles), and  it also incorporates a solid saddle tree which improves comfort for the horse and rider. Meanwhile, Hythian infantry tactics have adapted to include large javelins designed to de-shield an opponent (like a pilum). In addition to the organizational reforms the war industry of the last fifty years has led to the proliferation of iron lamellar armor, iron helms, war axes, and boss-ed shield to the average Hythian infantry soldier. This state has been improved by the capture of armor and weapons from the defeated Saemonites in the previous battles of the war.
 * Saemonite Response: After learning of the raids on agricultural lands, 10,000 troops are sent into the primary lands, split up into 50 divisions of 200, and tasked with specifically overwatching large agricultural farms. Trained to be efficient with bow + arrows and hand-to-hand combat, they are armed with bows, arrows, eight ft spears, and light armor. They are specifically tasked with engaging the enemy, killing all that attack, and looting the corpses for possibly new gear. Due to many of the slave-soldiers being led by numerous standard Saemonite leaders and general troops, anybody known to be specifically attempting to persuade a fellow slave-soldier's opinion is properly flayed and put on display all throughout the lands, and if in the middle of conflict, they are simply killed and later flayed. By 499, 3,000 being were flayed and put up on display, while the Saemonites continue to march onward.
 * Darna: There is a valiant defense of the island against the Azozian heathens, but ultimately Darna decides to withdraw back to their home islands and other territories. But many remain and perpetually harass the Azozians and their ships. Their supply lines are strained and raided, and many are killed in and around the island. The small number of slaves on the island, which cannot be transported away, the Darnans slaughter like sacrificial animals and leave rotting in their cages for the Azozians to find. The ships are all taken away, and much of the island is destroyed in the process of the war. On the islands many new projects are built and repaired. The navy sees great expansion to counter the aggression of the southern heathens.
 * Exhulan Empire: The war against Sillas technically continues In the beginning of the turn, but peace is heavily desired, even after we prepare heavy defenses in deep armored formations of pikemen with long spears and piles and shields based throughout various various minor fortifications not destroyed by the Sillian invasion. In this, however, we still seek peace, and decide to offer Sillas a white peace and a non-aggression pact in exchange for the end of the war, where neither of us will continue fighting and invading each other’s territory. (Sillas Response needed). We still prepare though, moving all of our remaining troops in the area into Amyirth and doing our beginning to rebuild all of our various fortifications in the region, although this is a slow process and we constantly fight off raids in the process. Meanwhile, The Empress Nyccia finally removes herself from the region during this turn and reclaims her rule in Siccarius, increasingly pushing her bastard son into a subordinate role as a major administrator for her in the Exhulan government and a major diplomatic presence in process of making peace with Sillas (or attempting too if it isn’t accepted) and in negotiating with The Xeran Empire and Cyrius when contact is made with them for the first time in 494, which goes incredibly and surprisingly well. We do actully genuinely end up with good relations in our negotiations and Cyrius and Nyccia in personal negotiations even form a bizzare sort of friendship, which also majorly contributes to the majorly overwhelming success in establishing trade routes and relations with The Xerans, also linking us for the first time into the wider massive trade network throughout the massive sections of land east of us in the major seas and such. Nyccia eventully agrees to send many scholars and diplomats to the Xeran region as the beginning of the latter famed “Xeran-Exhulan Cultural exchange” and, in a completely suprising move to many that completely entirley baffles thousands in both the Xerans latter and in Exhula itself, Nyccia, now in her middle age, decides to abdictate in her role as Empress and come with Cyrius herself to Facilitate negotiations, but really in a search for adventure and wanderlust that has charecterized her for her entire life, and that has rarely had the opportunity to show itself before now, naming her bastard son as the new emperor. We also agree to trade maps with the Xerans and add our vast knowledge to the library of Iskandaria. (Xeran Response needed). This means that when Cyrius departs during the next turn, her bastard son Raccim will becomes the new Emperor, and also results in the Aurelian dynasty being replaced by the Cyithryian dynasty, as the new rulers of The Empire. Meanwhile, the new contact with the mainstream Ulmian church results in Irrulmism beginning to re-eastablish relations with mainstream Ulm for the first time in an extremely long time, and although many might have expected religious strife to result, it instead results in many friendships forming and many philosophical and theological debates between the Irrulmians and the followers of the mainstream form of Ulm followed by Azoz, and even hundreds of Irrulmian scholars deciding to head to Azoz with Cyrius when he returns to continue their debates and study in there, while many Ulmian scholars decide to stay in Irrosia and Exhula themselves, winning many coverts among the population although Hcctaal obviously stays mainstream and Irrulmism maintains a larger following for now. This also results in much new economic activity and trade, and will result in a flourishing of both economies in the future, although not yet. Relations and trade with Qera also continue to increase.
 * Xeran agrees to exchange maps with the scholars who come to the Library of Iskandaria


 * Sillan Republic: The expulsion of the Sillans from both Teninukal and peninsular Exhula (after an initially successful campaign) surprises Cabeza Qianlana and the Imperial Court, who have long been convinced of the Silla's innate military superiority. As a result, Cabeza Qianlana reluctantly agrees to a white peace. Cabeza Qianlana begins to implement a policy of literary inquisition (particularly repressing any criticism of the Cabeza) the mounting opposition within the bureaucracy. Meanwhile, the Irrulmians who have settled in Silla sent a petition to Daqing, requesting that their religion receives legal recognition and that their deities are added to the Grand Pantheon. The authorities agree, despite being aware of the strict monolatrism that the religion – which is mistakenly referred to as the "Cult of the Talking Cow" depends upon its followers. '''All city walls (consisting of rammed earth cores and brick exteriors) are annually maintained and reinforced, while an intricate system of canals and flattened dirt roads are constructed to facilitate transport. As part of a public health and sanitation campaign, extensive sewer and plumbing systems, latrines, and public baths (accompanied by evaporative coolers) are built in all major settlements – with water being supplied by a comprehensive system of aqueducts and minor water channels. Meanwhile, irrigation channels and groundwater-wells are built in agricultural lands to provide an ample supply of water and fertilizer (in the form of fish paste or bovine manure) to crops; thus resulting in high agricultural productivity. Excess produce is either sold to the market or is stored within town granaries to ensure food security. With heightened demand for consumer goods (both for domestic consumption and for export), many bloomeries and workshops are built – manufacturing a high quantity of textiles (silk and muslin cloth), ceramics (porcelain wares), luxury goods (jewelry), farm tools, and military arms (reflex bows, swords, polearms, and arrows). Regional economic specialization continues. Within Silla proper, rice and plantains are cultivated as staples; however, various exotic fruits, vegetables (turnips, radishes, cabbages, aquatic plants, soybeans), root crops (taro, yams, sweet potatoes) are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include tea, ginseng, hemp, and abaca; while other major industries include sericulture and beekeeping (to acquire honey and wax). The main diet in the Makuku region is similar. Economically, however, it specializes in the farming of ratites (specifically ostriches and rheas), and hunting of wild crocodiles and snake – all for the purpose of acquiring an alternative source of leather. Cash crops include various spices, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco. Within the Olmac region, the staples are radically different, consisting of millet, wheat, and maize (though the latter is more used as fodder). In addition, various berries and nuts, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, various gourds and squashes, and true potatoes are also cultivated and consumed. Cash crops include coffee, cotton, opiates and natural dyes (indigo and henna). Within marshes or near bodies of water, artificial islands are built and are planted with maize, squash, and beans – intercropped together to maximize agricultural yield. While each plot of land is small (less than a tenth of the hectare), it is capable of yielding seven harvests annually – enough to support a single household (assuming they utilize all produce for human consumption). In lower depths of water, however, deep-water rice varieties are cultivated. Finally, the areas of the lowest depths are reserved for farms raising fresh-water fish, mollusks (snails, clams), and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, and crabs). In order to facilitate population growth, rapid southward expansion continues to acquire more arable land, raw materials, and to spread the gifts the civility through the assimilation of the barbarians.'''
 * Ri'Kiva: The fortress of Sud'Kivja continues to be expanded, with the state's resources being poured into making Sud'Kivja as difficult to siege as possible. A net-gate system is laid down, with iron netting blocking the river on command from the fort. More forts are built along the river, and supply caches are built inside the fortress. Evacuation infrastructure is also expanded, and grain is preserved in Ri'Kiva's citadel. Expansion continues in the peninsula, and colonies continue to expand, especially on So'dor and Kjv'arn. Exploration continues near Gahren and Kjv'arn. The strip of land between Ri'Kiva, Nithadia, and the Saemonites is settled.
 * Qaryaat: The newly captured colony of Gomis is renamed to its transliteration in the Qaryaati language, Kumiz. Reparations of the city begin after the war, and new sanitation systems initially built in Makra are also built there, as well as in Maqiri. Kumiz is subsequently subsequently transformed into a trading post in the trade with Solcia, Draka, and Benyisra. Scale armor is adopted, inspired by Kledesian armor. King Midhet sends an envoy through the Kledesian vassal kingdoms under Hythia to the Hythian kingdom declaring that he respects Hythia's rights in Kumiz as established by the older Gomis government. (HYTHIA RESPONSE NEEDED) Meanwhile, expansion in the other two territories is carried out as well. The colony of Maqiri expands southward to the boundary between the Mediterranean climate lands and the vast southern desert, and the main territory continues expanding along the southern coast of the Bay of Ghasir and begins expanding along the main trade route between Avsylann and Qaryaat. In both areas, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed territory to consolidate control over said territory. A colony is founded on the mouth of the Bizafir River. Meanwhile, exploration is done both along the coast north of the new colony of Bizafir and the strait/bay/whatever west of Nolossia (the southernmost of the Straits of Ceta?). A fortress is built on the tip of the Ghiqir Peninsula in case of Mohejaran raids. The new fortress is named Hisni-Mawan. Citrus fruits and sugarcane are increasingly cultivated in the mediterranean climate areas of Qaryaat, especially in the colonies of Kumiz, Maqiri, and Bizafir.
 * Hythian Response: We thank the Qyriaati for their generosity, but owing to the current state of war Hythia faces, no further contact is pursued for now.
 * Irian Culture: The Opal League is victorious in most of its engagements. Fighting on nearly flat terrain, Asymagos IV is able to match the Cledesians' cavalry ability at the decisive Battle of the Ludian Plain in 489. Following the battle, Corenia and Solcia recover their eastern territories and most of the Cledesians flee to Joredesh. Once the threat is removed, however, the three realms start bickering again.

501-510
'In the city of Vynos there is an attempted coup against the leadership of the city, instigated by traditionalist nobles heavily opposed to the ruler’s policies, and in some cases, also opposed to his rapid acceptance of the Benyisran religion over their own customs. '

'The nation of Obtus, one of the Anglenite nations on Bangor’s Island (the yellow nation), formally converts to the Ulm religion, after its king is convinced by a local preacher. '

'The Saemonite counterattack against Mithadia proves inconclusive, with the Saemonites unable to repulse Mithadia from the cities it garrisoned. The Saemonites suffer 8,800 casualties, while the Mithadians suffer 3,000. The concurrent invasion launched by Mithadia into the south successfully pillages much of the countryside, with the Mithadians occupying some cities in the southwest. The Saemonites suffer 5,000 casualties and numerous civilian losses, while the Mithadians suffer 2,110 casualties. '

'The Saemonites encounter a Hythian-Herati army in western Herati, and achieve a decisive victory. The Saemonites suffer 3,000 casualties, the Hythians suffer 2,010, and the Herati suffer 5,700. However, due to the destruction of the Herati lands and the harassing of the Saemonite army, they suffering another 5,310 casualties during their advance. At a battle in southwest Herati the two main armies then meet, and the Saemonites successfully rout the Hythians. The Saemonites suffer a total of 8,550 casualties, the Hythians suffer 4,300, and the Herati suffer 4,600. '

'The success of the Xeran Empire near Fashnoq in repulsing the Tabornites causes a slight migration in the south. The nation of Anakadehan invades northward, sending a diplomatic mission in the process to Fashnoq to establish relations with the nation responsible for the Tabornite conflict. '

'The yearly celebration of the birth of Nelrim becomes a popular custom across the Ulmian world, with different cultures in Azoz, Edom, Syres, and beyond adding their own traditions to the celebration. '

'After a defeat in Mithadia, 10,000 men of the Saemonite slave army flees from battle and deserts, with another 4,000 men being killed in the confusion. '

The Kingdom of Otan Takat: Again this decade the King sends out explorers to map more of this land, looking in the East, North, and South for signs of other civilized people. The Kingdom continues to expand and begins building more farms and is focused on expanding the population to higher numbers instead of claiming more land. The further advancement with Bronze tools leads to increased efforts in farming, and better farming techniques being developed. The fertile ground of the delta is very fertile. The people have also began using the waters as a way to get food by fishing for it these attempts have had mixed results with some of the craft collapsing while others have come back laden with fish. In all this decade has been a success with the private milita being expanded to number close to 1,000 outfitted in weapons and army of bronze battling back any native incursions against the Kingdom.
 * Malmaça: In the mountains of the Mediterranean are birthed the great Chosen Land of Malmaça. Ruled by the wise leader, Halik Ulfrada, The Great Prophet of the Artharian People. Urfrada would begin issuing the removal of slavery, reasoning that all men are to be treated equal, and no men shall be treated as animals. He would also issue the creation of farms for the unemployed serfs to finally work to get a reasonable payment giving more value to the serf people, and giving more food for the people of Malmaça to eat. He would issue the secularization of the country, stating that he will soon unite the other tribes of the Mediterranean under his rule. The creation of new technologies like incendiary arrows and crossbows would begin as well.
 * Xeran Empire: Xarenvarus, in his last years, reached out to align with Anakedehan, offering full military support in their vengence on their enemies, while also securing trade routes to the south and an avenue for evangelizing the faith of Ulm. Xarenvarus then died in Azoz at a ripe old age, leaving behind a legacy that upholds him as one of the greatest statesmen of that generation. His son was immediately crowned Emeror Thalut, third of that name in Azoz, while being the first such king to rule over Edom. Thalut was primarily a visionary internationalist, and pushed to expand the Xeran empire's influence to the far reaches of the earth. Thalut worked to strengthen relations with standing allies in Mesallia, and offered to help the cities of Agira and Karissa fund the expansion of their navies. Farther east, Thalut affirmed his alliance with the Great Lakes, and continued sending missions of extending diplomacy with Belangor, Jaris, and the remaining Angelite Kingdoms. Not wanting to repeat mistakes of earlier political tragedy, Thalut commissioned the admiral Shakas to send a much larger expedition than Cyris, offering to give military protection to Obtus. Closer diplomacy is extended as well to Phorintheon, as we have been trading with them so far. Furthermore, a full military alliance is offered to Exhula, being our closest friend on the farthest part of the world. Theaters first started to appear in the Empire, mostly around Edom and Sephimora. Some of the most famous early tragedians and comic playwrites lived around this time, as the field was being developed. These plays largely revolved around the epic cylces that were first written during the Chatna Empire, but some other themes existed as well such as the heroic works of Leto and Ioximander. Ulm apostles continued to be sent in converting the nations in the western continent, partiuclarly the Valun. As the Nativity holiday traditions first appeared at this time, it is often speculated if the mythical figure of the Apostle Saulkin is set at this time. [prepare gratuitous lore] According to the original legend, Saulkin began as the son of the Yannian governor Cluny the Scourge, and was raised from birth to believe in all the cruel lies of the Yannian doctrine, especially their demeaning propoganda against Ulm. The "Golden Rule" of Yannis supposedly was given as "Do unto others as they do unto you". Saulkin, in his heart, did not believe all these words, and tried to persuade his brothers to reconsider. In response, Saulkin's brothers tied him to a tree and threw him into the ocean. Saulkin washed up on shore in Obtus, and was taken in by a group of Ulmian monks to nurse him to health. The monks tried to encourage Saulkin, offering him the peace and forgiveness in the Ulm faith, with the true Golden rule as "do unto others as you would have them to unto you". Saulkin did not accept this faith right away, but found it very curious and wise, and so took the words to heart as he traveled back to his father. Once Saulkin tried to explain the words of the monks to his family, Cluny had his son locked in prison to await further punishment. In prison, Saulkin fell to his knees, and asked God that he would accept the Ulmian faith if he would be released. Immediately, the spirit of Nelrim came from heaven and put the guards to sleep, freeing Saulkin. Saulkin went on to devote his life to be an Apostle to the True God, giving gifts to children of families with no money. As long last, his father Cluny came upon the city with an angry mob, demanding his son should relinquish the Ulmian scriptures he kept with him. Saulkin, having memorized the Ulm scriptures, freely gave these books back to his family, and in addition gave each and every one of them a special gift from the bottom of his heart. This sheer act of generosity completely melted the hearts of Cluny and his compatriots, and they abanonded their ways of Yannis from that moment onward. Thus is the story of how the Apostle Saulkin came to be, which to this day young children believe will give them gifts on the anniversary of Nelrim's birth. Update: the substantial military stationed in Obtus protect the nation agianst Yannis, and call on their natural allies of the neuteral Angelite kingdoms to stop the Yannis attack. Another naval expedition led by Sucetraps removes the navy currently guarding Atsome Point and sends 6,000 troops to help Jacarus seize the thrown of Darna.
 * Hythia: Years 208-217 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarchs Pycitus and Qyntine are replaced by replaced by another pair of military men in 209 and 216 respectively. The dual defeats of the last decade demonstrate the severity of the situation. A call to arms goes south to Hythia’s Klydesians Vassals who collectively raise a force of 10,000 men to assist their guarantor. Furthermore, 10,000 more inexperienced troops are raised from young men, older men, and a significant portion of women, as well as volunteers from the fleeing Herati. The stream of refugees from the north has turned to a flood with nearly 150,000 Herati now being resettled across the southwest, establishing a new city in the process, Hyrat. The remains of both armies are recalled to defend Hythia and join with the 40,000 Hythain troops, the Klydesians, and the volunteering Herati to form a force of 60,000. Largely comprised of archers, light spear-and-shield infantry, with significant light cavalry support and a small but highly experienced elite heavy cavalry core. The unar first marches west to meet the Saemonite force invading northwestern Hythia. This is done simultaneously as the Mythadian Unar in the south of the Saemonite Realms marches east to meet the Hythian Unar. It is in the lightly inhabited plains of northwest Hythia that the three armies meet. The first day of battle is inconclusive between the Hythian Unar and the Saemonites. Skirmishes rage into the night, when, thanks to expert horsemanship and knowledge of the terrain, Hythian and Mythadian scouts link-up. A line of communications is opened and the Mythadian host moves to encircle the now heavily outnumbered and surrounded Saemonite Unar. At the dawn of battle on the second day the Hythian Unar practices a series of tactical withdrawal without the use of any infantry except to bait the Saemonite forces. Light cavalry is used to screen retreating Hythian forces as the Saemonites are drawn deeper and deeper into the Hythian trap. The Hythian Unar draws the saemonite forces up and over one of the many rolling hills in the region and true engagements between infantry begin on the slopes of the second hill. At noon the Mythadian Unar, numbering some 50,000 marches quickly to seize the Saemonite baggage train, and with the Saemonite Unar drawn over a hill and beyond direct line of sight of the train it is swiftly taken. The Mythadian light cavalry then pursues the Saemonites, surrounding them in a valley where the unar is captured in outright. The Saemonite Unar in Hythia turned back, the joint forces of both Mythadia and Hythia march east to face the Saemonite forces currently snuffing out the last of the organized resistance in Heratia. Thus, an epic battle takes place at the Forks of the Tythies, in the ruined city of Arudam which was once destroyed in totality by the Saemonites. The first day is marked by a race to take the strategically critical ruins. Hythian vanguard forces cross a ford directly upstream of the river and fight a prolonged cavalry battle with advance elements of the Saemonite Unar which had set camp on the north edge of the city. The advance Saemonite forces do escape to inform their commander who decides to trap the Hythian army against the ford and makes camp some five septons from the ford. Meanwhile, the Mythadians marched south to a known crossing of the Tythies, and having crossed this river, began marching north late into the first day. The second day of battle consisted mostly of stalling tactics by the Hythians who first ask to speak with the Saemonite leader under the preface of potentially surrendering and to discuss terms of such an arrangement. It is thanks to these tactics, which stall for much of the morning, that the Mythadian force can cross a second ford, on the Mynethos, some 60 septons from the Saemonite camp. The second day comes to an end after an indecisive battle between Hythian forces and the Saemonites. Made desperate by the river at their backs Hythian soldiers stand surprisingly firm. The third day finds the Hythian Unar readied for battle at the break of dawn. 50 Saemonite prisoners are brought out to a great pyre built by the Hytoriy during the night. These prisoners are then burned alive as the sun rises to appease Hythus and bring fear to his enemies. This gruesome scene calls the Saemonites to arms and a true battle begins. It is after an hour of fighting that the Mythadian Unar arrives from the east this time. The light cavalry once more destroys the Saemonite camp and begins launching a hail of arrows into the poorly defended Saemonite rear. The Mythadian forces are quick to connect with a strategically placed Hythian Heavy Cavalry unit in the north, forcing the routing saemonites to flee south into the ruins of Arudum. The end of the third day finds the Saemonite Unar trapped in the eroded walls of the former city under siege. Several dozen Eyscurpierons are brought to bear against the Saemonites, throwing large incendiary bolts all through the night. Siege continues for a week before the Saemonites, are forced to surrender having lost their stores of food and facing total annihilation. The domestic developments of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed toward feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are retasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. A trade proposal is sent to several of the Irian city-states to the south and the Drakans looking to secure more sources of food for the nation. [Players Response] A further proposal is sent to exchange cartographic information with the Ry'Kyva of the north, as well as the Mythadians who have demonstrated their fidelity, courage, and honor in fighting for so long with Hythia. [Mod and Player Response] Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host maintains its occupation of the coastal Saemonite lands.
 * Mesallian Culture: After the death of Xarenvarus the monarch “Thalut III” was crowned in Azoz, but his declaration as “King of Edom” seen as impractical, as that would require him to marry his own mother, which the Edomites did not wish to tolerate. As a result Thalut would become known as “Thalut the Wicked” for his attitude of power and consolidation over morality and piety. The Holy Patra of Edom famously would take a stand against his own king, becoming the subject of later paintings such as “Apostle Ambranun barring Thalut from Edom Basilica”, although such paintings are largely fantastic. The actual monarch of Edom, Evanematra, who is said to have been 56 years old at the time of the 75th Jafiad, or about six years younger than her brother Democrates, who died that year, had begun to come out of her isolation and manipulated lifestyle. The queen had been emboldened by the prophet Omnuna to restore Edom and its customs to the forefront of the ancient world, expelling Azoz’s advisors, which Omnuna called “the prison guards”. The Zamists were elevated to positions of power in the government, with the queen hesitating to oppress the “heretical” religion that worshipped her nearly as a goddess. Hoping to avoid conflict, the queen would pen a letter to her son, stating that if he possessed any benevolence in his heart he would not usurp his own mother, or his sister, when she succeeded her. Fearing the worst for the son “corrupted by Azozian temptations”, the queen formed a close alliance with her nephew, Democrates II, and also sought to arrange an alliance with her niece, the Queen of Emalia. Her motivation being that the balance of peace and prosperity between the four states would be disrupted if one “child of Lysimedes” undid his legacy. Furthermore, according to the queen, the “gentle nurturing of Ulm in the world” would likely be undone by continued bloodshed between the few bastions of the faith, in an effort to perhaps turn Azoz’s ministers and advisors sympathetic, even if their king would not be. Besides the machinations of the royals, the societal and religious changes being undertaken in the kingdom would continue on their own. The traditional Edomite religion had largely disappeared from the public eye, although living out its days in the countryside of the nation or in far flung provinces. Of those who remained partial to the Edomite faith, they had been overtaken by the monotheistic Zamists, which remained the most culturally Edomite-influenced religion of the rise of monotheism. Its reception by theologians was mixed, with many church figures of Ulm deeming the religion “utterly blasphemous, heretical, and pagan”, according to contemporary writer Ganzemun. But elsewhere, the religious and philosophical corners of Edom and Iskandria found a means to rectify the religion to be more palatable, by stating that Zama was simply the True God, or his manifestation, and the divinity of the Maleka was purely symbolic and metaphorical. In Sephimora the Enulmian religion remained triumphant over the influences of Edomite and Azozian Ulm. Due to the interconnectedness of the two realms over the last several decades, the religion also grew considerably across eastern and southern Edom. This is evidenced by the sudden sharp increase in the number of purification pools, centers of worship, and Enulmian libraries in plain sight rather than in hiding, and the textual evidence of the first Edomite governors in the mountains of the east embracing the religion. Despite the upheaval ongoing in Edom, the nations of Mesallas stood out as still largely polytheistic, with Democrates II notably uninterested in Ulmism. The western Melopenes remained Yannian in religion, with a mixture of Yannian and Mesallian customs and traditions taking hold. In a select few cities the Ulm religion remained a large force, particularly in more cosmopolitan cities and centers of trade. However, the Mesallian faith of Ioxemander, Ptelamus, and all the kings before them remained the dominant religion of the peninsulas and archipelagos.
 * Yannis Empire: A great curse is spoken by the despised Thot of Azoz, cursing his frail bones, his pultrad, swirly skin, his bristled unkempt hair, his yellowish, long fingernails, his ragged clothes, and his hunched over spine. That aging, grotesque monster is to be cast down by the highest powers of divinity and grace, sparing the world or more harm by casting him into fire, tearing off his limbs, destroying every slimey inch of his innards and his crawling presences. And just as it is spoken, that vile beast is killed by the holy prayer of Yannis. The news reaches the Holy City of Yagothna-vis, and the people celebrate the destruction of that false prophet, whose disease has finally come to a close. The ascension of Thotite III to their mound of lies and putrid corpses, that sits the Olmite faith, leads to plans to liberate the world from him as well. And so a festival begins, hoping to rid the world of corruption and evil through thoughtful prayer and happiness. The festival is brought to the Yannis empire by the Nianians, and soon people celebrate by burning the effigies of the cruel Azozian. It is reported to the royal authorities of his description. The natural philosophers who study the animals and beasts report that he is a short being, with a gut that hangs over his thin legs, his knees unable to support him. His arms hang like wet fish from his side, sometimes scraping the ground below. His head is unable to be raised high, and so his chin often bumps around his chest. They report that the Azozian is a bastard and a gluttonous, bewitched individual, who sought to mate with his own mother. His products are incestuous and diseased, many dying stillborn or heavily deformed. His father was one of the products of the people mines, the deep, treacherous tunnels below the Azoz mound, where they churn the fires of molten rock to pull out such creatures. He was born from no humanity, no love or piety, but by the unfeeling, unnatural stench of the tunnels, molded like a sword from the cosmic smelting of human curiosity run amok. The Azozians cut him from the primordial cesspits that run through those streets, stretched open the cavities of bubbling waste to birth his head and pull him by the neck. From an early age they spoke to him in the dark tongue, calling him “Nazgurbuûk gesh âs’olog”, or “evil ooze that festers”. All throughout his years they whispered into his ears until the ears became wretched, twisted, hoping to escape the vile plosives of Azozian speech. When he reached an age of maturity for that species, the Azozian pretender outstretched a fifteen-inch boney and twisted finger, ordering the cruel enslavement of the holy people of the world. His armies would do their master’s bidding, pillaging the lands of innocent peoples. Their fiery reached the Bangorians and corrupted sweet Obtus, through lies and deceit. And so the Anointed One decreed, that island was of the righteous not of the unrighteous, of the just not unjust. There would be no Olmist treachery on the island of punishment of death, this he said, and so it was done. The Yannis Empire assembled a great fleet of Holy Men to purify the lands of Obtus. The other faithful states of the island were called upon, as were the Yannian nations of the south. A great crusade would forcefully remove the growing plague, after the Olmites unlawfully occupied Obtus. It is clear that in their hearts the Thotite seeks to occupy that innocent kingdom permanently, and suck the spirits straight off the bones of every man, woman, and child. The army of Holy Men arrives, hoping to arrive in time to save some of these innocent civilians before they can be consumed as meat. They know that the Obtus people still possess a spark of hope and joy in their hearts, and so only the vile king that the Azozians corrupted, Bâruktul’aslug, will need to be cut from the earth. Peace and glory upon the holy of the world.
 * Ri'Kiva:  The fort at Sud'Kivja is expanded even more, along with the river forts. The Ri'Kivan army is mobilized, and a request is sent to Kaughn to join us against the autocratic Saemonites. Supported by a river fleet, our force of 10,000 men marches into the Saemonite river cities, occupying everything up to the river if all goes according to plan. The army is primarily composed of medium Ri'Kivan infantry and Batur skirmishing auxillaries, along with Aurilian heavy infantry and Hürik light cavalry. The light cavalry plunders Saemonite agriculture, while most of the force proceeds to the mountains. Batur skirmishers form the screen. Using the spy network, Kal'If Uk sends word to all Saemonite slaves, saying that in Ri'Kiva, there is no slavery, and that any slaves who join the Ri'Kivan army will be freed and given a sizable plot of land.
 * Glorious Empire of Vynos: The Unification of all the Vyt lands is completed with the conquest of Nis. With this the Vyt has truly become one. However, the attempted coup against Timoi Tita I causes most concern within our most esteemed leader. Realizing that sudden change will cause unstability within our most glorious empire, he in all his wisdom, decided upon compromising the beliefs of traditional Vyt religion with Solaramism. Utilizing his unification of the Vyt lands as a basis and "ancient" documents to claim the legendary title and position of Kator within the Vytish. The Kator is the prophesized Liberator, One-true king, and savior of all the Vyt people. He will arise from the line of one murdered and one praised and shall come from a line of far away origins, and his descendants shall rule over all of Vytia from henceforth and shall not challenged by any except the truly despicable and evil. He claims direct male line descendant from Solaram the prophet of Benyisra by ancient documents stating that a son of Solaram fled the destruction wrought by Draka against the chosen people, and fled to a land far in the south and settled and married a women. His descendents eventually adopted the name Birtyzi, meaning foresight in honor of their ancestor. The promotion of these ideas eventually begins to cement loyalty in the zealous and the poor as a savior of the Vyt people. In order to subdue traditionalists, Tita I restores the institution of the Assemblies. However, they are purely ceremonial and possess little real power. With the popularity of Timoi Tita I the apprehended traitors are handed punishments by executions, the selling of their children into slavery, and the seizure of their land, and redistribution among the common folk. Having unified their lands Timoi Tita I orders a nation wide census to be conducted to find the state of his realm, and their people. He also founds a military outpost in between the cities of Vynos and Daima to keep control of their lands which eventually grows into a small city. Continued exploration of the lands surrounding Draka and Benyisra is very successful with them Discovering the nations of Qaryaat, they also explore farther Northwest of Draka into lands yet undiscovered, and west of Qaryaat. The naval expeditions exploring lands farther east continue as well.
 * Darna: It is discovered that the serpent that is the Azozian king Thot transformed himself into a ghastly spirit, possessing people across the nation. These poor souls are compelled to do the devil’s bidding, beginning the great slave revolt. The magician Jacaras channels this dark magic to control the slaves as his drones. The social hierarchy is destroyed, with Jacaras freeing the feral Ulmian beasts from their cages and mines. All across the coast, bears, lions, Ulmians, wolves, and all the other wild animals roam freely, causing a panic and many deaths. The most primitive of Ulmian captives, those were were raised their entire lives in solitary confinement with zero human interaction, are unable to understand the new world they find themselves in. With many dying in their former slave dens or being hunted and killed. The most capable of the slaves are led by Jacaras directly, as he turns them into an army, They manage to take many settlements on the coast, disrupting the janter trade and causing alarm. Elsewhere, the slaves become their own masters, and many “colonies” emerge led by former slave warlords called the olumas. The most powerful of the oluma establish their own slaves, and their own janter mining colonies, having killed or displaced the old masters. Many of these colonies would ally together and eventually force Darna to recognize them. Then among the most feral of slaves, there were many who created their own “packs”, remaining untamed and wild in the wilderness of the interior. There the former Ulmians returned to their primitive ways, becoming a part of the ecosystem for many years to come. After many years the Darnas eventually killed Jacaras, restoring order to their colonies. For this treachery, many ships were built, as the nation prepared to take the head of the great Thot as a war trophy.
 * Thïgæ: Finding an appropiate place to settle, Aropha decides to claim land for his people to claim their own. He names it Thïgæ. A city is founded on one of the many river deltas of the region, and areas to the south bordering the coast are claimed for the crown, along with most of the northern lake area. The tropical environment lets agriculture blossom, and soon enough food is produced to support a new urban area, which is established on the southern coast in the first Olahn (four years). Another settlement is added at the end of the second Olahn (eight years) at the southern tip of the northern lake. Faith in the one and only god, Rathor, starts to gain momentum, with Lianth proclaiming he had been visited by Rathor at the begining of the first Olahn, and the atheists of Thïgæ, just settling down, belived that the finding of a perfect place to settle down was the work of Rathor. The religon quickly grew until Aropha himself proclaimed that Rathor was the only god. Conversion of the mostly atheist neighboring tribes was easy, as they saw that the comming of Rathor was destined from the newly formed Thïgæ, causing other tribes around the newly converted ones to assume the same thing. Traders begin exploring areas on the southern coast, while an expedition is sent upstream, past the northern lake, to map the unknown.
 * Khin Federation: After a second great hunt, where riders of Khin ventured into the far corners of the known world, the returning sacrificial ceremony became a census, where all riders are counted and tallied to record the population of the Khin. Traders of the Khin begin establishing commercial connections with the Azoz, Valun, Isimandia, and Syres. During the great hunt, blessed by the Great Than, a rider has made the first treeless saddle for use of his own horse. The new treeless saddle is then popularized in the Khin.
 * Syres: Within the city the Ulm faith grows to become the largest religion for the first time, although still a minority overall. The Hensa attempts to promote the Syresian pantheon, and even supports the cult worship of Ioxemander, which grows steadily as well. Due to influence from Ioxemander and the Mesallians, the concept of worshipping the late kings and legendary heroes of the city becomes popular, with a cult arising around the legendary founder of the city, Erian. Aside from these two main religions, the most popular across the nation remains the polytheistic Mesallian pantheon, or offshoots of it. In the far west this is joined by the native religions of the coast, which live on in small numbers despite Azozian-led oppression and persecution to spread the Ulmian faith in its stead. A temple to Soronis and a temple to Zama were also opened in Syres at this time, due to trade from Edom and Mesallas, although these religions would remain a very small minority in the city. The captured island from Darna is christened Nelyris, with a new settlement named Atsum being founded at the spot where the Azozians first landed and encamped. Due to Azozian pressure the island becomes home to a new basilica and a planned colony from the city, with many Ulmians relocating or even being forcefully exiled to the island. There is also an increased interest in control over the straits, with the forts at either end of the straits being expanded. The navy retains a presence at Nelyris to ensure that any Darnan attack or piracy is repulsed.


 * Sillan Republic: Cabeza Qianlana increases investment into the Navy, with a total of 200 galleys. They are with numerous heavy crossbows (firing both conventional crossbow bolts and incendiary arrows) for long-ranged assault, as well as a prolonged iron-plated bow and boarding engines for close-combat. Meanwhile, in order to divert attention from the repelled Teninukal and Exhula campaigns, Cabeza Qianlana commences the invasion of the Makuku region. She cites that the Sillans and the Makuku peoples have similar languages; and therefore, could trace both their origins to a single progenitor, and as such, Sillan conquest is not intended to establish dominance or extract tribute but rather to unify two related peoples. In recognition of this equal status, ethnic Makuku will be granted citizenship (and associated rights and privileges, such as suffrage) and all Makuku nobility will retain their respective titles (and will be allowed to run for and hold political offices, though their children will be required to partake in imperial examinations to do so). In addition, she seeks to bring civilization and prosperity to the Makuku people through the adoption of Sillan culture and institutions. However, there are other motives for the conquest of the Makuku region, most prominently the acquisition of gold and other precious metals, which could be used in the production of luxury goods (particularly jewelry) as well as monetize the economy. Meanwhile, the vast expanses of idle land could be converted into plantations specializing in the production of tropical commodities, while the incorporation of the Makuku population would further augment the taxable population (thus increasing tax revenue, enabling Silla to fund more government programs and projects). A total of 60,000 troops are mobilized, with ~15,000 sent to Napukal and Chamokal each, and ~30,000 sent to Makuku. A total of three legions (each consisting of 5,000 troops – 1,000 horsemen and 4,000 infantrymen) are dispatched each to Napukal and Chamokal. The cavalry is divided into three groups. The first group launches a fake assault and upon inflicting a sufficient level of attrition, they then retreat (leading them to organized phalanx formations). The second group then encircle the enemy formations (discreetly), thus keeping them within a certain area. The third and final group will then stay with the phalanxes and fulfill skirmishing duties – thus ensuring the impenetrability of the flanks and the rear. Infantry (organized in a phalanx formation) will proceed to then kill enemy forces using pikes (while enemy forces are unable to escape due to encirclement by cavalry). Any encountered settlement & fortifications (including surrounding farmland) are razed to the ground. Upon reaching both their respective capital's, the troops then proceeding to destroy it using incendiary arrows and crossbow bolts, while the three legions (in three different directions) create multiple breaches in enemy fortifications and defenses (while using assault covers to minimize casualties) – thus dispersing the defending garrison and overwhelming enemy forces, thus facilitating entry. One-half of the ~60,000 are dispatched to Makuku, with one-third being cavalry while the remainder being infantry. The expedition is organized into three army divisions consisting of two legions each, with mounted auxiliaries conducting reconnaissance as well as relaying messages between the three army divisions. The three army divisions travel loosely to evade enemy forces, maintain flexibility, and to feign numerical inferiority – thus ensuring that the enemy mobilizes as few troops as possible. Any encountered unfortified settlements (and the surrounding farmland) are razed to the ground; while any minor fortifications are deliberately avoided (though the surrounding farmland is nevertheless razed) to maintain a rapid advance northward – inhibiting the enemy's ability to easily and effectively coordinate and plan their defense strategy or establish any solid fortifications. If any enemy forces are encountered, prior to engagement, squads of several archers are sent and in concealed locations (to minimize visibility) target and kill high-ranking military officials. Then, a legion is sent (using long-ranged bows to inflict damage upon enemy troops) and launch a fake assault, then afterward they feign retreat (only reversing this retreat upon the arrival of reinforcements). Then four legions (being more heavily-armored) are sent to attack from two directions – initially inflicting damage with their bows (focusing on killing any skirmishers or longbowmen, then focusing on inflicting attrition) then breaking enemy lines and engaging in melee warfare (utilizing a lance to inflict shock, before reverting back to the saber). The last remaining legion is tasked with preventing anyone from leaving or repelling any surprise engagements or reinforcements. Upon reaching the capital, the surrounding farmland and any satellite settlements are razed to the ground – with their inhabitants fleeing to the capital (thus expending more resources). With the defenders being forced to retreat to the confines of the capital (which is presumably fortifications, regardless of whether or not the process of completed), a strategy of encirclement is pursued to starve and weaken the defending garrison. During this same period, the capital's infrastructure is destroyed with heavy crossbows and incendiary arrows. Then, the three army divisions (in three different places) proceed to concentrate their force on three different points of the capital's fortifications, with infantrymen creating a breach using a ram (while using assault covers to minimize casualties); upon achieving this, all of the three breaches are simultaneously entered en-masse thus overwhelming the enemy forces and facilitating entry.

511-520
If you still need to post in the previous turn you may do so.

'A nomadic people migrate from the northeast into a jungled highland, subjugating the native people of the region. The become known as the nation of Johdnapanan, founding the capital city of Ganhdlavira at a location along a major river. '

'The nation of Unem (which Ri’kiva had discovered 300 years ago but went unnamed at that time) launches an expedition to the south. They conquer numerous tribes, but also force many more to flee south toward the Saemonite realm. '

'A local aromatic tree resin (frankincense) becomes a highly popular and profitable commodity originating from the Qaryaat region. '

'In response to the Yannian invasion of Obtus, the Kingdom of the Isles supports the Ulmian Obtus government, while the Anglenite nation of Thetum, which practices the Yannian faith, supports the Yannis Empire. '

'The Valun-Khin War begins as two of the largest nations of the Azozian steppe come into conflict. The leader of the Valun, Odoabasid, begins the war with an invasion of the Khin.  The Mithadian-Hythian armies meet against the invading Saemonites at the Battle of Towrahnoni, and the Saemonites are defeated. The Saemonites suffer 17,540 casualties, the Hythians suffer 3,100, the Mithadians suffer 5,290, and the Kledesians suffer 2,000. The battle results in the Saemonites being decisively repulsed from southeast Herati. '

'A Saemonite noble named Amelucenes, governor of Remnon and Basim (the cities on the river near Ri’kiva), raises an army and successfully defeats the Ri’kivan invasion. The Saemonites suffer 2,100 casualties, as well as numerous civilian casualties, while the Ri’kivans suffer 4,400 casualties. Elsewhere the Kingdom of Kaughn accepts the offer from Ri’kiva and invades independently toward the south. '

'During the invasion of Napukal, Teninukal repays the Makuku for their support prior by sending an army to join Napukal. Together this force successfully repulses the Sillan attack, with Sillas suffering 3,900 casualties. Teninukal also tentatively declares the Makuku states under their protection. Meanwhile, the attack on Chamokal succeeds, burning the center of the Makuku religion. The Sillans suffer 2,400 casualties in the process. In Makuku proper the Makuku are narrowly defeated, with Sillas suffering 6,900 casualties. '

'A rival tribal leader named Lagalut founds a city named Sonaredar, located southwest of the nation of Thïgæ, on the southern part of the same river delta. '
 * Flag_of_Thïgæ_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg Thïgæ: A conversion and expansion plan commences, dubbed the "Rothr Shliefn" (Rothar Plan), with natives converted before being implemented into Thïgæ. The plan is used extensively in the north, around the lake, during the late third and all of the fourth Olahn (510 to 516), and in the southeast from the fifth Olahn (516 to 520+). ​As many go to the cities, the native population begins to integrate into the culture of Thïgæ. A permanent standing army is adopted with the sightings of a possible new aggressor or ally in the southeast, although the around 12,000 male peasants, slaves, and serfs in the entire empire make manpower an issue, and consequently the army is only around 500 strong due to this. Each is armed with a dagger, a stone axe, and a longbow, the latter two of which being abandoned on stealth missions. With Sonaredar (is it supposed to be a play on words for sonar radar?) being founded by Lagalut, Aropha warns them about transgressing Rathor, and sends missionaries their way in order to enlighten the new settlement. Secretly, 100 from the newfound military are sent to make sure things in Sonaredar go according to plan (Sonaredar response needed). With a new power in the area, fears of Sonaredar's expansion boosts efforts to use the Rothr Shliefn on the southern coast, especially near the southeast. Trade with the city-state is minimal, as they have nothing to bargain with and Lagalut claiming to be the "rival" of Aropha. The end of the third, fourth and fifth Olahn's celebrate a new urbanized area, two of them adding to previous settlements (the capital and the costal city) and the last being added 9 px east and 3 px north of the other coastal city (as long as it is not to close to Sonaredar). Urbanization causes rapid specialization of the people, but also causes disease. Cess pits are normalized, and urinating in the rivers becomes illegal, reducing disease risk. The army poses as police in the cities. Confusion around where Sonaredar is causes an expedition to be sent to figure out where the city exists, as some say it is mythical and some say it is real (Map update needed). Expeditions continue up the numerous rivers of the region along with the coastline. A navy is founded, based in the seaport of the south. The cities finally receive names; the northern one is named Craquoh, the southern one Suzuuquoh, and the capital Lojuoh. The new city east of Sonaredar is named Pusonaredaroh, commonly shortened to Pusonoh. A tradition begins at the end of the third Olahn to have a festival to welcome the new Olahn and the coming of Lianth, and it soon evolves into a sporting event by the end of the fifth Olahn, or 520. A flag is adopted for each city due to the event, and a national flag is inspired by the city flags.
 * Flag_of_Lojuoh_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg City of Lojuoh: The capital grows one1 px at the beginning of the fourth Olahn (as mentioned above). As one of the first cities to start celebrating the coming of Lianth, the largest celebrations were held here. The royal family saw a new addition, Aropha Rothar, commonly called Aropha ⅠⅠ by historians.
 * Flag_of_Craquoh_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg City of Craquoh: Fishing becomes a major export from the lakeside city, causing eel, a delicacy throughout the empire, and other freshwater sea life to be fished in the lakes.
 * Flag_of_Suzuuquoh_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg City of Suzuuquoh: Salt water fishing becomes a major export from Suzuuquoh, supplying the fish that Craquoh cannot. Whale hunting begins to prosper, bringing oil lamps and plentiful meals. Octopus goes for a high price in the market, and are usually sold to nobles.
 * Flag_of_Pusonoh_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg City of Pusonoh: The name Pusonaredaroh translates to "The city east of Sonaredar" due to confusion on where Sonaredar actually existed when the city was named, but the name Pusonoh, a shortened version of Pusonaredaroh, stuck around and became its official name even after Sonaredar was discovered to be on the other side of the delta, technically still east. They supply resources to the newly added eastern empire. The bay near them makes a good harbor, and it becomes a permanent harbor for the royal fleet.


 * Hythia: Years 208-217 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarchs Vylanus and Tylan once again offer the Saemonites peace. The terms under their proposal shall include recognition of the young King Nesaranasser V as the true king of all the Saemonites, the abandonment of all Saemonite claims on the Herati, Hythians, Mythadians, Jalorans, Ry’Kyvans, and all other allied nations. Mythadia will take ownership over one-third the Saemonite Fleet to do with as it pleases, and additionally shall retain the southernmost coastal city it occupies. Ry'Kyva shall take ownership over another one-third, and a final one-sixth will be given to Hythia to be sailed to Gyomis. The Saemonites will pay Hythia an indemnity of 1,000 kg of gold and 5,000 kg of silver to be used in the reconstruction of Hythia and Heratia. A further 1,000 slaves must be provided to Hythia annually for the next 50 years, and for that period all nations shall agree to remain at peace with one another. [Mod Response](More to Come)The military remains on alert until peace negotiations are concluded. The return of peace sees Hythia enter a new era of growth. Politically the war has had an extreme impact on Hythia. The election process of the Meunarchs has essentially become a rubber stamp for hereditary succession. Furthermore, a permanent military-industrial bureaucracy has formed to manage to production of military necessities. With resources stretched thin, soldiers are granted double tracts of land in the south with the resumption of the old land-granting system used before the war. The system is used to quickly colonize the region surrounding the cities of Klynia, Lythania, and Tystia. Farther south, the region surrounding the city of Hyrat, established by Herati refugees in the previous decade, is further settled by a mix of Hythian veterans, Herati refugees, and Herati veterans. The Herati in Hythia are granted citizenship and lands rather than force them to return to their ruined homes. Heratia is integrated as a vassal, but with its royal family murdered by the Saemonites the country is placed under the care of a prominent local noble who’s house is bound to that of Meunarch Vylanus through a royal wedding. With the loyalty of Heratia secured and the north at peace Hythia rebuilds. Several small outposts on the Gomian Road, expand rapidly as soldiers settle across this area prompting the recognition of Lyanta, Syllia, and Pysa as true cities with populations of more than 1,000. Food production across the Meunarchate is diversified and luxuries such as cotton, pomegranate, leather, and many other more minor goods return to prominence. A particularly tasteful spice, Saffron, is cultivated in the more humid areas of Hythia, and its exports swiftly become a large industry employing several thousand laborers. Exports of fine beers, iron, worked leather, tools, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Qyriaati through the port of Gyomis. The captured Saemonite fleet, accounting for some 35 ships, Hythia’s first true navy, is docked in Gyomis in the Hythian Harbor, a small port on the edge of the city owned by Hythian merchants and tradesmen. Hythia dedicates 500 slaves to the expansion of this harbor and the construction of a new facility for the new Hythian Fleet. The war has also brough Jalor and Hythia closer thanks to the necessary cooperation. Meunarch Tylan, aged 32 summers, proposes to wed the daughter of the Jaloran King to further ensure close relations between the two nations. In other news, the total decimation of the Bysula and Hytoriy is completed with the last battles of the war, and both orders essentially cease to exist. Bysulan, the mountain fortress of the Bysula, retains a garrison of only 500 after the near total destruction of the Bysula.


 * Glorious Empire of the Vyt: Vytia has never known such serenity and glory as it has under Timoi Tita. The population continues its never stopping growth, and because of this the Imperial governments orders the chopping down of trees and expansion of farmland by 30 px in the temperatelands surrounding Milor. Meanwhile, roads are constructed in between the various cities and outposts of the empire in order to ensure that our troops and goods can move around the nation as quick as possible. Two new additions are made to the realm of the Vyt on the river south of Vynos a new city is founded under the overseeing of the imperial government, the city is named Tanos, and at the end of Benyisran trade routes a small trading city is established by merchants seeking a better control of the flow of goods the city comes to be known as Arne. In the year of 516, our most beloved Timoi Tita I dies of old age, and passes away to the next life. He is succeeded by his son Timoi Jor. Under Jor things remain much of the same but he introduces policies encouraging large families granting benefits to those who have more than five children while disallowing those with less than three children and are aged over 35 from inheriting, and becoming an archon, along with having to pay a mandatory "chaste tax". Unlike his successor who pursued a more direct approach to evangelizing, Timoi Jor begins to utilizes artisans, storytellers, and plays to introduce the various ideas of Solaramism into the laymen society. And in order to demonstrate his authority as Timoi he orders the construction of a grand palace in Vynos. The palace is said to contain no less than 20,000 rooms, be made out of stone that fell from the sky, contain every rich on earth, and is a connection to the heavens itself. However, these are simply self-engrandizing rumors started by the imperial government, the real palace contains over 2,000 rooms is filled with the finest art collection, and has the most beautiful throneroom made out of precious metals. The palace is meant to be designed with water flowing down its step and throughout it, along with possessing many peacocks and lemurs. Meanwhile, Timoi Jor I orders the construction of new ships and orders the exploration of the seas to the west and east of us. An expedition is sent inland, north of Daukani and farther into the lands of Iria. Merchants arriving in the Iria kingdoms arrive with grandoise displays of wealth flaunting many objects of gold and silver, displaying many tons of them, along with presenting many rare spices not found in the lands of Iria. 
 * Mesallian Culture: It appeared that the threat issued by his mother was enough to dissuade Thalut III from forcefully exerting his control over Edom during the previous decade, as coins minted in the 77th and 78th Jafiad (Year 508 and 512 respectively) continued to bear the sole image of Evanematra. After which coins began to show the two Evanematras (the Maleka and her daughter), suggesting that the queen had her daughter crowned as co-monarch within her lifetime. Sources during this time indicate that the queen was highly motivated by her love for her daughter, with the writer Lephemus, who was likely under the queen’s employment, praising her for her virtue, charity, and morality. As part of her career in public life, the queen’s daughter was wed a number of times to prominent figures. First she was wed to the royals of Erasidon, in what is believed to have been a purely honorary wedding to reaffirm an alliance, although Evanematra the Younger would eventually meet her supposed husband on many occasions. Next she was wed to Neoptolanus III of Ypelomnes, as a way to ease relations between the west and the Great Lakes in the east. Tensions had remained in the region since the Neoptolanians had aligned with the Yannis Empire against the Ioxemanderian Empire, achieving their independence. Internally the nation had been centered around Uloyiso, much to the disdain of the Tahuan tribes and numerous other peoples of the nation, but by this time the king had come to accept the Enulmian faith. This achieved acceptance from Tahua, but caused a plot to form against the king in Uloyiso. According to Edomite sources, during the newly wed princess’ first venture to Ypelomnes, there was an attempt against the lives of both monarchs. Both monarchs would survive, although Neoptolanus would be injured, leaving him distrustful and paranoid in the coming years. At the same time some of the king’s advisors would take it upon themselves to spearhead the spread of the Enulmian faith east to the nation of Exhula, and across the desert south of the nation. In Sericolis, the Deidamean dynasty ruled, after the traditional kings of Sericolis through Agenon III were deposed by Evandus in the 420s, and King Laius, appointed by Cestalus, was deposed a decade later by Lysimedes. Instead Deidamus was elevated to the kingship for his support for Lysimedes, marrying a descendant of Agenon III. Agenon’s son, also named Agenon, was killed around the same time as his father. However, Agenon the Younger also had an infant son, Gelonates, who would be smuggled from Sericolis to Setia, where he remained for most of his life. Gelonates’ son, Antigenus, would become a general in Azoz’s empire, witnessing combat in the takeover of Nelyris by Azoz. Upon returning he rose through the ranks to become the ruling official of Setia, although he would be replaced in the third year of the 77th Jafiad (Year 510) by a noble named Nemoces, who was preferred by the new satrap in Neum. Antigenus’ son Dionymus was born around the third year of the 72nd Jafiad (Year 490). As a young boy he was taken from Setia to Agira, and then to Karistos, before joining the army of his distant relative, Democrates II. The Erasidonian king became distracted by a war in the Melopenes, partially instigated over the governing situation in Yannian Nykos, and he appointed a nobleman named Persates as regent in the Gudumanes. Dionymus would usurp this title from him after Persates was suddenly killed, possibly in an assassination. Dionymus then used his small personal force of only a few hundred men to pillage lands near Sericolis, instigating a response from the current ruler there, Deidamus II. Claiming to be restoring order, Dionymus raised an Erasidonian force that toppled Deidamus II after a decisive victory near the city, and Dionymus proclaimed himself King of Sericolis. Dionymus would also expand the domain of Sericolis over the next few years, creating a strong fleet and seizing control over many of the islands in the north, up to the Syresian Acrissa Islands. In the third year of the 78th Jafiad (Year 514), Dionymus invaded Syres, citing an ancient treaty regarding a Sericolisian colony that had been established in the western coast, which Syres had infringed upon. With a large army and numerous allies from across Mesallas, Dionymus would land near Canim and begin campaigning across western Syres. Over the course of the next two years Dionymus would be declared Tyrant of Canim, having established control over all Syresian lands west of Ersgof. During this time Dionymus would earn a reputation as a brave and formidable commander, but was also considered adventurous and uncompromising, leading to him being compared to a dice player in Syresian accounts. During his life he would fight numerous wars with Syres, with many battles being increasingly costly. After one victory sometime later, Dionymus would famously state, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Syresians, we shall be utterly ruined". Several years after he arrived (Year 518), Dionymus arranged for a peace offer with Syres, in which he would be appointed one of the consuls of the city in that year, and would recognize his rulership over the west. This peace lasted, but Dionymus would not remain in Syres for long. That same year he sailed back to Sericolis, as he had received news that Democrates II was preoccupied with another revolt, and Dionymus sought to seize the throne of Erasidon. During this time it is believed that Democrates desired nothing less than the full restoration of Ioxemander’s empire under himself, brutally crushing revolts in the Melopenes, and building a major fleet to content with the Azozians and beyond. These plans seemed to have alarmed other monarchs of the region, and the cunning Maleka of Edom sought to ensure that she would retain influence in Erasidon no matter who prevailed, ordering Evanematra the Younger to also marry Dionymus. While Democrates was separated from his son and the rest of his army, he was attacked by Dionymus and an assortment of Edomite allies and mercenaries, being decisively defeated. Democrates would flee into the wilderness, writing to his family that they should consider him a dead man, ignoring any further correspondence that claimed to be from him. Dionymus would become King of Erasidon, although his control over the kingdom would be very short-lived. Around the same time, similar developments also occurred in the east. In Sephimora the aftermath of the Water Merchant-Lementarian War had resulted in Ichabon II seizing the throne, but he would be assassinated by the Lementarians, according to legend, in support of a rival claimant. The Emalian governor in Ephenus, Haliecles, offered his support to this claimant, before turning on him and seizing the kingdom for himself. He also would convert to Enulmism, marrying a descendant of Ichabon II, to win over the support of the Sephimorans. Haliecles would go on to form an empire stretching across the Gabatrian Sea, but this empire would also prove short-lived.
 * Xeran Empire: Thalut had been working toward building up a greater alliance of Ulmain-sympathetic nations in the western hemisphere, but the current internal events in the dynasty greatly slowed down these efforts. Jacarus in Darna continues to be supported by the northern fleet of Sucetraps to assert his control over the city. The eastern fleet under Cyris supports Obtus against Yannis. The substantial fleet of warships targets any key ports used by Yannis in the region, cutting off their possibilty to land and deploying ground troops to head off any amphibious landing. His main general Surak led the overland campaign, effectively organizeing the Kingdom of the Isles with the Angelite military to be a single coordinated front, striking indirectly to cut off Yannian supply lines as they ever cross overland from Thetum. Surak had the people of Obtus further construct a large trench around the capital, being a completely unknown tactic in warfare up until that point. Alliance with Exhula is accepted, and their mercanries are likewise used in key battles by Surak against Yannis. The navy in Nerimos sponsored under the Satrap Governor Haliacles is greatly sponsored by the Xeran empire, and was key in disrupting Democrites' attempt to assert an Erasidonian navy, and maintain general dominence over the Gabatrian Sea. Offers continue to be made to expand the navies in Sericolis and Agira, helping to grow closer diplomacy in that region. In Edom, the Holy Patra Ramu III utilizes the growing popularity of Enulmism and Apocists in the region to assert more religious authority in the kingdom. In the first incident, he directly denounced Thalut's attempt of appointing Patras over individual Satraps, insisting that such appointments belong to the local Patra of the kingdom alone. Secondly, and far more controversally, Ramu strongly denounced polygamy and polyandry across any nobililty in the empire, citing numerous sources from the Holy Scriptures that supports monogamous relationships only. This had varying degrees of impact across the empire, with some long-standing political families in Frasnoq and Phydinia annulling their subsequent marriages, retaining only the first one. Most sigificantly, however, this annulled the marriages of Junior Queen Evanmetra the Younger, in which only her first marriage to Democrates II(?) was accepted. Not wanting to cause political scandel, Evanmetra the Elder pressured Emperor Thalut to have Ramu arrested. However, through Ramu's theological essays he had become rather popular among the Orthodox Ulmians in Azoz itself as well, putting more pressure on the Emperor to be unable to keep Ramu in custody. In frustration, Thalut exclaimed at once "will no one rid me of this turbulant priest?" Three of his personal gaurd, taking this as an order, almost had the Patra murdered at that point, but he narrowly managed to escape with help of local clerics in Edom. At this point, the popularity for Patra Ramu over the emperor was even greater, compelling him to recognize the annulled marriages between Dionyses and Neoptolanus, recognizing only her marriage to Democrates II. However, in order to preserve their international alliances, Thalut III offered other unmarried females in the Xeran dynasty as recompense, namely Evanmentra the Younger's younger sister Arenmedesa (to Neoptolanus) and their niece Lucretia (to Dionyses). Some years later, after Dionyses defeated Democretes and the latter disappeared (and presumed dead), Emperor Thalut proceeded with offering to marry the widow Evanmetra himself, albeit thoroughly incestual, in order to restore the marriage of Edom and Azoz that was enjoyed by Xarenvarus.
 * Qaryaat: King Midhet dies, and his son, Adiyyl II, ascends the throne. The "main territory" (if it can even be called as such anymore) expands inland, and Maqiri expands to the Mohejaran border. The colony of Bizafir begins to expand along the Bizafir River, reaching to the beginning of the southern bend in the river. In all three areas, settlers are sent to loosely claimed areas of the kingdom to consolidate control over said areas. Settlers are also sent to Kumiz and the surrounding areas to consolidate control over Kumiz, and a policy of cultural assimilation is carried out. In Makra, construction of a lighthouse to guide ships to safety and avoid the rocks and shoals around the coast begins, and the Temple of Elmekah (the temple built five centuries prior) undergoes a vast renovation. Qaryaati traders capitalize on the growing popularity of frankincense, trading it for various goods throughout the vast Qaryaati trade networks. A mathematician and philosopher of Benyisran descent, Zachai, observes that a cone or pyramid has one-third of the volume of a cylinder or prism with the same base and height. He also theorizes that everything is made up of miniscule and indivisible particles (called atoms in OTL). Trade proposals are made toward Mithadias and Eldebethias. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)


 * Exhulan Empire: Although not much was recorded about the decade prior to the 510s, the events of this decade would themselves be well recorded in later history, due to their great cultural and historical significance to the Exhulan Nation. Although Emperor Raccim had previously died in 507, reigning only 6 years, his son Lorgar succeeded him, becoming Emperor Lorgar VI (as the new Dynasty continues using the reign numbers of the Aurelian Dynasty for the purposes of increasing their legitimacy in the eyes of the nobility and the people) and beginning to make a series of reforms in the Empire. He is not as dedicated to holding Amyirth as his predecessors and thus offers to re-open trade with Sillas, and sell them Kaloma in four decades if they give us time to remove our population there (Sillas Response needed). As a result, however, he also seeks to take more territory through war so he doesn’t seem weak to the various factions in Siccarius. Thus, he sends an ultimatum to several of the Kingdoms on the island of Atnosia demanding that they join the Exhulan Empire or face an invasion and forced assimilation, but promising autonomy with vassalge if they accept and promising religious freedom, citing Irrosia as an example of us treating our vassals well and keeping our promises (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). However, we expect war is likely and thus begin preparing 17,000 troops to invade these kingdoms, although we do not take action until we get a response, either agreeing our refusing. We also increase trade with Azoz, and in Azoz and the surrounding area Nyccia continues exploring and journeying throughout the area and recording much of what she sees and learns. This time also sees the first few recorded mentions of her final son, Arryar Aurelian, who would latter return to Exhula and become a major figure at the Imperial Court of Siccarius. He would also record a number of myths and stories that would become popular in Exhulan legend and folklore, such as The usurper King Thot Of Azoz, the bastard son of a noble named Nolrom who would attempt and fail to usurp the throne of the Xeran Empire. Relations between The Xerans and Exhula becoming increasingly friendly and eventully Emperor Lorgar agrees to the offer of a military alliance with Azoz to seal their friendship, and offers to send a token force of 1,500 to fight in their wars as mercenaries. (Xeran Response needed!) Meanwhile, colonization Of the Northern lands continues as they become huge centers of Exhulan agriculture, and as a result of the food surplus they cause we also begin to become major exporters of Grain to other nations. We also send an expedition to explore a further 60 px into the gulf to the north (Updated Map needed). The Exhulan and Irrulmian scholars and theologians in Azoz and the Ulmian and Azozian ones that come to Exhula also result in a number of new ideas and schools of thought arising in both nations. In Azoz it also results in Exhulan theater traditions flourishing and having an immense influence over the new Azozian Theatrical traditions, and a number of Exhulan plays, especially those of Rttagan II, end up popular in Azoz well Exhulan Hero’s such as General Syrax become known through said plays.
 * Phorintheon declines the offer. 
 * Silla agrees to the offer.


 * Yannis Empire: The Holy Men of Yannis march into Obtus and have the Olmite puppet king slaughtered, along with any of his Olmi followers. There is a great cleansing of the streets of Obtus, with the blood of the Olmites running through the streets. Their idol houses are burned to the ground, and new temples are constructed. There is a great proclamation from the center of the capital of Obtus, declaring that, “Thot the Wicked, bastard of Thalutus the False Prophet, she-thing of Nolromo and Randomo, monster-born of cold earth and filth, has been cleansed from Obtus, in the name of Yannis and the Anointed One. One by one the false agents of that Thot are lined in the streets and beaten to death until dead. The leader of the idolaters is tied off the side of a building by his feet, while a second rope runs from his neck to the building across the street. He is repeatedly thrown off the roof of the first building so that he swings like a pendulum, smacking face first into the side of the Obtus Palace. Then he is drawn back up by the rope around his neck so that he can be smashed again. After several swings he is certainly dead, but this continues repeatedly until every piece of him is destroyed across the side of the old palace, and his blood and flesh run thick into the streets below. This is how his corpse is left. This action serves as a lesson to the other states of the island, and as a simple declaration; the entirety of the island will accept the righteous faith of Yannis or face a similar fate. These states are told to throw off the shackles of the false prophet and deceiver, and accept justice and true faith. Meanwhile, a second army attacks the Kingdom of the Isles, to compel them to surrender. The other one-half of the army, that is not in Obtus or the Isles, remains guarding Yannis proper, preparing for a great and triumphant crusade against the accursed Thotites, and all who oppress the righteous and deceive the innocent. We declare that Phorintheon has been under our protection to protect the Yannian minority there, so we will not tolerate the wanton aggression of Exhula against them. Exhula is to immediately cease attacking them.
 * Exhulan Response: We begrudgingly agree to cease our attack, but resentment against Yannis begins to grow in Exhula.
 * Darna: In Isimandia the nations of the confederacy support beginning trading with the Khin, and they support the Khin against their war in the south. In Darna the slave ringleader of the slave revolt is finally killed, and the Janter Coast goes back to serving the Darnan nation. However, there are many changes to society, as many slaves have escaped or have become masters of their own. The feral pack of Ulmians spreads into the interior, and in the east there is a bounty placed by hunters to catch and kill as many of them as possible. The Thotite ships that attempt to come toward us are all destroyed or captured. They create a new generation in the slave pits, as more Ulmians are raised in captivity. In the far west the natives are contacted, and Darna begins selling weapons and goods to these peoples to aid them against the Thotites. Explorers continue north and south along the western coast. In the north the Darnans contact a new nation founded at the northern sea, which is named Aycouver. The nation would grow considerably with Darnan trade and cultural exchange.
 * Syres: As a result of the Dionymic Wars the city of Syres has its western territories occupied by the empire from Sericolis, with one of Dionymus’ lead generals ruling over the region from the city of Canim. The city itself would be forced to accept Dionymus as well, although indirectly as one of its joint rulers, in a fairly honorary rule. During his “consulship” the leader Dionymus was largely not at Syres of anywhere near it, and this ironically allowed his rival consul to rule over the city exclusively. This allowed for the city to continue to function and grow according to its own agenda. In the west a slight resurgence of the Mesallian religion as a majority began, as the Mesallian invaders brought with them the culture and gods of the south. After the one year term of Dionymus ended, the city returned to electing the next two consuls. The Mesallians in the west saw this as Syres breaking its peace agreement with Dionymus, but the Syresians argued that he had been promised a position of consul, which had always carried a term of one year. Another major war would break out in the west, with the Syresians protecting the island of Ersgof from any true invasion force from the west. In the meantime, Dionymus was too preoccupied with his ambitions of conquering Erasidon, and so the Syresians transitioned back toward independence freely.
 * Malmaca: The research on catapults and incendiary arrows are completed, and they are being integrated to our military system. The prophet would order a law of conscription, anyone above the age of 18 until the age of 30 must have 3 years of military experience. He would also issue using unused plots of land to graze herds of horses, which is in the blood of the Malmacan people. Expansion of the nation would begin by order of the Prophet, integrating neighboring tribes into the empire, and beginning research on halberd, pikes and recurve bows. Iron would be found deep in the mountainous mines, which would be smelted to replace bronze, due to its strength and overall more common than bronze itself.

South for signs of other civilized people. The Kingdom continues to expand and begins building more farms and is focused on expanding the population to higher numbers instead of claiming more land. The further advancement with Bronze tools leads to increased efforts in farming, and better farming techniques being developed. The fertile ground of the delta is very fertile. The people have also began using the waters as a way to get food by fishing for it these attempts have had mixed results with some of the craft collapsing while others have come back laden with fish. In all this decade has been a success with the private milita being expanded to number close to 1,000 outfitted in weapons and army of bronze battling back any native incursions against the Kingdom.
 * Sillan Republic – FORMAT IS TEMPORARY (TO AID DADDY VAND)
 * With the success of the Chamokal campaign, the Makuku macroregion is effectively split into two. In order to reiterate Silla's desire to annex an ethnically and culturally similar region, the Makuku deities are added to the Grand Pantheon and all religious structures in occupied areas are left undisturbed and even receive patronage. While the Makuku campaign has been narrowingly repulsed, it has left its defenders weakened and its countryside ravaged through the razing of farmland and the sacking of settlements. With the Teninukalese intervening in the Napukal campaign, Cabeza Qianlana increases the number of mobilized troops to ~75,000; of which ~15,000 are in Napukal while the remainder being evenly split between Teninukal and Makuku. The Grand Wall lining the Sillan–Teninukal border is heavily fortified, with sporadic raids on border settlements being conducted. Meanwhile, in preparation for prolonged expeditions, military rations now consist of cheese (which could be derived also from mare's milk) and smoked or dried meats (which can be placed on boiling water to yield a broth); which are easily-stored.
 * Exploiting Teninukal's preoccupaiton with Napukal, Cabeza Qianlana herself leads an expeditionary force of ~30,000 divided into four divisions, of which one-half are horsemen while the remainder fulfilling auxiliary roles. She leaves control of state affairs to the other five Ministers, with the Imperial Court maintaining an advisory role (though they can protest or veto legislation; though the Ministers could also overrule them under a unanimous agreement). She uses her war experience as an opportunity to expand and further codify the Art of War that her distant-relative Cabeza Sanza has written, with her addition being called the "Qianlana Edition". In order to screen out any surprise engagements, maintain flexibility, while also feigning numerical inferiority (thus not provoking the enemy), the four divisions travel loosely together – with communications being maintained a system of couriers, or mounted auxiliaries (who are usually literate and carry multiple copies of orders). These couriers also conduct reconnaissance. In order to maintain a rapid advance to the capital (thus allowing for a surprise engagement, thus preventing the enemy from effectively planning and coordinating defense), multiple mounts are utilized – allowing for a maximum daily travel distance of 100 miles (160 km) under optimum conditions; though the realized speed is one-half due to inclines and periodic pauses to raze settlements and farmland. If the horse gets tired, another horse is used, and while the other horse will still travel, it will do so without carrying the weight of the rider and their armor and weaponry. Auxiliaries and supplies are transported in carriages pulled by multiple horses; thus reducing the strain on each individual and allowing the transportation of relatively massive volumes of supplies (thus reducing the need of supply lines, which are prone to enemy damage). Keeping in-line with Sillan doctrine, unfortified settlements, and surrounding farmland are razed; but to hasten the march to the Teninukalese capital and to fool the defenders (preventing them from amassing in a single location), major fortifications are deliberately avoided; though similarly, the surrounding farmland is razed and also salted to deprive them of any supplies. The relative military reorganization (influenced by Sillan doctrine) has led to a shift in Sillan tactics. Upon encountering a Teninukalese field army (if any is dispatched), three army divisions join in a front-line attack (with their bows having an effective range of 200 meters, with a maximum distance twice that), while the fourth army division screens for any hidden reinforcements (using long-ranged weapons to kill them). However, while the higher level of enemy organization deters close-combat – it leaves the enemy formations' flanks and the rear vulnerable, even with enemy auxiliaries performing skirmishing duties. In addition, this higher concentration leaves them vulnerable to mass projectile attack. As a result, the usual strategy of encirclement is not used (especially as it could have been recognized by the Teninukalese), and instead, a strategy of flanking (which is a known tactic but not heavily-used in previous wars) is used: the three army divisions – after inflicting sufficient attrition in a front-line attack – split into two groups attacking the flanks (the right and left side of the enemy formations) with the lancers (half of the cavalry force) descending into melee. This is effective, as the mass projectile attack kills many enemy soldiers and routs enemy formations, while the lancers simply mop the remnants. Upon arriving on the Teninukalese capital, all possible entrances or exits are blocked, preventing the entry of reinforcements of supplies; thus steadily depriving the city's inhabitants of even basic commodities. The first Sillan catapults firing spear-sized bolts – based off enlarged heavy crossbows, are deployed to great effect along with rams in breaking down enemy fortifications. Assault covers are used to minimize casualties. As a result, crossbows are relegated to a tactical weapon (firing conventional bolts targetting individual troops) or a strategic/psychological one (firing incendiary bolts targetting infrastructure). The four army groups all attempt to create multiple breaches, and then enter them simultaneously; thus overwhelming the enemy and amounting to victory as the defenders are forced to either capitulate to descend into melee.
 * There are 15,000 troops dispatched to Napukal placed into three army divisions, of which one-third is cavalry, while the rest are infantry. The strategy is shifted to one of attrition, with light cavalry performing both skirmishing/screening roles while heavy cavalry is tasked with encircling and rerouting the relatively-dispersed and irregular enemy forces (while also inflicting attrition) into a centralized location; where they are then subjected to a hail of arrows – both conventional and incendiary. In addition, they also receive assistance from crossbowmen. After that, the phalanxes march and proceed to kill off the remnants of the enemy army (unless they finally capitulate – under which they are disarmed and fulfill menial labor duties until the termination of the war), with enemy forces being unable to escape due to encirclement by cavalry. In addition, their inferior weapons (in terms of range) prove ineffective to pikes, especially when used in multiple layers as with the phalanx. While usually prone in the rear and flanks, the usage highly-mobile cavalry prevents enemy forces from exploiting this. The capital is then sieged using heavy crossbows and rams – with the troops concentrating on creating one breach (as there are fewer troops) and then entering it en-masse, thus being able to neutralize it from inside-out. Assault covers are used to minimize any casualties.
 * Finally, the Sillan expedition dispatched to Makuku consists of three divisions collectively numbering ~30,000; of which one-third are horsemen while the other two-thirds are infantrymen. With the countryside devastated, the resultant chaos allows for Sillan forces to reach the Makuku capital rapidly and relatively unopposed. A strategy of encirclement is employed against the relatively-disorganized and dispersed defenders, with light cavalry fulfilling skirmishing duties while the heavy cavalry participates in rerouting the enemy forces (while also inflicting attrition) and forcing them to a more centralized area – leaving them vulnerable to a mass hail of projectiles. Similarly, they receive support from crossbowmen. Upon inflicting a sufficiently high level of attrition, the phalanxes are sent to kill off any remnants (unless they surrender). While usually prone in the rear and flanks, the usage highly-mobile cavalry prevents enemy forces from exploiting this. Due to the assumption that the Makuku has not fortified their capital as extensively due to the previous campaign, the main siege engines brought are rams (with a limited number of heavy crossbows); with the army divisions establishing three separate breaches and entering them simultaneously – as with the traditional Sillan siege doctrine. However, the revolutionary usage of the assault cover nonetheless proves to be a huge advantage, minimizing casualties and necessitating that defenders come out of the fortifications, which would thus leave them vulnerable to attack.
 * The Kingdom of Otan Takat: Again this decade the King sends out explorers to map more of this land, looking in the East, North, and

521-530
If you have not posted in the previous turn yet you may still do so.

'Missionaries sent by Thïgæ to the nation of Sonaredar are accepted, with a small number of people converting to their religion. However, Thïgæ’s military detachment sent to the city raises alarm, and King Lagalut has these men killed or captured. '

'The Yannis Empire is victorious in its campaign against Obtus and the Kingdom of the Isles, although suffers an increased amount of casualties due to Azoz’s naval attacks. The Kingdom of the Isles remains defiant due to its navy and the aid from its allies. '

'The nations of Mithadia and Eldebethias accept the offer of trade from the nation of Qaryaat. The nation of Jolar accepts the royal marriage from the nation of Hythia. '

'Faced with defeat, the Saemonites are forced to halt their attacks against Hythia and others and let them act out their demands, although they refuse to hand over what remains of their navy or grant any concessions to nations such as Ri’kiva. The Jalor launch an attack against the Saemonites to liberate as far north as Tolun, but are stopped near the city, taking a small amount of land. '

'Governor Amelucenes launches an invasion of Ri’kiva, seizing the river cities after a series of swift but costly sieges. He agrees to a peace with Kaughn, and also offers peace to Ri’kiva, before marching with a second army toward the nearby city of Saosa. This officially begins a rebellion against the Saemonite king in Nabonidan, spearheaded by Amelucenes of the Yazradid tribe. '

'Darnan explorers traveling north up the coast discover the Kingdom of Otan Takat, before returning south toward Isimandia. Elsewhere, explorers from the nation of Vynos encounter the nation of Thïgæ while traveling east. '

'Teninukal informs Sillas that they are not formally at war with them, and requests a white peace. In the meantime they mobilize a portion of their army and attempt to fight back against the Sillan invasion, suffering a defeat. Sillas suffers 2,300 casualties during this battle. The second invasion of Napukal results in a narrow Sillan defeat, with Sillas suffering 4,590 casualties and inflicting more casualties than it suffers. During the invasion of western Makuku the Sillans occupy up to the central river, suffering 2,000 casualties in the process. They are they engaged by the main Makuku army, suffering a defeat. The Sillans suffer 6,000 casualties as a result. '


 * Qera: After Yller II died at the old age of 94, he passed his only son Ycas. Thus, his grandson Yller III is crowned. He is quite the opposite of the previous princes of Qera as he dispises the brutal rituals that are entrenched in the culture of Qera, as well as the religious rituals. The death penalties are now less of a torture and most of the incredibly brutal execution methods are banned. This includes skinning, face-branding and the act of so-called soul taking, which is done by poking a glowing metal rod into the victims eyes. The colony of Cyrphetzija is now slightly resettled again since there is peace with Sillas. Trade with Exhula develops forther and Beraba becomes a major partner. The army has now a standardized form for weapons called the Makuauitl, Qeran for "fighting wood". Its official length is documented between 50 and 80 centimeters, depending on the fighter. The sword-like paddles are made from iron with copper blades on the side. To injure the opponent even more, the blades are positioned always some three centimeters apart and give the typical saw-like shape. Archery is now expanded as it is combined with the cavalry. This method is copied from the Sillans, as well as some of their tactics the commanders witnessed in the battles a few decades ago. The cultivation of potatoes goes farther west with new canals being built to bring water from the southern rivers to the drier west. The country expands southwest to the mountains and borders Adjiba now immediately. An expansion of 60 px to the northwest is made, to continue the agricultural wealth of the country. Spices are harvested on a scale that only the times previous of the trade war with Exhula can topple. Yller III officially allows anatomizing the bodies of the dead to gather knowledge about the human body and improve the medicine of the Qerans.
 * Xeran Empire: Thalut III's reputation as "the Wicked" largely stems from the controversy of power he fought agianst multiple administrations of Holy Patra in Edom. However, from a modern perspective this is probably more of an overgeneralization, for the most part pushed as propoganda at the time by the anti-imperial faction of the Shanzian sect. In reality, Thalut did quite a lot of reforms to help strengthen the nation both internally and externally, in spite of occasional internal problems he had to deal with. Having married the co-queen of Edom, his own sister Evanmetra the Younger, Thalut secured de jure justification to his de facto claim as King of Edom. Thalut then worked with the Senate of Azoz and the nobility of Edom to reform both of their succession laws, so from now on he may assure that the empire will not continue to split and fracture as it had done in the days of Ptalemus III. The eldest male in the royal family, at any point in time, is automatically the ruler of all the imperial domains of Xera, including both Azoz and Edom. However, in order to compromise with the Edomite matriarchy, he added provisions for them as well: The emperor of Azoz must always be married, and his wife (regardless who she was previously related to) is given the honorary title of "Queen of Edom". The queen is allowed a personal guard of 150 Edomite soldiers, and is given legislative control over five major cities in Edom, referred to in later literature as "the Queen's cities". These laws were not given into effect in Edom until after the death of Evanmetra the Elder, as she was still greatly beloved by the people. The smaller cities in both Azoz, Usilinago and Tuartha are expanded, including the city of Xera founded on the Ashe River south of Azoz, and the city of Castellis in the far north along the border with Valun. In Erasidon, military support is sent to aid Dionyses assert his control over the kingdom against the supporters of Democrates. Syres is offered help to upgrade their military and navy, to prevent any attacks on their nation in the future. The Enulmian ruler of the Great Lakes, now connected with Thalut in marriage, is offered a formal political alliance to enter them in our sphere of influence. In the Angelite archipelago, a military alliance is offered wtih the Kingdom of the Isles, as well as similar diplomacy being sent to the Angelite confederacy and Bangelor. As Obtus were initially invaded and besiged by the Yannis empire, the Ulmian followers and apostles scattered from the kingdom to various other kingdoms on the archipelago, consequently spreading the Ulm faith with them. the eastern navy of Cyris continues to station nearby in order to support the growth of Ulm in these nearby kingdoms. Farther east, the empire condemns the actions of Exhula against Phorintheon, although we maintain our close relations with them, because of the unnecessary use of force. Phorintheon is offered a trade agreement of our own, and given a large tribute of silver as compensation of this incident. Around the time of the political crisis going on in Edom, many prominent Ulm theologians across the empire began a substantial debate on the limits of sexual behavior according to the scriptures. Although Nelrim and Levian said many things about virtue and morality in the family, there is no one single passage that lists out all forms of sexual immorality. Although no formal council was ever held, the Discourse on Abominations by Levian of Neum is generally cited for the settlement of the issue: homosexuality, beastiality, necrophilia, rape and pedophilia under 12 years old are "utter abominations". Pedophila between 12 and 18, incest with parents, and pre-marital sex are called "disgraced before God", and are subject to church discipline, but are not automatically abominations. Finally, other positions of sex, including incest between siblings are not considered sinful in the church. Also, although the Late Erasidonian Chronicle indicates Evanmetra the Younger and Thalut never actually met, we know from later history this was probably more of a hyperbolic propoganda by the regime of Dionyses, since subsequent rulers of the Xeran empire owed directly from this union. Of course, the mutual integration between Azoz and Edom proved to be a gradual one, such that neither the expectations of Xarenvarus nor Evanmetra was to be realized in the future. Meanwhile, Edomite elephants are tamed in the wild and utilized in the regular military of Azoz, serving primarily as a vehicle of seige weapons and a method of psychological warfare. Astronomers in Iskandaria work to measure the length of day as it changes across the year. Since its been known for centuries at this point that the earth is round, they determine that this information of the Sun's behavior will indicate how far north along the sphere of the earth they are located approximately (latitude). Also a census is taken across the nation to determine its capability of warfare.
 * Hythia: Years 218-227 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarch Vylanus is suceeded by his son Menuyarch Jynius. Meunarch Tylan continues his shared reign, and both send an envoy asking the Saemonites to respect the peace with Ry’Kyva, but without going to war over the matter it seems unlikely to have an impact. The Saemonite slaves are placed in their own class of bondage, under which they receive their freedom after two decades rather than one. These new laborers are quickly put to work constructing new roads throughout the Meunarchate. Others work to repair irrigation canals that had been in disrepair since thanks to the war. The indemnity swiftly re-fills Hythia’s coffers, with a small portion spent on improving the public spaces and services of Gyt. A contingent of 1,000 slaves is sent to the Herati to begin the enormous work of rebuilding their capital, but many other cities and towns in the north of the country are simply abandoned. With the influx of Herati and the war it is decided a census is needed, the Herati refugees will be counted separately to get a handle on the exact numbers who have fled but it is expected to be over 100,000. The colonization of land in the south continues at breakneck pace with many urban areas seeing population decline or stagnation. Land granting boosts government revenue as farmers provide double tax revenue for a decade after the grant. With these revenues and with the indemnity from the Saemonites debts to other nations are paid-off. The region either side of the Road to Gyomis develops quickly with much of the region brought fully under Hythian control up to Klynia. The immediate areas around Lyanta, Syllia, Hyrat, and Pysa are also more fully settled, largely by Herati refugees and Hythian soldiers. The settlement of the area north of Hyrat and south of Wys reveals an extensive plains marked by surface petroleum deposits including hundreds of tarpits, bitumen deposits, and petroleum seeps. The harvesting of these deposits yields valuable tar, raw oil, and bitumen. The tar and oil are adopted as an incendiary agent for the eyscurpierons, while the bitumen is valued as a construction material in the building of roads. Bitumen is also used to waterproof crop storage baskets, tythorus, and other waterworks. Food production across the Meunarchate is diversified and luxuries such as cotton, pomegranate, leather, saffron, and many other more minor goods return to prominence. Exports of fine beers, iron, worked leather, tools, saffron, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Qyriaati through the port of Gyomis is expanded. With the Saemonite refusal, the Meunarchate instead asks to purchase a small fleet of 5 light ships from the Ry’Kyva in exchange for 50 eyscurpieron, bolt-throwers, with a small contingent of engineers to help the Ry’Kyvans develop more. The young Meunarch Jynius sends a proposal to marry the eldest daughter of the High Chief of Joredesh.
 * The Glorious Empire of the Vyt: With our most glorious explorer reporting back to our capital, our knowledge of the world continues to expand. The discovery of Thïgæ stirs some curiosity within our merchants with many wondering if the land will continue further riches for them to gain. During this year Timoi Jor Birtyzi orders a military expedition to be sent subjugating the lands all the way north to the northeast border with Xinaben. He also begins the construction of various roads connecting the lands surrounding the northern river to the capital of Vynos. Settlements and small towns begin to form on the River Ril between the cities of Vynos and Daima. Prosperity and growth leads to growth of culture, and that can be seen in the cities of Nis and Vynos, within these two glassworkers have begun to expand their craft blowing vases and containers with many different images on them. Slowly but surely these become more sought after and became commonplace within our empire. Meanwhile, due to the machinations of various merchants in gaining control of the Benyisran trade routes the city of Arne expands its borders by about 15 px. The port continues to flourish as merchants trade their goods for spices, gold, and silver within the city's boundaries, with merchants exchanging cultural ideas. Within the most Glorious Empire a new city is founded on the northern most river's southern bend, and farmland is expanded by about 20 px in the easternmost city. With the religion of Solaramism, it has been firmly entrenched as the faith of the upper class of Vyt. However, it mixes and intermingles with the faith of the Vyt. The city continues to become richer and richer as prosperity grows. During these times, our exploration continues as we send our explorers farther into the seas east and west of us hoping to find more gold and glory. And many explorers explorer the lands to our north west with them exploring the lands north and west of Iria, and the lands of Mohejedaro. Under the orders of Timoi Jor Birtyzi the navy is expanded by four new ships, and the construction of a new ring of walls surrounding Vynos due to its growth by about 2 px. However, in the year of 528, Timoi Jor Birtyzi passes away from an ailment and the crown passes to his son Davon Birtyzi. Meanwhile, a small Vyt trading post is established on the oasis south of Benyisra.
 * Thïgæ Diplomacy: Meeting Vyt, enovys are sent to the capital both to establish good relations with Vyt and figure out where Vyt is. Vyt is commonly called "Vytgæ" or "Vitgæ", meaning "land of the Vyts", and so any mention of Vytgæ or Vitgæ will be referencing Vyt. Aropha states that Thïgæ wishes to establish trading and diplomatic relations with Vitgæ, as long as Vitgæ stays out of the politics of delta region and not settle it.
 * Mesallian Culture: In Erasidon, the conqueror Dionymus ruled as king for several years, over an empire stretching from Erasidon to Sericolis to Syres, but his empire would prove to be short-lived. First the Syresian revolt led to a few years of constant war, largely fought by his lead general and regent in the north, Euthydemus. Neither leader would manage to take Syres directly, weakening Mesallian control over the west Syresian provinces as well. Emboldened by their newfound success in the south after defeating the Lementarians, the Water Merchants made strides to dominate the nation of Susanylon, establishing numerous trading posts and outposts en route to the major cities of the nation. It is recorded that during the 80th Jafiad (Year 520) a mysterious began contending to dominate the southern desert. It is often speculated that this group was Susanylon itself, or possibly an Apirun warlord, but regardless the “Desert People” are recorded as having sacked numerous strongholds in southern Edom, then important towns such as Ajayiba, before moving north toward the border of Erasidon. According to an Erasidonian writer named Nycinus, the invaders were led by a king named Satila. Under his leadership the mysterious invaders attacked towns in Erasidon and Phydinia, before moving north and attacking cities in Mesallas proper. Cities from across Mesallas would ally to repulse the invaders, leading to two important victories in the central Gudumanes. Democrates II, thought to have been killed or in exile, returned with a small force to contribute to the campaign, achieving the final decisive victory against Satila. Having become one of the leaders of the war while Dionymus was preoccupied, numerous soldiers flocked to Democrates’ side, and later that year he would march on Erasidon to retake the kingdom. At the first engagement between the two, Dionymus successfully routed Democrates’ army, although his mercenaries stayed on the battlefield longer than his Mesallians, which Dionymus would have to surround and defeat. Dionymus continued to pursue Democrates, with Democrates refusing to give battle. Dionymus began to call out the names of Democrates’ officers, causing some of them to desert and join him. Dionymus retained control over the major cities of Erasidon, although he began to lose the favor of the people, partially for his reliance on foreign mercenaries, who often looted Erasidonian monuments searching for gold. Around the same time a dispute in Karistos led to Dionymus being persuaded to invade that kingdom as well, and although Democrates was not fully defeated, he launched his new campaign. Initially successful, Dionymus began to siege Karistos itself, but slowly the Karistians and Democrates managed to send men into the region, while Dionymus was steadily losing a small number of men every day to lack of funds of desertion, so he called off the siege and began to loot the countryside. Dionymus returned to northern Erasidon, hoping to oust some of Democrates’ allies in favor of more agreeable local rulers, first attacking the town of Helanos. Stuck in the middle of their war, Helanos begged both Dionymus and Democrates to allow the town to be neutral so that they could leave the region. Dionymus learned that Democrates was in the region and sent a message calling him a coward, to which Democrates replied that he would find his own moment to fight, and that if Dionymus was weary of life, he could find his own way to die. The two kings would accept the offer of peace with Helanos, but immediately after Democrates managed to win them back to his side by promising his son as a hostage. Dionymus responded by sneaking a small force into the city to seize it, and Democrates immediately sent forces as well when he learned of this treacherous attack. Dionymus joined his small force in the city with reinforcements, but soon both sides became lost in the dark streets, and waited until the sun rose. Democrates feared he might be trapped in the city, and ordered the rest of his army outside to break the city’s walls so they could escape. His army misunderstood this instruction, however, and began to charge through the gates of the city. This created mass confusion as one-half of Democrates’ army was trying to escape, and the other one-half was trying to enter. During the confusion a number of elephants that Democrates had brought from Edom began to run out of control. One elephant had been killed, blocking entry through one of the city’s gates, while another ravaged wildly. During this chaos, according to legend, an old woman threw a tile out a window, hitting Dionymus on the head and killing him. This would be the tragic end of one of Mesallas’ best warriors, and would allow Democrates II to return to the throne of Erasidon. One of Dionymus’ sons, Ioxemander, would attempt to retake Erasidon, briefly occupying parts of the kingdom a few years later, but he too would be driven back and later ousted by Democrates II, leaving a different relative on the throne of Sericolis. Democrates II would take advantage of his newfound power to establish himself as ruler over Mesallas like no one had done before. All across the region he installed numerous tyrants loyal to him, and would campaign to ensure the Mesallian world remained loyal to him. Around the same time a crisis of authority began in the city of Edom, as the Maleka would have to contend with the growing power of the Ulmian faith, and its Holy Patra, which sought to undermine the city’s ancient non-Ulmian customs. The Holy Patra’s actions were reiterated by the Ulmians of the city, with the famous Apostle Ambranun continuing to refuse to recognize neither a marriage between Thalut III with his mother, nor Thalut III with his sister, with the latter being on the grounds of the anti-polygamy decree more so than for grounds of incest, although he personally believed incest to be a sin as well. It would later come to be realized that the emperor wrongly thought that Democrates II had been killed, but whatever the case, Ambranun called any marriage that Thalut proposed void, issuing the first ever “excommunication”. Initially an enemy of Ambranun, Evanematra the Elder supported his decision, on the grounds that it forbade her son once more from attempting to wed her. The emperor seemingly ignored this however, styling himself King of Edom and husband of Evanematra, who he would not meet in person during their supposed “marriage”. With this assumption he issued his famous decree that would change succession in Edom, attempting to force the women citizens of the nation to accept a man ruling them for the first time. The population, and more importantly the royal family, completely rejected this proposition, with the Maleka fearing that soon her son would enforce such a draconian law by force. She would remark that she was unsure if the alliances made by Azoz and Edom were anti-Yannian, or anti-each other, but under no circumstance would her kingdom, or her daughter’s kingdom, or her daughter’s daughter’s kingdom, follow these laws (OOC: Whether or not her prophecy about her daughter or beyond would come true is yet to be seen.) Evanematra the Younger left for Erasidon toward the end of the 80th Jafiad (Year 530), just as Democrates was fighting to retake the kingdom. There they would reaffirm their marriage, with Evanematra giving birth to a son late the following year. With it seemingly coming to fruition that the marriage to Neoptolanus III was annulled, the Maleka quickly sent an envoy to his court to negotiate that he marry one her relatives, rather than someone of her son’s picking - but as for who the sullen king would choose would be up to him (mod response needed). Furthermore, she remarked that since the law stated that the elder of the family was in charge of such things, her rank as mother over Thalut ought to dictate that she was in charge, not him. (Possibly more to come)
 * Qaryaat: After approximately 25 years of construction, the Lighthouse of Makra is completed. About 350 feet tall, it stands guard to the city of Makra. It has three sections: the bottommost section, which holds government offices and stables, the middle section, which holds a balcony where sightseers can sit down and enjoy the view, and the top section, which holds the flame that produces the light to guide sailors safely to the shore. The very top of the lighthouse boasts a large statue of the Qaryaati god of the seas, Bijar. Meanwhile, the continual expansion of the empire continues. The main territory continues to expand inland. Meanwhile, the colonyof Bizafir continues to expand up the Bizafir River and begins to expand north along the coast, expanding to the Khereyib River, north of the Bizafir River. In all parts of the kingdom, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas of the kingdom in order to consolidate control over said areas. The Kledesian bow (similar to the OTL Magyar bow) is adopted into Qaryaat's arsenal of weapons for warfare. The mathematician and philosopher Zachai pens a book compiling his knowledge and theorems of mathematics, titled On Arithmetics. He also begins to examine the natural world. Zachai earns a reputation for being a happy-go-lucky man who always sees the humor in life, earning him the nickname of "Laughing Philosopher". Meanwhile, another philosopher, Abdal, comes up with the theory that all things arise from water. Exploration is made down the southern coastline of Avsylann. A trade proposal is made concerning Hythia and its Kledesian vassals. (HYTHIAN RESPONSE)
 * Hythia and company shall agree to trade with the Qyriaati so long as Hythian merchants and envoys may have a map of the trade routes in question.
 * Yannis Empire: Around the world the holy and righteous are called upon to throw off the shackles of the Olmian heresy, denounce the devil Thot and Nolrom, and to free themselves through the faith of Yannis. In Obtus the war goes well with the last of the creatures of Thot being killed. The navy continuously assaults the Kingdom of the Isles, and in the homeland a few hundred more ships are created over time to join the war against the heathens. The largest ships known to mankind are produced, with the natural philosophers of the empire testing their theories of mathematics through the creation of artillery mounted to ships. The navy is placed under the command of the just inquisitor Venucnapedun, who deploys the navy to cut off the Thotite expedition. The island is supplied in the meantime by crossing the narrow Strait of Cival or by sea from the south, as the nations of Tik’akna, Temayal, and Tohatia join the expedition and righteous crusade. As the heathens are mostly concentrated around the Kingdom of the Isles, ships run free south of the Bangor island to reach the same places. The Yannis Empire seeks to reaffirm its alliance with the Great Lakes, seeking to marry a member of that royal family to the Anointed One’s family, and to strengthen the nation against the encroachment of the Thotites.
 * Darna: The great revenge against the Thotites is planned by the rulers of Darna. Soon the halls of Azoz will be filled to the brim with the corpses of the Olmers. Then the city of Azoz will burn to the ground, and the people of the world will rejoice in its firey ash corpse. In the meantime the Darnans zealously hunt down Olmers to enslave, striking a fierce vengeance for their nefarious spirit magic against the Darnans on the Janter Coast. In the north near Aycouver a great new culture emerges, influenced by Darnan settlers and traders. Many new towns are created, with coastal settlements being constructed as trading posts. Then in Isimandia many traders begin to travel north along the coast to reach the nation known as the Kingdom of Otan Takat, which was recently discovered by explorers and traders. They arrive off the coast of Otan Takat, willing to trade goods and our secrets of sailing in exchange for their goods. And we hope to convert them to the true way before they can be influenced by nefarious agents such as Azoz.
 * Dragsfurt Konigreich: The Konigreich of Dragsfurt has seen no better years until the coronation of Konig Franz. The city of Dragsfurt has grown with its expansion of fishing routes and with local technological superiority, has tamed our uncivilized brother to be less violent. The Dragsfurtian Fields have been very fruitful with bountiful amounts of grain being produced and sold domestically and with the other tribes. Konig Franz has seen it to be in our best interest to spread our knowledge onto our neighbors and to be more friendly for they are common people and share the same traditions and language as we do. The Drachen Peoples should be one. As an offering to the tribal peoples not a part of the Konigreich, they are openly invited into our nation since they share common blood. Franz's one goal is to make the lands of the Drachens to be one. Those of the Drachens who have given up their ways after seeing the friendliness of the Dragsfurtian Government have registered themselves in the outposts and have been given land as a result while we settle along the bay. Citizenship has increased by nearly 1,000 with the spreading of the Konigreich and the open borders policy taken in by the Drachens for their tribal kin. The education business grows for elder laborers teaching those with new land to grow crops and harvest timber and other jobs. In exchange, a portion of their raw goods or earnings are given to the elders. Water from Drachen's lake becomes a sustainable source due to its deep pool of water. Legend has it that Wassermacher (a mythical dragon by Drachenian folklore) will continue to produce the water until it awakens roads coming to and from the city of Dragsfurt to the lake are built. While more land is settled by strong ventures and new settlers, many begin to look toward finding new sources of water supply. This leads to many explorers going on a quest which leads to a discovery of more land and sea. Temples for worship of the elemental dragons are expanded with religious writings becoming more easily accessible to the public with the need for greater literacy rates for understanding these writings being spread out with temples having educational Bibel studies for youth. The Drachens are blessed as they rule the waves for several more years and have faith in more to come. A large stone palace begins construction while Franz resides in the one his ancestors have been given to by the Dragons themselves. After existing for hundreds of years, its days seem to be numbered if it remains in use and will be treated as a holy place in the royal family's absence.
 * Mang: After serious demands that the glorious Emperor was facing, the isolationist movement was lifted. However, the isolationist movement was increasing the size of the Mangi military and the agricultural benefits. A new weapon, basically known as the Shanz Bow (OTL recurve bows) are being built, as well as swords to fight intruders (yes, swords existed in BC). Mostly, the Emperor was a brave warrior, as he was a military man in the Mangi Military. He served a four-year term on the OTL Mayan calendar, and was chosen as emperor by the 5 Mangi Stars. His bravery excelled the nation to greatness. He was derived by his gods, who at the time was the real god of Mang. Exploration is declared, by moving more to the north, where more OTL provinces will be created. The capital is mostly derived from the ancient Mang god, who was the first settler to worship five stars that would become the 5 Mangi Stars. He was believed for creating the one thing, the stars at the night sky. He was also believed to have good luck from his fellow tribes located in the area. He would later relocate to the mountains near the Mangi coastline, and survive an unknown fate that the Mangi's believed was called "Hoanhi". Hoanhi was a national wildlife creature, that existed until the Mangi god died in 140 OTL Mayan calendar. After his death, he was believed to be the sole fate of the Mangi dream. The dream is basically the greatest luck the average Mangi civilian ever had. The Emperor was chosen, and is now facing old age, despite being the old emperor's son, and was around 46 years old. The Emperor wanted to expand the religion and agriculture, so he relocated his troops to the north and focus his expansion up there. 60 exploration troops were located to the north, and his expansion was ordered to start. The Kingdoms in Mang were all given a sort of expansion idea, as 12 of them were relocated to the east, where they proceeded to expand and find a gap of terrain. Thus the expansion went on, with major progress, despite rough climate in the mountains and the wetter, more humid climate near the coastline up north. As the Emperor was a brave explorer and warrior of his age, he demanded the expansion to continue until the end of the ten-year span. However, his army was basically unfed, and food was mostly near the coastline and in the east, so the Emperor ordered 15 farmers to feed the soldiers up north. The farmers complied, and expansion was continuing. Meanwhile, the emperor had his first marriage, with a lady called Akain. She was around 39 years of age, and was a warrior and a soldier in the Mangi military. She served two years on OTL Mayan calendar, and was one of the soldiers who expanded the Mangi regime up in the mountains. She married the Emperor, who would later have a child, which would grow up to be like his father. (foreshadowing, suck it).
 * Syres: The war against Euthydemus, lead general of Dionymus, continued for over a year, with neither side managing to take much ground initially. Instead the government in Syres managed to hold off any amphibious landing on the primary island of Ersgof, while Euthydemus struggled to retain order over the western provinces. After Dionymus was killed in Mesallas fighting against Democrates II, Euthydemus’ authority waned further. He would declare a breakaway kingdom known as the Kingdom of Canim, but this would prove to be a difficult nation to maintain without foreign backing. Finally, after three years of occasional fighting between Canim and Syres, the Syresian government recognized the Kingdom of Canim, although it would pay tribute to, and remain under the protection of, the government in Syres proper. Euthydemus I, as he would become known, would lay the foundations for a Mesallian state across the sea, reinforcing the supremacy of the polytheistic Mesallian religion, and introducing Mesallian customs further upon the native peoples of the west. It is estimated that at this time Mesallians made a small minority of the population, with most of the nation ethnically Syresian or a non-Syresian native from the western coast of Tuatha. During Euthydemus’ lifetime he would also expand the boundaries of the kingdom northward, resettling people along the central rivers and beyond.


 * Flag of Thïgæ (Origo Mundi Map Game).svg Thïgæ: The Rothr Shliefn continues in the west to seal the gap between Thïgæ and Sonaredar from 521 to 524, in the north above the lake from 523 to 526, and east along the shoreline from 526 to 530. The start of the seventh Olahn (524) sees the addition of Lianoh, named after Lianth the prophet, who sadly died in 523. The missionary force in Sonaredar continues to convert the population; however, Aropha demands that all of the captured escort force be returned to Thïgæ. Exploration continues up the river delta and along the coast. Technolgoical advances are made in several fields, such as military catupults, tamed horses, and metalworking. The history of Thïgæ begins to be documented at a new library in Lojuoh. The capital continues to grow, making new and upgrading facilities. A harbor is made on the river, and a large granary is constructed. The farmland around the capital finally gets consistently irrigated, using floodgates and dams. The lakeside city grows by 1px.  Meeting Vyt, enovys are sent to the capital both to establish good relations with Vyt and figure out where Vyt is. Vyt is commonly called "Vytgæ" or "Vitgæ", meaning "land of the Vyt's", and so any mention of Vytgæ or Vitgæ will be referencing Vyt. Aropha states that Thïgæ wishes to establish trading and diplomatic relations with Vitgæ, as long as Vitgæ stays out of the politics of delta region and not settle it. The Epic of Yahrm is published by Rian Auas, depicting the general's unification of the delta and his great leadership over the Duzgæ kingdom of many years ago.


 * Emalia: The land plunges into chaos and confusion as Emalia has been shaped and morphed into something unrecognizable, the people feeling lost and discontent with little sense of identity or purpose. In these dark days Haliecles of Ephesus emerges in his homeland Emalia, quickly rising through the ranks, and finally ascending to throne by marrying Queen Sasnia. Hailieclus however, proves to be a divisive figure, as he attempts to supersede Queen Sasnia in power, breaking the country in two, engulfing the land into civil war, the Sasnians upholding the power of the Queen and fighting to maintain the matriarchial tradition and the Haileculuns supporting Hailieculus' ascent to power, the Messelian way of patriarchy and their polytheism. In the midst of this warfare, civilians take up arms and defend themselves using fallen weapons, forming a Citizen League. Queen Sasnia accepts the alliance with Edom, hoping to help her matriarchial sister.
 * Irian Culture: The Opal League breaks down as suddenly as it formed, and a three-way war erupts between Nolossia, Solcia and Corenia. Hecyra becomes independent again, along with its younger sister city, Edyrna. The two lake nations act as oases in the sparsely-populated plateau between Corenia and Joredesh. They prosper as a result of the trade passing through the uplands, down to the Solcian Gulf or east to the Hythian dominions. They continue to develop the religious traditions established by the priest-king Barlas, as well as being heavily influenced by the beliefs of their erstwhile overlords, the Cledesians. Another region trading with Hythia is the Kingdom of the Lomians, or Daga Lome, as it is called. A tentative exchange of goods and ideas has existed for some time in the mountains of the north, bringing Hythian ideas into Iria; ideas that have now taken hold in many areas, namely the worship of Phythos (Hythus). Conversely, Irian goods have seeped their way into Hythia. With the arrival of Hythian merchants in Ruban, the trade here has become organized, with caravans setting out at regular intervals. Lomia, unlike the neighboring lowlands, has quite poor lands for farming. Most of the population are pastoralists; the emblem of their nation is the ram’s head. During a particularly bad winter, while the Three Kingdoms are fighting each other, Seismer Lakros, a man of low origins, rises to power as King of the Lomians. Seeing that the fertile lands of the south are ripe for conquest, he descends on the valley of the Hecis and conquers most of the river kingdoms that were vassals of Corenia. He also battles with the native tribes, swiftly subjugating the Eubenes, the Ikari and Chybians. After seizing the important cities of Corascuto, Motra, and Oaxala, he consolidates his holdings, then sets his sights on the western plains, winning victories against the formidable Sigmosi, Theles and Araphestae. “Fighting single-handed for a hundred miles” according to a poem of the era, Seismer extends his empire all the way to Lake Ambra in the span of a decade. The kingdom of Seismer Lakros, known as “Thrydacia” to outsiders, is the first unite the whole Hecis River under the same banner since the days of Korascutos.


 * Khin Federation: Faced with the Valun attack, the Chanri Jangah orders the court to ride North into the vast cold northern steppes, as the Great Than shall punish the invaders. A solid tree saddle is developed in the ride north, enhancing the mobility of the riders of Khin. With support from Darna, the Chanri Jangah assembles the riders of Khin across all tribes and clans and launches an attack on the Valun in one cold winter, when the advancing armies of Valun was trapped within the barren steppes. The riders are armed with composite bows and sabres, although the arrowheads are mostly made of bone or bronze. The Khin also approaches Azoz for an alliance against Valun, as thousands of Khin, left behind in the great ride, seeks work as mercenaries in Azoz and other nations.
 * Azoz accepts the alliance with Khin against our old rival of Valun, and offers to send support whichever way we can. Apostles of the Ulm religion come to visit Khin to exchange knowledge of science and culture just as we've done in previous centuries

531-540
'Across the entirety of the known world, a period of cooling and neo-glaciation occurs, with the winters of this decade being particularly cold. Nations in the far north suffer the most as a result. '

'A nation migrating from the north settles the region between Daukani and Xinaben, founding a city known as Jadalan. They make contact with Vynos and offer to trade, stating that they were pushed south by a hostile empire to the north. '

'The craven and paranoid Neoptolanus III refuses to leave his private room, and rejects any new marriage, rejecting all three of the offers levied to him from Edom, Xeran, and Yannis. His advisors continue to claim, from pieces of the king’s instructions, that he claims to still be married to Evanematra the Younger, even if she does not acknowledge it. Additionally, because of the spiriting away of Evanematra to Erasidon, she has yet to meet her alleged other husband, Thalut III. '

'The Kingdom of the Isles finally succumbs to the Yannian “crusade”, although not before the Azozians and their allies inflict a high amount of losses at sea around the island kingdom. '

'A nation known as the Meghnites migrates from the northeast into the region between the Ten Cities and Mang. They raid the natives of the region, traveling as far west as to sack cities in eastern Benyisra and the Vynos trading posts. It is demanded that these trade routes will be pay tribute to them if they wish to travel across the region. In response to the Meghnite raids, a confederacy known as the nation of Lringar is founded southwest of the Ten cities. '

'A battle in the north of Valun takes place between the Valun and the Khin, with the Khin achieving victory. The Khin suffer 2,900 casualties as a result. The Valun sue for peace, offering a minor amount of territory, slaves, and gold. '

'A decisive battle is won by Amelucenes against the Saemonites, and as a result the Saemonite Empire collapses. The invaders seize the capital, declaring the Yazradid Empire, with Amelucenes becoming the first emperor. The empire also claims parts of western Herati, roughly corresponding to areas the Saemonites controlled during their war.'

'With Sillas rejecting its offer of peace and continuing to invade, Teninukal raises its army proper to defend itself. At a battle in central Teninukal they win a decisive victory and route the Sillans, although they suffer heavy losses in the process. Sillas suffers 8,000 casualties in the battle.'

'In Makuku the second attack near the titular city is successfully, with Sillas suffering 4,150 casualties in the process. The nation of Makuku offers peace terms, in which they cede parts of the western one-half of their nation in exchange for peace. The attack against Napukal is a decisive victory for Sillas. The nobility and military of Napukal, thatare not killed or captured in the battle, flee to Teninukal. Sillas suffers 3,100 casualties in the attack. '


 * Xeran Empire: Thalut III was greatly troubled by the actions taken by the Kingdom of Erasidon toward his wife. A personal biography of Thalut, The Miracle of Eras, recounts the following events, being a contemporary source by one of this chief ministers. Some of the details of this work may have been apologetic propaganda for the king, but generally its accuracy is well-accepted. It says that as soon as Democrates "miraculously returned from the dead", and seized control of Erasidon once again, Thalut was completely complacent with renouncing his marriage to Evanmetra the Younger. Recognizing the need of upright monogamy in the nation, the queen was allowed to depart from the imperial court and reuinite with her first husband Democrates. This is dramatized as a solemn moment, indicating how the younger Evanmetra truly loved the emperor more. However, several months later a special meeting of the emperor's council indicated pressing news on the subject: they revealed that Democrates actually did die after being defeated by Dionyses, and the "miraculous" return was actually an imposter claiming the throne illegitimately. This "False-Democrates" was actually a Darnan former slave named Heryol, and was now having the queen in adultery. Thalut at first immediately sent letters to Erasidon, informing the queen of the situation and asking her to return to the imperial court. Heryol refused to give her up, and instead locked Evanmetra in a tall tower called Castle Eras. Thalut wore his best armor and weapons, and with 30 choice warriors he personally conducted an expedition deep into the kingdom of Erasidon, besiging the tower Eras where his wife was kept. Evanmetra was ultimately rescued and returned to Edom, where she was at last reuinted with her true and legitimate husband. In the far west, our alliance with Khin is extended to help them completely destroy the Valun Empire, while pushing most of our military northward to annex territory from the south. General Beryl commands this front, pushing troops from the the western coast and Teman to push into Valun from two sides askew from the Castelian wall. In the process of doing so, Khin is offered many tomes of knowledge collected from the Library of Iskandaria, including books on philosphy, history and theology. Ulmian apostles also visit the confederacy. In the west, our vassal Heliocles is greatly supported in his campaigns in Emalia, although we are officially allied, he is given as much help as he needs securing and defending the territory of both himself and his wife. General Xenon is used for this purpose, stationing his men primarily in Gantes and Ephenus, and supporting Heliocles push sporadic campaigns further in the south. In the far east, Cyris first works to help spread Ulm to the rest of the Angelite archipelago, in spite of their allied nations there bing defeated so far. Monestaries are built in secret for both Obtus and the Isles, founded on the backs of martyrs that Yannis killed. Farther east, Cyris then sends an expedition of three ships to meet the Republic of Sillas for the first time. The first expedition to Sillas is remarked as being rather similar to Edom, but are treated as existing in this matriarchy in more isolation, to explain their differences. Shanzian scholars commented on how Sillas military still employs men primarily, even though their administraiton is largely female, and in similar matters are far more balanced in gender than the kingdoms of the empire. The Sillas are offered to trade with Xera, as we offer to sell them copper, alumite, and books of philosophy and theology, including original compies of the Holy Scriptures of Ulm. 


 * Hythia: Years 228-237 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarchs Jynius and Tylan continue their shared reign. Envoys are sent to the Jyazradid Empire to discuss the empire’s claim to Herati lands. Rather than fight over depopulated plains the Jyazradids are offered territory in Heratia if they will honor the treaty reached between the Saemonites and Hythia, specifically pertaining to the slaves and the non-aggression pact. [Vand, I would like a map before I agree to a deal and also Mod Response]. The Saemonite slave laborers are retasked to construct fortifications around the northernmost cities of Hythia. All cities to the north of Gyt receive great embankments armed with dozens of eyscurpierons. With income secured, thanks to indemnities and new tax sources, Hythia invests greatly in the construction of buildings throughout the country. Temples to Hythus are constructed or expanded across the nation, and a great academy is constructed in Gyt. The new school teaches subjects in basic mathematics, Hythian language and literature, logic, mechanics (pseudo-engineering), and a fledgling science, Hythology (Geology). Hythology, a name granted by the father of the study, Aystolius, is the study of the land, primarily the description of minerals, ores, rocks, and earth. The colonization of land in the south continues at breakneck pace with many urban areas seeing population decline or stagnate. Land granting boosts government revenue as farmers provide double tax revenue for a decade after the grant. The region either side of the Road to Gyomis develops quickly with much of the region brought fully under Hythian control up to Pysa. The harvesting of valuable tar, raw oil, and bitumen sees a small economic boom in the region between Hyrat and Wys, and most of the region is fully integrated under complete control. Food production across the Meunarchate is diversified and luxuries such as cotton, pomegranate, leather, saffron, and many other more minor goods return to prominence. Exports of fine beers, worked iron, worked leather, tools, saffron, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Qyriaati through the port of Gyomis is expanded. The light ships purchased from Ry’Kyva are outfitted for exploration, armed with eyscurpierons and incendiary bolts, and sent forth on a voyage of discovery along the south coast. Contant is specifically sought with Draka, Benyisra, and the rumored Vyt [Mod Response]. Another royal marriage is held, this time with Antanem and the son of Meunarch Tylan. A new wave of missionaries travels throughout Hyratia (Heratia), Yria (Iria), and Hythia's Klydesian Vassals to spread the true faith of Hythus.
 * Mang: The military of Mang is starting to train hard, by using the equipment of axes, swords, bows, and naval ships. The Emperor is satisfied with the shift of the military, as he proposes an expansion southward. However, two expansion processes are currently ongoing, as the military men sent on a mission were to expand and build more sites. As Mang cut off all isolationist policies, the nation still would not join any foreign conflict if the military ever discovers other nations. Around a few months later, the Emperor died, and was replaced by his wife, who was Akia Emperor. She was a brave woman, who was to take on any threat that dares to enter her nation. She was also a supporter of the 5 Mangi Stars, in which she believed the last emperor was the chosen lucky nation. She demands exploration to keep going, as her main troops are training in Funayik. Meanwhile, Funayik becomes a large agriculture site, with arts and crafts and was the historical site the first god of Mang died, in which the 5 Mangi Stars shone in the sky and sent him to a good place to rest in peace. The first emperor was also born in Funayik, and was raised there as the legend of Ompai states that he was an important figure in Mangi culture. He was the supporter of the common people, and figuratively developed most of Mang. As he was the main figure of Mang agriculture, the date of OTL March 15 marks the date of the death of Ompai. The date is also an important part of the Mangi tradition, as the people gather around and mourn the loss, while also celebrating for the things he's done for Mang. Meanwhile, the Emperor hired three generals, all coming with agility and strength. Names are Yakoto Monski, Hoki Hadio, and Huyso Golonksi. All three were the main military forces, and knew a lot about the Mangi military. They swore allegiance to strategically improve the tactics and military strength of the Mangi military. Thus, they were hired for the position of general. They planned to transform military strength, by creating new weaponry and naval ships, as well as improve military tactics in case an invasion comes to pass.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: Noticing the increasingly cold climate, the Dodos develop a winter skin (like the OTL snow fox) to protect them from the cold. The tsar dies this year and his son Boris I succeeds to the throne. He does the royal pilgrimage to the Dodo shrine.
 * Dragsfurt Konigreich: Franz I finally moves into the Palace of Mutterbutch right along the shoreline. Blankets and firewood are put to good use within the palace due to the noticeably harsher winters. Fishing remains a solid market to make easy money. Settlers find it easier to establish new farms in the southern portions of our nation while we explore the southern parts of the lands inhabited by our people. As a result, these villages adopt these tools to establish more interconnected villages. New Farmers and Southern Farmers find it easier to make more money due to higher prices of grain and livestock. Vegetables are less so impacted. Exploration toward the north and northwest are hindered due to the winter but we make do with what we discover. Towns like Mattenburg thrive as wool and timber demand grows. Furs for the upper class also become desirable luxuries. The Temples continue to serve as areas of worship while the Papst and other higher members of the church lead the teachings of the faith with him being recognized by all drachens as the religious leader. The Libraries are further expanded. Literacy rates increase with the Bibel becoming more available. Shorelines become home to new fishing villages along the bay area. A man on his farm attempts to ride a horse on its back. For some reason, the lake that has been supplying much of the regional water supply doesn't freeze over yet oddly remains warm. In an instant, the lake explodes sending methane into the air. No one is killed but it shocked many. The deep reservoir finally cools leading to the return of chilled water. Warriors of the nation continue to rule the waves and lead to further exploration. Although it is seen by tradition to use partially wooden shields, it is traded off for one made of iron. Around 1,000 new Drachians join the greater state of our people as Franz's word spreads. Klaus Von Battenburg, a scholar from the village of Battenburg to the north studies the stars with charts for different constellations being made. A stone monument of Konig Franz is put into the works with sculpting being done. It is anticipated to be completed in three years time. Roads continue to be developed which helps to make traveling from place to place much more easier. A pine is placed in the center of Dragsfurt City to commemorate the start of winter as usual. Winter Festivities are held. Honey becomes a popular item to be used by the citizens in different food items as a popular sweetener making it clear to be sought after. This leads to a rush for more and more. As a result, some creative individuals have set out a part of their properties to be only used for farming bees. The price for honey has risen though due to an unusually cooler decade. Marten, a southern town has become more home to these businesses with it being located along the shore, it has made a name for itself off of its fishing business, rapid growth, a newly built library, and lumber plus farming business. A population boom begins with although a more tough climate, the people have dealt with worse and birth rates continue to grow.
 * Mesallian Culture: The showdown at the “Castle Eras” would become a legendary event in Mesallian folklore, attracting numerous myths and misconceptions on both sides of the conflict. The description of the “castle” in Azozian sources is usually anachronistic, due in part to Azozian writers being more disconnected from the event, and the reliance on sources written far after the event. During this time most notable fortifications within Mesallas were remnants of the ancient Sterikonian civilization that disappeared some 700 years prior. The civilization is famous for its many extensive stone palaces and complexes scattered across Mesallas, many of which would later transform into fortifications, cities, or special citadels, such as in the case of the famous Svenetepen in Agira, which would be one of the most iconic structures in Ancient Mesallas. Sterikonian palaces were typically situated on monolithic outcroppings outside future cities, or on high plateaus, making them logical choices for future fortresses. Interestingly, there is no evidence that the Sterikonians ever had a presence in the future state of Erasidon, and so the most compelling theory is that the Eras site was constructed 400 years after the Sterikonians by the early Erasidonians, possibly mimicking the Mesallians, and likely to defend themselves against attacks from cities such as Usinilago. In an offhand chapter during his account of the invasion of Erasidon by Thalut II over a century prior, Palo gives a description of one such fortress, which likely would have been similar to the one in use at the time of the Eras incident. He states, “in the mountains near the Thusmos the king had garrisoned three fortresses. The largest of which was at Acromos, where the walls cut into the mountain face and wrapped around its base. Its walls were stone, four meters in length and 2.5 meters thick. It encircled an area over 1,000 meters long, with several towers at certain intervals. The inner buildings were increasingly high, carved into the mountain face, with towers circling the ascent higher.” Additionally there is a source from the time of the Dionymus takeover, which lists several “royal possessions” within the kingdom. Of not, the list includes several “small outposts”, of which Eras was likely one. The description from the Mesallian perspective is extant and highly detailed, due to Democrates II’s institution of a writer named Hanod to record his life after he returned to power. Additionally numerous sources in and around the time period would reference the events at Eras, as it became a popular piece of history and popular culture. Hanod’s chapter opens with a lengthy discussion on “Thalut the Wicked”. It begins with a description of his list of sins, which are taken from lists supposedly made by the Holy Patra of Azoz and of Edom. The exact document he references appears to have been lost to us, possibly purged by the emperor after the fact, but according to Hanod the emperor was described as devious, lustful, and sly, having been corrupted by the grandeur of his empire in Azoz, and by his “cruel destiny” to dominate Edom and the world at large at any cost. “To this end he committed the acts of adultery, polygamy, incest, and murder, all to further his conquests and greed. He influenced the Ulmian councils to allow this, and chose their doctrines carefully to justify his actions.” This line would become one of the most heavily cited by opponents of the Azozian church, as part of the highly controversial theory that the emperor chose the books of the scripture, handpicked theology, or otherwise twisted the original Ulmian religion. Overall there is little evidence for this, as it is believed that the Ulmian scripture was largely intact before the event, and there is no account anywhere from the councils at this time stating that the religious canon was altered. However, the idea that Thalut III used religion and his authority over the Holy Patra to his own end is likely true in part. As for Democrates, he had recently reconquered Erasidon after a series of campaigns against Dionymus, and his power in Mesallas had never been greater. According to Mesallian sources he had a loving marriage to Evanematra, evidenced by his two children. The two perspectives heavily clash here, with Mesallian sources depicting Evanematra as living in Erasidon happily, and Azozian sources claiming she had been kidnapped and raped. The secret of how Evanematra truly felt would unfortunately be lost to time. The Azozians would posit that Democrates was actually an imposter, although the Mesallian sources of course heavily disregard this, as clearly Democrates’ first son would have noticed someone impersonating his father. One fringe source would even take the line, “but he returned from the dead” literally, positing that Democrates was an apostle resurrected from the dead by the Ulmian god. Whatever the case, what happened next would become the subject of 1,000 Mesallian plays, legends, and myths. The most widely accepted legend is that Democrates received a clear omen from the gods, stating that he would need to serve repentance for the trickery that had unfolded during the campaign against Dionymus. As a result he first had Dionymus’ body brought to Sericolis with honors, and when that wasn’t enough he spoke to an oracle, who stated the he must lock away his own wife for one year. Whether or not Evanematra agreed to this is unknown, but for one year she became confined to a private citadel in the mountains of Erasidon. Unlike the Azozian accounts, the Mesallian accounts state the citadel was no prison. Rather, it was a palace equipped with all the amenities fit for a queen. It is said that it was at this point that Thalut III and his 30 companions entered Erasidon intending to “rescue” the queen. There is another legend, largely apocryphal, that states that when Thalut arrived he did not know the way to the citadel, and so attacked another stronghold along the way. There his party dwindled to only 31 (this legend proposes that he actually arrived with 1,000 men), as he fought to extort the information from the locals. Finally he found the way by retracing the steps that Thalut II had followed when he retreated from Erasidon so many years prior. Democrates learned of the approaching emperor and was advised to quickly raise an army. He declined, only raising his own 30 men, as “it’s what our fathers would have done”. Thanks to the account by Hanod we know the names of all 30 companions: “Levian of Setia, son of Ulpheus; Damon “Elephant’s Bane” of Helanos; Antigenus of Karistos, whose shield bore the roof tile that slayed the Sericolis king; Ramacar the Phydinian, mercenary warlord; Zebedus of Elapheros, son of Palo; Xerxus “the Gravedigger” of Thusmos; Cassander “Ironsides” of Neum; Discordus “the Messenger”, son Mecabus; Zletenucus “the Yannian” of Nykos; Aemadus and Asdan “the Blind Brothers” from Jafia; Nathon “the Apostate” of Tuatha; Nelis-ra Nimus of Syres; Alamdacanus “the Iron Hand”, who lost his arm during the war with the Lementarians; Olythimus “the Giant” from the Gudumanes; Zanates of Virados; Phoebedes, “who the gods favored”, the greatest swordsman of the world; Zamun “the Sun Worshipper” from Edom; Undelus “the Besieger” from Lamigis, a famed maker of siege weapons; Ocestor “the Healer” of Calepa; Alnuys “the Unbreakable” of Lysandria; Vecander “the Rat King” of Meshwati; Axus “Lion-skin” of Epenus; the warrior known only as “The Black Spear”; Lbyrus “the Maze Champion”, who could solve any puzzle with extreme speed; Tarcus “the Albino” from Halatia; Sabanus, son of Ptamides; Ichabon “the Witch Doctor” from southern Sephimora; Izimacus “the Bane of Ulm”, who served in the Obtus War; Eritreus, son of Thomus; Gargolon “the Mighty”, who commanded the guards of tombs.” With this group assembled they rode for the Eras Citadel, meeting the Thalutite band just outside. They saw that the Azozians were horseless, so they too dehorsed. When Democrates saw Thalut it is said his heart sank when he saw the glimmer of gold shining from his left ear. It is believed this is a reference to a tradition that stems from Azoz’s pre-Ulmian days, when warriors would hang a piece of jewelry from their left ear so that their soul could pay entry into the underworld. Since the Ulmian age the tradition had simply became a bearer of good luck. The writer Hanod supposedly watched the battle from a tower, guarded by Sabanus, son of Ptamides. Democrates began the battle by giving thanks to the gods, to which Thalut spit on the ground and swung the first strike. The battle carried on for some time, with Hanod attempting to record as much as possible. He writes, “both sides fought with incredible tenacity and zealousness, channeling the anger of a thousand years of forefathers with every blow.” Phoebedes, known for his incredible skill at the sword, and for being blessed by the gods of Mesallas, changed with no fear. He slew three Thalutites in a row, as they came one by one, before three more ganged up on him and finally took him down. First they slashed at his legs until his knees broke backward, and he fell to the ground breaking his wrist. He fought for sometime on the ground, losing an army, then a leg, then another leg, and finally his last arm. Then, Gneskrekes of Azoz chopped off his head with such force that it ricocheted off the shield of Damon Elephant’s Bane. Damon and Nathon came to the fallen man’s aid unsuccessfully, and the Azozians zealously attacked the Apostate. He was fatally struck by an Azozian who was also named Nathon, although Damon then avenged his death by killing the other Nathon as well. Two forces turned allies, Xerxus the Gravedigger and Gargolon the Grave Protector, were both slain next, each taking with him an Azozian, while Eritreus was slain by Thalut himself. Cassander charged with such ferocity that Hanod reports that the god Ores himself appeared and took over, while at the same time the goddess Yera, who despised Discordus for seizing a woman from a temple years earlier, caused him to fall over and be killed. The battle seemed incredibly chaotic, until Democrates rallied his men by shouting “Taxis” like a phalanx commander, and the Mesallians chanted back in unison. He repeated the cry two more times, and they cried back in unison. Shocked, Thalut III supposedly fell back in awe. He caught his breath, as Democrates fought toward him, slaying Dimitry and Asheben of Azoz personally. It is said that Alamdacanus was corned, but he swung his iron prosthetic like a mace, splitting the skull of Jair the Fairhaired, before his own throat was slashed by Ramu the Kinslayer. Black Spear then did battle with the Azozian king and two others. He would be killed, never having a chance to reveal his true identity. Izimacus and Zletenucus were targeted zealously by the Ulmians, and they would both fall side-by-side, according to the Azozians by an act of the True God. Asdan fell soon after, and his brother charged into battle with tears in his eyes, taking down many before falling over his brother’s body. Finally the two kings met in the center of the battlefield. The sky became dark and cloudy, and the ground shook seemingly from an earthquake. The two are said to have fought for so long the sun began to set. Soon the others slowly backed off, leaving the two alone in the center, in a heated clash. Sources differ on what happened next. Hanod claimed that someone from the Azozian crowd dishonorably intervened by throwing something at Democrates, and one of the lesser Azozian sources says Tayam the Mage used spiritual conjurings to strike Democrates from behind. Either way, Thalut managed to disarm his opponent, knocking Democrates to his knees. There Democrates looked his cousin in the eyes, throwing his shield and helmet to the side, and offered his surrender. As was tradition Thalut had earned the right to despoil the king’s riches, but owed him the honor of sparing his life. But in that moment Thalut saw an Edomite amulet hanging from Democrates’ neck, which was a gift from Evanematra, and so filled with rage, he stabbed the king repeatedly until Thalut’s face was red with blood. Other Azozian sources differ completely, stating that nothing overly dramatic happened at all, and Democrates was killed in the heat of battle. Hanod says that at this point he fled for his life, and it is believed that every soldier of Democrates either fought until their death or fled. The Azozians were able to “kidnap” Evanematra back, fleeing back to Azoz with their prize. According to one anecdote Thalut also discovered a young girl in the castle that he assumed was Evanematra’s daughter, and beat her against a wall until she was dead. When this news reached the queen in Edom, she is said to have wept for the entire day. It is likely that Edom made preparations to immediately invade Azoz. It is said that Evanematra the Elder remarked, “My daughter, my daughter, my kingdom for my daughter.” But her plans would not come to fruition, as days later she died of natural causes at a very old age. Her last words were allegedly, “Thalut is no son of mine.” These words, would come back to bite the emperor, but for now his wife was his, and Edom was technically his as well, as his wife was now the ruler of the kingdom. Satiated by the ascension of a woman to the throne, even if Thalut sought to control the throne through her, the nobility of Edom accepted such an arrangement reluctantly. Evanematra, who was no doubt her mother’s child and passionately matriarchal and traditional, was unable to voice any discontent or warning to the people of Edom from the palace of Azoz, and so her voice was silenced. Hanod states that with Democrates died the “Age of Heroes” for good, and the world became a cold and cruel place. Such a sentiment would be alluded to centuries later by one of the most famous dramatization of the age, A Farewell to Arms. At the same time, in Emalia the cunning noble Haliecles, who had carved out his own kingdom across eastern Mesallas already, found himself King of Emalia as well, and began a civil war in a similar vein to Thalut’s conflict, hoping to see Emalia turn into a kingdom rather than a queendom.
 * Flag_of_Thïgæ_(Origo_Mundi_Map_Game).svg Thïgæ: 8.3.1.1 to 11.1.1.1: Arphora sadly dies of hypothermia on 9.2.3.30 (early 134), and his son, now in his 20's, took the throne. Aropha Loiat, who many historians call Aropha II, was a deeply religious man, believing that through the spread of Thïgæ was a key part to spreading Rotharqub, the religion of Rothar. He is, however, less tolerant of the atheists of Sonaredar. The lack of potential conversions within Thïgæ led to intense exploration and expansion under his reign. The military grows to 700. A new settlement is made 9 px west and 3 px north of the westernmost coastal settlement, named Lianoh, after the prophet Lianth, who died in the seventh Olahn. The flag is the only city flag not to include blue or green, not to have a number in the middle of the flag, and not to have a four- or five-pointed star. The black field represents mourning, the outer orange circle his influence, the purple inner circle Rothar, and the red lines in the canton being the Thïø symbol for seven, the Olahn in which the cities construction began and the death of Lianth. The wide plain of the north is named the Aforazi plain. Aropha II demands that Lagalut return all of the captured military members, of which Aropha II claims to be "escorting the missionaries", and pay in slaves as compensation for the brave men who died escorting the missionaries, three slaves per one dead man, as slaves are worth less than free men. Arphora also demands that missionaries will be able to continue converting his people. The military is put on the Sonaredar border, with an invasion of the atheist lands threatened to drive them out of the delta. (Secret: Sonaredar revolutionaries in the south are offered their own state below the southernmost river in Sonaredar if Lagalut refuses the ultimatum.) Meanwhile, diplomacy with Vytgæ is awaited, but rumors of a country named Jadalan and the nation who pushed them southward spur interests in the region. The hostile northern country is named Suzugæ. Based on rumors of the Meghnites and where they came from, cartographers figure the group must come from northwest of Sonaredar. Explorers continue up the two rivers going off into the unknown and along the coastline, especially in the west. The Rothar Shlifn continues to be used, even more extensively due to Aropha II's religiousness, in the northwest and the east.
 * Yannis Empire: The people hear the tale of how Thot the Wicked kidnapped a girl and made her his wife. The image of the grotesque being that is the Thot forcing himself upon a young girl greatly disturbs the holy and righteous people of Yannis. This becomes yet another intolerable crime perpetrated by the nefarious and depraved Thot. As such the Anointed One is moved to seek the liberation of Edom and the rest of the world in due time. It is known that the Yannis Empire would have no issue freeing Edom from the barbarity of the west, and if they only knew what was best for them, they would leave Edom. It is clear that the Azozi anarchy is incapable of governing its own people or its own mock state, and soon the Yannians will perform the pious act of purging the Thotites. In the meantime the Yannis Empire secretly dispatches natural philosophers to garrison the capitals of the southern nation, so that diplomacy can be more easily carried out. They convey the message that the Yannis Empire stands with them, that the Yannis Empire will protect them, and that the Yannis Empire will crush the Thotite Slavedom for them. Together the civilized nations of the world will band together and oust the corrupt and reprehensible creature that is Thot the Wicked. A report arrives in the Holy City of Yagothna-vis, dispatched from one of the members of the small Yannian community in the city of Edom. They speak of the horrors that are taking place, as the emboldened Thotites have lost all shame and hesitation. The beasts rape in the streets, and devour the flesh of young children. They use broken, toppled pillars, from the courthouses and libraries they raze, as makeshift altars for their sacrificial meals. There they desecrate the great structures of Edom, destroying every piece of civilization. They return the world to savagery, they topple the natural order of society by placing their animalistic religion above that of true, intelligent life. In the east the nations of Obtus and the Isles are consolidated into one kingdom, ruled by a Yannian king, which is then broken into two governorships. The Yannians continue to promote the true faith there, and spread the just word of Yannis.
 * The Glorious Empire of Vhaynos: Troubling news has come from our colonies in the north, these horrible beasts which are known are the Menghites have come to terrorize our peaceful settlements. They are said to be the spawn of Morah, the foul one, with heads the shapes of beasts that burn all they come across and bring nothing but ruin to the lands on which they trode. Reenforcements are sent to the two colonies in the Great Chyrkos Desert and walls are built to protect the populace, but traveling caravans start to pay tribute. People fleeing from the terrible beasts that are the Menghites flee northeast to the coast between Benyisra and Kepitis founding a city on the coast to which they call Rythnos, the City of Exiles. Settlers start to re arrive within the two settlements with the fear of the menghites passing expanding the land by 2 px. Timoi Davon begins to order the construction of libraries for containing the various maps of the area and observations of various ẗrade winds. He also begins the patronage of several art schools to teach the craft of glass blowing and pottery making. Meanwhile within the city of Daima a new form of steel is beginning to be made, a lone blacksmith on accident sealed some black magnetite ore in clay that contained bamboo leaves and stems, this produced a superior form of steel in comparison to the normal version, which is more stronger, and sharper. This blacksmith soon begins to provide for his very poor family, and grows in fame. However others jealous of his success and his quality of production, spy on him when he works in secret and murder him. They begin to slowly spread this process throughout the city. Under the orders of Timoi Davon military expeditions are continually sent east expanding the lands of Vhaynos into the fertile lands of the east.  He also orders to expansions and improvements of our navy introducing new designs that contain areas for archers. The expansion of our infrastructure continues with roads being built to connect various areas in our empire. A diplomat is sent to Jadalan asking that they pay tribute tribute to the Empire of Vhaynos in order to protect from the threats of the evil Menghites and nations, lest they be destroyed. Mod Response. In terms of expansion under the Glorious empire, trade posts are built in the lands in between Thigae and its bordering nation and several of the islands west of them in order to help conduct trade between the two nations and us. Also a Hrinuth, an exploration base essentially is built on the tropical lands due west of us. Along with this explorers continue to search due north of Mohejaro, and explore north and west of the great Irian nations. Official explorations by the Kingdom of Vhaynos are continued ordered to explorer east of Thigae and into the great seas west of us. Meanwhile agricultural lands in the southern city is expanded by 10 px with them chopping down trees for ships.
 * Darna: The powerful nation of Darna is not intimidated by any other nation. The glorious nation of Darna is not threatened by any of the weakling nations. The amazing nation of Darna is not scared of any of the lesser nations. The other nations of the world should fear Darna. Darna is a strong nation. Darna is the greatest nation ... so goes a speech issued by the king of Darna. Such speeches were very popular as a type of speech, used to revitalize trust and commitment to the Darna state. During this time one of the king’s sons grew a great affinity for asserting Darnan dominance by having his way with an Ulmian slave boy every night. He writes that such an act is incredibly holy and cathartic, and cleanses his mind of his great Ulmian aggression. The king, meanwhile, finds the slaughter of an Olmer every night before bed a beneficial sleep aid. It becomes popular for Isimandians to travel south and raid Eskaladun in order to acquire more Olmer slaves, as the Azozi Thotites have infiltrated that land. The nation begins trading with the Valun to aid them against the Thotites, in the hopes that they will soon take Azoz and destroy it.
 * Syres: During this time the Kingdom of Canim came to be ruled by a king named Demecus, who continued the policies began by his predecessor, Euthydemus. He began by launching a campaign to subjugate the region up to the river in the west, successfully defeating the tribe there. Many Mesallian veterans of the wars in the south would be settled here, intermingling with the Syresian and native population. According to legend some of the heroes of the Battle of Eras would relocate to the kingdom and found cities in the region, although it is unknown how true this is, considering the common belief that there were no survivors of the battle from the Mesallian side. The push westward would cause conflict with the coastal cities who were under the jurisdiction of the Azozian governor in Tuatha, nearly causing numerous wars between the two nations, which were narrowly avoided. The city of Syres itself saw the introduction of numerous new ideas from around the ancient world, due to its importance as a trade hub and center of culture. Connecting the various canals of the city, many sewer systems would be constructed underneath the roads of the city, as well as new aqueducts and wells to supply water to the growing population.


 * Khin Federation: The Chanri Jangah laughs at the emissary of the Valun and gives him five days to leave the steppes before the Khin hunts him down as an enemy. After the victory against the Valun, captured arms are melted down, providing the Khin with bronze and even iron arrowheads and sabres. The elite guard of the Chanri Jangah is completely armed with iron weapons and wears armour of bones and skin of bears or wolves. The riders of Khin raids less defended areas of Valun, looting and enslaving captured tribesmen. With the rising number of slaves in the Federation and a decreasing number of freemen, who are off raiding, slaves began gaining higher status in Khin society. While slaves are still slaves, they are conscripted to fight in campaigns, able to buy their own freedom and become legal concubines of Khin freeman, granting their children equivalent status. The influx of knowledge from the Xera gave way to the compiling of the Great Book of Wisdom, where the wisdom of Than, the Khin and foreign philosophy are summarised and compiled, by Khin scholars and priests. A syncretism between Ulmisn and Thanism is developed as the "True God" is seen as a manifestation of Than, while the Drokksid is downplayed entirely. The mercenaries of Khin, now working for Xera and well-armed by Xera armor and weapons, ride north to attack Valun towns and villages.


 * Irian Culture: After losing most of its territory to breakaway states or foreign tribes such as the Cledesians and Lomians, the Kingdom of Corenia is finally destroyed when Seismer Lakros captures its capital, Corens, in 531. The Lomians annex most of the former kingdom, except for the lacustrine states of Hecyra and Edyrna, which become vassals. The Sarpedes pay tribute to the Lomians as well, but the Metobarians refuse, and are driven across the Ima River to the Plains of Diolophon. The winter of 531-532 is the coldest and most desolate winter in memory, spurring many highland tribes to migrate into richer lands where they can better support themselves. Of course, these lands are often already occupied by another tribe, and war ensues. The populations of Iria are highly mobile, and the east-west cultural divide is starting to disappear. Each harsh winter brings famine, and each famine brings disease. These problems are widespread and the situation only worsens by the year. Many coastal city-states opt to make the most of these troubling times and establish colonies on distant shores to supply food and resources to the mainland. Irian colonies appear throughout the Adseia, especially in the “southern land” and the Casphiron, sponsored by maritime states like Dardas, Lumos and Rhithera. Such trying times shape hardened explorers and pirates, who rove the southern coast and visit the newly-discovered land to the west known as Iureda.

541-550
'A Meghnite invasion devastates the Ten Cities, leading to the dissolution of the ancient, sacred alliance of the ten. A tyrant named Asiri from the city of Dhjete attempts to take over supreme control of all ten cities, sparking the formation of the Magnanimous Seven against him, led by the city of Kymmenen, although one of their cities, Tizehn, is sacked by the Meghnites. '

'The nation of Jadalan refuses to pay tribute to the Empire of Vhaynos, and considers the demand an insult to their brave nation. '

'The Yazradid Empire refuses to hand over any slaves to the nation of Hythia, nor will accept giving any ships or tribute. The empire garrisons the region it claimed from Herati with soldiers, constructing a series of small forts. They agree to recognize both the Hythian vassalage of Herati and the territorial claims made by Jalor, as well as the offer of a non-aggression pact. '

'The nation of Benyisra welcomes traders from Hythia, and while in Benyisra the Hythians learn details of the nation of Vhaynos and interact with their traders, although not making contact with the Vyt government directly. '

'On the island of Algeorgia the over abundance of wild Dodos causes a negative impact on the environment of the native island, causing havoc for its human population. This leads some to advocate for hunting on the island once more. '

'Explorers sent by the Dragsfurt Konigreich toward the south make contact with traders claiming to be from a nation named Stenem. '

'Lagalut of Sonaredar refuses to hand over any of the supposed “captives”, claiming that they killed or forced away Thïgæ’s pirates already, and anyone else still remaining are those who simply chose to remain in Sonaredar by their own accord. '

'In another major engagement the Valun manage to achieve the upper hand against the Khin, inflicting 3,000 casualties against the Khin. During this time numerous raids occur on both sides. '

'South of Vhaynos on the southern tip of its continent, the Vyt discover the native kingdoms of the region to be particularly fierce and staunchly independent. They become known as the alliance of Dvama, led by three kings of equal standing. '


 * Hythia: Years 238-247 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarch Tylan passes his seat to his son Dylus who shares his the throne with Jynius as tradition mandates. After negotiations with the Jyazradids, show some challenges but also promises Meunarch Dalyus proposes that Hythia and the Jyazradids place aside any historical anger and secure a new peace across the plains with a royal marriage between Dylus’ only daughter and the aging Amelucenes’ eldest son [Mod Response]. What remains of the Saemonite slave laborers continue construction of the fortifications around the northernmost cities of Hythia. All cities to the north of Gyt receive great embankment walls armed with dozens of eyscurpierons. With the economy thriving and income ensured the country invests heavily in construction. Every settlement greater with populations greater than 100 builds an administrative post. Public squares and libraries are constructed across the country, while irrigation channels are expanded. The Academy of Gyt grows in prominence and is attended by most all of Hythia’s elite. It is in the Academy of Gyt that a great epic, The Epic of Hythus, is crafted by Vylorius the Wise. He writes of the story of the Ring-War, when Dyalbor, God of True Darkness, forged the great rings of power. “There were five rings for the mountain kings, chiefs of the Eastern Wall, seven for the riverlord, fairest of all, and nine for the plains’ lords, kings of the endless grass-sea. Bound to these rings were the power to rule the world, but they were all deceived, for another ring was made. In the Land of Shadows, in the forges of Dyalbor, the Dark Lord Dyalbor forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others. And into this final ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life: one ring to rule them all. But there were some who resisted. The True God Hythus, God of the Burning Flame and the Unyielding Earth, marched against the armies of Dyalbor. On the slopes of Mount Dyal the gods made war. Victory was near, but the power of the ring could not be undone. It was in this moment, when all hope had faded Hythus took up his flaming sword and struck down the foul god Dyalbor, clefting in twain his mountain fortress. Dyalbor, the enemy of the free peoples of the world, was defeated. The ring then passed to Hythus, but even the hearts of gods are easily corrupted. And the great ring had a will of its own. It betrayed Hythus, and doomed him to a prison under the earth, bound to the fortress he destroyed. Hythus’ own lieutenants, Tykus and Bysulus, unable to destroy their leader, imprisoned Hythus to protect the world from the ring. In their struggle, the ring was lost to Hythus, but its corruption could not be undone. Then, after 2,000 years the ancient magic binding Hythus to his tomb was finally broken, and the just god, recovered from the blight of the ring, has returned.” Much more extensive than the abridgment presented here, the actual text becomes something of a religious text and codifies the oral theology of Hythia’s past into a modern text. Copies of the book are distributed across the Meunarchate and travel with missionaries far and wide. The tax system is reformed to favor currency rather than crops or labor. This change allows the further development of a dedicated class of public servants in addition to the military bureaucracy. The centralization of power around the Meunarchs and the bureaucracy that serve them. The centralization leads to the standardization of much military equipment. The professional army, some 3,000 heavy cavalry and and equal number of light cavalry, receive new standard helmets with lamellar cheek and neck skirts. Light cavalry units have begun introducing a toe-loop stirrup to increase their stability while mounted, an important development when throwing javelins or shooting a bow. The colonization of land in the south continues at breakneck pace with northern urban areas seeing population decline or stagnation. Land granting boosts government revenue as farmers provide double tax revenue for a decade after the grant. The region either side of the Road to Gyomis develops quickly with much of the region brought fully under Hythian control up to Pysa. A new city is also constructed in the far north near the Bysulan Theocracy after the completion of a new road along the Mynethos River. The harvesting of valuable tar, raw oil, and bitumen sees a small economic boom in the region between Hyrat and Wys, and the remainder of the region falls to the hunger for the useful materials as full Hythian control extends to the Jaloran border. Food production across the Meunarchate is diversified and luxuries such as cotton, pomegranate, leather, saffron, and many other more minor goods return to prominence. Exports of fine beers, worked iron, worked leather, tools, saffron, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Qyriaati through the port of Gyomis is expanded. Merchants and envoys are sent to Benyisra and Vyt to learn of these new potential trade partners. Additionally the expeditions down the coast continue [Mod and Player Response]. Meanwhile, missionaries spread the word of Hythus south along trade routes, into Hythia’s vassals in the south, and east into Mythadia. The news out of the Ten Cities is of great concern to Dylus and Jynius who send an envoy to the Aydandites offering a pact of mutual aid should the Ten Cities fall to the Myghnit invasion in the south. To seal the arrangement Hythia proposes a royal marriage between the Aydandite High Chief and one of the children of the Meunarchs. Furthermore, envoys are sent to Napulo and the Magnanimous Seven to discuss the threat faced by the Myghnites. These envoys are accompanied by Hythian military advisors, well-skilled in the art of horse warfare, who will attempt to assist them in fighting the invaders. [Mod Response]. A moderately sized heard of tamed Elephants (Syrian Elephants) is purchased from the Ten Cities and a colony of the beasts established near Gyt. The animals are expected to do well in the warm region surrounding Gyt.
 * Xeran Empire: After the death of Evanmetra the Elder, Thalut the Wicked at last asserted control over the empire that was expected to take place upon the reign of his father, Xarenvarus. Through his wife Evanmetra the Younger, albeit their exact relationship has remained a mystery, nonetheless, proved close enough that he was able to push through many laws to tie the two kingdoms of Azoz and Edom together. Mosaic art and post-perspective sculptures, which had flourished in Azoz for quite some time, was now becoming a standard across Basilicas built in Edom as well. Theater also grew rapidly in popularity in Edom, depicting some of the first epic plays taking place during the Chatna Empire, possibly as a nod to the ruler's namesake. Contemporary records takes note how the king and queen would frequently visit these plays together, either in public or private, which has since become one of the most frequently-cited evidence in the debate of Evanmetra's true love. In Erasidon, after the death of Democrates the office of its monarch had become vacant. Thalut was sure to capitalize on the situation, and threw his support for a claimant that was already friendly toward Azoz relations. This would at least ensure Erasidon and its vassals on the archipelago remain within the allied sphere of the Xerans. In the west, seeing the Khin confederacy are unable to sustain a large war against Valun, the empire falls back from our campaigns in the region, and instead set up defensive fortifications commonly known as the "Xeran Wall", several miles north of the far larger Castelian wall. In the east, large amount of military support continues to be sent to Haliocles of Ephenus, extending the territory of our vassal in the region. The Garan navy moves northward, far beyond Jasmira, to see if there is a northwest passage leading to the Darnan pirates. The western territories annexes land farther north up to the river, and south toward the border with the southern nation. The Cyris fleet moves north, around the peninsula to make contact with the Kingdom of Aurelia. There we open permenant diplomacy, as well as begin trading Alumite and spreading the doctrines of Ulm. As the weather suddenly turns cooler, the agricultural capital of Teman devises plans to push the main sources of agriculture farther south, along the more arid regions of Usilinago and Edom, as well as keeping larger store of grain in the main cities of Azoz and Bangui. In both Iskandaria and Medan, a new wave of natural philosophy begins to closely study the phenomenon of weather patterns, and begins making careful predictions how to understand day-to-day changes to rain, temperature, and the length of day. As his child by Evanmetra, the Crown Prince, becomes of age, Thalut reaches out to any neighboring kingdom if they have eligible female nobles to offer in marriage to his son.
 * Qera: Though it seemed to be a simple anomaly of the weather at first, Qeran farmers notice a general cooler weather and longer wet periods. The outcome of this is an increase of devastating landslides, often burying miners and their settlements in the south of the country. Farming profits from that, since potatoes can now be harvested in larger quantities. Yller III marries in 541 a women from the Ollean nobility, her name is Seamaja. She gives birth to a daughter one year later. Minerals like iron, copper, jade and turquoise are exploited and sold off to far lands. Trade with exhula, sillas and the southern nations continues, with many influences from Qera to the latter. The king of the Dholbalan is also asked if his son would like to marry the daughter of Yceue of Tortla, Zatlahe (MOD RESPONSE PLEASE). This even would strengthen the alliance between the two nations and additionally give access to the wealth of the city of Tortla (at least partially). Trade of spices and also weaponry continues.
 * Qaryaat: The expansion of the kingdom of Qaryaat continues. The colony of Bizafir continues to expand upstream through the Bizafir River and to both sides of the Khereyid River, expanding to the source of the Khereyid River. It also expands to the southern part of the Alyeid Peninsula, north of both rivers. Meanwhile, the territory of Maqiri continues to expand along the border between the mediterranean lands and the vast desert. In the main territory, Maqiri, Bizafir, and Kumiz, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas to consolidate Qaryaat's claim on said areas. The Lighthouse of Makra acts as both a lighthouse to guide ships and a sightseeing destination, guiding ships safely to shore and attracting tourists and sightseers from all around the region. The settlement of Bizafir is improved upon, with walls, barracks, a granary, and a harbor being built. Meanwhile, in Kumiz, sanitation systems as built in other Qaryaati cities, including sewer systems, latrines, and communal baths are built. Meanwhile, a trading post is founded on the shores of Saqqatra. The vast irrigation system in the main territory is spread to the rest of the contiguous territory of Qaryaat, including Maqiri. The great thinker Zachai develops what could be considered one of the earliest anthropological theories, proposing that humankind initially was not as sophisticated as it is now and lived like animals, only developing into a civilized society due to the need to defend from wild animals. He also writes a book titled On the Natural World. Explorations are made along the Mithadian coast and through the Seru River of Mohejaro (the southern of the two rivers). After stories of the raids on Eldebethias by the rumored Meghnites reach Qaryaat, King Adiyyl II acknowledges the potential dangers to his vast trade networks. He sends a band of diplomats to the Lringar Confederacy to reach out for an alliance and trade proposal. We offer spices, dyes, incense, sesame oil, dates, and other commodities to them as part of the trade deal. We also reach out to the Magnanimous Seven in order to form an alliance against the rumored Meghnites. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)

Tsardom of Algeorgia: Seeing the havoc the Dodos are supposedly creating, the Holy Dodo walks out of his temple and stops the havoc. The day afterward everyone is back living in harmony. The tsar comes up with a genial plan to solve or alleviate the food shortage. He expands the farms to our colony and makes ships transport it back to the island while also giving enough to the colony.
 * Ri'Kiva: We accept Hythia's offer. Cal'If Uk sends an emissary to the Jyzrd kingdom, requesting a trade deal and friendly relations. Personia and Kaugn are offered diplomatic marriages.  As we promised, all the Saemonite slaves who deserted are given a tenth of a square kilometer in land. About a third of them are give land in So'Dor, the rest are given land in Kjv'Arn. This expands their border by a lot. In the mainland, a lot of soldiers come home with enough money to buy a small farming estate in either Suh'Hyik or the peninsular territories. This results in a massive population boom as mortality rates drop. In the north, we hear reports of skirmishes between the Taraheim and Garvnkt tribes. A few Taraheim tribes, numbering about 5,000 in number, seek refuge, and are granted it, due to the ties between Ri'Kiva and the Taraheim.  Following the pattern of ruralization, the colonies also see much growth in agriculture, finally having the population to do so. Because of this newfound economic independence, the colonies gain some level of autonomy, but are still subservient to the realm of Ri'Kiva. A private enterprise expands the holdings on the peninsula by 5 px in exchange for collecting revenue from that land.
 * Glorious Empire of Vhaynos: Our great nation has taken offense to our generous offer to the people of Jadalan, we wanted to protect them from the horrors of the world, but they like an ungrateful child refused our offer. As such Timoi Davon orders to march of some 6,500 troops to Jadalan to conquer the city for its own good, the army is comprised of spearmen, archers, and cavalry, and is marched to the city split into two parts in secrecy to check the Jadalan by surprise, flank them and minimize the casualties MOD RESPONSE. Meanwhile, within the northern cities, fortifications are built in order to repulse any retaliation from the Jadalan, and defensive armies are moved to them. While within the city of Daima the steel becomes more and more popular being given the name Artz steel, after the Artzan plant, whos leafs are used to make the steel. The ensuing popularity of the steel within the city sees it being used more and more in the weapons of Vhaynos. Meanwhile, Timoi Davon within the cities of Nis and Vhaynos begins to encourage the establishment of academies for learning how to sail and explore, to administrate, and make arts and craft among other things. Within the city of Vahynos two new forms of ships are constructed one of these is a galley which utilizes four banks of oars, which are rowed by four oarsmen, and the other is more commonly used by merchants and explorers which utilizes Lateens to glide on the winds that blow across the seas. Within our city of exiles, growth begins to happens with them cutting down trees to expand farmlands by 10 px, similar things happen within our southernmost settlement with it expanding its farmlands by about 20 px. Most notably the city begins to reach out to the nations on the Imiteran Sea most notably Iria, Qaryaat, and Mohejaro to open up trade between them. (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSE) Within the settlements on the great Chyrkos desert they continue to transport goods from the south to the north but some traders begin to take an alternate route bypassing Benyisra, and trading through and with the City of Exiles. This begins to bring prosperity to the city with the traders bringing wealth and population. Meanwhile exploration continues as normal for Vhaynos, while explorers continue to search north of Irīserai exploration of the region comes mostly to a halt. But Dhows are sent to the far south of Vhaynos riding winds hoping to find a new land yet unheard of. While in the east explorers are continued to be sent out using the trade posts as resupply points to make longer trips and find more land. Libraries continue being built within the city of Vhaynos and Nis. With the lands in the east being expanded by 30 px.
 * The Irians on the coast of Alyadis and the Casphiron open trade relations with the city of Rythnos. The merchants of Laeberion in particular frequent this area, trading their Solcian wares (wine, wool, olives, stone and marble) as well as traditional Laeberion pottery.
 * Mesallian Culture: After the death of Democrates II he left behind two children. His son and his daughter would grow up as orphans, their father having been killed and their mother having been kidnapped. The son was Ioxemander, who became Ioxemander II, while the daughter was Evanematra. According to story put forth by the Mesallians, which comes from the account of Sabanus, one of the guards present to witness the Battle of Eras, he had been ordered by Evanematra II to hide her children and help them escape, while two decoy children were instead put in their place. The enraged Thalut III killed the fake daughter by bashing her against a wall until she died, hoping to end for good the independent Edom, which he sought to acquire for himself more than any other temptation. Luckily the real Evanematra escaped the halls of Eras, where as per law and per decree, she would be the true heir of Edom as the first daughter of the Maleka of Edom. But of course, she would be unable claim her birthright, both out of fear of the wrath of Thalut the Wicked, and due to her mother being censored by the confines of Azoz. Tellingly, Evanematra would never meet her own children, or leave the kingdom without being under the supervision of Thalut, who is often painted as paranoid and controlling. Both children would be taken into the care of one of Democrates II’s generals, Amynus, as by the time of the 85th Jafiad (Year 540), Ioxemander II was only nine years old, and his sister even younger. The writer Hanod later served as one the young king’s tutors, deciding to continue his task of chronicling the life of the kings, as was his original mission. According to his writings the young king was a troubled boy, who harbored great resentment and anger. Despite this, he also showed a great appreciation for the arts, as he would commission many monuments and statues, and a great appreciation for religion and piety, as he would commission a great temple where he would lay his father to rest. Historians are unsure of what his attitude toward other religions were, as it appears the Ulm religion was weakened and discriminated against, despite the king’s seemingly tolerate attitude everywhere else. In the important maritime hub of Selanica numerous religions would take hold, including vestiges of the traditional Edomite religion, the Zamist movement, the cult of Soronis, and more. The Ioxemanderian Cult, which had largely begun in nearby Edom, also spread to Erasidon, which was promoted by the kings of the state as it helped legitimize them and increase their authority. In Edom the Zamists would not relent so easily, with a priestess named Mazadra succeeding as the head of the movement. In addition to their theological beliefs, they preached against male-dominated society, the new laws, and Thalut the Wicked, using their still mostly intact network within political office and in provincial administration. Each governess prepared for the great reckoning that would occur when the king decided to finally attempt to oust them, but in the meantime they recognized Evanematra as queen, and hoped that Zama would guide Edom away from such a horrendous fate. (More to come)
 * Yannis Empire: In the far north many Holy Men are dispatched to spread the Yannian faith, and to spread Yannian culture to native tribes of the area. As a result of Yannian interaction, a group supported by the empire begins to spring up in the region as a powerful political force. They adopt the name of Yephesem, and consolidate control over the region along the northern coast. At one of the sites in the north, a location where a Yannian natural philosopher once landed and began a trading post, the Yephesem build their capital, which they name Vescbures. The settlement is located on the coast of the northern sea, on a small inlet and a series of hills. Yannian traders occasionally trek across the northern expanse to reach the city, motivating some merchants to look for a passage by sea to the northern oceans. Ships from the eastern provinces are sent north to explore. The eastern governor also decides to claim the small islands in the channel that the explorers travel, naming the southern one Yadyamec, and the northern one Ghinsdevem. The Yannis Empire takes a vested interest in trading with the nation of Aurealia, with many Holy Men arriving in those lands to spread the righteous faith. The Ulmian-Thotite merchants are expelled, rounded up, or killed, as the angry populace is told of their crafty schemes and lies. The naval reform takes place that sees the nation invest heavily in a large and powerful navy. The navy is to be divided so that it is concentrated in a few places. The northwest fleet is stationed at Tesardya, which will be responsible for patrolling the Darnan sea and preventing the heathens from spreading past the straits. The primary, imperial navy, remains near Yagothna-vis, with branches all across the southern coast. Another fleet is stationed in the lands of Weritsz and the Isles, so that no heathens can pass into the east. This fleet extensively patrols around the island of Bangor, ensuring that none pass through without Yannian permission. Finally a small fleet is stationed in the east, responsible for exploring north and east, and for protecting the area around Aurelia. The Isles of the south see Yannian development and investment, with many great temples being built. The empire overall becomes a peaceful and tolerant place, and a bastion for science and art.
 * Thïgæ: Upon meeting Johdnapanan, Aropha II assumes that the nation is the one that the Jadalanï say are the "hostile nation to the north", and is more cautious meeting the nation. The envoys to Johdnapanan are told to tell the nation that they come in peace and ask only to explore the land around Johdnapanan and want assurance that Johdnapanan will not interfere with matters of the south. With Sonaredar's refusal to let captured escorts return to their families and their decision to not compensate to the wives and children which had their male members die, the 800 men of the army enter the uncivilized, self-proclaimed nation. Their claim that soldiers wanted to stay in their disgraceful society is laughable, as why would the soldiers decide to stay when their families are still in Thïgæ? Rumors spread that the nation is eating the soldiers and are looking for an excuse not to give back the loyal men who served. Terms are put down to end the war; Allow missonarries to continue converting Sonaredar to the true religion, have Lagalut himself convert to clense him of his sins, cede the river area and the coast of Sonaredar to Thïgæ, return all alive Thï military personel to their families, and pay reperations to the crown and to the families who lost their fathers in battle or while escorting. Catupults are used to soften the Sonaredar defense on the southern part of the river and to distract the enemy troops, while military engineers build bridges in under cover of nightfall and catuplults to help the army cross the river. This continues until a large enoguh bridge is built for the troops to go across. If this succeds, the troops march along the coast and seige the city of Sonaredar. Mod Algo Needed. A military code is made by Aropha II, saying that each soldier must pay for the food that they take from the citizens of Sonaredar, and gold is provided to the men fighting, enough for each soldier to be able to pay the people who provide the food. Men are hired as soldiers from the feilds of Sonaredar, and soon the army reaches 1000 men, 800 from Thïgæ and 200 poor farmers from Sonaredar who took the gold to pay for their family. Their skills with axes, as they have been working with them their whole life, makes the farmers good for fighting. Meanwhile, Thïgæ continues to prosper, with missionaries moving east along the shoreline converting natives as well as claiming lands for Thïgæ.
 * Heavily outnumbered, the invading soldiers from Thïgæ do not fair well, and soon the entirety of the invading army is killed or captured. The defenders launch a counterattack that heavily damages the Thïgæ catapults and defenses. They demand that Thïgæ pay tribute and immediately cease their invasion. 
 * Tsimdomdu Confederation: The establishment of the Tsimdomdu Confederation in 1MU started the Era of Prosperity, a period from 1MU-60MU that prompted the creation of better farming techniques, the taming and domestication of the oxen for agricultural usage, and the slow but eventual creation of one oral language. King Jurungah - Shaman of the Eastern Coast, and Procurator of the Northern Star, uses his reign to better project the arts and culture of the nation, which was his selected mission during his rule. With that in mind, there were many successes made in the field of art for the era. A carving of Jurungah's face was put on display in the royal palace, and was the first of many King's faces to be created and put on display. The first written epic, known as the Fanpa, is regarded for having been written around this era, and tells of a child who grew up to be Charrah, a feared warlord that terrorized villages across the great sea, with an end goal of having ultimate power over the entire region. His best friend Digbah saw what Charrah had become, and promptly killed him out of fear that he would end up dead in his friend's lust for power. Other, more minor and factual stories were produced in that regards, with those stories carrying important moral messages. Although the land had been developed in terms of connecting the five tribes, further development was made in the construction of houses, businesses, and food markets. Much of the economy during this time remained somewhat basic, consisting of barter trade, however, the movement towards something of a medium-for-exchange would occur in 100 MU. Expansion is made along the river by 10 px, as more people's move outwards to expand their agricultural property along the riverside. Any attempts to navigate the river at this point fails, and thus it wouldn't be until 300MU that a proper boat could be used to navigate the river.


 * Irian Culture: In the 540s, Seismer Lakros makes two campaigns against the western Irians. In the first campaign, he attacks the mountainside fortress of Synnateira with 10,000 men, in order to advance on the Ima River. The siege of Synnateira lasts nearly a month, before the Lomians discover a flaw in the design of the fort and breach the walls, capturing it. The cities of the Ima River shortly surrender to the Lomians, along with the Gamadacians after the battle of Otanum. With these new territories under his control and a reinforcing legion arriving from the east, Seismer’s army swells to nearly 20,000 men. He then marches downriver to the coast. A league of coastal polities led by Decene raise armies to fight Seismer, forcing him to withdraw initially. During this campaign, Phiomactas, one of Seismer’s generals who was instrumental in the early conquests, starts a revolt in the province of Paetama, between Lake Mareum and the Hecis, thinking Seismer will be too distracted to intervene. But Seismer turns his army around and prepares to face the traitorous general. When Phiomactas hears of this, he flees to Asklena. Pursued at Asklena, he heads eastward, but is captured by Seismer’s son, Xenicetes, while attempting to cross the Hecis. With the rebellion subdued, Seismer returns to the coast and once again battles with the Decenian league. This time, because of the league’s disorganized armies, he is able to defeat them in three separate battles, finally bringing all the western tribes and city-states under Lomian influence. He declares himself King of Thrydacia, as Seismer I, and founds a new city on Lake Mareum called Akodopolis, which he intends to become the future capital for his heirs. He erects temples throughout the kingdom as thanks to the gods, and conducts a census of the permanent settlements and vassal dominions in the kingdom. Following these conquests, the center of Irian maritime activity moves to Ceta. For all Thrydacia's military strength on land, their navy is subpar. They make no attempt to control the seas, allowing the city-states of Ceta to expand their influence unchecked. Dardas, Lumos, Likos and Orespontos all establish colonies overseas, with Lumos founding a colony on the coast of Iureda called Lannomuntum. Laeberion also establishes two colonies near Benyisra and Kepitis: Usor and Phereton.


 * Zelonuma Emiresq: In the year of Stripped Cat (No EoGuy, it’s supposed to be stripped) it is said that the Kingdom of Darna met its end. After years of pouring its resources into the harming of Olmian slaves, and the aggressive accumulation of slaves within the nation, the kingdom finally lapsed on its important matters of state. On the islands of Darna, a great slave uprising finally transpired, which weakened the state, as the first step toward disaster. Then, a succession crisis struck the nation in the city of Darna itself. Finally, Tincalsheq, warlord of the northern mountains, from his stone palace deep in the chasms, delivered the killing blow. He had been a nomad from the southern steppe, who threw off his wandering ways at the site of the holy mountain, Yuyzya. There their people built the mountain hall, and slowly consolidated control over the northern Janter Coast. The Rebellion of the Mage several decades ago allowed for many slaves to form their own communities, which Tincalsheq slowly united. With a great powerbase established, he seized the old homeland of Darna, although many farflung colonies soon found themselves isolated and still Darnan. Tincalsheq the Conqueror traveled to Darna and had that city purged of the old leadership. His new kingdom was consolidated around the northern coast, east of Isimandia, close to the old janter mines of old. There he sent envoys to the nations of Isimandia, demanding that they paid tribute as well. So began the Isimandian-Zolunuma War, as the states of Isimandia rallied behind a strong general named Ladiman. Meanwhile the Darnans of the coast, who still operated the trade routes, sought to capture all the Ulmian ships dispatched by King Thot, to preserve their trade empire. They also sought to capture more slaves, and to destroy the Thotite knowledge of their homeland, fearing that Thot would come to consume their children.


 * Makuku Kingdom: Great Tatina Jahili orders for any remaining Makuku troops to withdrawal to the eastern territories past the central river, where they will reorganize and plan a counterattack, maybe. Fortifications are built along the central river, as the army prepares for any Sillas attack. We send a diplomatic envoy to Qera begging for help, preferably men to help fend off the sillasians (Player response needed!). We send another diplomatic envoy to teninukal, which we established comtact with centuries ago, the ship manages to sneak pass Sillas ships and reach their capital, where they also beg for help, preferably men but will accept anything, weapons, more ships, anything (Mod response needed!). Messengers and spies are sent to sneak pass Enemy lines and make it to the settlements, the messengers spread the message that hope is not list and that the war has continued in the eastern territories and tells the people to not give up hope yet! While the spies collect military intelligence and try to organize a revolt against the Sillas occupation.
 * Drachenia: with the nation extending far beyond the city of Dragsfurt, Franz I holds the honor of declaring the state of Drachenia. Furthermore, settlements and further amounts of compatible migrants continue to develop the outwr communities. Marten rises to become a medium sized town. Grand Sailor Hanz Von Wilden leads a fleet of ships to the southwest for further exploration. Lumbering continues to be popularized. Borden Heinz becomes the first man to ride his horse while on its back. Although slightly uncomfortable, it is a much more efficient way of travel. This knowledge is isolated though for the most part in the outskirts of the country. These foreigners we encounter turn out to be somewhat friendly and the explorers would exchange whatever goods they may fins superior to that of their own. Road networks now further developed allows efficient transfer of goods. With more educated farmers to go around, enough food is made for the citizens of the country while some merchants set their eyes on claiming territory across the sea. The Winter Festivals are held with dances and round the clock parties especially in the city of Dragsfurt which holds a large pine tree at the center of the city's square. With a surplus of wood available, premium logs become affordable and better housing becomes available. Some houses take on unique designs which include stone. The Drachen Sea continues to provide fishermen a good source of income. The Temple of Krizt becomes the largest temple in the nation. The Papst settles in one of the complexes within the temple. Literacy rates rise as literature and the demand for a literate population grows.


 * Khin Federation: With the defeat to Valun, the Chanri Jangah orders the riders to avoid engagements, focusing on raiding and riding away if the raid encounters too much resistance. A focus is put on raiding the supplies and logistics of the Valun Army. The Chanri Jangah devises a plan against the Valun: as the Valun concentrates for major offensives or raids and moves north into the steppe, the Khin shall surround them and harass their supplies, wearing them down before launching a final offensive. In the tribes of the Khin, smaller tribes join each other in order to offer better resistance against Valun raids. The Khin mobility also help them in preventing a large economic impact from the raids, as in most cases the tribes can bring their lodging, tools and herds with them away from an incoming raid. With the new customs regarding slaves, the number of freemen in the federation begins to grow, resulting in expansion into the northern lakes. Through cultural exchange with the Xera, the theology of Thanism undergoes further development, as multiple debates occur between Khin priests and the Xera missionaries. The mercenaries of Khin, now working for Xera and well-armed by Xera armor and weapons, ride north to attack Valun towns and villages alongside Xera armies.

551-560
'The Yazradid Empire demands that the Ri’kivan nation agree to become its vassal immediately, just as it had agreed under the Saemonites, or face possible eradication. Elsewhere they accept the offer of a royal marriage between themselves and Hythia, as does the Aydandites. '

'Teninukal states to Makuku that they are unable to fully enter the war against the Sillan Republic, as they just made peace and a pact of non-aggression with them, but covertly sends a small amount of supplies to them. The rest of the Makuku region also sends aid to the Kingdom of Makuku, although many in the region choose to flee east. '

'After the Kingdom of Kaughn is momentarily weakened by a succession crisis, the Yazradid Empire launches an invasion to subjugate the kingdom. '

'The king of Dholbalan accepts the offer from the nation of Qera, agreeing to marry his child to Zatlahe, Yceue of Tortla. '

'The Magnanimous Seven agree to open trade with Qaryaat, and agree to an alliance. They request that Qaryaat send them men to help defend themselves. '

'The attack on Jadalan is successful, with the nation of Vhaynos suffering 2,580 casualties in an initial battle. The nation of Jadalan offers to pay tribute to Vhaynos. '

'A preacher from Azoz named Kahraman travels along with the official delegation dispatched to the nation of Sillas, and begins preaching in the streets stories of the Ulmian faith. '

'The Khin are initially very successful at their strategy of simply raiding, without fighting any pitched battles, but this leads to the Valun using these same tactics back. Both sides lose as many as 5,000 men over the course of many small skirmishes. '


 * Hythia: Years 248-257 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarch Jynius dies and is replaced by his son Lyator, while Dylus continues his rule. With all of the Saemonite slaves freed as is law, work on the defenses for the cities of Hythia is done by hired laborers of high quality and skill. The fortifications expand southward, until every city has at least a fortified citadel and an outer wall. The Great Arsenal of Hythia is expanded and more water-power is used to power bellows and ore-crushers. The expansion of the Arsenal leads to the achievement of higher temperatures allowing the iron to achieve a fully liquid state. Thus, cast iron becomes something of a staple in Hythia, however the iron is too brittle for use in weapons or armor. Fortunately, Hythian smiths have long known that brittle iron can be made durable by heating it in air for several days. Thus, the Arsenal begins intentionally mass-producing producing steel for the first time. Adopting technology from captured Saemonite Torrsion Mangronels, a new bolt throwing machine is developed that uses the torrsion power of sinue ropes (OTL Torsion Balista). The Academy of Gyt grows in prominence and is attended by most all of Hythia’s elite, the college adds a new area of study: the art of war. The further education of Hythia’s elite begins to show as more literature, poetry, art, and scientific knowledge is produced. The toe-stirrup gradually evolves over the decade into a foot-sized loop of leather. With these in place, the long, couched spears of the heavy cavalry become truly lances. The effectiveness of these weapons is put to the test when the Hythian Unar marches on the tribe occupying the lands between southern Jalor and Hytia. Having swiftly subdued them, the power of the lance is noted and Hythian light cavalry is equipped with the weapons in addition to their bows. The colonization of land in the south continues at breakneck pace with northern urban areas seeing population decline or stagnation. Food production across the Meunarchate is diversified and luxuries such as cotton, pomegranate, leather, saffron, and many other more minor goods return to prominence. Exports of fine beers, worked iron, worked leather, tools, saffron, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Qyriaati through the port of Gyomis is expanded. The expeditions down the coast continue. Meanwhile, missionaries spread the word of Hythus south along trade routes, into Hythia’s vassals in the south, and east into Mythadia. With the death of the Regent of Heratia, the Meunarchs determine it is in the best interests of the Herati that Heratia be integrated more fully into Hythia as an autonomous province. The regent’s surviving three sons are each granted equal rule over the three territories of Heratia to serve as governors. This is done to prevent the likelihood of revolt as the two younger sons would be left without lands or titles in their brother’s court. With this done the city of Arudum is re-built to serve as the Hythian capital in the province thanks to its advantageous and centrally located position. Arudum is also to be ruled directly from Hythia, along with the surrounding lands.


 * Telachitul Republic: The reign of Kelarfre comes to an end with his peaceful death, and as such, the Three Councils (Rural citizens or Telarad, Urban Citizens or Telaslet, and Nobles or Itotelarad) meet in the capital Armeera to elect a new ruler. Armeera seems interested in continuing the polices of his predecessor. As such, annual taxes again swell the nation's treasury by 500 Kg of gold (Note: Is this good? I can adjust). The Republic's exploration also continues, with extensive journeys to the south starting this year. These missions prove fruitful, with natives relatively willing to trade. Armeera hopes this will set the tone for further colonization, with the republic making slow but steady progress along the cost in both the north and south. Progress in land is much slower, but the vast superiority of Telchitul weaponry means any foreigners likely can't pose a credible threat to the republic. The only break Armeera makes with his predecessor is the declaration that for the first time in several decades slavery is legal, but those enslaved must be foreigners, either bought from their tribes or captured. While this leads to a small slave trade in the rural areas, it remains insignificant compared to the rest of the Telchitul economy. Iron working and ship building continue to thrive as the main industries of Itochitul, the capital city. Ship building is particularly important, as it allows for large scale transport of goods along the coast, which will facilitate relatively quick colonization, as well as further trading.
 * Xeran Empire: The late reign of Thalut "the Wicked" includes some of the more controversial actions of his career, subsequent to the epic but enigmatic story of the "Seige of Eras", as part of his final push to bring Edom into the sphere of the empire. Evanmetra the Younger, his wife, died at a younger age, in the process of giving birth to Thalut's yougest son. This sent the kingdom fo Edom into an uproar, and an outright revolt across several cities in the kingdom, seeing the seat of the queen of edom become virtually vacant for the first time. Emperor Thalut organized the military reprisal of this revolt personally, crushing the main forces of the rebellion at the Seige of Apydos, and further push south for a final battle at Necripolis. Even so, the constant insurrection of the nation continued, and the primarily Zamian nobility in Edom proved to be extremely uncooporative to help Thalut track down the rebellious enclaves. Thus, Thalut at last ordered for the first time a full religious purge of the nation, carried out by his military occupation over every major city. The Shanzian church was primarily used to organized this purge, known in contemporary chronicles as an "inquisition" or "investigation". Thousands of followers of the Zamian faith were arrested in this purge, and their offices quickly replaced by those of Apocists, Shanzian or Enulmians. Judicial records uncovered in Edom do not prove to be very clear what was considered a fair punishment for heretics, as sentencing appears to range wildy from a few years imprisoned to immediate execution. In the same process of this purge, the small enclave of Yannian faith in Edom were also wiped out as well, beleived to be primarily just foreign agents of Yannis. Now, contrary to popular belief, many Ulmian theologians contemporary to these events were already horrified by the attrocities. After all, the core beleifs of love and forgiveness seemed contradictory to a purge of heresy, at least from the perspective of the Holy Patra Toneth II. These acts continued until Thalut finally died, and was succeeded to the throne by his son, the crown prince Thalut IV. Thalut IV immiedatley sought to rectify the nation's reputation that was caused by his father, ending the inquisition and placing more firm limits to the power of the Shanzian church. He succeeded to the throne in the manner of the succession laws given by his father, but he was very considerate to the culture of Edom, and ensured his wife enjoyed the same autonomy as her predecessors. In Mesallia, Thalut IV reached out to make amends and apologies to the King Ioximander II of Erasidon, admitting his father's guilt for killing Ioximander's father, regardless if he was the real Democrates or not. Furthermore, after the end of the inquisition Thalut IV reached out to Mesallia to call back their philosophers and scholars, to once again debate and study in the Library of Iskandaria without fear of persecution. In general, Thalut IV fell greatly in love with Edomite culture, and this is evident mainly by the sudden turn in imperial art in Azoz. During this era, art in Azoz took a shift towards a distinctively Edomite style and imagary, clearly based in Azozan perspective but taking on features that are unmistakably Edom in orign. In the far west, the Garan fleet seizes the opportunity of Darna's collapse, offering to help the former Ulmian slaves establish autonomous control over local parts of their nation, and to spread the Ulmian faith further in the region. Military aid in the east continues to help Emalia pull itself back together. We offer the leaders of the Khin confederacy to be given the finest education in the Empire, helping to teach them the skills and technology necessary to further centralize their government. In the far east support is given for Kahraman's mission to spread the Gospel of Nelrim to the Sillans. 
 * Xeran-Yannis War: Neither the first, nor certainly the last major conflict between Yannis and Azoz, the ultimatums posed by Yannis against Syres and Erasidon were quickly redistrobuted in the empire. Traditonally, the official copy of the ultimatum was recorded in Proculus' chronicle, taken from the Erasidon version. However, in recent years an archaeolgogical excavation in Syres uncovered the Syresian version of the ultimatum, bearing remarkable similarity. The Xeran emperor Thalut IV acted decisvively, having secured the cultural unity of the empire already through his benevolance, he proceeded to call the rest of the empire to arms through collective threat of the outside invaders. Runners were sent to various parts of the empire, as well as Syres, Mesallia, and Emalia, declaring the Yannian threat as a clear and present danger to their very livlihoods, their liberties and their devotion to God. No special force is needed to combat the futility of the Yannian philosophers, as the Theology of Priapas has been long since the norm across all the sects of Ulm across these nations. The newly split religion in Mesallis is treated with the same warm respect as all the other sects of Ulm in the Library of Iskandaria, and the Emperor personally declares his protection of their new sect from the inevitable fate of attack from the Yannis intruders. In order to prevent Yannis from fulfilling their war plans, a pre-emptive strike is initiated by the Empire. The bulk of the navy is deployed against the narrow passage of water between the Yannis homeland and Mesallia, with patrols connecting back to the Nerimos and Seita gulfs. The primary mission is to destroy the Yannian naval attacks headed in that direction before they can reach the coastline, commanded by the admiral Levian the Nine-Fingered. Even so, a good sized land military is raised from each individual constituient kingdom to defend the coastlines of Nerimos, Tuartha and Edom, further augmented by mercenaries purchesd form Khin. However, the bulk of the land forces are taken by the fleet of Cyris to the far western end of Yannis, invading against largely undefended coastlines near the recently-subjugated kingdom of Xuenoi. Xuenoi are promised their independence from Yannis, and the underground Ulmian followers there are primarily elevated as agents in the region.


 * Malmaça: Cavalry explorers discover a small body of water, which would be used for fishing and as a water source for farming and drinking. All research done in the previous turn would also be finished. The Prophet would issue the creations of the first cavalry divisions, armed with pikes and halberds. Ranged cavalry divisions are still being trained by those who have caught up to ranged cavalry fighting. Soon, all central areas of the nation's regions of the nation would transform into full fledged cities, with it's own separate "mayor" being put into place, and a given system for all regions of the country,[still based on the nation's laws] to make the rule of the Malmaçan Prophet more stable.
 * Thïgæ: Sadly, Aropha II dies in 552. Seeing manpower as an issue, Aropha II's son, Yithït Aropha, sometimes called Yithït III, agrees to pay compensation for the war for ten years, as he is more tolerant of Lagalut and Sonaredar. This ends the war with Sonaredar. However, with Lagalut's exceptionally long life, around 70 years, Yithït convinces himself there is a key to long life and potentially immortality. He hires alchemists from around the known world to try and create a serum for immortality. His alchemists create many contraptions, but Yithït finds none that make him immortal. Sugarcane is found growing on some of the southwestern islands. Many farmers start to get lands on the coast to make sugarcane, and it soon becomes a profitable business, as sugar becomes part of the normal diet due to its sweetness. Art becomes more common, and the first depictions of lower gods are found. This transitioned Rathorque into a henotheistic religion, with Rathor as the main god. Many of the stars visible stars got their own god/goddess. The sun is said to be a god who was so bright that no one could look at him and he was left alone. Everyday, he chases the night sky below the world, but the night sky and all the stars avoid him during the night. Urinating in streams is enforced more strictly, with military members acting as police and religious practices condemning it. Each river is said to be the child of the lakes or mountains which they originate from and the ocean itself, which all are the children or grandchildren of Rothar, who is father earth, and the beautiful moon, and therefore, urinating in streams is urinating on a god. Cess pits become used, and the first, albeit small, aqueducts are built, bringing water from the nearby rivers down into "basements" below the government building of the city to make sure that during the summer there is enough water after the rivers have dried up. The first large company, Suga Kan, begins capitalizing on the demand for sugarcane and starts to buy out farmland on the coast to grow the substance. Most of the bought out farmers move north (replace claimed land with rural in the north) or become workers for Suga Kan (replace claimed land/add rural in the south, along the coast). Soon, it gains a royal charter to expand down the southeast coast for the crown and help pay reparations to Sonaredar while growing the cash crop along its shores (add claimed in the south, along the coast). Suga Kan expands to salt, in which they take some seawater and dry it inland. This starts a period of economic stablility, and the state seizes upon the oppurtunity to expand northward to the mountains of the west, staying north of the westernmost arm of the river that seperates Sonaredar from Thïgæ. Due to the new source of food (sugarcane) and sanitation (urinating in river banned and enforced) a baby boom occurs. Explorers continue mapping the coastline and areas of the north. Two expeditions are sent over land, one to the east and one to the west.


 * Zelonuma Emiresq: Ten years after his ascension to the great throne, Tincalsheq ordered the carving of his epic into the side of Speaking Rock. There, the great deeds were recorded as follows. It came to pass in Isimandia that neither side possessed the will the destroy the other, so Tincalsheq took his plunder and great success and returned east to create the monuments of the mountains. Around the same time the invasion of the sea people from the south began. They were called Xezozya, and they scoured the coast of Isimandia in search of the freedmen, taking some for their own pleasures, while aiding others. Chief Boros of the north, who controlled one of the four great northern rivers in the Four River Council, led the charge against the invaders. On the peninsula of Desemesc the former slaves came to be ruled by a man named Daco, who ousted the masters in a vicious campaign. There he stood only a few miles from Boros; kingdom, and this grave insult began a costly campaign to oust him. On the nearby island of Romdis was the eternal tomb of the Isimandian lords, and that holy island had been a pilgrimage site for generations. Seeking to protect the dead lords, the invasion of the peninsula was swift. Boros would be killed soon after, but his tomb on the island still remained. There it said, “they called me skullmaker.” In the name of Zexzey, the time lord, the great king Tincalsheq sailed the following year down the long river to the central lake carved by Isim the Forefather, and he arrived in the west to exert his new found influence over the states granted by the first peace treaty in the Isimandian War. Ultimately he would lose control over his territorial gains from the first war in time, but in the meantime he traveled over land to wage war against a certain faction in the Four Cities Council, and having been victorious, ordered those cities to do his bidding in the western sea. As a result Zelonuma received great tribute and control over the western sea trade, and harnessed their navy to attack the Xezozya from the south in earnest. Three years later he returned to the east, as the eastern bank of the lake became contested by a new kingdom. The vassal kingdom of Yiyizyemyz was established, which would conquer the eastern region up to the mountains of the Zelonuma Emiresq. Then, it came to pass that one of the greater trading posts of the south, just west of the island of Nelyris, became the center of a new city-state, as many Darnans fled to that center of slavery and trade. They supported themselves through the mining operations of the island up river, and traded with the Syresians and Khin nomads, becoming known as Ayzesanu.


 * Ri'Kiva: Faced with the prospect of war, Kal'If submits to the Jyzaridids. However, a polite request is sent to the Jyzaraidids that they place subjugated Kaughn peoples under Ri'Kivan stewardship, as the Kaughn are our kin, and we wish to teach them how to be good vassals, like we have learned. In exchange, we offer to guard the northern Jyzaridid border from Garvnkt migrations and to pay twice our usual tribute, as well as offering the Kal'If's second daughter as a hostage/for marriage. Kal'If Uk also sponsors massive colonization attempts, making large inroads on Kjv'Arn, and pushing up to the Personi border on So'Dor. An alliance request is sent to Eniyan. The peninsula is also conquered in its entirety, due to fractured resistance, and the appeal of Ri'Kivan leadership bringing stability to preside over a constant flux of warfare. All of this is funded because the massive amount of money going into the fortress is now freed up, as well as a boom in the economy. Trade ties draw Ri'Kivan merchants farther along the Irian coast, and along Gahren.


 * Exhulan Empire: With his being viewed as a weakling for giving up Exhulan territory and his increasingly deteriorating health, Emperor Lorgar dies of sickness (although some suspect poison) in 551, just before the transfer of Amyirth into Sillian hands was meant to begin. His son Sassigan ascends to the throne as Emperor Sassigan V, and he proves to be a far different man than his father, especially in matters of foriegn policy. Although he is still tainted by his father's abysmally bad ruling in the eyes of much of the nobility and military, he does his best to quickly disprove any notions that he is even remotely similar to his father by Cancelling the sale of Kaloma to Sillas only a few months before it was meant to be officially transferred into Sillian hands, being recorded to have said “ My father was a weak man, and a fool. He was a lovable fool and well-meaning, but his weakness was too much to bear as he bowed to any challenge rather than face it. Make no mistake, my father may have bowed before you foreign barbarians, but I won’t, and neither will my people.” Immediettly before he canceled the deal and declared war on Sillas.Although he allowed the many Sillian settlers that had already entered the land to stay and continue their lives there, he made sure that it was abundantly clear that Amyirth belonged to the Exhulan Empire, and that any support of Sillas after this would be considered treason. He then immedietlly follows his declaration Of war with a pair of two simultaneous and massive surprise attacks into Sillian territory with 16,000 men each, mostly made up of well armored and armed cavalry trained to attack in such measures, one into the northern-central area of territory on the Sillian-Exhulan border and into the area once known as Spauldia, launching it as a sudden massive lighting attack and slaughtering anyone who holds a weapon or resists the invasion. Many are killed in the fighting or intentionally Slaughtered by the invaders to cow the rest into submission, but once the area submits to us this stops and the remaining people are spared and they are mostly relocated by the raiding forces and dragged back to Exhulan territory before the raid pours forth again. If this is successful the two groups of raiders attack another area right between the two areas and to the east, with all their combined remaining men in an attempt to take the land, and if they are successful they launch a number of raids and retreats into nearbye areas in order to smash Sillian Defenses. (Algorithm needed!) Meanwhile, we begin secretly providing what aid we can to Makuku, and Secretly ask Teninukal if they would be willing to allow us to transport soldiers through their land to attack Sillas, although we make it clear this would be under strict Teninukalese supervision and with the army groups strictly split apart into smaller groups as they march through so there is no way we could potentially do anything (Mod Response needed) Meanwhile, although active settlement by Exhulan colonists has slowed down a lot in recent decades, the past few years have seen a lot of population growth in the region, and thus they are able to expand by another 15 px and build two new cities, which they name Erty and Cciluos.


 * Mesallian Culture: At this time, despite the Ulmian church’s popularity largely being stagnant or even declining, the Ulm church underwent a series of reforms in the Mesallas region. Traditionally the Holy Patra of Azoz was considered the “first among equals” in Ulmian hierarchy, and the unofficial leader of the church, however several patras across the empire contested this arrangement. In the city of Edom, after the authoritative and influential reign of Apostle Ambranun, the holy see came to be under the control of Scripanus, who was noted for his harsh stance against corruption, immorality, and the Azozian church. Firstly, he was convinced to extend the excommunication of Thalut III on the basis that he had committed several sins against the church. During the massacre in Edom ordered by the emperor, Scripanus condemned the emperor greatly, even when many zealous Ulmians greatly supported the violence against the pagans. To this end, outraged by imperial disregard for religion, the supposed supremacy of the Azoz patra, and the patra’s permittance or inability to properly govern the church, he declared the eastern church to be distinct from the western church. His rebellion in the city of Edom would be short but important, as his stance against the emperor brought him the approval of radical Ulmians, native Edomites, and countless other groups. In Edom his act of resistance would result in his death, although it is unclear if this was ordered by the emperor or caused inadvertently by one of his officials. Most of Scripanus’ chief ministers fled to nearby Lysandria, outside the Edomite borders, as the empire closed in on the state to annex it. There they would establish a “church-in-exile”, which came to be the new center of the eastern church. The second eastern “High Patra” would be Levian, who quickly organized the region of Mesallas into carefully created ecclesial provinces, and sought to win over the support of the local patra of the region. No major nation in the Mesallas region had formally converted to the religion, with the native religion of Mesallas still heavily more popular. Nevertheless, the small communities of the religion were organized into five provinces, with patra being selected to rule each one. One place that would cause conflict for the eastern church would be the northwest Gudumanes near Sericolis. In Sericolis, after the empire of Dionymus and his son Ioxemander collapsed, the kingdom had been left in the hands of Dionymus’ cousin, Xeracles, who had dynastic ties to the Erasidonian royal family as well, in the hopes that this would avoid future conflict between the two kingdoms. Near the kingdom one of the oldest Ulmian cities was Setia, which traditionally claimed authority over the region around the kingdom. The Patra of the Northern Gudumanes, Gianus, likewise claimed religious authority over Setia. At the same time as this change in Ulmian leadership, many changes occurred for other religions of the region. In Edom many of the Zamists fought against the Azozian takeover in a costly civil war, but they would ultimately lose and be pushed out of their government possessions.


 * Glorious Empire of Vhaynos: Another Glorious time has passed for the people of Vhaynos, with the successful conquest to protect the insolent children of Jadalan, who know not of the horrors of the world, accepting their offer of peace, we install a puppet prince within the city to keep control of the children within its walls, along with having many advisors who in fact serves as spies and if need be assassins for the Timoi. The city is a now a province of the Glorious Vhaynos in all but name with the Jadalanese allowed to hold onto the last meager remnants of their independence. Within the north the city of Rhythnos continues to thrive off trade from Tarīserai (Qaryaat), Irīserai, and even lands as far flung as Gythīseria. The trade routes between the three northern sisters of Vhaynos continue to flourish bringing in goods such as Wine, Olives, Frankincense, Pottery, Cloth, Grain, and Oxen, and exporting goods such as Silver, Nutmeg, Cloves, Pepper, Diamonds from Mang, and gold. Because of this flourishing of trade the two desert settlements expand their urban areas by about 2 px and their lands by about 10 px, and begin to act independent of the Glorious Empire of Vhaynos. This leads to growth in the prosperity of Vhaynos and its reputation as a land of riches abroad. Most notably we begin to open trade with the Dvama after a period of mistrust of their intentions, recognizing them as a state. Our Eastern trade posts begin to expand and become more settled by adventurers, soldiers, and merchants who have started families on them and they expand by about 10 px. Meanwhile the discovery of a new island to our south has stirred up some excitement among the hard lining traditionalists who still resent the new and foreign religion of Vhaynos. These settlers flee to the Island south of us which they call Āklaterai, and establish a new colony independent of the Glorious Empire on the island, bringing soldiers with them to pacify the native people. The construction of the grand palace in Vhaynos is continued with sections continuing to be built. Meanwhile in Daima the new Hartz steel continues to be manufactured, and becomes more and more commonplace eventually becoming the primary steel of the Daima forges, Daima being the main steel producer results in this superior steel being used more and more. Meanwhile the three northern sisters extend an offer to Qaryaats and its allies against the Menghites having grown tired of having to pay tribute to use their trade routes, it asks to join an alliance against the menghites, and form a league to rid ourselves of the pest DIP RESPONSE. Expansion of our navy continues with 20 Quadrimeres and 15 Dhows being constructed and added to our navy. Using the newfound island as a resting explorers continue the explorations southward of Vhaynos well also exploring southwestward of the island, continued exploration into the strange and chaotic lands of the east continue as well. From Jadalan explorers are sent further inland north to learn about the lands to our north. We also expand our agricultural lands by 30 px.
 * Yannis Empire: The fleet at Tesardya is dispatched to investigate the west and aid the Darnans, or the former Darnans. This is to ensure that the Thotite heresy cannot take up any strength in this region, the dispatched fleet hunts down any Thotite or Olmer ships. Yannian ships take up the task that is momentarily lapsed by the chaos in Darna, to ensure that the northern area remains pure and uncorrupted by the Thotites. When it is learned that the Thotites are massacring innocent people in Edom, it is deemed the time to liberate that land. The kingdom of Edom will be saved from those creatures, who have no business masquerading as a state. Therefore, the Thotite Empire is nothing more than a lawless husk, where the cannibal Thots run freely consume young children. Since it is no legitimate state, but a wilderness of animals and creatures, there is no issue dispatching holy men to the south, just as one might hunt in the forest for wild animals. As the plans begin for the crusade to extinguish the Olmerites, the Yannis Empire tasks their natural philosophers with creating a righteous coalition. The natural philosophers travel to Erasidon and the states of Mesallas, stating that the Yannis Empire will grant them everything they have every desired; the creation of an independent Kingdom of Edom, the destruction of Thot the Wicked, and the ascension of Mesallas back to the front of that empire. To the city of Syres, the natural philosophers are dispatched. They tell the Syresians that if they join us they can finally have their revenge for the brutal Azozian dictatorship and occupation that had gripped their homeland. Finally the slaughtered Syresians will be avenged, and Syres will become an independent nation once more, fully liberated of the shackles of Thot. To our ally in the Great Lakes, the Anointed One tells that is finally the time to seek vengeance. Thot the cruel, insidious murderer will be brought to justice, for the rape and kidnap of the queen in the Great Lakes. There will be a great reckoning for his defilement, which will bring about the end of that plague for good. All the righteous and just of the world, we shall unite in the great hour of our civilization, and show that we will stand firm against the horde of barbaracity that seeks to eliminate all human life. The world will be returned to its natural order, in which animals are to be animals, and men are to be men. No longer will we fear of the wild animals that stack the Thotite lands, for mankind will harness the divine club to kill those monsters who harm us. It is righteous and holy, and ordained by the gods of all nations. It is simple fact that the Thot monster must be slain, if humanity is to survive, if humanity is to progress. It has crossed the line when it claimed ascension of Edom, and it crossed the line when it defiled our earth. At this very moment the wild animal of Thot breathes the air that is meant for innocent life, and deprives us of freedom to live in peace and harmony. Its presence on the ground below it stains the very earth, and seeps dangerous pus. But there is still hope, through the Anointed One and through Yannis, that we shall persevere and grow stronger. Yannis will arrive as the final torch of mankind, before our fire can be put out, and we will reignite the progress of the world. We have championed the culture of mankind, and it is unethical for us to allow the destroyer of culture to manifest. We shall deal the killing blow upon the grotesque monster. We shall remove its head and tear it piece by piece until it is picked clean like a vulture’s meal. We will strip its whale-like body layer by layer to uncover the multitude of the innocent children hidden within its gullet. We will give back these lives to the earth and to the people, which it has so greedily hoarded. Nolromo the False Prophet, speaker of lies, deceiver of innocent, will be pulled out of his tomb palace and paraded on the ends of sixteen stakes. We shall destroy the heresy, and cleanse the world. So is the word of the Anointed One. And so it is planned that in Year 561 the world will tremble as the collective free people of the world all shout out at once, that we have had enough. In Year 561 we will join hands and pool our power to liberate the world. In Year 561 the tyranny and defilement will end. Praise to Yannis, it will be done. So say the Anointed One.
 * Drachenia: Franz I begins to succumbs to age. In the meantime, he educates his son on how to rule when the day comes. the Sudlanders across the sea continue to be viewed as interesting yet friendly people. They speak like us but slightly differently. Just enough of a similarity that translation is not at all difficult. The coastline is settled more towards the north while explorers venture out north along coastal settlements in order to discover anything new. Better housing becomes more widespread while workshops pop up across small settlements allowing far more easier distributions of tools and supplies. The Papst with the blessings of the Dragons, promises 9 years of good fortune. Outposts are established on the islands in the Drachen Sea with us claiming full ownership of the uninhabited islands. The strip across the bay also see settlements with the help of the tribal peoples, docks are established and villages see renovations with the tribal peoples being taught how to properly grow crops and produce basic goods and services that can be used to provide income. A small settlement is planned out to be established out on the territory we had discovered across the sea in the coming years with many nobles investing into the effort and getting several dozen lesser off skilled labourers to have a chance at finding wealth by exploring what is yet to be known. An expedition to the region is also planned. As usual, the annual festivals are held with increasing popularity the population also increases. Writing slowly becomes more popular as knowledge and reading is popularized. These discoveries of new land captures the interest of the people within the nations it is seen as an opportunity to expand abroad. Franz invites the leader of the Sudlanders to the nation in hopes of furthering international influence and partnerships with our culturally compatible counterparts. Marten becomes the second largest community in the nation as it remains only behind Dragsfurt. Franzia becomes known for its bitter cold mountainous terrain but a small gold pocket is discovered and mining occurs as a result. Sweet Bread becomes quite popular with honey prices falling. With more fields available to cultivate crops in the outer areas of the empire, woodlands are cut down in lesser amounts but this has not stopped people from cutting down trees for other purposes such as clearing land for housing or simply for heat and other purposes like furniture. Bay Road has become a popular road for trading extended along the bay area with merchants using it to get goods from what part of the shore to the other and transfer goods and income to trading hubs such as Marten and Dragsfurt.
 * Sillan Republic: In response to the Exhulan invasion, Cabeza Qianlana mobilizes 60,000 men and women divided into six army divisions (and operating as two distinct army groups); of which 60% are light cavalry (mounted archers) and the remainder are mounted auxiliaries that dismount upon battle and wield thrusting spears (which could be thrusted repeatedly unlike lances). The light cavalry wear less armor, in order to maximize their speed and increase their maneuverability; thus being able to evade Exhulan cavalry. Meanwhile, the border garrisons consolidate border defenses; as despite Exhulan claims, they have yet to breach the 10-tall and equally thick rammed earth fortifications that have been built upon for decades. The two army groups travel loosely together, in order to screen for any surprise attacks. The mounted auxiliaries also serve as reconnaissance, alarming Sillan armies of Exhulan troops. Upon encountering any field army, the first army group launch a front-line assault with a hail of projectiles, especially incendiary arrows, then the three army split and attack the vulnerable flanks and the rear. While the mounted archers continue subjecting the Exhulans to a near-constant hail of arrows — thus routing them and making them suspectible to melee combat — the auxiliaries also engage in melee combat with their thrusting spears. The sheer weight of the armor and the fact that an arrow within a close range could pierce it means that Exhulan heavy cavalry are unable to match against the swifter, evasive and more long-ranged Sillan mounted archers. The second army group meanwhile serves as skirmishers and screeners — thus preventing any surprise engagements or reinforcements. The first army group then retreats and recuperates as well as switches roles with the second army group; and just as the Exhulan armies renounce their position, the second army group mops the army’s remnants; killing all troops to prevent any information from leaking. The Sillans do this twice for the two armies Exhula has sent; using their maneuverability and multiple mounts to easily intercept them. Meanwhile, Cabeza Qianlana declares, “the foreign barbarian women do not know how to control their men; and thus, their men have deteriorated into the status of beasts, and as such they are not truly human and therefore is not worthy of such treatment.” As a result, in occupied territories all Exhulan men over the age of 25 not fitting Sillan norms and expectations of masculinity are crucified or burned. In the Makuku provinces, Makuko-Sillans from the more integrated provinces of Funaya and Ragara are sent as administrators to ease assimilation. Meanwhile, Makuku people are encouraged to partake in imperial examinations to advance in status and partake in education in general. A wall is constructed on the Makuku border to prevent the outflow of people.


 * Syres: The nation carefully considers the proposal sent by the Yannis Empire to join it in crusade. There is much support for such a thing among some of the aristocracy, as people are reminded of the great siege that ravaged the Syresian lands, how the Azozians occupied their nation, and how they took over Syresian politics. This group gains traction as the nation is afraid of Yannian reprisal, but they are countered by another group, who considers the cultural ties the nation has with Azoz. Ultimately the second group wins out, but overall the nation is hesitant to fully commit to an offensive war. Instead the city is fortified to protect itself, and hopes to stay neutral if possible. The navy is expanded, which is used to protect the harbor of Syres and the important straits in the north. The nation begins to trade with the remnants of the Darnan nation, and the nations formed from its collapse, leading to renewed interest in the north.


 * Irian Culture: Among the greatest explorers to come out of Iria, and probably the most famous, was Pennesios of Lumos. Born in a fishing village in western Ceta, he had always dreamt of exploring the sea since his childhood. His father was a sailor, who often took him on trips around the shallow inlets and small islands of their home. Hearing tales of the fantastic voyages of legendary men from his uncle Ices, the young Pennesios was enthralled by the prospect of adventure. Encouraged by his mother, and with support and funding from his uncle, Pennesios was able to attend a prestigious “sailing school”, where he learned the arts of the sea in addition to the arts of the land. At the age of 18 or 19, he went to Solcia to receive a formal naval education. As part of his training, he learned the sea routes of the Adsea and went on several trips to the Casphiron, during which time he became deeply interested in foreign cultures. Owing to his keen aptitude and deep knowledge of sailing matters, Pennesios quickly rose through the ranks of the Solcian navy, becoming the youngest captain in the service. He was well-liked by his crew, and always kept his ship, the Falcon, in excellent condition. Eventually, Pennesios was called to war. He was present at the Battle of Simis, in which the Solcian fleet defeated the Sadaian fleet at Pyrgeiros, and he participated in the capture of Sadaium. Pennesios proved his bravery in battle, and was once again promoted. After the war, however, Pennesios left the Solcian navy to pursue his dream of becoming an explorer. He returned to his homeland, Lumos, and was immediately offered a position by the king himself, who was in need of skilled sailors and navigators to aid in Lumos’ colonization efforts. Pennesios accompanied the explorer Dannabos on an expedition to establish colonies in Iureda and repopulate the existing colony of Lannomuntum. The expedition was a success, and led to Pennesios being granted his own command. The king of Lumos assembled a fleet and sent Pennesios west, to discover what lands were beyond Iureda. Pennesios rounded the coast and there discovered many coves which he considered good spots for colonies. He also visited native settlements and traded with them. He kept detailed reports and even drew up maps of his discoveries, a practice that was not widespread at the time. According to the official report which was circulated upon Pennesios’ return to Lumos, the fleet was assailed by storms, monsters and barbarians, although this was likely a fabrication to conceal the exact routes taken by the explorer and prevent foreigners from exploiting the information. Pennesios had been feared missing or dead for many months before he returned to Lumos, evidence that he had sailed a very long distance. Upon his return to Lumos, he was met with exuberant celebration. Later expeditions would confirm these discoveries, and Pennesios was promoted to the equivalent of an admiral. In part due to his high status and his rising fame as an explorer, Pennesios was highly sought by the Thrydacians and other rivals of Lumos who believed that he alone held information vital to understanding the western trade routes. He also gained the attention of the High King of Ceta, Agapenor, who agreed to sponsor his next expedition. On his next voyage, Pennesios sailed up the coast of Ceta with the purpose of improving trade relations with Mithadia, and also to discover the mythical land of “Rhikeba”. Following established trade routes, Pennesios came to Mithadia and fulfilled his mission there, then sailed beyond the outermost straits to the northern realms of the Yazradid Empire and finally the islands of Rhikeba, bringing trade goods from Ceta and charting the coastline wherever he went. On the return journey, he came to a rocky island called Hyoria. This place was settled by Mithadians and home to plentiful numbers of wild oxen. Heading southward, he landed on Aloria, a mysterious island to the northwest of Ceta, inhabited by strange flightless birds. His crew were forbidden to hunt while on the island, for the birds were sacred to the natives. Pennesios also visited Leusos, a smaller island south of there, which he believed would be an excellent launching point for further expeditions, were it not for the protective natives. After stopping at Traikastro for supplies, Pennesios returned to Ceta, again with much celebration and enthusiasm about the new discoveries. Again, the exact route of his voyages was never fully revealed and have only been pieced together by historians. The voyages opened up a host of new opportunities for Irian merchants and expanded their knowledge of the world. Like Pennesios in his youth, Iria looked to the sea for its future.
 * Khin Federation: With the continued warfare, the Chanri Jangah decides to attack more settled areas in orderf to ensure a maximum impact on the Valun. While still ignoring major pitched battles, he encourages the riders, now trained through years of warfare and armed by captured weapons and Xeran support, to ambush and attack smaller, isolated Valun armies. However, reconnaissance is stressed as to avoid another ambush and it is also stressed that the group of riders who are undergoing such an ambush should not be too large as to harm to mobility of the Khin riders. The Chanri Jangah respectively declines the Xeran offer, citing too much centralization to be against the wishes of Than. However, he dispatches some young scholars, including one of his many sons, to study in Xera. Raiding of the supplies and logistics of the Valun Army continues in earnest. With the number of Khin riders across Valun, some Khin agents or spies are also sent into the settled cities of Valun, where they would begin work. After raiding several villages, the Khin has captured many slaves with metallurgy experience. After learning about this, the Chanri Jangah grants them freedom and tasked them to work within Khin in smelting metal and producing metal weapons, further enhancing the riders of Khin. The number of freemen in the federation continues to grow, resulting in expansion into the northern lakes. The theology of Thanism undergoes further development, as multiple debates occur between Khin priests and the Xera missionaries. These debates results in the conversion of some Khin priests to Ulmism, but also some Xeran missionaries to Ulmist Thanism. The mercenaries of Khin, now working for Xera and well-armed by Xera armor and weapons, ride north to attack Valun towns and villages alongside Xera armies. Supported by Xeran technology and war machinery, they are able to siege and capture Valun settlements with efficiency.

561-570
'The Yazradid Empire, and with agreeance from the Kaughn, view the request for Ri’kiva to govern a culturally different and largely more numerous people as nonsensical, and so they respond to the request from Ri’kiva by blinding their envoy, and they send him back to relay the message that from now on Ri’kiva will pay double the tribute anyway. '

'Almost all ships dispatched by the nation of Vhaynos to explore due south do not return, as it requires venturing into the open ocean far from any known coast or landmass. '

'A naval battle takes place in the western sea between fleets from Isimandia and Azoz, resulting in the Azozian fleet being repulsed, but inflicting many casualties. '

'The Exhulan invasions of the Sillan Republic are decisively repulsed. The invasion through the north results in 7,700 Exhulan casualties and 2,050 Sillan casualties. The invasion through Spauldia results in 5,100 Exhulan casualties and 3,500 Sillan casualties. '

'The Valun lead a number of raids against the eastern cities of the Kingdom of Azoz, sacking several important cities near the coast. They make off with a large amount of plunder, which they use in the sporadic war against the Khin. '

'The Meghnites again launch an invasion in the south, led by a rogue general seeking his own fortune. He begins by sacking the Vytian oasis town, although with considerably more resistance this time. They also destroy several towns in Benysira during this campaign, before sacking the city of Kaum in the former Ten Cities.'


 * Xeran Empire: New debates are opened in the Library of Iskandaria, mainly between the Nykosian and Shanzian divisons of Ulm. Mathematics begins to flourish at this time once again. The scholar Khorzin of Apydos was the first to implement a series of logical steps to solve any problem in a finite sequence, now named as an "Algorithm" in his honor. Khorzin was also the first scholar to start using letters of the Edomite alphabet in replacement of theoretic values of numbers in mathematical expressions. In the far west, the innocuous expeditions to the former Darnans were repusled, so instead their isolation is respected, and the Garan navy works to spread the Ulmian religion and Xeran economic system to the kingdom of Jasmira further south, hoping to encourage them to spread the religion by proxy into Darna. The war with Yannis, as described by Proculus, came at a rather opportune time for the empire, and forever defined the reign of Thalut IV as the defender of the Ulmian sphere, owing to his unofficial title "Thalut the Shephard". The common outside threat of Yannis helped to pull together the otherwise-divided regions of Syres, Mesallia, Edom and Emalia. The Yannian war continues to be carried out on sea with the bulk of our navy at the straits led by admiral Levian. Haleiocles of Sephimora is instructed to prepare his military the best he can to prepare against any possible Yannian invasion from that direction. In our invasion, Xuneoi is secured in the military occupation of genearl Demur, establishing a supply line back to the coast. Siege equipment is disembarked from the ships, including the elephant core. Demur's invasion then proceeded from that beachead southeast into Yannis territory, systematically destroying as many temples and places of sacrifice as possible. The Angelite kingdoms of the Isles are asked to take this opportunity to rebel against Yannis domination, so that their Ulmian religion of peace and love can continue to prosper. We present an offer of peace to Yannis, offering to relinquish the occupied territories in Xuenoi if they agree to unconditionally withdraw from the war against Xera, as well as their occupation of the Angelite island. (obviously subject to change based on responses and algos)


 * Hythia: Years 258-267 Since the Return of Hythus. Meunarchs Lyator and Dylus serve throughout the remainder of the decade despite Dylus’ growing infirmity. The fortification process continues with the construction of barracks, military granaries, arsenals, and a network of observation posts. The further use of steel improves the eyscurpieron as the new, tougher material offers greater force when used as bow-limbs. However, the more flexible construction of the torsion eyscurpieron proves more easily transported and so the military relies more on these for mobile use. Steel military equipment becomes the norm for wealthy noblemen and heavy cavalry units, but limited supply means most armor remains iron or partially de-carbonized cast-iron in construction. A second major academy is constructed in Wys to serve the burgeoning population of merchants, nobles, and wealthy landowners in the area. The development of more formal poetry and performance art demands the construction of a major amphitheater in Gyt and another begins construction late in the decade in Wys as well. Several small communal amphitheaters are built across the nation as the fashion grows. The conquest of the tribe to the south of Jalor is used as a means to test the military technologies developed over the last forty years. Hythian Lancers, numbering some 3,000 heavy lancers and 6,000 light lancers, are deployed to swiftly overpower the small force raised by the tribe.[Map Update] The few tribes further west are offered Hythian guarantees and gifts of iron and steel tools if they agree to becoming Hythian client states.[Mod Response] In addition missionaries are sent west to teach them of Hythus. Several minor cities are built to the east of the Tythies a day’s ride off from the river as settlement of the south slows. Emmissaries and missionaries are sent to the mountain tribes east of Hythus to make contact and learn of the savages across the mountains.[Mod Response] Agricultural production increases due to the expansion of farmlands, the use of human, bovine, and equestrian excrement to enrich soil, and the construction of canals and tythoruses for irrigation. Crop-rotation strategies become more entrenched and more effective. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish, mollusk, crustacean, and seaweed farms in and along the river bank. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition. Exports of fine beers, worked iron, worked leather, tools, saffron, and cotton fabrics rise, and trade with the Irians, Qaryaati, Vytians, and Drakans through the port of Gomis is expanded. Exploration turns west, this time to the land known to the Ry’Kyvans east of Cyta (Ceta), but of which little is truly known. Heratia is slowly integrated into the Hythian road network, and the three brothers all receive 100 kg of gold to uses as they wish in the reconstruction of their homeland. The eldest and youngest brother (Northern and Western Provinces) both employ the gift to better their country by repairing public works and building new irrigation systems. The middle brother, rightfully named “a spoilt and gutless fool” by the eldest, instead constructs a relatively lavish manor for his personal use. Although the Meunarchs take no action against this, they do privately acknowledge his lack of commitment to his people. Dylus writes to his daughter to learn about her treatment, the nature of the Jyazradid King, and the empire as a whole.[Mod Response]