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 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:
 * Volcanism/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:

211-220
'The Cartor tribe (east of Gyt) unites with a nearby people to expand to the southeast. '

'The southern Saemonite realm under Nesaranasser III, which later historians name Nisaba after the nation’s de facto capital, launches a campaign to the south. The nation successfully expands to the south, but is matched by Mithadia, who claims farther up the river to the east. The primary Saemonite realm under Saemon V, in possession of the traditional Holy City of Saosa and the capital of Nabonidan, establishes a trade network from the mountains in the east to the port cities in the west, and trades with Mithadia, Personia, Ri’Kiva, and other nations. He also commissions a fleet to sail in search of new lands. '

'Traders from the nations of Isimandia exploring down the coast south encounter the nation of Euskaladun, and initiate trade with the nation. '

'The Draka civilization successfully conquers their northern rival after a centuries-long rivalry, uniting the region between its two rivers. '

'The Empire of Niani sends a small army of 3,000 men to join the Darnan war, and when combined with its original force in the region, the Darnans manage to recapture Mosnola, although suffering heavy casualties. '
 * Xüonai: With the recapture of Mosnola by Darna, morale is lowered, but when casualty counts are released with Darna's casualties extra high, publicly this time, morale boosts back up. A siege is once again set on Mosnola. To avoid the high casualties of the first siege of Mosnola, the siege is held for longer, for two to three months, before the besieging forces attack the starving forces inside the walls of the decimated city. Several centuries later, it would be made into the novel "The Siege", although the actual events are dramatized to show the destruction of Mosnola. By this point, Mosnola became a military camp, with former civilians either being in Darna, escaped to Tesardya, or dead. Syres and Yannis are asked to guarantee any treaty between Xüonai and Niani and/or Darna in the coming years.
 * Terms for Niani: Status Quo Ante Bellum with the soldiers currently in Mosnola being granted safe passage to Niani. Niani promises not to settle any more south of their current southwestern border (from the west coast to their Yannisian border) and all prisoners of war are exchanged.
 * Terms for Darna: Darna cedes Mosnola and the surrounding area and promises not to settle the Xüonai continent. All prisoners of war are exchanged. Darna can't intervene in wars between Xüonai and any other country.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Some of the most detailed and fantastic legends about the early history of Azoz are centered around the court of Nathon, often referred to as the "Matter of Azoz". Legends often start with a feast in the Castle Perea, with all the greatest warriors of the kingdom seated at the Pentangle. Then King Nathon would propose a quest, including some incredible feat needed in a far away realm, and one of the warriors would volunteer to start on that adventure. Metatron ventered northwest toward Syres, in preparation of the kingdom annexing land to the border of Tuartha. Azriel traveled straight north into the terra incognita, when he heard a rumor of a damsel in distress there. Uriel traveled straight west through the mountains, in quest of a legendary relic known as the Cup of Jamshid. Raphael traveled south, passing through the Kingdom of Frasnoq, exploring what hidden treasures in the kingdom had been kept away from Azoz. Finally, Toriel traveled southeast toward Mesallia, seeing what fantastic realms exist on the continent conjoining the two regions. The Holy Father Cadmus at this time is traditionally accredited for establishing the first institutions of Ulm monasticism. The temple that used to belong to the Priests of Jiff was converted into the first monastery, as the monks there picked up the old research right away to develop the perfect sandwich. Cadmus reached out to offer planting monasteries in other regions with Ulm converts among intellectual elites, such as Eskaladun and Mesallia. Meanwhile, the military of Niani and the slaves of Darna continue to be converted to Ulm, and the rest of the churches grow as well. King Nathon reaches out to the cities of Mesallia which were friends to his father, asking if any of their warriors would be willing to accept the honor of sitting at the Pentangle of Perea, and participating in the quests of Azoz.
 * Irian Culture: As Irian migrations to Ceta continue, furthered by the incursions of sea raiders and pirates that rove the island's coast, a group of hostile Cetans cross over to the north of Rhithera and plunder Irian towns. In response, Rhithera organizes a military expedition to the land across the strait. The invading Irians make their way northwest across the island, overrunning indigenous settlements of the Cetan civilization. The terrain of Ceta is rocky and forested. The Irians spend weeks fending off bands of Cetan hill warriors, sometimes succumbing to their attacks. The Cetans are particularly skilled with the sling. Eventually, the war parties reach the major city of Tydhon. They sack the city and carry its wealth back to Rhithera by sea. Next year, the Irians return to occupy Tydhon. Tydhon's temples to Gari-Naur, the boar god, are replaced by a temple to Isher, God of Victory. The city of Rhithera itself also expands to include the opposite side of the strait.
 * Aigei: Five years after he rebelled against his brother, Korascutos faces a rebellion of his own. The larikai, a group of 17 priests who help govern the city of Aigei, oppose his rule. They are unhappy with how Korascutos has been managing things, often neglecting their advice and lifting his own men into positions of power. They feel their once-prestigious position is being curtailed. If Korascutos wishes to be seen as a legitimate dagatos, he must gain the favor of the Seventeen. But in the year 213, while on campaign against the Ludians, he receives a most unfavorable omen. A comet is seen blazing across the night sky by the citizens of Aigei. The larikai interpret it as a sign of the gods' displeasure. When the populace hears of this, they riot in the streets, demanding Korascutos' head. The larikai are faced with a choice: They can either continue to suffer Korascutos' reign, or take a deliberate stance against him. They choose the latter. Convening at the Hill of Motravena outside the city, the larikai anoint Phesha, a young woman from the tribe of Nolossi and a distant relative of Korascutos, as akeissa (a title for female chieftains or queens) in his absence. The choice is fatal. When Korascutos receives a lengthy notice from a larikai messenger claiming that he has been replaced by a woman, he becomes irate. He immediately gathers his best warriors and marches back to Aigei, leaving the rest of the tribes to continue with the war. During the night, he enters the city, breaking a century or more of established code. Realizing that Korascutos means to destroy them, the larikai summon their bodyguards. After a bloody skirmish in the streets, the inexperienced guards are all routed or killed and Korascutos becomes master of Aigei. He then storms the temple and arrests all 17 larikai. Phesha flees to the south, along with her mother and father, to Oaxala. She tells the ruler of Oaxala, Haban, that she has been driven out of her city by a tyrant. He believes her, because the decrees of the Aigeic larikai are greatly respected in Oaxala. He offers hospitality and almost pledges the city's allegiance to her cause, when a knowledgeable advisor relates to him the true identity of Phesha's usurper. As much as he respects the larikai, he fears the wrath of Korascutos. In his mind, supporting Korascutos' rival is not worth the risk. He gives Phesha this opinion and then politely asks her to leave Oaxala. Phesha grudgingly departs, but not before admonishing Haban on his cowardice. Meanwhile, in Aigei, Korascutos abolishes the office of the larikai and declares himself akassos, the sole ruler or king of Aigei. He also expels Phesha's tribe, the Nolossi, from Aigeic lands. The Nolossi migrate to the south east lakelands beyond the Hecis, away from Aigei's sphere of influence. At the same time, the Ludians are advancing across the Cebrion. Without Korascutos' leadership, the allied tribes can't hope to organize effectively, and they are forced to withdraw. With no armies to stop them, barbarian raiding parties pillage all the way to Aigei's peripheral towns and farmlands, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Korascutos rallies his warriors to combat them. He defeats the Ludians in a decisive battle near the banks of the Hecis, and then drives them back to the Cebrion. They will remain beyond that river for most of the decade, occasionally making raids into Irian lands. In 215, a tribal council unanimously affirms Korascutos' status as both king of Aigei and head of the tribes. Now, with his power secured, Korascutos makes plans for the future of Aigei. His first order of business is to establish new offices in the city. He reforms the larikai as a group of religious advisors without temporal power, the lakarai. Instead of this being a hereditary position, additional priests will be appointed by the king. He places Gilabetos, their eldest member, in charge of these affairs as High Priest. Next, Korascutos orders the construction of a wall to surround the city, and lays the foundations for a palace. Finally, to celebrate his victory over the Ludians, Korascutos founds a new city to the north of Aigei, and christens it "Corascuto".
 * Yannis Empire: The request from Xüonai begging for land is declined, because not only did they not help us in Dijunga, they ignored our request for help during the war in Mesallas, despite being our ally. The Xüonai population that may exist within Dijunga will be allowed to continue their traditions and customs in peace, but no land will be ceded. Instead the eastern one-half of Dijunga around Lake Xlaban becomes a territory of the empire, with a governor and military garrison created, while the majority of the state becomes a vassal of the empire similar to Bassar.
 * In Mesallas: The small amount of territory directly owned by the nation, namely Calamos, seems some Yannian settlement. The island is repaired with new defenses, and the governor of the island decides to allow Syresian trade there for the first time since the island was captured, if they so wish. In the south a small settlement is founded on the northern tip of the former kingdom of Nykos, which is called Oronaca after the late king of Nykos that Yannis supported. Additionally, a small cult around Oronacus emerges that sees him as a venerated hero, which the Yannian authorities support in order to strengthen the cause against the previous dynasty of Nykos. The city itself remains a fraction of its former self, but Yannian and Mesallian settlers begin to repopulate it and the surrounding area. Eager to repair its poor reputation and neighboring relationships, the Kingdom of Krasidos opens trade across the sea to the western Mesallian cities, although is still shunned by its nearest neighbor, Lamigis.
 * In Tik’akna: The great kingdom of Temayal led by Iximanasa II continues to flourish, with the connections being created or repaired across the nation. Trade and commerce moving north and south renews for the first time since the fracturing of the original Yannian colony, with goods traveling from Yannis to Tik’akna to Temayal to Tahua, and beyond. Holy Men of the Yannian faith continue to explore south along the easternmost coast in search of new peoples.
 * Qera: In her wrath, Princess Zoelle II calls the elite troop's commanders of the city guard in Ogaholle to the south and conscripts 3,000 boys and girls to train them as soldiers, while the strict Commander Yqev is in charge of the training. (Secret) The teenagers are deployed near the invasion, carrying small knives and axes while pretending to be locals. They work in the day and sabotage Exhulan supply lines and assassinate messengers, while the younger and weaker among them spy on the camps of the invaders (End secret). The disease problem also has a solution, when Zoelle II lifts the ban for alcohol consumption for soldiers and provides the troops with light beer which they will drink instead of brackish water. The beer has just enough alcohol to make it safer than dirty water. To scare the enemy on the battlefield, Qtaqtas (OTL Shrunkheads) are produced in large scale from starved captives, while those who are still alive get their ears and fingers cut off to make trophies out of them. These trophies are used as parts of necklaces. It is strictly prohibited to give the captives any food but a knife with which they can cut meat out of their own body, unless they cooperate. Soldiers from Exhula who cooperate with the Qerans are given meals and protection, while others are doomed to starve or injure themselves. General Yqtell formats his soldiers again and sends spies into Exhulan camps. (Secret) A new tactic is planned, called "the Jaw". It contains of five parts who are lined up on the field. One battalion of heavy infantry in the center to keep the enemy busy fighting. Light infantry battalions on the left and right of that are used to decimate the enemy further and on the outer sides light cavalry to encircle the enemy finally. If the enemy positions his troops in a way that make an encirclement impossible, the infantrymen can be split in two and encircle the enemy in two groups from the center (End Secret) Another 2,000 men are conscripted in 213, who are stationed in the south to secure a stalemate in the region, while the main army stays in Kisna. There the Jaw tactic is used for the first time with most of the 16,000 men they're engaging.(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) In these attacks, captives are harvested rather than actually killed, many got their eyes gorged out to take their souls, the blood of the enemy soldiers is offered to the god Obeq, as a sign of gratefulness. Later their bloodless bodies are burned so their souls can't enter their own afterlife.  Zoelle II also calls the women in Hbeccuota to take back their home, donating food or water to the soldiers or giving false information to the Exhulans. Women taking the job of men becomes fairly common in the smaller villages as the men are fighting in the war, even though men and women are mostly equal in all rights in Qera, they are rarely seen in hard labour positions. We will allow Olmac access to our maps under the condition that they support us in our war with the Exhulans (OLMAC RESPONSE NEEDED). Prince Ynoz is now by law a grown man when he turns 15 in the year 218. He is predicted a great future, as he is an unusual tall and well-spoken boy with an endless curiosity for the military, ships and the sciences. His brother, on the other hand, is known for being a handsome, gentle and poetical mind but in a soft body, despite that he is praised especially by the ladies at the court for his voice and his poems. Ynoz is one of the youngest fosterling of the great general Ycev, who is planning a guerrilla war in the south against occupiers. Ynoz got his attention by interrupting his speech in a meeting about the supply lines in Kisna, where Ynoz suggested to sail merchant ships under false flag to not be spotted by the Exhulan navy. Trade with the Olmacs continues.
 * Ri'kiva: Population continues to grow rapidly in Ri'Kiva, along with Suh'Hyik and Sud'Hyik. Sud'Hyik is, however, less substantially growing than the rest. Spies and emissaries are sent into the Saemonite empire, intending to scout out potential weaknesses. Exploration to the south continues as well. Diplomatic outreach is made to whatever the heck Draf's nation is called, asking to share maps and establish trade ties. Suh'Hyik expands slightly downriver.
 * Unarchate of Gyt: With an end to the tithes to the Saemonites, food surpluses explode. This allows Gyt to become a large food supplier to the regional economy. Iron production continues to grow and the Great Armory is used to produce large quantities of armor and weapons to supply 2,000 heavily armed and moderately well-armored cavalry soldiers. These men are to be mounted on heavy horses which have been bred over the last 100 years for war. Irrigation systems are expanded, and the expansion down the River Tythies by 400 square Septons (20 px). A second campaign against the tribes to the west is undertaken in an effort to keep any fighting away from Gyt itself. Crops are burnt by raiding parties to weaken the tribes’ army before a final battle. The Gytan Unar, employing a mix of heavy and light cavalry, meets the enemy on a great swath of relatively flat plains roughly 40 septons from the border. The Gytan forces are broken into four corps, two light and two heavy. The battle begins with a series of cavalry born javelin barrages. Under cover of the last barrage from the light cavalry the two heavy cavalry corps begin a charge against the center of the enemy’s lines. The two light cavalry corps then move in with thrusting spears to contest the flanks.
 * Mesallian Culture: Several sources mention that around this time the League of Delona formally disbanded, despite it already being defunct for years up to this point. This came when the elderly high priest of Delona, named Damilis, who had been living in Lamigis for the past two decades and stubbornly holding onto his title as head of Delona, performs a religious ceremony to dissolve the league. He holds onto his title, however, as customarily the number of titles of such high prestige were fixed in ancient Mesallian society, and the honorary title of Delona, despite the city not existing, became a prestigious commodity. With hostility renewing around the region from the remaining powers of the peninsula, Meshwati sought to defend themselves by sponsoring a new alliance of city-states, but was only able to attract interest from the smaller islands around it, which relied on Meshwati trade. This alliance originally consisted of Meshwati, Isimos, Parasa, Ghios, Ossa, Florimos, Skiron, and Milenis, who were largely opposed by Karissa. Elsewhere in the Mesallian world the arts and sciences flourish. The first attempts by philosophers to explain natural phenomena by rejecting traditional mythological explanations begin in the region, with philosophers in particular focusing on the “the essence of things”. According to the writings of Axiles, a student two generations separated from the event, in Milenis a philosopher named Doloson successfully predicts a solar eclipse. The feat is done after extensive research and observation, and according to offhand remarks from other contemporaries, this was recorded in a volume known as The Astronomy, although no copy of the text exist in the modern day. Doloson also became interested in mathematics, allegedly coining “Doloson’s Theorem”, which states that if A, B, and C are distinct points on a circle where the line AC is a diameter, then the angle ABC is a right angle. The theorem would appear in later works and be attributed to Doloson, although no records from his time exist of it. Additionally he is credited with measuring the heights of ancient monuments based on the length of their shadow, the idea of the intercept theorem, and that water is the single material substance that nature emerges from. The students who came after Doloson would found an academy on the island that spawned a school of thinking known as the Millennian School. Agira also becomes a center for literature, philosophy, and the arts, with the city prospering in the time after the destructive Yannian war came to the rest of the peninsula. During this time it is believed that the urban center expanded from the traditional city limits. The nearby ports on either side of the peninsula became interconnected with the city in between, and Agiran ships came to dominate trade in southeast Mesallas. Also around the same time, the cities of western Mesallas, specifically the Gudumanes peninsula, saw expansion and development, possibly as a result of Usinilago’s rise to predominance on their southwest border. The first kingdom on its border, Thusmos, managed to conquer east along the nearby river. It is likely that the growing kingdom at Erasidon made a name for itself by contributing to help Thusmos. North of the river the entire Kastonian peninsula came under the sway of the city at its northern tip, known as Virados. Although the religion of Ulm had been outlawed in the major cities of the east, it remained present in many parts of the west, closer to the Kingdom of Azoz. The small city of Setia, in particular, attracts a large number of Ulmists en route between the Umhlaba Confederacy in the south and the Kingdom of Neum in the north. A church leader named Laius established a church in the city that becomes one of the largest in Mesallas at this time.
 * Darna: The city of Mosnola is retaken, and rather than see it fall back into enemy hands, the settlers there decide to systematically dismantle the city south of the river, taking all of value within it and ferrying it by sea to Tesardya and then to Darna. The civilians of the city help to demolish the city’s walls and buildings, before being evacuated. By the time the reinforcements from Xüonai arrive the city is hardly defensible, so the army assembles outside the city before them and makes an offer. Darna is willing to cede the region south of the river to Xüonai, but in exchange they must recognize us as owning the western coast, must pay us a large sum of money, must ensure safe passage for Darnan citizens from the city, and must agree to not interfere in Darnan trade or affairs. In the meantime, the army enters into western Xüonai while their army is distracting, seeking to slaughter or capture as many people as possible, loot all cities, and destroy their monuments and structures. Elsewhere in the world, the traders from Isimandia attempt to establish good relations with the newly discovered nation of Euskaladun, and a route is formed around this Western Sea.
 * Syres: In the city of Syres the Hensa orders a series of infrastructural projects to construct new roads in parts of the city with channels for drainage. A series of canals are also built through the city that build up the already existing streams and channels in and around the city center. Around this time the architectural feat of the corbel arch is developed, being used to create large archways in important buildings. Seeking a way to quicken trade in the city’s marketplaces, the city begins minting standardized coins using precious metal. The coins are produced in the temple to the god of funds by a select group of priestesses. The unorthodox cult of Ulmism that develops from the Auresians spreads into the city of Neum. The city becomes a hotbed of religious texts and discussions, both Ulmist and otherwise, and during this time numerous apocrypha and religious texts are believed to have been written. The cult from the countryside gains is first mentioned in a text by the head of the Ulm religion in Neum, Jaram, who calls the beliefs dangerous and sacrilegious. From his description the unofficial name “Aposicism” is counted to describe the movement. In traditional Ulm beliefs, based on pieces of the canonical scripture and other early church writings, there is a legend that before Nelrim was hanged in Azoz, he was betrayed to the authorities by a companion named Proditiam. As a result the name “Proditiam” became synonymous with traitor among the Ulm community. Around this time in the city of Neum it is believed that an aposic document called the “Gospel of Proditiam” was written, which paints Proditiam in a positive light, details private conversations between Proditiam and Nelrim, and contributes to the aposic belief of secret knowledge.


 * Silla: Records from this time show the relaxation of gender roles, as well as a return to feudalism. A census is conducted.

221-230
Henceforth all census results will be privately messaged instead of being placed on the game page.

'After the adventure of Azriel to the north, Azozian exploration in that region led to discovery of the nation of Valun, as well as some interaction with traders from the Khin Confederation. '

'South of Qera the attempt by the natives to attack the Qeran forces is eventually repelled, albeit with destruction and loss of life on both sides. Neither side manages to capture any territory from the other. Overall, the region adopts the techniques shared to it by the Exhulans, with farming, horse riding, and ironworking becoming more widespread than before. '

'In Kisna the 3,000 teenagers armed by Qera disrupt Exhula’s advance and cause numerous casualties, but are also killed and captured in large numbers. '

'The Second Battle of Hbeccuota between Exhula and Qera is won by Exhula. Exhula pushes the Qerans south once more, suffering some 1344 casualties from battle and 2832 from other causes, while Qera suffers 2630 casualties from battle and 2239 from other causes. Both sides experience difficulty supplying their troops, but Qera additionally finds its manpower overly depleted and food especially short, with a famine occurring in the state. '

'Explorers from the nation of Ri’kiva arrive near the city of Tydhon following the Irian war in Ceta. '

'The tribal alliance west of the city of Gyt collapses after years of defeat. Parts of the confederacy’s territory becomes claimed by Gyt or Nisaba, while many migrate south and intermingle with the natives of the river. This coincides with the emergence of several small cities along the river, which band together in the face of expansion from their neighbors. '

'The raids of western Xüonai by Darna and its allies successfully ravage much of the nation’s western territory. '

'Holy Men dispatched from Yannis and the Yannian colonies, who are traveling along the eastern coast south, make contact with small numbers of Exhulans and Qerans. '


 * Unarchate of Gyt: The cult of Bysulus, goddess of war and the hunt, has nearly become universal in Gyt. Her Bysula, feared warrior women armed with bladed spears and equipped with plumed helmets and armor are the most well-equipped and trained fighting force within Gyt. Their order, stands as the backbone of the will of Gyt and the source of much of its religious influence. The cult of Tykus remains strong within the homes of Gyt, but his following is less fanatical and simply exists to praise his blessings of rain and fertility. With an end to the tithes to the Saemonites, food surpluses explode. This allows Gyt to become a large food supplier to the regional economy. Iron production continues to grow and the Great Armory is used to produce large quantities of armor and weapons to supply 2,000 heavily armed and moderately well-armored cavalry soldiers as well as 1,000 lightly armored javelin and spear cavalry. Gyt proper attempts to attract urbanization and the city is spruced up with the town square and forum paved for the first time. The walls of Gyt are repaired, and the local irrigation system improved. Irrigation systems throughout the Unarchate are expanded, colonists expand down the Tythies by 400 square Septons (20 px) (unless the new cities are in the way). Tyk is recognized downstream of Gyt on the east bank of the Tythies as a collection of smaller settlements merge to form the new city. The city is on an important narrowing in the river where a ferry has been established. Colonists from the outlying cities of Gyt begin to fill in the open lands to the west of the The Cartor, having long been an ally or at least friend are asked if they wish to accept vassalage and protection under Gyt with the understanding that the Cartor would have a high degree of autonomy and only be called to arms in times of dire need. The cities to the south are also sent an envoy to establish relations and hopefully open trade. The Bysula are dispatched to the crook of the River Tythies to demand the vassalization of the Letusu who inhabit the area, assuming their acceptance colonists will begin to flood the area.
 * The Cartor accept the offer.
 * Irian Culture: In the years following Korascutos' rise to power, Aigei has flourished and has become a fully-fledged city-state. As the city grows around the king's palace at Motravena, that district becomes known as Motra. Rich noblemen now take up residence in this district, providing much-needed wealth for Korascutos' coffers. The king lives lavishly in his palace, which he has ornamented with busts of golden eagle-heads and decked with colorful gardens. There are hundreds of slaves in his service who are busy at work day and night and living quite comfortably themselves. Foreign dignitaries from all parts flock to Aigei to fawn over the king. This sudden rise to prosperity is due to a combination of factors. With the iron grip of the larikai's religious dogma gone, the citizens have been able to live freer lives and openly relish the fruits of their labor. The war against the Ludians has also caused people to migrate from the countryside to urban locales along the Hecis, boosting the population of its cities. And Aigei's central location on the relatively flat terrain of the Hecis River Valley makes it the principal agricultural center in the region. The farmlands have produced a number of good harvests since the war, leading many to speculate that the arrival of a comet was not a curse upon Korascutos, but a curse upon the old government. Whatever the case, everyone agrees that Aigei is under a divine blessing. But Aigei is not the only city. Oaxala too has grown substantially, and Haban Akassos has complemented the Temple of Nemera with a palace imitative of Motravena. The coastal cities have all benefited from the conquests in Ceta. Rhithera and Tydhon are becoming centers of trade. As imports flow into these ports from faraway lands, Irian merchants also sail great distances to export their goods. Exports include Irian pottery, oils, grain, and ores from the mines of Ambra. The movement of these traders is such that Irian sailors know the shape of the coastline well for many miles in both directions, but far less of the interior. Meanwhile, the populations that once lived in Corens relocate to a safer spot on the west bank of the Cebrion, shielded by the highlands.
 * Tydhon: The glistening seaside city of Tydhon, after the recent Irian invasion of Ceta, is one of the region’s major seaports. Under the influence of Rhithera, it is a city shared by Cetans and Irians. But religious differences threaten to tear the city apart. The Cetans, who are still the majority in Tydhon, would like to have their own gods included in the city’s temple — especially Bari-Naur, the boar god, whom they revere greatly. But the Irian priests are inflexible. Now things begin to take a violent turn. One of the senior priests was found stabbed to death within the walls of the temple, and the Cetans are blamed for it. As tensions rise, there is brawling in the streets of Tydhon. It is up to the Irian authorities to restore order. As guards converge on the avenue where the brawl is taking place, the Cetans charge them. The ensuing melee results in the death of a Cetan man and injuries to many others. While these events are taking place, a priest named Criopes offers a solution. He advocates adopting the Cetan pantheon and combining it with the Irian faith, as the two are, in his words, “perfectly compatible”. Criopes soon gains a heap of support among the more reasonable citizenry, and, eventually, the government of Tydhon itself. Reluctantly, the Temple erects shrines to the boar, the goat, the hippopotamus, the lion, the bull, and the snake. This seems to make everyone content, for the most part. Thus, the Irian pantheon grows in Tydhon as Cetan beliefs are syncretized. The following year, a group of foreign explorers arrive at Charba, near Tydhon. They wear strange clothes and speak a language that is difficult for the locals to understand. When Dalos, the governor of Tydhon, hears of their presence, he invites them to a feast that is being held at his palace. He learns they are from a land called Keba, to the far north. They talk of their island and their monarch. After this cordial meeting, Dalos conducts some modest trading, and then sends them on their way. He keeps knowledge of their existence to himself, hoping that it may present some advantage over his Rhitheran overlords in the near future. Rumor of the visit spreads, however, and the region is soon abuzz with fantastical stories of men from the ocean. These tales provide great material for the most imaginative poets of the day, who tell of thrilling journeys to distant islands where heroes and monsters do battle. Both sailors and landsmen are enthralled by the prospect of adventure and what treasures the sea might hold.


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: We accept Rikva's request to share maps and offer an alliance. (More to come).
 * Kingdom of Azoz: The first of the three greatest epics of King Nathon traditionally took place around this point in his reign. One Nativity day (the holiday of Nelrim's birth), as the warriors of Azoz were feasting at the Pentangle of Perea, a mysterious stranger appeared through the door. He was covered from head to toe in all green, with green hair and green clothes, and had a green axe with him. The Green Man challenged the King, asking him to give a blow to him with the axe in exchange he'll do the same blow back next year. Nathon, thinking he outwitted the stranger, took the axe and chopped off his head, believing he can't give the same blow back if he's dead. The Green Man then picked up the head, put it back on his sholders, and declared he'll come back next year to claim his debt. However, he also said that he will forgive the king of this debt if he answered one question: what is the thing that women desire most. All the warriors of Azoz were fearful of what may happen to the King now. Nathon immediately took action: he sent the knights in every direction on a quest to find a loophole how to get out of the King's debt. Uriel was the one to find an old hag in the far northeast of the Kingdom, who said she knew of the King's dilemma as well as the answer to the riddle. When Uriel asked what is the answer to that riddle, the old hag said she would only tell him on one condition, that he marry her. For the good of the King, Uriel reluctantly agreed, and took the old hag back to Azoz to wed. Some versions of the legend say Uriel was not allowed to tell anyone why he is marrying the old hag, or even to pretend that she was young and beautiful. On their wedding night, as they lay in bed together, Uriel was silently miserable with himself. The hag whispered to him that she is not all she appeared to be, and could take one of two forms: either an ugly and faithful wife, or a beautiful and unfaithful wife, and the choice is his. Uriel thought long and hard, and in the end gave up and told her that it makes no difference to him, so he will let her decide. The old hag proudly said this was, in fact, the answer to the riddle, for the thing that women desire the most is: to have their own choice. Additionally, in gratitude for this answer she will become both beautiful and faithful, and immediately she transformed into the most stunningly beautiful woman in the land. Once the King was given the answer to the riddle, he pronounced it to the Green man who forgave him of his debt. Meanwhile, the Ulm religion entered another great push of evangelism at this time. Having discovered new nations to the far north, many preachers of Azoz venture north to proclaim the gospel of Nelrim to the simple tribes of Valun, as well as establishing trade relations. Similar missions are also sent to the Khin. To the south, preachers spread the faith of Ulm to Edom, appealing to the intellectual elites of the city, as well as offering to set up monasteries there. Back in Azoz, the oldest copies of the first complete canon of scripture is first made at this time, declaring a set of books written by or about Nelrim, Levian, Ramu and Prackyob as the words of the True God, and none else. This canon of scripture prompted the oldest complete Bibles of Ulm religion to appear in places like Syres, Mesallia and Edom. In fact, it is generally believed that the creation of this canon was meant to directly combat the heretical sects of Ulm that appeared in Syres at this time. Further adventures of knights' quests are sent in the same directions as previously: north, northeast, west, south, and southwest. Farmlands are expanded growing corn and potatoes, filling more area down the Ashe River to Tuartha.
 * Ri'kiva: Population continues to grow rapidly in Ri'Kiva, along with Suh'Hyik and Sud'Hyik. Sud'Hyik is, however, less substantially growing than the rest. Exploration to the south continues as well. Trade brings great wealth to the capital Ci'Syk, leaving Kal'If free to begin thinking about military campaigns. Following a rumor about a nation somewhere to the east, spies are sent into the Saemonite empire to explore. Maps from Algeorgia are added to existing maps. Farming increases, and a major noble family is convicted of crimes, leading Kal'If to distribute the lands among lesser nobles, increasing agricultural productivity by a lot.
 * Yannis Empire: The subjugation of the city of Dijunga is celebrated with a cleansing of the land. A group of Ulmist heathens are brought forth to be burned in fire, doused in water, and reburned in fire, repeatedly, before their feet are cut, and they walk on the land until dying. After each heathen is dead, the bodies are fed to animals in the city square, and the red plains outside the city are left to dry. A new temple is commissioned inside the city, with detailed carvings from the great feats of the empire. Additionally, the Anointed One orders a new pyramid to be constructed in the Holy City, which is much larger than the ancient pyramids of the city, at around 480 feet in height. After ten years the pyramid is approximately one-half constructed, using thousands of slaves and laborers. From the base of the pyramid a palace complex is planned to extend out from it, with the inside of the pyramid being filled with hundreds of rooms. At the top of the pyramid a great chamber for the Anointed One is constructed.
 * In Mesallas: The city of Oronaca becomes home to a prominent temple in the region, with hundreds of priests and Holy Men being supplanted from the Yannis Empire. A monument is constructed in Nykos on the orders of the new king there, who wishes to commemorate the brave battle against the Ulmist heathens with a decorated obelisk. From these locations Holy Men travel around the region to spread the faith.
 * In Tik’akna: The Kingdom of Temayal moves its capital to the city at the river, which is heavily renovated by the King Iximanasa II the Great, becoming known as Ixima. The temple constructed in the city becomes the largest outside Yannis proper. Before the king’s death he leads one last war of conquest against the Kingdom of Jaris, hoping to remove them from the mainland completely. He is successful to a degree, liberating the Yannian cities of the north that had been under Jaris rule for decades, but does not completely eradicate the kingdom itself. Elsewhere, the Tahuan tribes of the south fight a successful war to capture the small city of Iynderam, supposedly casting down its walls by marching around the city and blaring ceremonial horns.
 * Darna: With no response from the enemy nation of Xüonai, we continue to send people and soldiers to the north of the river, creating a defensive wall and encampments. In the south raiders come in from the nations west of Xüonai, including Benekundon and Zedisladana, and by sea, and raid their lands. We take all valuables and captured people back to Darna continually. Isimandia grows larger than the original lands of Darna, and effectively breaks into several quasi-independent entities within an elective kingdom derived from Isimir. The city of Navorodina serves as the confederation’s primary capital, with its direction control extending northeast to the river and lake, and north and south 50 miles in each direction. East of the river there is Kyesna’s domain. The coastal cities trade heavily with the nations to the south such as Euskaladun. When it is discovered that the Ulm religion exists in that nation, the Darnans prepare to explore farther south hoping to discover the homeland of Ulm, so that it can be destroyed.
 * Xüonai: Diplomats from Xüonai refuse any peace so long as the coast of the north is controlled by Darna. New conscripts are sent to the Zedislandia-Benekundon border to deter all raids, and farmers are requested to take up arms to destroy Darnan raids. Darnan tactics do the opposite of their purpose; they draw more to the army conscription, with people seeing the threat of Darna. 5,000 are conscripted, mostly farmers affected by the raids, well-versed in axe handling. With ships raiding the coast, a blockade is set between the horn of Lhynei, with only neutral shipping allowed to go through. The choke point there is made to minimize the effects of raiding from Darna. With the raiding of western Xüonai dealt with, the first siege catapults are fired over the river (which have been developed since the idea originated in 181-190 turn) into Darnan camps. Defensive positions are held, with the exception of catapult fire. Meanwhile, a company (like the British East India company), with a charter from the government, moves to discover and establish trade relations with what seems as a new area of civilization southeast of all explored lands. They are instructed to keep relations peaceful and ask for an exchange of maps they carry the most updated versions of maps Xüonai has. Yannis is also asked to share an updated map with Xüonai.
 * Exhula: Although many worries had arisen over the last decade that the war against Qera would be unsuccessful and that we would lose in our fight against them, the retreat of Qeran forces from the area around Hbeccuota allows our army of 19,356, swelled by those we brought back from the aborted attempt to retake our trading post and from mercenaries and new recruits we have gathered to rapidly push forward and retake much terrirtory before launching another lightning raid on the city by the river, sacking and destroying it once more and killing or enslaving all of the 4,000 remaining citizens before we, pursued by Qeran armies, "retreated" back to Hbeccuota while they pursued us. When we arrived and fortified the city they arrived soon after and attacked us, with the result of the Second Battle of Hbeccuota being a decisive victory that allows us to chase them out of the southern territory above the river, with us even retaking and occupying what little is left of the city by the river, and sacking it for a third and hopefully final time. This allows us to launch another major invasion into their territory, where our remaining 15,180 troops, armed for the first tine with experimental chariots that we have invented (Which were not invented earlier in our history due to us lacking horses or major land-based enemies for most of it) and many long iron tipped spears, launch a long attack from down the coastline on Qera's main city at the mouth of the Bay of Qera in force, with most of their army gathering to defend it (MOD ALGORITHM NEEDED!!!). The arming of Exhulan prisoners by the Qeran's in an attempt to force them into self cannibalism turns out to be a grave mistake on their part and a tactic that mostly fails, as many Exhulan prisoners, now foolishly armed with sharp knives designed to cut flesh by their captors, unsurprisingly use them to attack those holding them prisoner, who have also often horribly tortured and killed their friends and thus earned the hatred of their prisoners. The largest of these revolts, led by the captured General Syrax, comes right on the eve of the battle, and is a major problem (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). As retaliation for the Qeran's atrocities against Exhulan Prisoners, we Enslave most of the soldiers that we captured from Qera prior to the second battle of Hbeccuota, and send them far to the north to serve in the brutal iron mines based in Haeelos, were most don't survive for long doing the brutal, backbreaking work, but they do have some chance at earning freedom. After that point we begin brutally torturing and executing every Qeran soldier we capture, with those who are more high ranked and who potentially have useful information instead being subject to numerous forms of brutal torture first, several of which are developed specifically for use on Qeran prisoners although they will later see use elsewhere. These methods include repeated forced drownings and resuscitations at sea(Which is one that has existed in our society for a long time), Cutting out the eyes Qerans believe hold the soul and force feeding them to the prisoners if they don't talk, Beating them with heated up iron rods and branding them, and even shoving them up their butts. In other, less disturbing news Emperor Lfftigan finally dies of Ryuus (Malaria) in 224, allowing his son to finally assume the throne, even though he has been the true ruler for many years. However, he is unable to reach Siccarius for his coronation due to being busy leading the war in Qera, so in a so far unprecedented turn of events Lorgar's son Sassigan, named after Lorgar's grandfather, is crowned as Emperor Sassigan II Aurelian while Lorgar is still busy leading the war in Qera, and begins to effectively run the nation as Emperor while his father is still alive and leading Exhula's armies, something that has never happened officially since before the first Emperor was crowned, although it has unofficially happened twice, with most of the current Lorgar's reign being an example. This dose not cause an actual conflict to occur, as the now 54-year-old Lorgar (as of 224) is bloodthirsty and hungry for battle, but is unwilling to compromise the war effort over in his eyes, a petty matter of succession, although he does swear privately to "Put him in his place" as soon as the war is over and he wont jepordize our chances of winning by doing so. Meanwhile, Sassigan II begins to implement a large number of reforms throughout the empire, many aspects of which have been neglected since Lorgar first went to war. This starts with the restructuring of the parts of the navy that have not been dedicated to the war, which once more are dedicated to anti piracy iperations and the patrolling of our waters to keep them secure. It is actually due to these measures that we first encounter some of the Yannian Holy Men, who are soon brought before the Emperor. Although we don't speak each other languages, the Yannians were able to teach and be taught enough words to get our desires across. Although we are cautious for now, we wish to open trade relations with the Yannis Empire, and to exchange maps with them (YANNIS RESPONSE NEEDED!). Before sending them back North to inform their people of this, although we do allow a few to stay and preach the word of their religion as much as they are able, which becomes more and more possible as they learn more of our language and even gets some converts in small numbers, although most stay in the Hcctaal faith of their ancestors. We begin to settle the Qeran territory we occupy, sure at this point that it is very unlikely they will be able to reclaim it, in an effort to secure and assimilate the area and make sure Qera has a hard time settling it even if they do manage to retake it. Although the new elite of the regions we are settling (which is mostly the more northern parts of our occupied territory as we are far less sure of our ability to hold the more recently taken parts) are mostly made up of ethnic Exhulans and Ghisnans we do our best to endear ourselves to the populace in every other way. We consider Qeran testimonies equal in trials on crimes, we don't force Hcctaal on the populace or the rest of our culture (Although we do send many preachers and heavily encourage changing names to Exhulan ones, converting to Hcctaal, and adopting Exhulan customs, something we achieve both via peer pressure from the settlers and by small tax cuts, better education and services for those who do so, and by just generally better treatment and special privileges). Trade with Olmac and Sillas increases and we desire to open trade relations with both of the two newly discovered nations northeast of us (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). We also propose an alliance and marriage pact with Sillas, while also requesting they aid us in our war with Qera (Sillas response needed). Finally, we send explorers to explore 9 px more along the coast where the newly discovered nations are located..
 * Syres: Settlement of the west south of the river continues, as the city of Syres becomes heavily crowded. The Aposicism movement in the city of Neum faces widespread attack from differing Ulmist theologians, but nevertheless continues to grow parallel to the Ulmism preached by Patra Jaram. Around this time a preacher named Iomram appeared in the city of Neum from the south, becoming a leader of the Aposics, given the Ulmist writer’s many denouncements of such a person. Of Iomram’s surviving texts, it is surmised that he believed the old scripture of Ulm was largely misinterpreted too literally, e.g., the Epistles to the Lysanderians by Levian spoke not literally of a conflict between Ulmists and Lementarians, but of partially spiritual psychics and the fully spiritual beings that inhabit the celestial plane. Additionally, the so-called true apostles wrote coded messages in the scripture that explained the secret nature of the prophet and the cosmos. After some time, Iomram is said to have returned to his native land of Tuatha-Danann, and later to Mesallas and beyond. A series of small worship rooms, usually underground, were constructed at this time for Aposic meetings in various locations around Neum, called posiums. These rooms consisted of a simple dining area where followers of Iomram’s teachings would have celebrated a ritualistic meal together. Within a decade of Iomram’s first appearance in the history of Ulmism, posiums had spread as far as western Umhlaba, with Aposic preachers and traders intermingling with those passing through the confederacy’s trade routes.
 * Mesallian Culture: After the destruction of Nykos in the war with the Yannis Empire, in the eastern one-half of Mesallas it appears that the Ulm religion remained small and underground. It is hypothesized that one of the larger groups of Ulmist refugees fleeing east chose to continue traveling east, crossing over the Lydonian Sea to the easternmost claimed territory of Edom, and the nearby Mesallian communities. In this region there was a small town called Pahnam, buried at one of the higher points of the Imathian mountains, located south from the coast. Because of the remoteness of the location, archeologists managed to uncover a fairly undisturbed glimpse into post-Yannian War Ulmist-Mesallian literature. The site was discovered almost 3,000 years after it was built, and consisted of a small number of rough-stone buildings. The largest building appeared to be a communal dining area, based on the finding of over 1,000 dishes, pots, and other ceramic artifacts for eating in a section of the building. Based on the size of this room it is estimated that no more than 100 to 150 people could have inhabited the town. Around the site archeologists also found 20 different pits that were believed to have held water for ritualistic purification, as the amount of water held — which would have been filled around once a year during flooding — was more than twice the amount of water needed to sustain a settlement of that size. The larger discovery came a few decades later, when a man discovered pottery in the caves outside the city. Upon closer examination the surrounding caves housed hundreds of pieces of pottery, and within them, hundreds of scrolls. Several of the scrolls were copies of books of the Ulmist canon, mostly older stories and books by Levian. Others were completely new discoveries of Ulmist and Mesallian teachings, histories, and sayings. From one fragment, called the “Town Rule”, historians have pieced together the purpose of the site and its society; the town was a remote, self sufficient holy site, where a small number of priests wrote and copied important texts. Priests were required to purify themselves in water, eat communal meals, and follow all rules, or be exiled from the settlement. Additionally, the discovery led to the uncovering of similar, less intact sites all around the southern region. The largest of the discovered sites was located in the desert south of the Umhlaba Confederacy’s territory, approximately 300 miles south of Isono. The majority of these sites were scattered around Umhlaba, with a small number in the outskirts of Edom and parts of Mesallas, with some being connected to larger, underground sections. The Oases of Fayhan, which contains an underground network of tunnels and small dwellings, probably also had a section dedicated to copying texts, for example. The Umhlaba Confederacy at this time is believed to have been one of the more tolerant entities in regards to Ulmism, given the relatively early conversions of some of its elite, and the religion’s use of its trade routes as avenues of proselytization. But at the same time, this also allowed beliefs that were later deemed “heretical” to use the confederacy’s network of safe passage and copying stations. Despite different sects being condemned by others, for the most part the differing beliefs seemed to have coexisted freely in the south, given that in some of the larger settlements in the south archeologists have found Aposic posiums adjacent to Orthodox places of worship. Meanwhile, it is written that one of the adventurers of the time, Cassander, who was believed to have been a descendant of the legendary hero Leto himself, traveled to the city of Azoz to take up the missions of the Pentangle of Perea.

231-240
'If you still need to post in the old turn you may do so. '

'While marching through the already arid land of southern Kisna, in which Qeran guerrilla tactics harass them, and with the famine and the Qeran tactic of scorched earth having set in, the advancing Exhulans lose some 5,000. The Exhulans manage to capture up to the river anyway, but in attempting to cross the river and take the Qeran city, they are defeated. The Exhulans suffer 4,334 casualties, while the Qerans suffer a total of 2,865 losses. '

'Despite the victory, Qera is unable to capitalize on it fully due to being affected by supply and manpower shortages. The slave rebellion insinuated by General Syrax is successful for a time at disrupting Qera further, before the slaves are captured or killed.'

'The Letusu tribe rejects the threat from the city of Gyt and launches raids against Gytian settlers, as well as Gytian towns along the river. '

'As Xüonai refuses the original peace offer from Darna and continues to attack over the mountains, the nations of Benekundon, Zedisladana, and Molaga decide to invade and completely seize the areas that they’ve already been aiding Darna raid for quite some time. '

'The nations in the northeast that Exhula discovered accept their offer of trade, and soon an inter-regional network from Makuku, Sillas, Olmac, and more form. '


 * Qera: With the largest slave revolt on Qeran territory since ages, the Princess wants to handle it with diplomatic means. The slaves are granted complete amnesty and Qeran citizenship, if they pledge loyality to the principality, Syrax will be allowed to become a count in the south (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).  The children of minor counts are married off to the leaders of friendly tribes in the west, most notably the Ualjaks (or as they call themselves Valchake), creating loyal allies. The Ualjaks are long time trade partners to Qera, even if they are less developed. They worship vaguely the same gods and speak a language from the Qerauâm language-family which is the same language-family Âtluâm (Qeran) is part of. Due to all these similarities and heavy Qeran influence, the Ualjaks pledge loyalty and enter the war with some 1,000 men. These barbarian tribesmen bring archery to the battlefield, as well as methods of slaughter that are considered to be barbaric and inhumane even by the most mercyless commanders. The Ualjak method of war includes drinking the blood of the enemy or scalping the victim while it is completely awaken and conscious. It becomes also common for soldiers to drink the fermented juice of the Hjafranll-Mushroom, which leads to pain immunity and an extremely aggressive behaviour toward the enemy. Many common soldiers start to call the enemy soldiers "Adqtaqta" which means future shrunkhead. By the age of 29 general Ynoz of Rollver enters the battlefield and is planning to solve the supply problem, by lift the ban on bird and animal hunting for the war, so the soldiers can live off eggs and meat.. (secret) He remembers a situation from his youth, where he suggested to his general to use merchant ships under false flag to supply the men fighting in the north. To achieve this, crews from the Ualjak tribe are used, as they speak only a few words of Qeran or Exhulan and are not suspected (end secret (MOD RESPONSE PLEASE). Meanwhile, the around 100 ships of the Qeran navy are given a flag depicting the head of a jaguar on a black and white backround to mark the navy. As the method of self-cannibalism backfires, the torturers come up with a new idea: the lips and eyelids will be sutured if the soldiers and officers refuse to talk, others simply chop off the captive's hands or fingers, so they can never use a weapon again. Some soldiers are sent back to their former camps to tell the soldiers what happens, if they dare to anger the Qerans and demoralize them. Some soldiers, who are willing to cooperate are used for slave labour on the vast rice field in the west. Princess Zoelle II, even in the old age of 67 visits the general staff in Ogaholle regularily and fortifies the city extremely strong, where women-militias are set up to protect the city while many men are off fighting. The battle of Xamgac is fought in the glade of the nameless forest near the village of Xamgac is fought between 500 of the now young adults that were armed years ago as teenagers and a small band of 900 Exhulan soldiers. The 100 young Qerans burn down the forest around the Exhulans, leaving them in the flames (they are well-aware of the fact that Exhulans believe, that the burning of the corpse leaves the soul to wander forever on earth). Only 24 of these brave guerrilla fighters survive without injuries of 200 survivors.


 * Unarchate of Gyt: Unarch Jynus, outraged by the audacity of the Letusu, brings down the whole force of Gyt to make an example of them. 2,000 light cavalrymen and the 500 Bysula ride into their homeland intent on destroying them in their entirety. With the scattered tribe subdued the entire population is enslaved and made to work the fields and mines of Gyt. The territory is then sold off to the people of Gyt and demonstrates the profitability of such expansion. Two years after another such campaign is launched against the Ijun, a tribe just north of the Letusu. Although they put up greater resistance their forces are beaten and the people enslaved. Once more the sale of land and slaves is enough to pay for much of the expense in fighting. Their labor, along with increasingly developed barges, allows Gyt to pull even more iron from the mines to the north. A grand Tythorus (Noria) is constructed to draw water from the river and into the manny irrigation canals to the north of the city. Although Gytan water management is still primitive, the Tythorus makes use of river clay mixed with volcanic ash and fired in kilns to form durable and water-proofed ceramic. Growth along the Tythies River explodes as trade with Mythadia (Mithadia) and the other cities to the south (two px either side of the river). Gyt becomes a center of inland trade as iron and food flow south toward Mythadia for sale on the coast. With a newly paved market and forum the city becomes a major point of sale for these resources to merchants headed south along the river. The profitability of this route prompts the Unarch to send an investigative mission to the south to ensure the security of the area. The band of 50 cavalrymen are expected to explore the region out to ten day’s ride on a fast horse all along the length of the river. Mythadia is offered defensive pact.
 * Mithadia accepts the defensive pact.
 * Irian Culture: Like restless dogs, the tribes wander and fight and occasionally settle. There are the Nolossi and Solcii of the southeastern lakelands; the Regobaldi and Catascapti from south of the Cebrion; the Phimeres, Tyrscuri and Corenians who dwell in the land between the Hecis and Cebrion rivers; the confederation of Aigeic tribes including the Chybians, Araphestae, Ikari and Theles; and many smaller tribes to the west and northwest such as the Sigmosi, Galligi, Ambrasi and Otryphenes of the central highlands, and the Imani, Metobarians and Hachalundae from around the Ima River. Among the non-Irian tribes are the Ludians, as well as the Rhossoi and Erachmi of Ceta. As their populations continue to multiply, many tribes are forced to venture into new lands or compete with other groups for resources. This follows the general trend of expansion of the Irian Culture that has been occurring gradually for some years now. Lured by stories of fortune and adventure, other Irians opt to take to the seas. Since the conquests in Ceta, there has been an influx of sea traffic, trade, and exploration. Sailors round the angles of the peninsula and also explore Ceta's southerly isle, which they name Casserandros (Isle of Casserander), after the ruler of Kyr.
 * Nolossi: The Nolossi are traditionally a matriarchal society, ruled by an akeissa, or female chieftain. Their women are known to be tall, beautiful, and capable warriors, not unlike the Amazons of our legends. They are said to have originated from a divine seed, tracing their lineage back to Rhiodestra, a demigoddess who was born out of a love affair between Arrai, the Wind Goddess, and a mortal man named Hemesh. Now, after Korascutos took power in Aigei, the Nolossi came to this place destitute and in exile, but, having been tempered in war before, were able to hold their own against the wetland inhabitants, the Solcii. Phesha, whom the Seventeen had chosen to rule Aigei when all the men were at war, became akeissa. Under Phesha's leadership, the Nolossi pushed the Solcii out of the Lakelands, who have in turn pushed the Catascapti farther east. This migration culminated in the establishment of a Nolossi capital, Nolossae, at the site of an existing settlement near the lakes.
 * Hachalundae: Perhaps one of the most primitive and barbaric of all the Irian tribes, the Hachalundae are a fearsome group of nomadic warriors. They live south of the Ima River along with their sister tribe, the Metobarians. Pursuing the winds of change, their chieftain leads them north into the Plains of Diolophon. These lands are ripe for the picking. The Hachalundae arrive like a summer storm and shortly destroy any tribes in the area that would oppose them.
 * Darna: If the government of the southerners is unable to make peace, we decide to reach out to individual governors or local authorities, undermining their authority. We offer towns the deal of paying us all they have in exchange to not be razed. We believe our deal to the southern government is reasonable, as we are giving them all of the northern coast up to the river. With our allies now in the war; the Empire of Niani, Benekundon, and Zedisladana in the war, our armies march farther into southern territory, destroying their major cities. Or ships also control the region and help to raid and take prisoners and loot back north. The nation's profit from the zanter trade and from slaves and other commodities fuels the war effort.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Just before the army reaches the first Xüonai town, a messenger comes from Dashon V saying that we agree to peace as long as the coast south of the river feeding into the bay is ceded to Xüonai, saying that Dashon V misinterpreted the first call for peace as Xüonai never being able to colonize the north coast anywhere (This is what you mean, right? I could have ended the war ten years ago...). As for Benekundon, Zedislandia, and Niani, Dashon V proposes Status Quo Ante Bellum. A peace conference is held in Ropkhaui (the town north of the mountains) to end the war.


 * Kingdom of Azoz: The second of the three great epics of Nathonian revolved around the Mesallian warrior, Cassander. Cassander, the son or descendant of Leto, only appears in Nathonian literature long after these events took place, although he is attested in earlier stories native to Mesallia. Cassander is often described as the strongest and noblest member of the Pentangle, solely driven for the love of his lady Princess Sarai. One day around Rising Day (celebrating the resurrection of Nelrim), it was learned that Sarai was kidnapped by the evil Lord Messander, and was held captive in his castle. The warrior Raphael was dispatched by the King to recover her, and along the way he stumbled upon the force of nature that is Cassander, determined on the same goal. Eventually the two of them worked together to track down the castle, braving many perils along the way, but in his impulsiveness Cassander fell right into Messander's trap. Cassander became trapped in the dungeon while the Princess was taken to another castle. Raphael managed to escape back to Azoz, and informed the King how to return to the castle personally to free the foreign knight. King Nathon went to the castle, defeated the guards who fled back to Messander, and cut through the cell walls using the Sword of Heaven. Cassander thanked the king, and agreed to join the Pentangle of Perea, but he had to continue on his quest alone. Nathon and Raphael continued by themselves, until they came to an inn with rumor they knew where the Princess was held. However, they were actually agents of Messander, and drugged both of the visitors. When they came to, Nathon realized that Messander had now stolen the Sword of Heaven, and was preparing to kill the King in one-on-one combat. Before this death match could be held, however, Cassander arrived and challenged Messander to a joust. Messander couldn't resist the temptation of beating the son of Leto in battle, so picked up his Xysos to engage the joust. Cassander knew he could dispatch the fight easily, but instead he feigned weakness in order to distract the evil Lord, long enough that Nathon could switch the Sword of Heaven for his own. Once that was completed, Nathon returned to combat himself, and smote Messander from crown to crotch in a single blow. Meanwhile, the faith of Ulm continues to be steadily spread in various nations of the world, including the Umhala Confederacy and Water Tyrants of Mesallia, the slaves of Darna, and the military in Niani. The religion is most rapidly spread via disciples spreading the word north into the simple tribes of Valun and Khin, and east into Edom. When the Holy Father learned of the people in Syres and Edom worships from books outside or contradictory to the canon scripture, he immediately took action, and ordered that any books outside of the canon scripture are not divinely inspired from the True God, and if they claim to be then they must be works inspired from Drokksid, and therefore must be destroyed. No heavy enforcement was made on this law at first, and epistles found in the various churches in Edom sounds more like the Patra was being politely asked to comply to this order. The border continues to be extended east toward Tuartha, and the same explorations continue to be made north through Valun, west, south through Frasnoq, and southeast through Edom.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The sixth Dodo dies this year and after several months of searching the seventh Dodo is found and installed. The tsar makes the annual pilgrimage to the Dodo shrine. We ask Rikva if they would like to send us some of their animals in exchange for an albino Dodoise from us. RIKVA RESPONSE NEEDED.


 * Draka: The Archon sends a fleet to explore the world's oceans and develop a naval tradition.


 * Ri'Kiva: Kal'If orders an army to be formed, from all the lands of the kingdom, and invade into the Batur lands south of Suh'Hyik (mod algo needed). The offer by Alegorgia is rejected, and Kal'If replies, "please don't trifle us with matters of such low importance."
 * Xüonai: Just before the Darnan army reaches the first Xüonai town, a messenger comes from Dashon V saying that we agree to peace as long as the coast south of the river feeding into the bay is ceded to Xüonai, saying that Dashon V misinterpreted the first call for peace as Xüonai never being able to colonize the north coast anywhere. As for Benekundon, Zedislandia, and Niani, Dashon V proposes Status Quo Ante Bellum. A peace conference is held in Ropkhaui (the town north of the mountains) to end the war. After the war ended, exploration from Tyha Už, the company (like OTL Britsh East India Company), explodes. Trade relations between Phorintheon and Tyha Už (TU for short) are developed. TU explores both the southeastern and northwestern most explored lands Xüonai knows of, in search of potential Xüonai colonies and trading partners. Otherwise, an expedition (not from TU) is sent around the eastern tip of Lhynei (Xüonai continent) to discover and map out the coastline of the continent. Settlers are sent to secure conquered territories and settle more just west of captured territories in the north.
 * Exhula: The settlement of the occupied Qeran territory continues as we begin recruiting more soldiers to fight in the war, recruiting 4,000 fresh troops from around the Empire and sending them South to fight Qera, although we mostly fight off raids sent by Qera into our occupied territory and consolidate our gains while preparing for a major offensive and, in 24, we  launch another, final attempt to conquer the city by the river. (ALGORITHM NEEDED, PLEASE KEEP WITHIN THIS TURN).  However, the death of Lorgar of his wounds shortly after the battle's conclusion allows Emperor Sassigan, who sees no point in continuing a war where we have already achieved all of our major goals, to begin peace negotiations in the Treaty Of Hbeccuota, in the hopes of ending the war so we can focus on other nations. We continue to explore farther along the northeast coast as the trade network begins to significantly enrich us and makes the war effort much easier due to Qera being cut out of this trade network by our long standing naval blockade. (More to come)


 * At the second battle at the river city, Exhula narrowly captures the city. They suffer 3,239 total casualties, while Qera suffers 1,010 before withdrawing. With supplies and morale low, the army refuses to go on further.
 * Yannis Empire: At the end of the decade the Great Pyramid in Ya’gothna-Vis is constructed, with its extensive network of temples, palaces, and other important buildings within and at the base of the structure. An extensive wall is constructed around the pyramid complex as well, creating a fortified citadel around the giant monument. Then the pyramid is coated in a fresh, red paint, with the eyes of the Anointed One marked at the peak of the structure. Several months of celebration, feasting, and sacrifices are ordered at the pyramid, with many captured or purchased Ulmist heathens slaves being killed. An extensive reform of the nation’s legal system and taxation codes begins, with each province of the empire being assessed to determine its productivity, and then taxed accordingly. Each citizen of the empire is also required to pay a certain amount of money or labor, and this labor is used to expand the empire’s long highway system, reaching every major city and border of the empire. Specially trained royal servants become couriers along the roads, cutting down the time it takes for important messages to be delivered.
 * In Bassar: In the vassal city of Bassar the growth of towns and infrastructure outside the city, particularly around the southern lake, is highly encouraged. The southern lake, also called Lake Bassar, becomes home to several Bassarian towns, and also Yannian colonies, stretching the border south toward Weritzs. The Yannis Empire sponsors Holy Men to spread the faith into the region between, and claims this area, granting it to Bassar’s jurisdiction. Seeking to expand the city’s influence, the governor in Bassar also personally sponsors a colony on the eastern river, which becomes known as Eocnessar.
 * In Mesallas: The ruler of Oconaca becomes known as Teloc’zepoc “the Fat” due to his lavish court life and gluttonous appetite for heathen sacrifice. The countryside around Nykos becomes devoid of heathens, forcing him to begin buying heathen slaves to supplant his appetite. Meanwhile, with Yannian support, the Kingdom of Halatia launches a campaign to subjugate the small island nation of Haphorus to expand its power.
 * Exhulan Diplomacy: Exhula desires to open diplomatic and trade relations with Yannis, as we made contact with adventuring Yannian Holy Men in 226 but have yet to have a response.
 * In Tik’akna: With the death of the great king, he is laid to rest in a giant mausoleum in Temayal. The structure is approximately 150 feet tall, and highly decorated with statues and paintings. He is succeeded by his eldest son, Selomenes. Almost immediately the large kingdom begins to fracture, and the new king sets to work keeping the realm together.
 * Mesallian Culture: During this time the Kingdom of Erasimon (editorial note: “Erasimon” and “Erasidon” are alternate spellings of the same kingdom, employed by different historians) saw its first outward expansion, managing to meet the border with Thusmos and Usinilago in the west. There is little evidence of Erasimonian presence in the south, where the region’s desert began, and the kingdom likely left this to be claimed by the Umhlaba Confederacy. Sometime afterward, during the reign of Peranthies, the kingdom tried but failed to subjugate the eastern region. This hotly contested area wedged between four major nations is said to have been ruled by a tribe called the Phydinians, who managed to push back against expansion on all sides. In the north of the Melopenes there was notable debate in several states in relation to the expansion of Halatia. The famous orator Seciphes of Meshwati wrote extensively the danger of the Yannian clients expanding if the opponents of Yannis did not also expand. There appears to have been no actual intervention of aid given against Halatia however. Meshwati may have justified the aggression as reason enough to expand itself, given that the Meshwati-led alliance of the Lydonian Sea had its first major expansion after Halatia was victorious. In the rest of the peninsula the city of Agira notably commissioned a great temple in the city, which writers would later call one of the “Wonders of the World”. This is further evidence that the Agiran expansion to both coasts of the peninsula likely brought an increase of commerce. In the first year of the eighth Jafiad (around Year 232), it is written in one of the historical scrolls discovered at Pahnam that a ruler named Xares arose in the city of Dascelos, located east of Agira on the coast near Edom. Xares was allegedly a descendant of the mythological King Garus through his father, and an Edomite governor through his mother, and ruled over one of the larger towns on the eastern coast. He was allegedly “swept up” in the refugees who flocked to the region after the fall of Nykos, and finally converted to Ulmism himself after witnessing a vision of the prophet in the rising sun. Xares changed his name to Levian, who he believed to be reincarnated from, and gathered an army of zealots under his banner. In only a handful of years he had united the region up to the Imathian Mountains, and created a theocratic Ulmist state known as “Ulmaxares”. It should be noted that this name was never used by the king or his kingdom itself as far as historians can tell, but rather was a semi-derogatory term used to label the kingdom by later church fathers from elsewhere in the ancient world. Xares had a temple constructed south of Xares called Nerimos, which the scrolls of Pahnam call a temple of gigantic proportions. He also established an extensive chamber within the temple that god himself dwelled within, where the highest priests could communicate with the divine directly. Entrance into this area was strictly off limits, except on one day a year. Otherwise, entering into the region around the chamber was an immediate death sentence, with trespassing in general in the inner areas of the building also carrying heavy sentences. Xares also commissioned many monasterial refuges for secret scribes, leading some to believe he may have been involved in the founding of Pahnam, although most historians agree that settlement was an earlier, solely independent endeavor. The Ulmist records of the city mention that Xares was a wise and popular ruler, a notion that largely went unchallenged until the modern day. Today, a small group of historians have posited that Xares’ reign was probably extremely brutal, with constant fighting against his native population and neighbors to enact a strict religious order. This theory was made known in popular culture as well after a 2003 bestselling mystery thriller novel mentioned the event.
 * Syres: Outside the limits of the city proper, on one of the city’s hundreds of small islands that surround the main channels into the city, a small abbey is constructed. One of the city’s wealthy merchants, named Emer den Roc, is believed to have secretly converted to Ulmism, or at least was sympathetic enough to the cause to grant them to their own island. The result was a small stone building, not much larger than the island itself, just outside the city’s authority. It became a place of secret congregation and study for Ulmists, with little disruption from the city itself, and became known as Gorgias. The Patra of Syres, Styaces, christens the site and appoints a second-in-command to operate the island, while he caters to the community in the city itself. The elderly Patra spends much of the rest of his life writing extensively to guide the doctrine of the city in line with the Azozian church, but found himself unable to completely quell the spread of unorthodox ideas, as he possessed no actual direct power. Sometime after the death of Patra Jaram the head of the church in Neum became Lebanus, and he, too, attempted to contain the differing ideas popping up in the region. He was even less successful, with parts of Neum becoming centers for aposic beliefs and other less popular groups. Traveling via the southern trade routes, these ideas also spread to Edom and southern Mesallas quickly. According to one account written by Lebanus, there eventually was a woman preacher in Edom, who he condemned as a servant of Droksid.


 * Sillan Republic: The Empress establishes the Three Departments and the Six Ministries, to facilitate administration. The members of the Secretariat is determined via vote, while the Chancellery consists of appointed officials. Due to a century of declining literacy and decentralization, there has been a return to animism and feudalism – with land-owning aristocrats monopolizing positions attainable only through civil examinations. The walls of the Six Cities are maintained and reinforced. Foreign trade increases in volume, providing a steady source of tax revenue for the government. The main exports are porcelain, silk, and tea. However, cash crops such as cacao, indigo, exotic fruits, and fiber crops such as cotton, hemp, and abaca, are also traded. Due to increasing commercialization, iron-based coinage (valued for its importance in the manufacture of weaponry and tools) is introduced as a standard currency. However, grain and barter trade continue as valid forms of financial transaction. Expansion in all directions (mainly close to the river) continues, with the establishment of a small fortified settlement each in all of the four cardinal directions. To augment the population and destabilize neighboring tribal polities, slave raids are conducted, with the population emancipated and assimilated into mainstream Sillan society (with intermarriage being incentivized). Vast tracts of land are cleared to provide room for farms, though land of poorer quality are allocated to the cultivation of cash crops instead. The cultivation of low-yield root crops is highly discouraged, resulting in greater adoption of wet-rice cultivation. To prevent soil erosion, perennial fruit-giving trees such as coconut and/or plantain trees are planted in the limited space between each rice paddy. This small space also is used to plant vegetables or animal feed. Due to their smaller size and their ability to lay eggs each day, chickens become prized as livestock. There is a resurgence in equine culture, with many varieties being bred depending on their usage as beasts of burden, military animals, or companions. In particular, the large "Sillan horse" variety, becomes highly-prized for its reported sturdiness and resilience, thus being suitable for heavy labor and as military animals. Military equipment is standardized, with elite cavalrymen using composite bows, though sabers are used as secondary weapons (especially when one runs out of arrows). In addition, they (and their horses) are heavily armored with lamellar or leather-based armor. The infantry wields pikes.

241-250
'If you have not posted or need to update your turn due to a war, you may do so. '

'The Empire of Niani successfully conquers the small tribe on their eastern border, allowing them to expand up to the mountains in the east. '

'After years of suffering to supply the war effort in the south, the governor of the Ettyian Coast declares a rebellion against Exhula, with Ettyian soldiers, and a small number of mutinied soldiers from elsewhere, aiding him. The Qerans likewise see an inability to continue fighting at such an aggressive rate. The main Exhulan force, having defeated Qera, remains in possession of the river city, with its leaders hoping to end such a destructive conflict.'

'The Ri’kiva attack on the Batur is successful, with the Ri’kivans winning a decisive victory. '

'A small number of slaves captured by Qera do agree to swear loyalty to Qera. General Syrax, and the majority of the rebelling slaves, perish in battle. '


 * Kingdom of Azoz: The third and final epic of Nathonian tradition involves the Quest of the Cup of Jamshid. Toriel returned one day from this journeys to the southeast, and reported he had been pledged to be married to a woman named Regnelle, daughter of Izban the Giant. However, Izban will only release his daughter on a dowery consisting of the Cup of Jamshid, which has been lost for centuries. According to prophesies of Isodore, the cup can only be found by all of Nathon's knights together, although it will ultimately bring doom on Perea. So after an extended prayer to Nelrim and the True God, all the warriors of the Pentangle assembled on a grand ship constructed at Bangui, to begin their quest across the Southern Sea to find the Cup of Jamshid. This ship, called the Augra, was specially designed by Isodore himself, and commanded by the most famous of Nathon's warriors: Uriel, Toriel, Raphael, and Cassander. The voyage at sea braved against many legendary sea monsters and other adventures, until they finally reached a kingdom of seafolk on a remote island. Many scholars have tried to piece together the geography of this voyage, although obviously many parts are fanciful, some of the locations remained staples of oceanic mapping for centuries afterward. However, the exact identity of the seafolk island continues to be controversial. At any rate, the knights of the Pentangle were surprised to find that the Cup of Jamshid, which was located on this island, was in fact held by Jamshid himself, who had remained alive all these years by means of magic he had acquired. Jamshid was delighted to hear news of how things had developed since he left the kingdom, and invited all the knights to dine with him, promising to show them the cup. However, a magic spell was used by Jamshid to put all the knights to sleep, and each of them dreamed they saw the cup in a vision, as Jamshid's way of ensuring that none of them would be able to take the cup after seeing it. This plan almost worked, except that the magic was innefective against Cassander due to the holy relic he had with him given by Isodore. When Jamshid was distracted, Cassander managed to steal the cup and replace it with another, and gather the rest of the warriors to return to the ship and sail home. Jamshid was outraged to find his cup was missing, and immediately placed a curse on Cassander that no ship he stands on shall ever sail. In order to ensure the rest of the C returned home safely, Cassander gave them the cup and promptly dived into the sea. Meanwhile, the borders of the kingdom continue to be pushed east, annexing more farmland toward Tuartha. The earliest artifacts of the city of Toman appear at this time, apparently an outpost halfway between Azoz and Tuartha. Bangui likewise greatly increased its urban area. Slaves in Darna and military in Niani continue to be converted to Ulm, as well as preachers pushing north to spread the religion to Khin, Valun, and Eskaladun. The Holy Father of Azoz, not wanting to start too many controversies in the church, works to have consistent dialogue between the major Patras across the known world: in Meshwanti, Syres, Edom, and Darna, in order to ensure that a consistent Orthodoxy around the canonical scripture is maintained, and heresies are put out of the church. In Mesallia, a smaller legend of the Pentangle recounts how the warrior Samael visited a personal emissary with Ulmexares. This legend is seen by most critics as one of the earliest examples of Utopian literature, having little plot but delving very deeply in how the wonders of that city reflected the state of the human soul. Edit: Samael's legends additionally tell how he personally led a coalition of 7,000 men, mostly Azoz with many Mesallian volunteers, to counter Yannis' attempts at miltary influence in the region.
 * Qera: Finally peace lasts in the realm of the Qerans after a war that lasted for over two decades. As Qera loses the conflict to their former closest ally, distrust toward the Exhulans starts to emerge. The saying "We have no friends but the forest" (Xrehemyphkovueâtl Xreoctzija in Qeran) The conversions to the Hcctaal faith decline and the Exhulan-speaking minority in the east stops speaking its native tongue due to pressure from the society. Many disturbed and crippled men come back home broken and disturbed. Even if these men come back as shadows of their former selves, the economy recovers again and large scale famines can be prevented. Princess Zoelle II agrees to the marriage act of her grandchildren as it may secure the peace further. So her granddaughter Zaratle will be sent to Exhula and her grandson Yozyv (as he is the only heir of Zoelle's daughter died at birth and Ynoz doesn't possess an heir since he is infertile) will stay in Qera. Yozyv is the son of Zoelle's son Ycas IV who is called Ycas the handsome. He becomes Prince in 248 in the age of 71. Her son Ycas IV becomes prince and starts a new age of organization in the state and repairing of relations with Exhula. Conscripted peasent armies are seen as inefficient and are replaced with professional soldiers, who are stationed in Ogaholle and have an harbor on Qerixaheme for the professional navy. Trade recovers and the prince tries to deepen relations with the east, exclusive trade deals are offered to Sillas and the Olmacs (OLMAC/SILLAS RESPONSE, PLEASE). Trade with Exhula returns to repair relations at least a little bit. With the Ualjaks as loyal allies in the west, expansion continues to the west (13 px). The king of Ualjakia marries the daughter of countess Zuane of Qerixaheme, Zuane II. This effectively turns Ualjakia into a Qeran vassal (a territory of 10 x 14 px become a rural vassal in the southwest).  Vassals in Qeran culture are largely autonomous and just have the duty to support each other or Qera itself when the country is in a crisis like war or a famine. Cinnamon and nutmeg cultivation starts rising again and spices are traded again. Insect cultivation starts to emerge as soldiers bring these customs home from the front. This doesn't go against the vegetarian ethic of the Qeran people since insects are seen as a "plant-like moving creature".
 * Xüonai: With the success of Tyha Už, the first recoded royal charter is given to them to explore lands for Xüonai. Popyiwi (Ensoyi) becomes one of their main bases of operation, with a central location in the Xü sea. The peninsula directly east of the farthest east point of Lhynei is explored, while other expeditions are sent southeast along the coast south of Phorintheon and the northern Niani coast. A peace conference at Ropkhaui is suggested with Darna, as the war pretty much ended, but terms needed to be more specific. Yannis is asked if they want to trade updated world maps. Dashon V dies, and his son, Dashon VI, success the throne. As his predecessors, he vows to have only one son to prevent succession crisis, unless they are unfit to rule; then, the king will have another son. He takes it one step further and makes it a law that kings can only have one son. Colonization of the northern coast continues, with the farthest settlements reaching the farthest east Molaga lands. When people reach the coast, a large festival is held by families who had been kicked out during the Uan'kaphoaito. Eventually, in 242, the festival evolves into an athletic festival, an Octennial event (due to the Xüonai counting system being Base 8). Construction of a city on the north coast begins right after the festival ends. By 250, the festival is celebrating not only the reclamation of the north coast, but the city's completion, named Topitui (translating to "Western Bay City"). Athletes from around the country come to compete and win in events in 250. An expedition is sent north of the river to map out lands north of Darnan occupied lands to the Niani southern border, along with another expedition sent north of Aurelia. When Tyha Už discovers Aurelia, he sends a messenger to ask to establish trade and share world maps. Three cities are expanded to account for an ever-growing population. The catapult is perfected, with iron balls being fashioned to hurdle at the enemy. At this time, many begin to call the area of Mesallas and Tik'akna combined "Greater Tik'akna". Yannian and Syresian athletes, from our main allies, are invited to join the games, dubbed the Topituya, or the "Western Bay Games". 


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The tsar sends a diplomatic request of uniting the island to the other nation on our island (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). The tsar orders a jeweled amulet known as the Amulet of Tsars (oblivion referency kind of) and makes it part of the royal treasure.


 * Mesallian Culture: Until recently historians considered the exact borders of the Ulmaxares nation to be unknown, but a series of landmark discoveries some 60 years ago changed the understanding of the kingdom immensely. One piece of evidence was the discovery of a series of fragments that seemed to point to pork being a banned food in Ulmaxares society, despite being a major part of the diets of all the surrounding nations. As such, better borders for the nation have been proposed by examining which discovered ruins show evidence of pork consumption. What this pieced together astonished historians; it appears that in the south at least, where the nation extended into the desert and the highlands east of Edom there was a rapid series of settlement growth within a few generations, with little evidence of bloodshed or fighting. Instead it is believed that the region was sparsely populated to begin with and as the northern settlements that did exist began to decline, a lifestyle shift occurred in the south, spurred on by the rise of the Ulm religion. Toward the end of his life, it is believed that Xares constructed a considerable construction project in the south. On a lone mountain surrounded by the desert, at a small fresh water spring, the mountain fortress of Leviea began to take shape. It is likely that the fortress was not completed in its final form until years later, but once complete would have been regarded as an almost impenetrable fortress and refuge for Ulmists should they come under invasion. And there is evidence that such a conflict did eventually come with the Edomites. Although eastern Edom was relatively intermixed with Ulmism, and under little direct control from the nation’s government, at some point the local governor’s opinion of the upstart kingdom changed negatively. One Mesallian-Ulmist historian, Iosynomis, who is credited with the definitive history of the region over the course of about a century, writes that a governor named “Malecius” came to power in the east, and sought to subjugate the kingdom on its border, whose claims had overlapped with his own. Iosynomis writes a very detailed, but likely exaggerated, tale of the events. He states that Xares and the Ulmists refused to submit to Edom, and marched on the eastern stronghold of Mazalana. Before a battle could take place,Xares prayed the night before, and due to his piety the enemy army was compelled to join the Ulmists and be anointed by oil. With his army Defected, Malecius cursed the kingdom, but reluctantly made peace. It is likely that with nations such as Ulmaxares on its border, Edom would have been hostile to the religion officially, but archeological evidence and the existence of church writings seems to indicate there was a small but strong presence in the capital city itself. Most of the writings from this time from the city’s authorities are responses to unorthodox sects becoming popular in the city. One preacher, who is often identified with the broader Aposicism movement, was Idahim, who believed in the “New Prophecy” and new prophetic revelations, which contradicted some of the later books of the canonical scripture. Idahim removed from the scripture the books that were less open ended on the end times, inserted some Aposic texts, such as the “Infancy Gospel of Ramu”, and books penned by him personally, which supposedly came about when he was personally possessed by god.
 * Exhula: With the end of the war with our victory, most are relieved and tired and desire to return to their homes and get on with their lives. As a result the sudden revolt by the governor of the Ettyian Coast, which would have been suported as helping to end the war just a few years earlier, is instead seen with rage and hatred for continuing conflict and is not well-supported. Although many Ettyian soldiers and a small number of mutinying soldiers do initially support him, the news of the signing of the Treaty of Hbeccuota and the end of the war against Qera results in most of them turning against him or just leaving. As a result, the 6,000 soldiers we send north are able to retake control of the area within three years, ending his rebellion with minimal damage. The governor is publicly flayed alive before he, still barely alive and conscious, is subject to breaking on the wheel, which finally kills him, before his corpse is burned. He is subject to complete erasure from history on Sassigan’s orders, with any records containing his name and paintings or pictures depicting him having his name erased and him removed. Although it is still known by latter historians that a governor of the Ettyian Coast rebelled against Exhula following the Second Kisnan War, his name and what he looked like are completely unknown due to this, as are any details of his life, although his death is still well-recorded as a warning to traitors. As a result of his revolt, despite its unpopularity, managing to take the entirety of the Ettyian Coast as a result of the governors status, the Ettyian Coast, which has traditionally been run as one governing body part of the Empire, split into several new provinces to prevent one governor from being able to use the entire region in a rebellion. It is split into the regions of Sarthar, Ciast, and Httcarron.  During and after, this we begin to settle our newly conquered territory heavily, sending many thousands of Exhulans to colonize it and make it into a loyal section of the Empire, as we also begin sending many Hcctaal preachers to the region and educate the Qeran citizens in Exhulan traditions. Several of the surviving tribes in our territory are also subject to this and we begin attempting to make them speak Exhulan. We gladly take in Zaratle and she is soon married to Prince Lorgar, with their first child, a daughter named Yiia, born in 247 while Sassigan sends his grandaughter, also named Yiia, to Qera to marry Yozyv.  Finally, we also send 4,000 troops to conquer the Mexiquen and retake our territory, and take their own in vengeance (MOD ALGORITHM NEEDED). We also offer to begin selling the Qeran soldiers we enslaved that are still alive back to Qera (Qera Response, please). A major Slave Market also soon begins between Exhula and Qera, as we sell thousands of slaves to Qera to help with their massive labor shortage - in exchange for spices and luxury goods.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Xüonai merchants from Tyha Už manage to reach Exhula. They begin a trading relation with Xüonai, bringing vast amounts of silver to trade, in hopes of exotic material. They also offer to trade maps with the newly discovered empire. A potential trading post island is searched for off the coast of Exhula.
 * Qeran Dip: We agree. The men will be exchanged for a shipload of Cinnamon and nutmeg.
 * Yannis Empire: The empire’s ambitious construction projects in the Holy City of Yagothna-vis end by this time, and a select group of the most holy are selected to live within the walled city around the great pyramid. Others begin to settle the region recently conquered from the Empire of Niani, bringing those people closer to the faith and intermixed into the Yannian population. Likewise, the province at Bassar is ordered to conquer and convert the small number of natives that inhabit the area between Bassar and the coast. After that, a road will be constructed from the nation’s border to Bassar, and then to the coast.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Yannian athletes are invited to join the games, dubbed the Topituya, or the "Western Bay Games". Yannis is also asked if they want to trade updated world maps.
 * In Mesallas: Teloc’zepoc the Fat receives news of the kingdom that spews heathen dissent all along the south, and vows to purge the region. He calls upon 4,000 Holy Men, of which most are from Yannis itself, to lay waste to the southern infidels, aid Edom in retaining order, and spreading the Yannian faith. As it appears “Levian Xares” is not popular among some of his own people or his neighbors, the war of liberation is expected to go smoothly. The governor himself meets with the governor of the eastern Edomite province and promises all the land for Edom if he converts to the Yannian cause. The Yannian army, meanwhile, under Tiloc’senton lands near Dascelos to take that city, and plans to advance south from there.
 * In Tik’akna: Yannian Holy Men report that they have encountered the nation of Exhula, and bring their diplomacy to the high priest at Tohatia, where they originated from. The colony elects to accept the offer to open diplomatic and trade relations, as long as the Exhulans are open to the Yannian mission of spreading the holy beliefs of Yannis. The city of Tohatia launches a few small campaigns to expand south down the coast, setting up trade posts and temples along the coast. Holy Men are also dispatched in earnest to Exhula and beyond. To the north the other eastern Yannian colony, the Kingdom of Ometoc-vis, expands south to the coast, founding a city on the mouth of river named Quamocten. Within time the strategically important location on the river caused the city to grow considerably, challenging the supremacy of the capital. After a brief power struggle, the two cities agree to a sharing of power, with two kings coexisting within the kingdom. In the Kingdom of Temayal the king named Selomenes dies without a clear line of succession, and the kingdom divides between Itzqatoc in the south and Fano’yetoc II in the north.
 * Ri'Kiva: Expansion and settlement continues, with the 7,000-man strong army marching farther along the coast and subduing the locals. Trade continues.
 * Irian Culture: Pestilence and famine sweep over the land, ravaging the Hecis river. The poor people of Aigei suffer as crops sprout small and shriveled and grain stores are depleted. Not even kings are immune. In 241, the great Korascutos succumbs to plague, leaving his realm in the hands of fate and the gods. Messengers travel rapidly to Corascuto to inform his son, Nipothaios, of the news. Nipothaios rides back to Aigeium (as it is now known) with similar haste. Before he can reach the safety of the walls, he is ambushed and kidnapped by a band of cloaked men, and whisked away to an unknown location in the hills. The leader of the men, Phlokamos, is acting on the orders of a powerful force. He is a member of the Nemeran Order, a group of cultists dedicated to the worship of Nemera, Goddess of Night, of Change, of Messages and Secrets. Phlokamos travels south, to Oaxala. By night, he brings Nipothaios to an acquaintance at the Temple of Nemera. Weeks pass, and the heir has not yet arrived in Aigeium. Inquiries at Corascuto yield nothing. Nipothaios has vanished, and the regents are unsure of how to proceed. At the same time, the situation in the streets is worsening. Poverty, hunger and disease are widespread. Fearing violence, many officials of the old dynasty flee the city, leaving it in anarchy. Finally, a council is called by the Aigeic chieftains. The elders choose a member of the Araphestae tribe to rule as the dagatos, restoring the old system of government. But the citizens aren’t buying it. They have already elected their own leader by popular vote. At the same time, Motra district comes under oligarchic rule by the most prominent of the nobility. The two sides of the city are separated by ideals, and neither of them respect the weak dagatos, whose de facto authority rests in Corascuto. As Aigeium declines, so rises Oaxala. It is a city without kings; a city in the unrelenting grip of the Nemeran Order. Once a shadowy and persecuted organization, the Order has come to dominate Oaxala and do away with any old pretenses. Worship of Nemera is the sole faith, her priests and priestesses the sole authority. Those who would question or oppose the will of the goddess are punished harshly. If not death, it is a life of servitude that awaits them. Theocratic Oaxala extends her influence up and down the river, spreading this unique form of henotheism. Meanwhile, the coasts are seeing different fortunes. In light of their maritime successes, the food shortages seem less severe, and the waves of disease less frequent. It is a new era of trade. With trading posts on either side of the water, merchants from Tydhon and Rhithera control the narrow sea between Ceta and Thrydacia. In 245, some of these merchants arrive on the southern shores of Mithadia, opening trade with that kingdom. There are several more encounters with Keban (Ri’kivan) sailors, in which knowledge of the region is shared. Kyr and Asklena, meanwhile, enter an economic pact. They establish trading posts on newly-discovered Casserandros, and send explorers eastward to discover what lies in that direction.
 * Darna: We accept the deal from the southerners, which grants them the region south of the river in the north coast. While at the same time we begin colonizing the western coast as ours. Mosnola rebuilds and has its walls reinforced after surviving several sieges. The success of the navy in battle and from raiding leads to it being continuously expanded in the coming years, with veterans of the war continuing to raid nearby areas for slaves. To meet the demand for slaves, the nation expands its slaving operations all along the coast, and also captures Ulm heathens to be used to produce more slaves over time in captivity. Exploration of the south coasts continues, with traders exploring and trading over land in the nearly discovered kingdoms.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Consolidation of the lands under King Saemon V until his apparent death in the year 243. Due to having too young of a successor, Saemon VI being three years of age, a handful of battle-tested and hardened military generals are selected to promptly succeed Saemon V's power with a selected Council of Six until Saemon VI's age reaches 20. Within the first five years of the Council's reign, infrastructural development and art flourish due to the Council's primary leisure in the soaking of power. However, the council member Tammuz is assassinated in his sleep by an anti-government man from the northern lands. The Council, outraged by his death and the failure to capture the assassin, subsequently resulted in the start of a large schism between members who wanted to continue to live leisurely and three that wanted to reform the state. Due to a polarized oligarchy, the three council members had the majority and decidedly killed the other two members. Out of the naval armada of 200 warships, five begins casual shifts of patrolling of the Saemonite coast, questioning all ships that come near, and if by chance an argument begins, an automatic destruction of the ship. This is reasoned by their being heightened security problems brought by the assassination of Tammuz. The population reaches 800,000 in 244, and after the death of Tammuz and the Council schism, a set of 500 soldiers are raised to properly keep the general city and territories "under wraps" while the now three-member Council begins its general reign of power. As a purge for power and forced obedience starts, many family members of the royal family with possible ways to claim the throne are killed in assassination plots as to properly reduce the family line and to suppress general internal political struggle. Respectively, the Council of Three in two years are able to kill roughly 70% of the extensive royal family, with the remaining royals relinquishing much of their land, power, and fortune to the government.


 * Unarchate of Gyt: Unarch Jynus, now 43 summers of age launches yet more wars of expansion. This time against the Hadui just who inhabit the land south of the Saemonites, a second campaign is launched against all the remaining tribes in the land between Gyt and the cities of the Tythies. These tribesmen are enslaved as the others, but rather than hold them until death, all Gytan slaves are granted the right to freedom after ten years work for Gyt at which time they will be granted an ox and two Bysu (a gold coin worth enough to purchase a spear, shield, and an iron war-axe). Through the sale of these slaves and the vast new tracts of land, the government is able to fund more great works in Gyt. A second tythorus is constructed on Mynethos to draw even more water from the rivers. Construction of a grand dockyard commences with a large dock built to handle the flow of barges. As the population grows Gyt proper receives an influx of migration as second and third sons from the provinces come to seek their fortunes in the city and on the river. Many join in the wars of expansion to be paid in lands from the conquests and much of the spacely populated and poorly held land to the west is integrated. Another new city is founded to the south, once more on the east side of the Tythies, Jyn, for the Unarch. The tribal cities to the south are offered vassalage under Gyt in which they will be granted a 5% tax on all trade down the Tythies, guaranteed by Gyt. Furthermore, they will receive protection from both the Saemonites and Mythadia. The Bysula send out an expedition to traverse the mountains to the east.


 * In Silla, government-owned iron foundries and workshops are established to provide weaponry (bows and arrows, sabers, pikes, etc.), armor, and battering rams for the military. A system of conscription is established, with members of the peasantry being required to serve (as infantry) for a minimum period of six months, and remaining in the reserve for an additional five years. Walls and fortifications, constructed with rammed earth, encircle every major settlement. Due to a need for more land and raw materials, more aggressive military expansion commences–with conquered settlements being placed under the jurisdiction of military officials. Within these occupied territories, slavery is abolished and replaced with a system of contractual servitude. Basic infrastructure and civic buildings are constructed to ease administration and access from the capital, as well as facilitate assimilation into Sillan culture. In order to facilitate population growth, wet-rice cultivation continues – at the expense of lower-yield dry field rice varieties or rice crops. Agricultural productivity increases due to the usage of manure as fertilizer, and the usage of cattle or draft horses for plowing fields. All arable land is converted into rice fields; with the land in between each field being planted with vegetables, as well as coconut or plantain trees to combat soil erosion. Canals are built to ease the transportation of goods and people, as well as divert water from the river to the rice fields. Drainage systems, latrines, and communal baths are constructed in more urbanized communities – thus improving public hygiene and reducing the potential transmission of infectious diseases. Many peasant families have more (surviving) children, due to a higher food supply and lower prevalence of disease. This is also partially due to the influx of people from neighboring tribal polities, who don't practice abortion or other rudimentary methods of contraception. This also could be attributed to an increased desire for children, as they provide labor. The economy rises due to increased foreign trade, with increased wealth resulting in a rising mercantile class. The production of porcelain, jewelry, textiles, and tea dominates the export economy; though the cultivation of fiber crops, exotic fruit, and indigo remains also important.
 * Syres: The wealthiest merchant families, in conjunction with the government, order the construction of a new monument in the city’s harbor, hoping to attract more attention from traders and celebrate the nation’s prosperity. The monument consists of a giant statue of a man that is approximately 110 feet tall, on top of a 50 foot base. The statue itself is carved in stone and then covered in thin, bronze plates riveted together. In the city of Edom the Aposicism movement continues to grow, alongside Ulmism in general. Via its trade routes to Edom the city of Syres is alerted to the nation of Ulmaxares and its struggle to dominate the surrounding area religiously, but the nation doesn’t take a stance on the matter, seeking to avoid another major war.

251-260
'Henceforth there will be restrictions on map sharing. Maps should only be treated sparingly, between allies, or under plausible circumstances, not automatically every time a new nation is discovered. '

'A number of Gytian explorers ordered over the mountains to the east don't return, with the survivors relaying of a plague-ridden land. '

'The westerners of the island agree to unite with the Tsardom of Algeorgia, although parts of its population resist Algeorgian rule. '

'The Exhulan expedition of 4,000 men to attack the Mexiquen tribe results in a defeat. The Exhulans suffer some 1,220 casualties, due in part to the fierce guerrilla tactics of the natives, as well as difficult terrain and disease. '


 * Unarchate of Gyt: Unarch Jynus dies in his 54th year after expanding Gyt to its greatest heights. He is replaced by Unarch Fykus who slows his predecessors expansionist policies. Newly conquered lands are rebuilt and tamed, and a great swath of territory to the west is put under more direct control. Another two cities are constructed. The first, Fyk is built 140 septons (7 px) west and 20 septons north (1 px) of Tyk and the second, Kykas, another 120 septons down the River Tythies from Jyn. Despite the focus on internal growth, there is still expansion along the southern border. As the banks of the Tythies grow overpopulated, poorer farmers and herdsmen are forced to claim lands to the south, pushing the border of Gyt by many septons (4 px along the southern border). A short military campaign is conducted against the Mynar, a tribe to the southeast of Gyt and near the Cartor. Their lands are taken in a similar fashion to those in the west. The Order of Bysulus, of which the Bysula warrior women constitute the core, undertake a religiously mandated quest. The coward Bysula who crossed the mountains are put to death by the bow, the least honorable of deaths. Their bodies are then burnt so they may never return to the earth. The order then raises a force of 500 Bysula and another 4,000 devotees and march north along the Mynethos to where the mountains fall into a great pass. It is there that they begin the work of Bysulus. They erect a tower of stone and wood, and around it stone walls, many meters thick. A great fortress to keep back the plagued lands to the east. Work continues as walls are built to close the gap in the peaks. The boundaries of Gyt then expand up into this pass, but shall go no farther. All those who approach from the east are to be turned back or killed. No gate whatsoever is built into the wall by Bysulus’ decree.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Exact chronology around this time period gets rather fuzzy, as we reach toward the close of Nathonian tradition. Nevertheless, it is about this era that the unification of Azoz and Frasnoq took place. A number of scholars debate on whether the two nations had already been unified by this time, while others think it happened decades later. Some early Nathonian literature even ascribes Nathon himself as the King responsible for the unification, with stories of the Pentangle of Perea revolving around campaigns in the process. What we do know, from the archeological evidence, is that Azoz had assembled an army between 10,000 and 20,000 men, larger than any other army in Azoz up to that point. These were organized in several fronts, (or, in another interpretation, organized over several campaigns in the same decade) pronged against Frasnoq at both the coastal and bordering regions. Each unit of the military was specially trained in the use of their javelin and shield, large enough to cover the whole body except for their head behind a bronze half-helm. Each unit of the miltary was headed by a squadron of horseback warriors, with lighter shields and a longer spear known as a xysos. The tactics of these units, formed in a block formation, would be accompanied by an equally large unit of archers using the traditional Azoz Longbow. It was this composition of the military that Azoz had coordinated their efforts in finally subjugating all of Frasnoq, and uniting the two crowns together in personal union. Meanwhile, the faith of Ulm continues to be spread through the cities of Mesallia, concentrated at the Ulmian theocracy as well as the sympathetic factions in the Water Merchants. Missions continue to be spread through Valun, Eskaladun and Khin, as well as converting the slaves of Darna and the military of Niani. Monasticism continues to grow in Mesallia and Edom, with the monks of Jiff continuing to perfect their research on the perfect sandwich.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: With the island united we hold a large celebration and begin building a statue to honor this day.
 * Exhula: Colonization of the former Kisnan region continues, with many more Exhulan colonists continuing to settle the region and intermix with the natives and Qerans. Four new cities are founded in the region, named Gverra, Bosre, Hyyril, and Rttcca. Gverra, is founded on the river, right across from the Qeran city across the river, and becomes a major center of trade that grows extremely quickly due to its central trade position. Hyyril and Rttcca are also founded as trade cities on the river, both founded farther to the west along it then Gverra, while Bosre is founded north of Gverra, as a coastal port. Emperor Sassigan II dies in 254 and his son Is crowned as Emperor Lorgar III at the age of 27. Lorgar III proves to be a religious fanatic heavily influenced by the corrupt Hcctaal Preacher Yrrthis, who dreams of expanding the Hcctaal faith into the regions east of Exhula, by force if need be, and manages to pass said dream onto Lorgar and convince him that is what is best, Thanks to his influence and his pre-existing opinions Lorgar is convinced to gather a huge army of 12,000 troops, many of whom are veterans of the Second Kisnan War and including among them those who were part of the previous, failed attempt to conquer them, and led it in a second attempt to conquer the Mexiquen, hoping to overwhelm them through sheer numbers and brutality. (Algorithm needed!) He gathers a council of advisors on how to take the land, and notes from the commanders of the previous force that a large part of what had made the Mexiquen effective had been their ability to hide among the populace and launch surprise ambushes and attacks before blending back into the population. Thus, a strategy that nullifies this advantage is figured out. It is reasoned that if they have no population to hide among then they will be forced to fight the superior Exhulan forces in the field and thus, when The invasion begins, the entire Mexiquen population we can get our hands on is slaughtered, regardless of age, gender, position, or beliefs, nobody is spared. However, before the invasion is launched a long overdue census is conducted on the Empires population (Mod Response Needed!). We also found a new major settlement in the new unclaimed territory discovered to the north of us, as our northernmost colony and a trade post with Yannis and Xüonai. We also found three cities on the coast of the unclaimed stretch of land southeast of our island above the peninsula the Mexiquen are located along. The opening of trade with Xüonai is accepted gladly, as is the offer of sharing maps (this was offered before the rule was put in place, I will not do anything like this after this). We also begin efforts to repair the Ettyian cities from the damage they took during the Governor's rebellion, upgrading the old walls of the city and sending many more settlers into the land, we'll also continue doing our best to erase the governor from history. A son named Vassiga is born to Lorgar and Zaratle In 251 and is made the heir to the throne, while another daughter, named Saeccaea, is born in 256, shortly before he departs from Siccarius to lead the second invasion of the Mexiquen, leaving her to, for the most part, raise the children on her own, and although they are still raised in the Hcctaal faith and Exhulan Customs, their mother’s influence means they also adopt many Qeran customs and fashions that are also frequently adopted by much of the court.
 * Qera: Recovery and reconstruction continues. When the labour shortage gets less of a problem, the economy recovers further. As the former prisonors were used as miners, Exhulan mining techniques are adapted and the extraction of iron becomes more effective. This leads to a widespread use of ironmade farming tools, since it was only used for weapons before. The men who were bought as slaves are freed immediately after they arrive. Hbeahahollea (the colony near the Olmacs) grows in size with smaller farming communities around the city (EXPANDS 1 px to the east). First contact with Sillas is made and interest in their tea is taken. We offer spices in exchange for tea (SILLAS RESPONSE, PLEASE). Relations with Exhula normalize slowly with the return of the soldiers and the new warrior caste flourishes under prince Ycas IV. After the marriage of Yozyv and Yiia, a boy is born, who is named Ybhan. Yiia seems to show actual affection to Yozyv, but she has trouble to get on boat with the Qeran customs and culture. She is intelligent, but somewhat an outcast in the Qeran Qera_flag.pngity and becomes more and more melancholic. She begins to write and publishes a book of philosophic and poetic stories in both Qeran and Exhulan. The Ualjak territory becomes officially a vassal-state, located in the southwest of the principality, west of the great southern river (MOD RESPONSE PLEASE).  A consonant shift happens in southern Qeran, where the original Y [ĩ] becomes a [ʏ]-sound, but the spelling stays the same, as it only applies to the south-Qeran dialect. A banner for both army and civil purpose are adapted. The war flag/ naval flag is a crocodile's hat on a white field, while the civil/peace time flag is a jaguars head on a white and black field.
 * Xüonai: Tyha Už starts to gain vast amounts of wealth from trading for cinnamon and nutmeg, unknown to the people of Xüonai before trading with Exhula and Qera. They also get to slave trading in the north, although less with Darna and more with Molaga, due to the War of the North. To make the northern mountains easier to trade through, a large road and canal is built through the mountain pass, connecting regions of the Lhynat (capital river) and regions of the Ropitat (Northern Bay River). The latter of the two fails immensely, with engineers not being able to create working locks for the canal and the lack of experience on making water move through land, but the former works, helping bring more from the south to the Topituya, the "Western Bay Games". Tyha Už also opens healthy trade relations with Exhula, and in the year 252, a royal envoy from the government (not from Tyha Už) arrives in Exhula to foster good relations with them. Tyha Už ships continue down the coast to find an island to create a trading post on. Exhulan's become to be known as Popsl, or "Southern people", along Qerans. Wondering if Lhynei and the Darnan continent are connected, sailors set off north of Darna to see. An expedition is also sent east to see if there is new lands out east. Ships are sent south of the Mesallian Archipelago and inland to find where this "Azoz" is, who have been influencing people since the 130's. The small colony under Darna, still controlled by Xüonai, is destroyed and "moved" to an area next to Topitui on the north coast to make it more manageable (remove outpost and add 1 px next to Topitui). An alliance request is sent to Yannis and Syres, our main historical allies. The world is proved round by a sailor named Roud Rth, when he measures the horizon line in Xüonai and measures it again near Aurelia, where the horizon is the same distance awayFlag_of_Xüonai.svg from the stern of his boat, proving that the world is round, reasoning that if it was flat, the distance between the horizon and the stern would be different at these two places. Three cities grow in size to make room for a growing population. A new flag is designed, with two blue stripes to signify the north and south seas, while a green stripe in the middle to signify Xüonai itself and its fertile lands. A grey crescent and yellow dot are made to signify the sun and the moon.
 * Exploring: Tyha Už sails south to find an island near Exhula to establish a Xüonai owned trading post. Sailors sail north to see if Lhynei and Darna's continent are connected. An expedition is sent north of Aurelia to discover more of Lhynei, and northeast of Aurelia to the tips of a potential new continent.
 * Settlements: The small colony under Darna, still controlled by Xüonai, is destroyed and "moved" to an area next to Topitui on the north coast to make it more manageable (remove outpost and add 1 px next to Topitui). Three cities grow in size to make room for a growing population (add 3 px urban in three other cities).
 * Mesallian Culture: According to Iosynomis, the chief source on the rise and fall of Xares, the situation in Ulmaxares began to deteriorate quickly. The highly diverse population began to unravel, with the first incident apparently being when an Edomite made an animal sacrifice outside an Ulmist church, leading to an outbreak of violence. The highly zealous supporters of Xares called for a ban on all other religions, and strict religious uniformity, while the followers of non-Ulmist religions ceased paying taxes or following the orders of the government until their needs were met. The king, although partial to the Ulmist side, sought a more peaceful and neutral resolution. His inaction caused the more radical elements of the government to form the Zealots, a movement for strict Ulmist theocracy. A schism occured between the Zealots and the Xaresians, and when the king vacated the capital of Nerimos temporarily, the Zealots under Ishbakin ben Landrew managed to capture the city by turning on the city’s garrison. The arrival of Teloc’zepoc the Fat at the head of a Yannian army caused a crisis in the fragile kingdom. Xares’ army was left stuck between two hostile forces, and the city of Dascelos fell quickly to the Yannians before he could muster a proper defense. With hostile neighbors all around the kingdom, it also soon found itself victim to incursions from Edom and others. Iosynomis calls the arrival of an Azozian army as a miracle from the True God, as it managed to buy the king enough time to withdraw south and then retake Nerimos, although the city was now badly damaged. In the Siege of Nerimos by Yannis and the Edomite Malecius, the city was destroyed. The great basilica was razed to the ground, with many Ulmians being killed or imprisoned. According to legend Xares was killed in the battle, but before he died he commanded that the dwelling of the True God in the center of the temple be lifted by 50 men and transported out of the city. This band, under the command of Xares’ son, named Vedun, carried the holy dwelling and a caravan of Ulmists into the desert. First the people of Ulmaxares and the remaining army of the nation fled to the citadel of Leviea, which Iosynomis says successfully held out against siege for years before the invaders gave up. The kingdom proper had fallen, and Iosynomis writes that Vedun’s contingent continued south, making a great exodus across the desert. After many years the Ulmians came upon a river in the southern mountains, where they built a new, modest temple, and a settlement hidden from the rest of the world. The outcome of the rest of the kingdom’s land is not entirely known, but evidence suggests that the kingdom was probably split between an Edomite province and a new kingdom in the north of Mesallian origin. According to legend Teloc’zepoc the Fat became so encumbered with treasure that he eat himself to death on the road back to the coast. Physical evidence shows that Edom brought many Ulmian artifacts back to the capital, but also many Ulmian ideas were adopted as well. A woman preacher by the name of Shanza reportedly gained a following in the city, but she was rejected by the male-dominated Ulmians outside Edom’s borders. The beliefs of Shanzian Ulmism transformed as well, with Shanza preaching that the True God is a woman.
 * Darna: The war with the southerners is ended, with Darna having made a fortune from raising and enslaving the southerners. The slave pens of Mosnola become filled with people from the south, who are bred for the markets of the Yannis Empire and beyond. The city expands greatly, with trade from Tesardya and other major cities. The states of Isimandia continue to trade with Frasnoq and the lands to the southwest that are being discovered. Ulmist natives are also enslaved in these regions for sale elsewhere.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: We ask Darna to officially sign the Treaty of Ropkhaui.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Consolidation of the lands under the Council persists heavily after the political purge of the royal family, centralizing the state and reducing the rights of tribal warlords remaining in the ownership of lands. Although sometimes sparking violence, most fights are ended very quickly due to the Council's force killing the rebels in a very torturous and vile manner, and even killing those attempting to surrender. During this period, literature and art enter a dark period due to the lack of support by the Council. After intense military training, academic study, and animistic education, Saemon VI officially takes the role of King in 260, keeping much of the Council closely situated near him during his later reign. Expansion northward is made along the river by 5 px.
 * Yannis Empire: After years of idle action with a heathen presence right on the Yannian border, the Anointed One decrees that it is time to renew the holy and just crusade against the Burned Men by crushing their survivor kingdom on the east side of the river. 10,000 men are raised to invade the state, with naval elements assisting on the coast as well. Another force is raised, but this remains garrisoning the borders and coast of the nation to protect against retaliation. Once the Burned Men are defeated in battle, the Anointed One orders an army of Holy Men to settle the lands and make them holy once more. As the army moves along the coast, if any cities should surrender they will be granted greater privileges under Yannian administration.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: The government of Xüonai offers to join the crusade against the Burned Men, as many in Xüonai believe in Unyanni (a mix of Yannian and Unäo religions) and Yannian. The only thing Dashon VI asks in return is a small trading post on the southern tip of the heathen nation and an alliance with Yannis. If accepted, 7,500 soldiers come to assist Yannis in their crusade.
 * In Mesallas: The Yannian expedition to the region of “Ulmaxares” south of Mesallas is considered a success, as the heathen kingdom that was invaded is more or less folded. Some Yannian mercenaries remain in the area to continually hunt heathens, and many become slavers working to fulfill the Yannian demand for slaves. After the death of Teloc’zepoc the Fat the government’s interest in pursuing the issue personally fades. The new governor in Mesallas becomes Ibecnetoc, who focuses primarily on conversion in Mesallas proper, and less so on the eastern coast where the Xaresians inhabited. Now that relations have been established with Edom some Holy Men begin spreading the faith in northern Edomite territory as well, and in their capital city of Edom.
 * Syres: By this time the Colossus of Syres is completed in the city’s harbor, becoming a monumental landmark in the region. The southwest region that had been the subject of Syresian colonization over the course of the last several decades is consolidated into a single territory. The Hensa, reluctant to place the territory under the administration of the king, decrees it a Hensa-administered territory, with several joint governors appointed by the city. The province becomes known as Setimaoth, with its capital at the settlement of Canim. Patra Lebanus of Syres promotes the spread of the Ulm faith into the western territories, ordering the first places of worship outside the city.
 * Irian Culture: The River Ludians are conquered by the Plains Ludians from farther east. Naubalates, warrior-king of all Ludians, leads his armies across the Cebrion River into Iria. The first tribe he encounters, the Regobaldi, immediately swear fealty to him. Moving northeast, he defeats the Tyrscuri and destroys their settlement at Trocaea. With the ranks swelling with swordsmen and archers, Naubalates launches a decisive attack on the city-states of the Hecis River. His men ultimately sack Aigeium, bringing an end to its hegemony. The cowardly dagatos flees to Corascuto, where he dies in a Ludian raid. For the next decade, the Ludians subjugate almost all peoples east of the Hecis River. Only Kyr withstands their attacks, due to the valiant defense of King Casserander and his sons, which will one day be the subject of epic poems. Oaxala manages to survive by paying a handsome tribute to Naubalates. The Nolossi and Catascapti are conquered, while the Solcii move ever eastward to the green outlets of the Cebrion. Meanwhile, in Ceta, the Irians expand to the west coast, absorbing the Erachmi people by force. The rulers of Rhithera begin to claim the land as their dominion, despite having little authority beyond the coast. Tydhon battles with the Rhossoi kingdoms in the north, seizing the strategically important settlement of Midabira. A city called Droupos appears on the isle of Casseran. Irian traders also establish a presence on the island between Ceta and Mithadia.

261-270
'If you still need to post in the old turn you may do so. The current turn will also be extended for Thanksgiving if needed. '

'The second Exhulan attempt to subdue the Mexiquen tribe is much more successful, with the Exhulans capturing the western tip of the region and parts of the coast. This comes at a great cost, with about 1,885 casualties sustained. '

'The Exhulan census reports that the decades of war, and the famine and other hardships that came as a result, have taken a large toll on the population. On the original home island 55,000 people in total are reported, 5,500 people on Sythri and Hakkran, on Clorrtil 17,000, on Zoelle 18,000, on the Ettyian Coast 12,000 people, in all of the Ghisna region (the original territory plus the conquered territory) 10,000 people are reported. '

'Despite early victories the Yannians experience difficulty capturing the far south of the Kuscisiwan kingdom of Moturkodja. Numerous volunteers and mercenaries are also attracted from Weritsz, with the Weritsz government pressured to intervene. '

'Despite the unification that occurred in the Tsardom of Algeorgia, most of the island’s inhabitants reject the government’s rule, with a major rebellion occurring in the western one-half of the island. '

'After the sudden conquest of Fashnoq by the Kingdom of Azoz, the Azozians experience resistance from the Fashnoqian nobility and the remnants of its army. '

'After years of resistance the tribe north of Gyt succumbs to the attacks from its neighbors. Most of the tribe’s land is seized by Herati, with some being taken by the Gytians. Despite the fall of the tribal government, the mountainous region of the far east remains de facto outside the control of the invaders for years to come. '

From Xüonai: Darna and Vandenhoek, please sign the Treaty of Ropkhaui officially.


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: With the rebellion underway, a miracle happens when a Dodo walks in between the government and the rebels fighting and makes them cease fire (the Dodo is powerful). Tsar Alexei II begins to negotiate with them. He wants them to live peacefully with the rest of Algeorgia. A new species is discovered and (think a Moa bird but bigger) is given the name Dodomoa.
 * Unarchate of Gyt: Unarch Fykus, having proven himself an excellent administrator, begins the expansion of the city of Gyt. A system of organized growth is implemented along the two major roads headed north. The city expands by roughly 40 square septons to the north and west along these roads (2 px, one north, one west). Another three small cities are constructed this decade. The first, Lyt, is built nearly due south of Kykas along the river (same px column, and next to the river). The second, Fykan, is constructed another 140 septons down the river (7 px down the river). The third city, Wys, is constructed as a trade center 20 septons from the Gytan border with the tribal cities (1 px from the Tribal border on the north bank of the river). Gyt now possesses a firm grasp on all the land either side of the river and patrols among the trade barges with a small but growing fleet of river boats. More land in the west is brought under firm Gytan control through settlement and the construction of many thousands of small hamlets and towns. Despite the focus on internal growth, there is still expansion along the southern border. As the banks of the Tythies grow overpopulated, poorer farmers and herdsmen are forced to claim lands to the south, pushing the border of Gyt by many septons (1-to-2 px along the southern border). A cartographer is sent out on a trade barge to map its route to the sea.
 * Darna: Several modifications have to be made to the treaty of the southerners. After that the war is deemed over officially, despite being de facto over for some time. Namely there will be no “compensation” for the war, as that would be ridiculous (and implausible for this time period). We trade heavily with the Empire of Niani, Molaga, Benekundon, and Zedisladana to strengthen them against the southern nation’s aggressive expansion and cruelty. The town of Mosnola recovers and expands, and the governor of the city begins claiming the rest of the river and more of the coast officially, after years of using that land already, and as per our lawful agreement. We are routinely annoyed by the southerners attempting to map our lands, and any “explorers” discovered tend to be captured as slaves by slavers while they are on their way, but that is not the doing of the government. The coastal colony in the west also expands to meet the captured outpost that was once owned by the southerners.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: We accept repealing Term II.
 * Ri'Kiva: Population increases in the colonies, but due to fears of Saemonite influence spreading on the Rk'jrv, a settlement is made 10 px downriver from the Saemonites. An envoy is sent to the Saemonites, asking that both sides agree to keep this the space in between neutral [Solace Response Needed]. The army under Kal'If assembles once more and marches against the Aurilians, and if that succeeds, marching west and then north to the sea. To smooth along dealings with the Saemonites, a tribute mission is sent, bearing deer pelts worth 10,000 of the Ri'Kivan gold currency.
 * Irian Culture: For Naubalates, the presence of the Nemeran Order is a threat to his power. The Nemerans have taken to spreading terror among the populace and targeting the king’s own commanders in daring assassination attempts. Conveniently, he will not have to lift a finger to get rid of them. In 261, Oaxala becomes engaged in a losing war with the Phimeres, a vassal tribe of the Ludians. The marauding Phimeres storm the city and massacre the priests at the Temple of Nemera. After pilfering artifacts from the Temple, they then burn the city. With its head cut off, the Nemeran Order is obliterated. The Ludians consolidate their territorial gains, incorporating Corenia and Nolossia as provinces of their empire. This decade sees the collapse of the Hecis River civilization as a direct result of the invasions, and the growth of new cities around the Ima River. In Ludian-controlled lands, the mixing of two different ways of life produces a distinct Ludo-Irian culture. This shift affects all aspects of society, from language and religion to art and warfare. Pottery of this time reflects the unique tastes of the Ludian nobility, depicting scenes of a grotesque and sexual nature that would be considered taboo among older generations of Irians. Religious imagery is common. The Ludians introduce the practice of honoring gods with wooden idols and small icons. They traditionally cremate their dead and store their ashes in stylized urns. In many areas, this custom supersedes the elaborate burials practiced by the Irians. The use of iron also increases. The Ludians favor iron for its sturdiness and abundance. It becomes an element in both pottery and weaponry. King Casserander dies in battle against the Ludians. After the fall of Kyr, Casserander’s sons relocate to the Isle of Casseran and the tip of southern Ceta, establishing three petty kingdoms there.
 * Xüonai: With the aggressive slaving from Darnans, all sailors and cartographers are advised to keep away from the Darnan homeland, with explorers banned from crossing an imaginary line from the horn north of the Darnan north coast colony to the place where the colony of Syresei used to be. With the large Exhulan map, much of the south begins to be put on Xüonai maps. With explorers being prohibited from going to the north, most of Tyha Už's resources are put into the east. Iron and artisan goods from Xüonai are traded for cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper from Exhula and Qera, all prized spices in the north, which are traded for horses, slaves, and gold. The gold is used to hire troops and mercenaries, which are deployed to help Yannis in exchange for a small trading post on the southern tip of the nation. While assisting, many mercenaries are converted to the Yannian religion. The government strikes a deal with Tyha Už, letting Tyha Už have a monopoly and developing the port in exchange for them handing over control. The government of Xüonai decides to help to capture the port, sending 7,500 men to help. Captured enemies are enslaved and sold to traders from many traders. War is officially declared on the burned men, but all of the army minus 7,500 troops plus Tyha Už's mercinaries stay at the borders of Zedislandia, Benekundon, Molaga, and Darna to discourage an invasion from any of the stated countries. With rumors of a country north of Aurelia, explorers go onto land near Aurelia and start north. Sailors go around the Aurelian continent on both the eastern and western most sides, along with cartographers going east from various points to map out the land. Rural areas grow. Darnans and Nianians begin to be called "Ropsl", and Exhulans and Qerans "Popsl". The fourth Topituya commences in 266, and although largely dominated by Xüonaisl, two Syresians and three Yannianis win, out of 32 winners.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: The tragedy on the Fall of Perea is traditionally dated to roughly around this time. The peak source of confusion among chronology stems from the conquests of Frasnoq and surrounding (brown) nations, which are well-attested in the archaeology but barely mentioned at all in the Nathonian cycle. Traditionally, the climactic war that brought an end to the Pentangle is blamed for the chaos and disunity that typified Azoz's next era. However, modern critical scholars have instead pointed to the rapid instability after conquering Frasnoq as the true source of the collapse, causing a huge economic strain until the army mutinied. After seeing his Cup had been taken, Jamshid decided it was time to invade the realm again personally, leading an army of sea monsters, golems and fishmen against Azoz. The Battle of Liyres Forest managed to crush Jamshid's initial attack, coordinating a strategy by Raphael, although countless lives were lost in the struggle. Ever confident, however, Jamshid decided to release the Bull of Heaven, an unstoppable monstrous creature kept in the service of Drokksid in preparation of the end of the world. The Bull came and rampaged through many cities of Azoz, killing many citizens in his wake. Every single knight and warrior, as well as the King himself, were required in finally defeating the cow, according to the prophesy of Isodore, and most of them were killed in the process. Even so, after the Bull was defeated it retreated across the sea to the far west, healing its wounds until returning in the end times. Jamshid himself disappears from the narrative at this point, some late sources saying how he was swallowed up in the earth. Aftert his war was finally over, the kingdom of Azoz was in a dilapidated weakened state, and as such the throne was seized by Nathon's half-brother Luxan. This resulted in an immediate civil war between Luxan and Nathon, who eventually hit each other with mortal blows at the Battle of Kaspin Hill. The Prophet Isodore, praying for a miracle, laid Nathon and all his warriors to rest in a catacomb underneath the city, until the day that the followers of Ulm are in their greatest need. During this time, Cassander was first swallowed by a great fish, and vomited on a remote island in the Eastern Sea. He took several years to make his way back home, during which time he was trapped by the wiles of the witch Astalot, who governed the island. When Sarai heard the news of Cassander's imprisonment, she was convinced that he had left her for the love of Astalot, and promptly killed herself. In the same way, as soon as Cassander returned to Azoz and saw his love was dead, he killed himself as well. Meanwhile, from the archaeology we know at this time, the nation continued to destabilize immediately after all the southern nations were conquered. The coastal region of Frasnoq and much of the brown was retained under the de jure Azoz domains, while a few more cities in the southern areas were established as well, possibly as a result of Azozans fleeing the main city. The church continued unchanged for now, however, and continued to support the Ulmian exiles after the collapse of Xares, as well as the growth of Ulm in Edom.
 * Mesallian Culture: According to the texts of the Xaresians their exodus across the great eastern desert left them hidden in an unknown, exotic world. The true nature of this isolation is disputed, as excavated sites within their former settlement have discovered Edomite coins bearing the new monarch’s likeness, indicating that some contact remained with the rest of the world. The modern day archaeological site is less than 100 miles east of a similarly dated Edomite outpost on the fringes of their empire, so it is possible that some contact existed west to east. Some 50 years later, the Mesallian writer Herasitas mentions a small kingdom to the south, that merchants would occasionally cross the desert to trade with, perhaps indicating that the Mesallian world did not totally forget about the small Ulmian colony. Iosynomis writes that the other Ulmian stronghold, the citadel of Leviea, continued to hold out against foreign powers. After the initial siege by the Yannian army failed, Iosynomis recounts at least four other sieges within the next few years by different parties, all of which eventually withdrew. The stronghold attracted the occasional town to crop up around it, which was periodically moved or destroyed. When advancing armies passed through the area en route somewhere else, Leviea became an important ally for any army seeking resupply in the region. Leviea would additionally send small parties to found settlements in the surrounding mountains, although its power remained largely trapped within the mountain citadel itself. Meanwhile, in the Melopenes, the city of Agira fought a war of expansion against its southern neighbors, primarily the city of Prynia. This marked the beginning of Agira’s domination of its narrow peninsula, and the rise of the city as a major power in Mesallas.
 * Exhula: The war against the Mexiquen continues throughout this turn, as we use the captured territory on the western base of the peninsula and the recaptured former Exhulan trading posts, which were developed over the decades since our being pushed out as cities by them, as bases to organize and launch a massive offensive farther east and up the Peninsula with the same tactics with The majority of our troops, while we also gather a further 2,000 troops and send them to the area, using them to reinforce the main army while 2,000 troops each push along each side of the coastline in an attempt to secure it and ensure the Mexiquen‘s complete subjagation (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED, KEEP WITHIN THIS TURN PLEASE).In the occupied territory Exhulans are left alive, but any Mexiquen we find that is in any way capable of fighting is killed while all the woman and children are either also killed or enslaved and shipped off to the markets of Zoelle to be sold to Qera, our trading partners farther East such as Olmac, or to the North and to Xüonai and their company of Tyha Už, with whom our developing trade relationship for many goods but primarily spices also includes a quickly developing and very profitable slave trade between us, where we are also beginning to sell many Mexiquen as exotic slaves to sell farther north to Xüonai, with some even being sold even farther north. We gladly welcome the arrival of the ambassador from Xüonai and send one of our own north to Xüonai, who arrives in 266. We also request being able to send Hcctaal preachers North to Xüonai, although we don’t really expect this to be accepted, although we see it as being worth a try. (XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED!!!). We begin to send settlers to the north of us to claim some of the islands North of us that are still unclaimed, founding the settlements of Archcaliic, Elchul, Rotucarius, Bromul, and Iysst, and sending many thousands of settlers, most of which are from Haeelos, the former home island and the most populous area in the empire, which we begin to increasingly encourage immigration from to the northern colonies or to the Ettyian coast and Ghisnan region, all of which are areas we heavily desire to settle large populations in but that have low populations currently compared to Haeelos, with many thousands departing in search of a better life. The cities founder to the south in the newly conquered territory begin to significantly grow in population and become increasingly larger, richer, and more important in the region as trade continues to develop more and more with Qera once again. The growing of cinnamon trees becomes increasingly popular throughout the empire as we seek to, in the future, develop a spice industry of our own to compete wth Qera’s, although this progress slowly and is nowhere near a large market yet. We continue trading with both the northeastern, eastern, and northern nations as well as with Qera, as Exhula becomes a center of trade between many nations even more so than before and we begin to become extremely rich as a result, not just because of the moving of much of the trade and thus the products and wealth between these regions moving through our territory, but also because of the money we make off buying and selling our many own products. We also begin to develop the first of the so-called Exhulan Longbows, which become famed for their size, sturdiness, and accuracy, as well as for being extremely rare and hard to make, and they become one of our chief luxury products while only the most skilled of archers in our armies use them. Archeologists will later find evidence that the Exhulan Aurel, an iron-based coin and Exhula’s main currency, first enters production at around this time on the orders of the Empress, something that the Emperor, embroiled in his campaign against the Mexiquen, could care less about, and it soon becomes a legitimate and common currency in trading throughout our region and beyond. This is also the time when Princess Yiia first began earning the fearsome reputation that would later earn here the fearful and respectful title of “Yiia the Red”, although that nickname did not emerge until many years after this. It originated when Prince Vassiga died in 266 at the age of 16 while Yiia was just 15, leaving behind a one-year-old son named Rttagan as the heir to the throne who many are eager to try to use for political influence, with him entrusting Yiia to defend him. With the Empress dying in suspicious circumstances early in 267 (Which were suspicious to the point that it was and is suspected by many, both at the time and modern historians, that she was assassinated by a faction trying to manipulate the young heir, which is also the reason that their were so many attempts on Yiia’s own life once it was clear she would not allow herself to be manipulated). With the Emperor far away and fighting the Mexiqen’s and the other royal siblings being even younger than she is, she is forced to take up the role of his protection for herself, with it becoming an open secret that she was the one responsible for having Yrrthis killed when he named himself regent and successfully took control of the empire for a short time period (due to Yiia herself being a minor and thus unable to be regent and many nobles looking to control the young heir rightfully seeing her as a political enemy) before he “mysteriously” died of poisoning in 269, after which she managed to have two of the few loyal nobles of any authority at the Exhulan Court, Lorgar Dhhcs and Rloitan Yorth, splinted as regents, before she took control a few years into next turn once she was considered old enough. Around this time is also when she first began politically battling her uncle Tycar for influence over Rttagan, a harsh conflict that developed a lot of hate between them. Yiia herself survived many assassination attempts during this time and after by her political rivals. This is also when the goddess Ilyyivit, the goddess of fertility and destruction first entered into the Hcctaal religion as a major figure, one who is said to have been brutally killed by the villainous god Ktt’houur and hollowed out while still alive so he could hide from the other gods wrath and plot his revenge on them, but who still survives in horrible agony to bring life back to the lands of Exhula after his great eruptions using her corpse destroy much, with one such eruption happening at the end of 270 and doing a lot of damage to central Haeelos and becoming a major factor in the mass immigration that occurred to many of the empire's other territories during this time, although it did not result In Haeelos being anywhere close to ceasing to be the most populous region of the empire or cause major damage to the government, since that has long since been moved to Zoelle and Siccarius, although it does cause some panic and disrupt many logistics for a few years. Finally, in an effort to increase the lowered population we begin offering large incentives for women to have more children, with many tax breaks being given to those who have a large number of surviving children, something that especially begins encouraging the poor and landless to have many children as it allows them to make some amount of money far above what they could normally earn, something that also leads to some of those with the most intelligent members and largest numbers of surviving children even escaping from the ranks of the landless poor, although this is extremely rare and none enter the nobility or anywhere near them in wealth, with most just entering the middle-class citizens. We also send three expeditions to explore 30 px east of Zoelle and Clorrtil, in an attempt to discover more lands. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).
 * Exhula defeats the Mexiquen tribe decisively, but at a cost of 5,400 soldiers over the course of the process. The enemy tribe is nearly entirely wiped out, and the region heavily desolated. 
 * Exhula continued: With the successful reconquest of our lost land in the Mexiquen area and successful conquest of the Mexiquen’s remaining land we begin our usual process of colonizaion, settling thousands of Exhulan ino the region to secure it and turn it into a productive part of the empire. The remaining Mexiquen are unable to resist our colonization due to our complete decimation of their civilization and wiping out most of their population. Thus, although sporadic attacks and raids continue to occur, most of the army departs, leaving 4,000 Exhulan soldiers to garrison the area.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Tyha Už greatly welcomes Exhula's trade with them, and asks to settle a small trade post occupying a small island, preferably sparsely inhabited and just north of Exhula. The ambassador coming in 266 is met with honor, and great lengths are made to give him a warm welcome. The government strongly discourages (not outright bans) bringing Hcctaal preachers to Xüonai, citing the Ulm crisis. However, the government has nothing against the religion but says that bringing Hcctaal to Xüonai may foster resent to devote followers to Ulm, Unäo, or Yannian if Hcctaal becomes another religion to compete within the mainland, making Hcctaal a religion which is discriminated against, and may hurt the followers. Tyha Už and the government celebrate the conquering of Mexiquen, due to the increase in stability in Exhula after military conflict. Xüonai hopes to keep healthy relations with Exhula. Note: Tyha Už is a company (much like the British East India company, but more integrated into the government). It is largely supported by the government, and engages in trade, exploring, and sometimes politics and wars (such as the Yanno-Moturkodja war and helping foster the Yanno-Xüonai alliance) to gain land and goods. It is not a colony.
 * Exhula response: Exhula agrees to allow the Tyha Už to settle a small island north of us as a trading post, and directs them to the number of small islands north of us, allowing them to found a settlement as a trading post on one of the islands. Also, although the strong discouragement from the Xüonai government cause us to decide to limit the numbers we send, the current Emperor is very religiously devout and dedicated to spreading Hcctaal (which is why he decided to go to war with the Mexiquen earlier) and without a ban on sending preachers he begins sending them to Xüonai as soon as he takes power again in Siccarius upon returning from the Third and final Mexiquen War, although his daughter and advisors manage to convince him to limit the numbers he sends since we still desire to maintain friendly relations with Xüonai and don’t want to make the government angry by ignoring the discouragement.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Consolidation of the lands under the Council and Saemon VI persists heavily after the political purge of the royal family, centralizing the state and reducing the rights of tribal warlords remaining in the ownership of lands. Although sometimes sparking violence, most fights are ended very quickly due to the Council's force killing the rebels in a very torturous and vile manner, and even killing those attempting to surrender. During this period, literature and art enter a dark period due to the lack of support by both Saemon VI and the Council. Religious tolerance is declared as to please the citizens, and soon a small number of temples are built across the nation in respect. Expansion northward is made along the mountains and river by 5 px, and soon a clearing through them is found and properly expanded into by 2 px.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One accepts the aid of Xüonai in crushing the Burned Men, and agrees to their offer of granting them a trade post in the southern tip of the conquered land. Their trade post is permitted on the eastern side of the tip, just outside one of the settlements that was captured. The Yannis Empire also accepts Xüonai’s offer of an alliance, and will trade maps at this time if they are still willing. In the west of the nation the governors of the Lake Xlaban region begin construction of a series of roads that will extend to Dijunga in the west, but also north in several locations into the mountains, allowing for some limited movement into southwest Niani, or the Darnan colony, for trade and communication. In the east the roads between Xanuys and other major cities to Bassar, and then to the eastern coast, allows for increased settlement of this region. The empire’s ships explore the eastern coast north and south, planting markers along the coast every so many miles, and at major stops constructing small temples.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: The government accepts the map trading agreement, and hopes to sustain long lasting relations with Yannis.
 * In Mesallas: Governor Ibecnetoc dies and is replaced by governor Temen’telon. The new governor is far more ambitious, and seeks to extend his domain to governance over the entire Western Sea. He begins demanding tribute and patronage from the vassals, clients, and neighbors of Oconaca, who will address him as Ruler of the West. After the King of Deconos, who rules the small cluster of islands between Nykos and Halatia, purposely slights the governor in an act of resistance, Temen’telon campaigns on the islands and has them subjugated. The king is killed and replaced by a more submissive ruler, who bends the knee to Temen’telon in perpetuity. Between direct and indirect rule, the Yannian viceroyalty dominates the lands from the Gabatrian Sea and the Acrissa Islands of Syres.
 * In Tik’akna: The colony of Ometoc-vis and Quamocten, and the southern colony of Tohatia, both begin trading with Exhula to the far south. Tohatia consolidates rule around its central river and commissions new settlements in the south, as well as numerous trade posts and temples along the route to Exhula. Holy Men rightfully work to help spread the faith south, with small temples being constructed in the new Exhulan settlements. These Holy Men also launch voyages to the south to uncover new lands.
 * Mang: The nation is sustained of not much to say about. However, the military is being worked on by the Ompai Emperor because of a strained world of alliances that could potentially threaten the nation. The government is very obscure about the way it treats civilians, so new military jobs were routed to the jobless, which gave about 13,000 jobs to the jobless inhabitants. A new currency is being worked on by the government due to a lack of money the nation has to the jobless and citizens. Meanwhile, the nation is currently establishing domain to continue the work for the jobless. 500 troops were ordered to the coastline, for any lookout for ships intruding there water area. Another thing is that Ompai Emperor is planning three new cities. One city is to establish new trade routes and become an important route for imports and naval building (whenever the nation gets the resources to build a naval ship). Another city will be an important agricultural center, mainly for painting, writing, and other cultural stuff. The final city will be the capital of Mang. These will be scheduled to be finished in 291-300.


 * Beraba: Out from the high cities of Ngaoudera, Doulaba, and Damatura, a proclamation is carried forth by messengers to the far reaches of Beraba. There is to be a census of all of the inhabitants of the realm. The census takes nearly a year to complete, but the results are finally returned to the high cities and examined by the scholars. Based on the results of the census, a new tax is implemented across the realm. This tax will finance large public works projects and administrative changes in the following decades. First, this will sponsor a small military/police force for the realm, subordinate to the royal guards. There are also upgrades to the royal academies in the high cities. Each noble house must send at least one child to these academies. The census results also include a list of common children with an aptitude to become clerks and scribes. These children are sent to the academies as well. The tax will also sponsor more permanent temples to the Beraban pantheon, including the five High Gods: Baione - God of the Overhead, Sydes - God of the Underneath, Umbor - God of the In-Between, Ihena - Goddess of the Waters, and Qisdona - Goddess of the Flames. Finally, the tax will finance expeditions up the rivers to the highlands, and along the coast to the north and south to discover more about their surroundings. In the final months of the decade, the Crown Prince of Damatura, Hun-Cane (known as “the Wise), experiences a decline in his health. By the end of the decade, he dies. The members of House Hjadra assemble and elect Hun-Cane’s nephew, Honiahaka, as the new Crown Prince of Damatura.
 * Syres: Spearheaded by a handful of wealthy merchant families, notably the Demniahs and the Heronites, the nation of Syres launched a number of trade missions to the Emalia region, exploring the region’s series of rivers south and east. Along the primary river is the city of Ema, where a major trade post is constructed, and numerous other cities south of it, while on the western tributaries the nation discovers an alternative route to the materials of the mountains without going through Edom. In the east the rivers are followed into the Great Lakes, where the nation encounters a plethora of new goods to trade for, and a small fortune is made trading previously unknown goods such as janter to the natives of the region. In the west of the nation the Ulmian religion first appears, and near the city of Canim the story of Nelrim is infused with native beliefs to create a story of a bloodline descending from the prophet. A few vague phrases in the Ulmian scripture are interpreted as evidence of a secret wife to Nelrim, from whom many important figures emerged, and a small church in the region dedicates itself to documenting and preserving this bloodline. Around the same time the condemned matriarchal version of Ulmism continues to grow in Edom, and also makes its first appearance near Emalia, another matriarchy.

271-280
'After several decades of difficult warring, and the state’s continued warring, Exhula finds itself low on funds and unable to pay its soldiers. The remaining Exhulan army refuses to advance further. Additionally the past war leaves Exhula with little to no manpower, with a disproportionately low number of men compared to women. '

'A nation known as Eldebethias (“the ten cities”) launches an invasion west, encountering the Kingdom of Benyisra and the nation of Draka. '

'The “Massacre of the Innocents” is ordered by a high priest and bureaucrat in Edom, which sees several hundred Ulmian converts killed. The Shanzian Ulmists, who differ from Orthodox beliefs in that they are matriarchal and believe in a female True God, are ignored by the soldiers carrying out the order. '

'Several of the trading posts and colonies established between Syres and Neum develop into their own city-states. '


 * Qera: As merchants and rich spice-plantation owners see that Exhulans start to catch on to their monopoly on cinnamon, they heavily influence the court with their economic might, to prohibit the sale of nutmeg tree seeds. Nutmeg is only available as powder or cut-in-half nuts, even though archeological evidence for plant smuggling is found. Trade with the Xüonai starts to really kick off in this decade, as spices are sold as a major export good and an envoy to the Tyha Uz (or Tyjauoz as the Qerans call the Xüonai people in general), where a special deal for cinnamon and pepper is offered, which would heavily undercut the prices Exhula offers (XÜONAI RESPONSE).  The warrior caste expands as many Ualjaks marry Qerans or migrate into Qera with large minorites in southern villages and cities. After the recent colonization in the east, expansion continues and an expedition to the southeast is sent down the Otlewevâ (Ualjak for "frontier-river") and a city is formed at the shores of a great lake to the south (Rural expands 15 px). 
 * Kingdom of Azoz: After the fall of Perea marks an age of disunity and chaos in Azoz, known as the Ebony Era. The kingdom remained nominally unified, under a succession of kings known as the Cassanderan Dynasty. They were named such for being descendents of Cassander, although different legends disagree who the mother of the first king was. However, the Cassanderan dynasty was very weak, and didn't hold any authority outside of Azoz city itself. The rest of the Kingdom was split into nine different city-states: Azoz, Bangui, Ishbak, Medan, Teman, Agamenus, Frasnoq, Laogui, and Saraita (the last two were on coastal Frasnoq). Generalizing the whole era as chatoic is a bit of a disservice, as many city-states at certain times bore a hallmark of technology and philosophy in peacetime. But constant war between feudal powers became the norm, and frequently this resulted in proliferation of famine and disease. A mass migration period of Ulmians was usually the result of this, expanding settlemnts in three directions: some migrated east to settle in Edom and Mesallia, including the collection of martyrs that became known as the "Holy Innocents". Many others migrated north, creating entirely new settlements in the gap between Azoz and Tuartha, usually under the control of Teman. Finally, in the far west the cities of Laogui and Saraita sponsored the creation of their own navies, and began setting up rapid settlement of the western islands, as well as trading ships pushing farther west into the ocean. Slaves in Darna and military in Niani, as well as intellectuals in Eskaladun continue to be converted to Ulm, and now a renewed effort from the Church expands the religion's pressence in Yannis as well, spurned on by earlier martyrs. The Shanzian Ulmists in Edom are tolerated by the Orthodox churches there, but more elite theologians in the region write extensively on the fallacies in the heresy.
 * Mang: Ompai Emperor is still continuing the building of the three cities for importance. Meanwhile, more military jobs are being created to the homeless and jobless people. Under Ompai, the sovereign state is going under reforms to make the nation wealthier and stronger for internal or external conflicts. A speech was made for the locals by Ompai Emperor about this situation. Here is the speech: "Greetings everyone, I was contacted by some locals in the area about my policy of job creation. They said that it was for the better good of our great nation Mang. Our locals are experiencing jobs created, and we are planning for a better nation for the people, for the locals, for all of the jobless and homeless people that are too feeble to stand up on their own two feet, for the one and only Mang. Thank you and have a good day!" The speech later went viral by locals in Mang, which shows the future of their country and Emperor.
 * Mesallian Culture: It is recorded that at the 17th Jafiad, the holy festival and sporting event (held in Year 268), became the first Ulmian athlete to participate. There is no mention in any ancient Ulmian sources of the Jafiad until around the 12th Jafiad, when Ignapius the Younger wrote a brief condemnation of the event as a pagan holiday that no Ulmian ought to attend, and for the next 20 years his advice seems to have been followed. This changed when a young athlete named Nelus allegedly managed to sneak into the competition and win first place in the long distance race. When Nelus was to honor the gods after the ceremony he refused, and had his award promptly taken away. Ulmists became temporarily banned from future Jafiads, but nevertheless the event helped to dissuade the myth that Ulmists were inferior to their polytheistic counterparts. Shortly after a major event occured relevant to the Ulmians in Edom; the “Massacre of the Innocents”. Any sources from an Edomite perspective on the ordering of the event appear to have been lost to time, however, later sources that reference earlier accounts appear to indicate that the event was motivated purely in an attempt to rid the city of its upstart cult. According to the preacher and church leader Shanza, the Shanzians were spared because the True God made the soldiers “pass over” the women Ulmians, and used the event in a major way for recruitment purposes. In reality it is likely that the Shanzians were targeted too, but because of the nature of the cult they managed to blend in much easier and were not as equally hated in the eyes of the matriarchal authorities. Another influential source on the event is the Ulmian writer Lanun, who was an Edomite convert living east of the city. According to him, after the fall of the Ulmaxares theocracy to the east, the True God spoke to the high priests before the exodus and said that a descendant of Nelrim would be “reborn” under the sky of a rising star, who would reclaim the high temple in the name of the True God, and also avenge the fall of Xares by destroying the elite of Edom. He then states that the ruler of Edom systematically killed the Ulmians of the city in an effort to prevent this prophecy from coming true. Iosynomis, the primary Xaresian historian of the era, also confirms this as a possibility, although no other sources, especially non-Ulmian ones, mention this. If this was the case the Edomite massacre failed, as according to legend when the rising star was spotted in the sky a boy was born to two hidden Ulmians somewhere near the city, and they were smuggled out into the countryside. The boy is next mentioned by Lanun to have traveled to Leviea when he was an adolescent. He stood before the gates of the fortress and walked up to the sacred gate, which had been closed since the fall of Xares’ kingdom. When the guards fired upon him all 100 arrows missed him, and he did not flinch or move. The high priest went to the gate and questioned the boy, and he began to recite the words of the Prophet Nelrim and the secret code of Xares. Astonished the high priests opened the gates and declared the boy Nelrim II, the rightly guided successor. Several other texts, written much further after the event, add other important details. One states that three priests witnessed the event as well; two from the tribe of Vedun and one from the Tahuan tribe descended from Milo. The three witnessed the boy’s ascension and proclaimed him the champion of the True God, the enlightened, and the savior from death, and traveled back to their homes to relay the news. Whether coincidentally or not, around the same time the people of Vedun broke their self-imposed “isolation”, and contacted Leviea for the first time. According to records within the city, a great ritual occurred and two priests were dispatched after a revelation from the True God came down to them. The mention of the Tahuan witness is more peculiar, as the Tahuans had little to no knowledge of Leviea at this time. Instead it is believed that this was a later addition after Tahua became important in the region’s religion and culture. Elsewhere in the Mesallian world a major conflict broke out at this time that reshaped the region. In the 18th Jafiad (Year 272) the alliance led by Meshwati, now being called the League of Ossa, came into conflict Meshwati’s ancient rival, Karissa. The Karissans managed to attract allies that contested Meshwati’s hegemony, including several allies across the western sea. With neither side likely able to win a direct confrontation on land near the main cities involved, both sides sponsored the creation of proxy armies in the Gudumanes peninsula. The northwest of the peninsula was likewise heavily influenced by the Yannians, which the Meshwati sought to stop and the Karissans reluctantly supported, if it meant weakening Meshwati’s influence. The city of Agrino, which had a significant Yannian presence from Halatia, saw its government split between the Meshwati and the Yannians, causing religious and political scheming and violence. When the claimant Aghion was deposed by the Yannian-influenced faction, Meshwati sent aid under the pretense of restoring an elected official, as the democratic process was considered a divine covenant with the Meswallian gods. The rest of Meshwati’s alliance was made of smaller towns who were staunchly religious or against Yannian expansion, while the cities closest to Yannian territory remained neutral or aligned with Aghion’s rival, Tezonius.
 * Exhula: The lack of funds and demands from our soldiers not to advance further are able to be handled relatively well, as by the time they become a serious problem the last of the Mexiquen resistance as been crushed and the Mexiquen have been entirley wiped out. Although Emperor Lorgar was planning a campaign to try to conquer the nation next to the former Mexiquen lands at the time the demands of the soldiers and the lack of manpower force him to face the reality that this won’t be possible and in response, he reluctantly cancels this campaign. Most of our soldiers soon return home and with their return home we begin attempting to address the demographic issue with the disportionate amount of females to males. We do this by reintroducing polygamy to Exhulan society which before this had largely declined to become very rare and frowned upon practice, but one that was in no way illegal or discouraged by our religion. Thus, although it is difficult, we are fairly successful at reintroducing the practice, as we are able to maximize the number of women having children by allowing and encouraging multiple women to marry individual men, thus ensuring most women still have children and the population doesn’t continue declining despite the disproportionate numbers. We spend increasingly less on military, instead deciding to focus on digesting our recent conquests and recovering from the many wars recently waged. The disproportionate amount of women to men also results in women taking a more active role in Exhulan society, becoming able to enter several professions they were not able to before and married women became able to have their own wealth rather than having to give it to their husbands. Trade continues to increase with the Eastern and Northeastern nations, as well as with Qera and with Yannis and Xüonai, which begins to refill the coffers again despite us being low on funds right now. The colonization of the northern islands continues, with three new settlements being founded. We also found three settlements in the land east of them and three new settlements in the former Mexiquen lands, which we continue to settle. Overall though we mostly limit our expansion, and we do our best to stay out of any conflicts. In court politics the Jdohr dies in 274 and on his death bed he is forced by Yiia and the Emperor to appoint Yiia the new Jdohr, making her the first female Jdohr in centuries. With this position now being firmly in royal hands Lorgar and her are able to go on a massive purge of the disloyal that helps to clear the court for Rttagan‘s later reign. The court, due to lots of fear of them resulting from this and also a lot of hatred due to the increasing tyranny of it, turns against Lorgar and his council, with two main factions emerging besides the loyalists, those who are more practical and still wish to have an Aurelian on the throne and thus support Lorgar’s brother Tycar and wish to support his claim to the throne (as he and his brother hate eachother so Tycar is fully willing to take advantage of this situation to try to kill him) and those who are wish to get rid of the Aurelians altogether and have a new candidate on the throne, who are led by Saessor Sporeliae. They fight for political influence for the next four years before they are fully eliminated, being purged one at a time, with Tycar being arrested on charges of treason using fake evidence and bribed witnesses (since he did do it but their wasn’t enough evidence and Lorgar wants to seem just), before having him executed by being sawed in one-half, starting from the top of his body..... when he was flipped upside down. This political battle continues for the next two year before Lorgar and the council eventully have Saessor and most of his family and supporters murdered at the so-called “Bloody Feast”, where a large group of Exhulan soldiers supporting the council stormed a feast Saessor was holding to gather more influence among his supporters in preperation for a coup in 280 and forcibly arrest or kill all in attendanxe before dragging them to court for a public and brutal execution in front of the whole court including Rttagan, making Lorgar increasingly unpopular with the populace, along with those who support them. These bloody actions are what earned Lorgar his haetful nickname of “The Crimson King” and his advisory council the nickname of the Crimson Court, a nickname which Yiia embraced by beginning to wear much Dark Red clothing and jewelry, which earned her specifically her nickname. Disgusted by these actions and considering them the last straw in a long line of horrid things he has witnessed from his father, Rttagan flees from the palace to the city, where he purchases a large theatere in the city and begins to heavily renovate it and write and perform plays, with the first, Messlia, about an Exhulan soldier and a Qeran woman who fall in love during the Second Kisna War, being performed in September (having started near the beginning of the year) and proving extremely popular with nobles and normal citizens alike, as something unlike anything else they have seen at such a play. Although many at court, including Lorgar, are angry and surprised about the prince's sudden departure, or just amused by what The so-called “Playwright Prince” is doing, most believe he simply needs some time before he is ready to return to palace life after witnessing his father's, admittedly rather horrid, actions. Interestingly, he actually falls in love with one of his fellow actors (since he both acts in the plays and directs them) and she becomes his mistress (Although it is actually closer to a boyfriend and girlfriend and they are legitimately in love with each other that word doesn't exist at this time or completely fir.) This would later prove a major factor in his repeated refusal to return to the palace, and would prove a major problem for both him and his father. Back in the palace Yiia falls out of favour with her father around this time when he gains (false) suspicions that she is plotting against him and he becomes increasingly insulting and demeaning to her while still being very rude, intentionally slighting her a number of times. This behaviour had actually gone on for years behind closed doors by this time (sinice he made her Jdohr in fact, as he recognized it as a necessary political move but still hated her for it since he is so religiously devout and is also extremely sexist, and viewed giving the position to a woman as a necessary blasphemy) but it only really becomes visable by 280, and she begins to seriously resent and hate him. He also decides that, since Rttagan is 16 in 280 it is time for him to get married and continue the Royal line (Lorgar fully expects him to be over his actions and return to the palace by the time she arrives if it’s accepted) and proposes a marriage between Rttagan and one of the current Xüonaial of Xüonai’s female relatives, preferably a daughter or, if that isn’t available a sister, to create and seal an alliance between Xüonai and Exhula (XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED!).  Meanwhile, in the rest of the empire outside the political drama at court we continue to introduce the growing and harvesting of cinnamon trees throughout the Empire, as the spice trade continues to be extremely profitable and we begin attempting to extend it to our trading partners to the Northeast and East of us. We also begin to develop a still small but growing industry of growing and selling various  Mints throughout the Empire and to our various trading partners. Initially introduced to us through trade with Sillas, they prove to grow well in many areas of the Empire and their growing and harvesting proves to be a profitable trade that we begin heavily investing in, especially in our many tropical regions, where the wet environments and moist soils prove to be excellent for growing and harvesting these herbs.  We also begin surveying many of our lands which we never properly surveyed before now for a variety of reasons, for Iron, Gold, Copper, Gravel, Diamonds, and Clay, particularly in the Ettyian Coast and Ghisnan Region, our new Mexiquen teritory, which we refer to as Ermexia, and our new more northern colonies, including the one just above Ciast. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!!!)  and heavily investing in mining those materials in those regions which we do find to be rich in these and other useful minerals, often with thousands of slaves but often with actual Exhulan citizens as well. In further news, Wax tablets begin to become increasingly popular throughout the Empire as a replacement for the tedious process of carving words onto stone, which until this point has been the only usus avalliabke way of etching your words somewhere permanently and for Papyrus, which was and is still rare and mostly used by the wealthy. With the invention of and refining of the practice in our remaining Southern colonies a few decades ago they began spreading it north and as a result by now it has become popular enough to be readily appear to and obvious and useful throughout the Empire, although latter historians will be unsure of which city the practice was invented in. More and more we begin to slowly enrich ourselves again, and our population slowly stops decreasing, although it is only just beginning to increase again by the time 280 ends. Finally, with the major lack of reliability form the army right now, we begin to increasingly rely on our navy more and more, constructing many more ships and beginning the process of extremely increasing our navy, which we will become one of our strongest tools later on although it will take awhile and only begins in 274.
 * Yannis Empire: The Burned Men heathens are massacred in great numbers, while those who convert to the Yannian faith are allowed to retain their lives and live within the new territory that is created east of the Gon’hanphan Delta. The leading general of the invasion is appointed its new governor, and the province becomes known as Moturkodja, after its captured capital. The Bassar territory is also split into three provinces; Bassar, Sumyala, and Teloc’tezon (around Eocnessar). The latter of which sees increased immigration, with a group of Holy Men being sent to settle the fertile region south of the city and east of Sumyala. The city of Eocnessar becomes an important trade city and place for explorers to resupply. The governor in the city established a route for trade with Aurelia and beyond, and dispatches Holy Men to chart the coast northward. Soldiers and their families settle the new lands as well, with workers creating new roads to connect the nation’s road system to all the conquered territories and new provincial capitals. To commemorate the victory the Anointed One orders a new public works project using the spoils of the war. In the Holy City of Ya’gothna-Vis a new aqueduct is ordered, which runs a few miles from nearby hills into the city. This aqueduct is primarily used to supply a series of new public fountains scattered around the city with underground lead pipes. The main feature, however, is a sewer system that is constructed in the city’s center. The project begins as an open-air canal bisecting one of the busier parts of the city before exiting into the Soloney River. In the center of the canal’s path, the canal it is roofed over with stone archways, which is then covered with earth, becoming the first segment of a system that would eventually be moved completely underground.
 * In Mesallas: Governor Temen’telon takes notice of the upheaval taking place in Mesallas and elects to lend aid to the Karissan faction. The governor watches the situation closely and pledges men that Karissa may use. At the same time the governor also sends a large group of envoys to Edom carrying a small fortune of treasures, which is gifted to the people responsible for the Massacre of the Heathens. The group is pledged to aid in the continued killing of Ulmists and the opening of Yannian proselytization.
 * In Tik’akna: The division of the Temayal Empire in two appears permanent, after the first generation of kings passes and news one succeed in each respective one-half. In the city of Tik’akna the ruler becomes Fano’yetoc III, while in the south Itzqatoc is succeeded by Iximanasa III. The later manages to win a minor war with the Franics which sees the border shifted, but no major gains are made. In Tahua the tribes came to be ruled by a descendant of Issacitali named Saladeram. In Tahuan legend, the king was contacted by their god and told to travel to the southern land of Simandys, where he was given the Holy Law on a series of stone tablets, and told the prophecy of the Great Savior, while will bring about the end of the mortal world and the ascension into heaven.


 * Unarchate of Gyt Years 557-566: Unarch Fykus dies after ruling Gyt for 27 years. His reign was marked by prosperity and relative peace with only a few minor wars. Before his death he sends a second expedition to the south, this time they shall explore for 500 septons from the Gytan border (100 px south). There is hope that new trade routes or perhaps a second great river exist to the south. Unarch Fykus’ successor, Unarch Rykius II, immediately takes a different path from the administrator of the last 27 years. He begins by offering vassalage and military aid to the Gutars and the Fonesi two of the mid-sized tribes to the south. Assuming their cooperation Gyt will aid them in destroying their rivals and enemies. The proposed plan would give these tribes sole taxation rights to one-half of the conquered lands, but require that they pay a 10% tithe to Gyt, However, Unarch Rykius II, is not content with simply vassalizing the area, he secretly plans to seize a great swath of land in the coming years. The Unarch also conducts a census in the year 565 in order to gauge the size and might of Gyt which has grown rapidly over the last 30 years.
 * Beraba: After the ascension of Honiahaka of House Hjadra to the title of Crown Prince of Damatura, he has a dream of famine and plague that would befall the land. He proposes a reforms that are initially met with resistance from Hartono of Ngaoudera and Caprakan of Doulaba. However, after a great summit between the three leaders, Hartono and Caprakan agree. The reforms start with a financial audit of the entire nation, examining total wealth, income, expenditures, etc. This is accompanied by the institution of the nation’s first currency, the “chip”, organized into groups of five, a sacred number in the Beraba religion. The Crown Princes order the expansion of the farmland in the nation, cutting into the wilderness to the east. They also institute a National Granary with constituent storage facilities in each High City, that can hold enough grain for five years in case of famine. Also, in the interest of trade, delegations are sent to the nations of Gahren and Makuku to seek partnerships. They offer gifts of iron and tin, bananas and papayas, and strings of pearls. A great tomb is built for the deceased Crown Prince Hun-Cane. Members of the prominent House Kitsur express interest in creating a settlement of their own, and set off from Ngaoudera up the Cinhoedl River to seek a suitable location.
 * Darna: The city of Mosnola expands and sees the first roads constructed north from the city to smaller outposts. A chieftain is appointed to oversee the settlement, and he orders that the coast up to the border with Tesgardya and the Empire of Niani be claimed. Laminir the Seer becomes the High King of Isimandia, and oversees its expansion and growth. Spurred on by the discovery of the southern nations, the Isimandians continue to heavily trade along the Western Sea toward the south, while also exploring in both directions along the coast.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Consolidation of the lands under the Council and Saemon VI persists heavily after the political purge of the royal family, centralizing the state and reducing the rights of tribal warlords remaining in the ownership of lands. Although sometimes sparking violence, most fights are ended very quickly due to the Council's force killing the rebels in a very torturous and vile manner, and even killing those attempting to surrender. During this period, literature and art enter a dark period due to the lack of support by both Saemon VI and the Council. Religious tolerance is declared as to please the citizens, and soon a small number of temples are built across the nation in respect. Expansion northward is made along the mountains and river by 5 px, and soon a clearing through them is found and properly expanded farther into by 5 px by outcasts and nobility looking to expand their hold on the lands of Uskana (New Land).
 * Syres: Although the city of Syres and its government did not formally involve itself in the developing conflict forming across the sea in Mesallas, numerous merchant families and volunteers involved themselves in the conflict indirectly. In some cases this included selectively selling weapons and supplies to the Meshwati side of the conflict, or in the case of some merchants, seeking to take advantage of both sides for the highest amount of profit. At the same time, trade with the western city-states emerging on the coast between Syres and Neum intensifies at this time.
 * Irian Culture: Ludian influence and Ludo-Irian culture continues to spread throughout the region. Migrations to Ceta continue. A small earthquake occurs off the coast that rattles the port of Midabira but causes no severe damage or loss of life. The Solcii begin paying tribute to the Ludians. Explorers from Droupos, Likos, and Lumos (the three kingdoms of Casseran) sail along the west coast of Ceta, discovering a city-state there called Traikastro. The two cities that have sprung up on the Ima River are Ima and Diolophon.
 * Xüonai: Sorry for late turn, I was out all of yesterday. An era of economic and political stability started in the early 270's for Xüonai and most of the known world in general. Tyha Už's success begins to skyrocket in this decade, with cinnamon and nutmeg bought from Qera and slaves and horses from Exhula. With slaves from Exhula, several colonies are made by Tyha Už, territories that are officially Xüonaisl with Tyha Už having a monopoly on the ports. One is located just northwest of Phorintheon on Greater Tik’akna named Lueht, or "mosquito coast"; another just north of Exhula near the three rivers named Fahnatwi, or "three river(s) colony"; and the development of trading cities in all of the above colonies plus the area in Bassar. When Rttagan proposes marriage, Dashon VI's daughter is married off to him, and an alliance is made. Exhulan athletes are invited to the Topituya, a gaming event. Of the 32 events, Exhulans get three, Yannians four, and Syresians three, with Xüonaisl winning the other 22. Xüonai slavers begin to slave Darnan cartographers that stray below the horn of the west. A second attempt at a canal is made through the mountains, and fails once again. A new tactic called Bphliacre begins to be developed, where cavalry perform pincer movers to cut off enemy forces and keep the infantry to sweep them up. The east is heavily explored, with areas in the north near Aurelia and east of Exhula. Rural areas grow 10 px, and two city grows by 1 px each. Supporting Xüonai’s new ally, Yannis, aid is sent to Karrisa in Mesallia, on the terms that the small island north of the Meshwatti mainland be ceded to Xüonai.

281-290
'After relatively little action for the last several decades, a new, ambitious king ascends to the throne of the Kingdom of Weritsz, and arranges a royal marriage that puts the tribal nation east of Weritsz under his control as well. '

'In the nation of Gyt an earthquake occurs in the east near the mountains. The great border wall is partially damaged as a result, which was later said to be an omen that the great evil to the east had snuck in. Soon after the volcano Mount Hythius erupts, destroying towns in its immediate vicinity. Similarly, near the island of Ri'kiva an earthquake is experienced that damages the major cities of the island. '

'The nation of Gahren accepts the offer of trade from the city-states of Beraba. '

'The study by the nation of Exhula discovers sources of copper, iron, and gypsum near Qera and the mountains. Additionally sources of salt are discovered in the deserts to the west. '


 * Kingdom of Azoz: Each of the city-states in the Ebony Era tended to grow their own unique development and culture. Teman was very rural, agricultural soceity focused on expanding their farmlands northeast to fill more of the gap between Azoz and Tuartha. Ishbak was a highly militant, warrior culture fixated on crushing their enemies with a large and well-disciplined army. Medan to the south was the diametric opposite, with ephasis on learning and philosophy as well as cultivating theology. Langui and Sarita both developed heavily-invested sea travel, and ruthlessly competed on the high seas for domination of the trade, while also exploring farther out to sea. In Azoz, however, it was around this time the Great Library in Azoz was probably destroyed. Although the exact cause of the fire is not known for certain, it may have been due to a civil war between rival claiments to the throne at this time, as two distant cousins within the Cassanderan dynasty lay claim at the same time. Regardless of the ultimate cause, the fire devastated the entire library, Basilica and surrounding buildings within the city, competely destroying all records and books from before this time. Only a handful of highly important documents survived this catastrophe, chief of which being the Ulm canon of scripture. Nonetheless, it is after this event that recorded history of Azoz is on much firmer ground, without being muddled in legend and mythology. Damashq, the great Ulm theologian of Edom, is believed to have lived at this time, and worked very closely to write several theologic texts condemening various heresies within the Ulm faith, including the Elmenian faith in Mesallia. However, in general local Patras of Ulm continued to admit these faiths in the church as the same as the orthodox, in spite of the opinions by more elite intellectuals.


 * Hythia: The histories of Gyt tell of a mighty god-king descended from the Heavens who slew his foes by the thousands. Hythius, first among gods and first above men, Lord of the fire and earth, was the first of the gods to walk the land. The stories tell of the great battle where Tykus and Bysulus defeated the god-king, but even their great power could not destroy him. Imprisoned in the earth, he has awoken. The Doom of Gyt arrives as burning clouds descend from the mountain and destroy the city of Cysk. In the chaos, a lone survivor reaches the gates of Gyt and proclaims himself a servant of Hythus, Dynus the Untouched he is named, and the city bows before him. Under the leadership of the gods, Hythia goes to war. The Unar is raised, swollen to its maximum strength as crops are doomed to fail regardless of their tending. Instead the Hythians will take what they need. With an army of 8,000 men, one-half on horseback, Hythia strikes west against the alliance of cities. Burning those who stand against them. Fire and Earth. Burning and burying. These are how the enemies of Hythus die. That or by the blade of a Hythian sword or at the point of a spear wrought from the iron of the earth. The lands of the confederation are ravaged and their foods taken by force. Hythia will eat, so that others starve. The lands to the south are also fair game and after two years fighting the tribes to the west, the army turns south and strikes against the Fonesi, burning the men, burying the women and taking the food and livestock by force. The raids spread from there destroying settlement after settlement to feed the people of Hythia. Land is seized as well, and settlers from the north are quick to abandon their desolate homes for the relative prosperity of the south. Under the true lord Hythus, Gyt is no more than a city. The chosen of Hythus, blessed by his fires, and graced by his blessed servant shall overcome all those who stand opposed to his truth. For there is no greater power than Fire and Earth.
 * Qera: News of the resources in the west spread to the court of Ycas IV and an expedition is sent west to search for iron and gold. The formerly used pearls are now replaced by rings of copper as a currency. Expansion to the south continues, The farming of potatoes is recorded officially in Yiia's book "On the commoners", where she describes the traditions, language and customs of the common Qeran citizen. Potatoes are less labour intensive than rice, so they are widely used as plants for substance farming, less for trading because they cant be as long storaged. The city at the southern lake is named Imbalama, the ocelot city in Qeran and Ualjak.  Prince Ycas IV decides to move his winter residence there. The city shall be build as a modern metropolitan area with spice plantations around it. In record time a small palace is build along with a small harbor and a storage building and some 1,000 settlers. Count Vavas of Tzijafeo, a minor count and general of the Ualjaks is put in power of the city. This decision was made because the majority (about 60%) of the inhabitants of Imbalama are Ualjaks. He sends a group of soldiers and fishers to discover all of the lake and the surrounding areas, claiming all of it (discover 40 px to the southeast, 20 px claimed).  The princedom claims land farther northwest and sets up mines there, to dig for metals. Trade flourishes and the Qeran spice monopoly expands further with mass cultivation of black pepper and dried chili peppers, which are exported to Exhula and the Xüonai. The slaves who are bought from Exhulan slave traders are freed immediately after one year of serfdom, as it has been since the reign of the legendary Princess Zoelle I. This creates sympathy toward the Qerans and the government. The special trade offer for immediate deliveries of spices to the Tyha Uz is still presented, so that a healthy trading relationship between the Xüonai and Qerans can develop (XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED).  The warrior caste is now counting 13,000 active soldiers mostly from the Ualjak tribes. A garrison is built in the eastern colony close to the Olmacs and 5 px around are solidified with settlers to make the colony less dependant on food imports. A general census is ordered to plan further expansion (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE).
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Cinnamon, pepper, mint, and salt are bought from Exhula. However, due to the lack of Nutmeg in Exhula, the substance is bought from Qera. The special trade offer is accepted for potatoes (which are preserved with salt from Exhula) and nutmeg, and become Xüonai's main imports from Qera.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Consolidation of the lands under the Council and Saemon VI persists heavily after the political purge of the royal family, centralizing the state and reducing the rights of tribal warlords remaining in the ownership of lands. Although sometimes sparking violence, most fights are ended very quickly due to the Council's force killing the rebels in a very torturous and vile manner, and even killing those attempting to surrender. During this period, literature and art enter a dark period due to the lack of support by both Saemon VI and the Council. Religious tolerance is declared as to please the citizens, and soon a small number of temples are built across the nation in respect. A clearing through the mountains is found and properly expanded farther into by 10 px by outcasts and nobility looking to expand their hold on the lands of Uskana (New Land). The new bordering with Ri'Kiva has caused some discontent among the Council. However, King Saemon VI assures that if war were to break out, they'd be prepared and ready. With this, a new military barrack is built along the river. King Saemon VI selects his successor, Saemon VII. The Council, additionally, begins selecting their own successors, not however, from their own family lines, but from specialized and outstanding military generals. Trading with Gyt is requested.
 * Exhula: This year sees the politics of the court and the abandonment of the royal palace by Rttagan turn deadly, and results in a small scale conflict. The Prince continues his life as a director and actor, writing and performing six more plays throughout this time and continuing his relationship. Unfourtanetly his father soon grows tired of this and increingot enraged until after a major challenge to his authority at court he snaps and sends a band of soldiers to force Rttagan to return to the court. Although many would later downplay Rttagans own role in these events, it is a known fact that Rttagan often wrote his plays with political intent, and they were often critical of his grandfather's policies and in some cases openly insulting, with the last play he performed in his theater, Siccia, being insulting enough that many suspect it played a large role in finally pushing Lorgar over the rage breaking point. This storming of the theater in 284 results in most of those there at the time being killed while Rttagan and Arrais, his mistress who was three months pregnant at the time, being dragged before Emperor Lorgar in open court, where Lorgar orders Arrais executed in order to force Rttagan to return. Instead when he releases him Rttagan (unsurprisingly) charges him and viciously attacks him, tackling him to the ground and clawing and ripping at him, even managing to rip off a chunk of his face before he was pulled back, knocked out, and thrown in the dungeons of the Royal Palace. However, this attack would turn out far deadlier than initially thought, with Lorgar getting a major infection due to his wounds and dying from it only three months after he forceibly dragged Rttagan back to the palace. As a result they have to remove Rttagan from the dungeons and he ascends to the throne as Emperor Rttagan II Aurelian at the end of 284, at the age of 19. One of his first orders is the forced enslavement of every soldier who participated in his “Arrest” and their being shipped off to a brutal and short life in the many new salt mines that we have begun setting up in the Ettyian Coast (Where the deserts mentioned in the mod event are). Shortly after this, still in 284, Dashon VI’s daughter arrives to marry Rttagan, and, although Rttagan is not happy about this (he obviously wasn’t over Arrais and didn’t want to do a marriage alliance), he recognizes the necessity for the alliance and marries her regardless, although he makes it clear it is undesired and this heavily effects their relationship in a negative way. Meanwhile, we begin employing thousands of slaves in the brutal and deadly work of mining the salt and bringing it out of the mines for use, with very long workdays that, along with the prolonged contact with large amounts of salt, often results in extreme dehydration and often death due to it, which is why the soldiers who participated where sent to that form of work. Salt, which is normally quite rare, becomes a major product of ours as we have now discovered abundant deposits of it right within our territory, which we begin heavily exploiting as soon as possible, and becomes one of our primary exports to Xüonai and Yannis, along with the northeaster and eastern nations, We continue to trade with Xüonai and Yannis in general, as well as with the Eastern Nations, especially Olmac and Sillas, and the Northeastern ones. We continue to compete heavily with Qera in the spice trade as we continue growing and harvesting large amounts of cinnamon trees throughout Exhula, heavily challenging Qera’s attempted monopoly on the substance. Although many are able to smuggle Nutmeg seeds and other such things into Exhula, it is not enough to truly challenge Qera’s monopoly and we instead heavily focus on growing cinnamon and mint, where we are much more successful in challenging Qera’s monopoly due to the huge amount of Cinnamon Tree’s we had already started growing by the time they attempted to close off trade.  With our new alliance in place, we request that Xüonai does not accept Qera’s offer of a special deal on Cinnamon and Pepper, as that would heavily damage our own economy by undercutting our prices. (XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED!!!). Secret: As the compition in trade between us grows more and more fierce we begin hiring and arming pirates to raid Qeran shipping carrying Nutmeg and Cinnamon in order to damage their trade of spice so we can more easily dominate the trade. Specifically, we hire many pirates from the Northeastern and Eastern nations, and we hire many mercenaries from the tribes we allied with during the Second Kisna War and use them as boarding parties in such raids. End secret.  We also begin heavily increasing tariffs on Qeran traders docking in Exhulan ports (which is often required to go farther north for easier trade with Xüonai) in order to damage their spice trade so we can more easily dominate the market, as we seem to be competing more and more with Qera in that market, and it is vital to our economy and we are perfectly willing to damage the Qeran economy for our own purposes. We continue to expand north, creating four more settlements on the northern islands and four more on the lands west of them, were we begin expanding on land beyond the cities.  We also expand 25 px west past the river that separates Qeran and Exhulan lands, and begin exploiting the minerals in the area heavily, mining them with slaves before shipping them north. We also found three new settlements on the area we started colonizing northeast of the Mexiquen lands, and begin sending more and more colonists there. Rttagan decides to finally name the island we own to the northeast, naming it Arrais. The population continues to grow again during this turn, and we are finally mostly recovered from the past few decades' wars.  We also desire to trade maps with our new ally Xüonai once more. (XÜONAI RESPONSE, PLEASE!!!)
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Cinnamon, pepper, mint, and salt are bought from Exhula. However, due to the lack of nutmeg in Exhula, the substance is bought from Qera. At this point, a man on a Tyha Už expedition finds out about potatoes, and upon learning of their quick spoiling, throws them into the ship's bay. However, while unloading the ship in Xüonai, the potatoes seem to not have spoiled, but severely dehydrated. Potatoes are brought to Xüonai, and soon the potatoes begin to be grown, especially in the north. Iron, potatoes, and artisan products become Xüonai's main exports. With competition heating up between the two southern countries, Tyha Už finds itself in a very profitable situation, and soon bolsters their ability to develop the colonies and create new ones. The first bottles of alcohol from Qera come to Xüonai. However, the bitter flavor keeps it unpopular. Dashon VI proposes a persisting map sharing agreement, with Exhula and Xüonaisl trading maps every eight years at the Topituya.
 * Exhula ResponSe: We agree to the offer of a consistent map sharing agreement.
 * Mang: Ompai is continuing to finish off these cities, as the capital building (the royal throne) is almost completed by Mang officials. Colonization efforts are pushed to the northeast, as no nation is bordering the lands nearby. Ompai continues to increase the military and jobs for the jobless civilians, as the country is nearly done with the government recession for approached. (WIP because I had no time to write this)
 * Mesallian Culture: After relatively little mention of the “reborn prophet” during his early years, Iosynomis writes that as an adult Nelrim II, also known as Jesiphim (meaning “the Returned”) began preaching and performing miracles in the citadel of Leviea. With the people of the citadel swayed to his teachings, Nelrim also had the people of Leviea build a small temple within the city in a new way. Archaeological evidence has determined that in a different part of the citadel this temple was constructed, with an altar at the front across from a back entrance. Knowing this, historians have been able to trace the spread of the new teachings by the emergence of temples of this new design. After this, Nelrim is said to have traveled across the desert to the land of the Tribe of Vedun to make a pilgrimage to the holy dwelling of the True God, who he called “Enyeas” (from the phrase “Enyeas ris tos”, or “Sole Being”). There was much debate regarding the union of the two kingdoms, but convinced by the prophet, Vedun wed his daughter to Nelrim and proclaimed him suzerain over the southern lands. A small temple was constructed in the city to Nelrim’s specifications, and the holy dwelling of Enyeas was placed within. The Xaresian Law was transformed by Nelrim after a deliberation with Enyeas. Among these rules, a theocratic kingdom was formed. Nelrim’s oldest son would carry on his secular kingdom when he perished, and if there was no direct descendant then the high priests would be responsible for discovering Nelrim’s reincarnated spirit. During this time the small kingdom managed to spread along the river, with the prophet traveling as far as Emalia. With Nelrim primarily focused on religious practices, a group of “New Apostles” formed, which included Vedun and many close followers. This group effectively ruled the kingdom in Nelrim’s absence. Lastly, Nelrim traveled to Tahua, according to Iosynomis, and was captured by one of its tribes. He is said to have sacrificed his life for the souls of all humanity, fearing death not, as he knew that Enyeas would raise all the holy from death. With no apparent heir, the kingdom came to be ruled by the seven apostles until Vedun died of natural causes soon after. After which, a disciple named Erenus was said to be elected as the rightly guided successor to the prophet. The seven apostles and their descendants eventually evolved into tribes within the nation. Leviea initially refused entry to Erenus’ envoys, but after Erenus traveled to the citadel itself they yielded and allowed the new king entry into the city. Elsewhere, Meshwati and its allies rallied a large naval force and managed to dominate the sea in the struggle with Karissa. The city then dealt another major blow to Karissa soon after with the fall of Agrino, which saw Aghion and his anti-Yannian faction restored in the north.
 * Yannis Empire: Many Yannians are integrated into the newly conquered regions, with roads now having been built to the major cities of the east. Several Yannian colonies also emerge in the new lands, as soldiers and their families settle the region. In the east of the Burned Lands, a settlement known as Ahuicna’otem emerges as one such colony with a major Yannian presence, and the local governor elects to connect the city with roads to the Yannian border and east to the nation of Weritzs for easy trade and settlement. In the east the governor in Teloc’tezon orders that the lands up to Weritzs be claimed and filled with Holy Men to spread the word of Yannis.
 * In Mesallas: A Yannian-Mesallian army is raised by the Yannian authority and its allies, to be sent to the western peninsula to help spread the faith, and to defeat Meshwati. Initially this force remains under the command of the Mesallian government of the rival claimant Tezonius, so that he may defeat Aghion and retake control of the situation.
 * Darna: The city of Mosnola expands and sees the first roads constructed north from the city to smaller outposts. A chieftain is appointed to oversee the settlement, and he orders that the coast up to the border with Tesgardya and the Empire of Niani be claimed. A second settlement of note emerges, this time on the river in the north acting as a border with the Empire of Niani. The settlement becomes known as Gesena, and quickly grows from Darnan settlement. Its location on the river just south of the major city of Tesardya helps to grow it as well, and soon traders routinely stop there while traveling to Mosnola and beyond. The lands of Isimandia continue to explore the coast and trade with the southern nations we have discovered.
 * Chrystalia: Chrystalia is a small tropical island which is far away and isolated from the rest of the world which is full of resources. It has a very primitive and small tribal society ruled by Chief Yikonu, who is a wise and fair ruler among his people and the oldest at age 89.
 * Malekan of Edom: In the year 537 VM, Lana aze Hara begins the first year of her reign as Maleka of Edom, her mother Hara aze Nava having died just a few weeks before the end of the prior year. The new Maleka quickly sets a new tone for her reign with the immediate raising of an army after her coronation by the city's ammene, setting out to firmly unite the old lands of Edom which in the prior century have become mostly autonomous, centred around the main cities of Edom, Shamadal, and Alanaza, seeing herself as the true successor of the ancient Elameran Ankem, being directly descended from the founding members of Edom's royal house, and through them the old empire's nobility. At the head of her army, Maleka Lana aze Hara immediately sets out to the eastern corner of Pal Umagh, sieging the city of Alanaza and afterward battling any of the area's governors who were paying tribute to the upstarts of Alanaza and now refused to submit themselves before their rightful ruler. While dealing with Alanaza and the eastern governors, the city council of Shamadal brings together a force gathered from the city, combined with troops gathered and led by the area's governors, in order to defend their own lands. After firmly crushing any resistance to her authority in the region east of the Meran, the Maleka gathers new conscripts from the area before returning to Edom to replenish the supplies of her army, after which she decides to give her army a rest in the city while she sees to the affairs of her newly regained territory, as well as those of the world beyond Edom. The Maleka continues the persecution of the orthodox Ulmians within the city itself as well as the rest of her controlled territory, along with a new edict banning any Yannian missionaries from entering the land of Edom. However, restrictions upon actions of the Shanzian Ulmians are at least somewhat relaxed in comparison to the other foreign religions. The elderly leader as well as founder of the Shanzian Ulmian community dies of old age near the end of the year, with a new leader coming to the fore within the community, Arena, who is suspected by some of having Aposic influences in her teachings. In the year 538 VM, the second year Maleka Lana aze Hara's reign, she immediately sets out again on her campaign to reunite her lands, striking out on the road to Shamadal with her army. By a slim margin the city council of Shamadal comes to the decision to face the Maleka's army in open battle, striking out as well on the road to Edom.
 * Syres: News from south of Mesallas eventually spreads to Syres, after traveling down a long winding trade route from Syres to Mesallas, to Edom, to the former lands of Ulmaxares. There are sparse rumors of a new community forming seemingly based on the tenets of Ulmism, but heavily altered. This sparks some of the city’s more religious traders to seek out the nation by traveling south from Dascelos. However, it also interests the Patra of Syres, who has received a report laiden with hearsay, to write an epistle to the nation lambasting the seemingly heretical nature of the religion. Although his writings likely never reach the state, and instead are more so an exercise in expelling heresy that aids him in the city itself. A number of volunteers and traders continue to enter the war in Mesallas, with some making a fortune off exploiting the parties of the war, and others fighting for a particular cause, whether it be religiously motivated, culturally motivated, or economically motivated.
 * Xüonai: Tyha Už begins a trade route to trade with the southern countries, named the Posoyh, or "southeastern trade route". Iron, gold, artisan items, and potatoes from Xüonai are brought to ports in the north of Exhula, which are traded for salt, cinnamon, pepper, and mint. Then, nutmeg is bought from Qera, before ships head back north, going from port to port, until they reach Xüonai. Iron becomes a major export, and soon the areas bordering Benekundon become extensively mined for their resources. With no more space on the mainland to expand, the population steadily grows. Dashon VI dies, and his son Dashon VII takes the throne. Plans are drawn to use the new Bphliacre tactic to take on the west, and Dashon VII dreams of reaching and conquering the horn of the continent. However, he bides his time, solidifying relations with Exhula, Yannis, and Syres, and fighting in the Meshwatti-Karrisa war, providing aid to Karrisa under the condition of ceding the island north of the Meshwatti mainland to Karrisa. Tyha Už expands both the new colonies, claiming all of the area between the three rivers in the south and claiming all land to the Yannian colony at the colony north of Phorentheon. Settlers come to solidify the claims. Aurelia begins to be called Roaurelai, or "North Aurel Nation", to avoid confusion. The Fahnai Phoaito, the "three nation coalition", is formed between Yannis, Xüonai, and Exhula, and Dashon VII encourages good realtions between Yannis and Exhula. Another attempt at a canal is made, and is finally completed, and finally, ships can sail from the Xü ocean to the Darnan bay without sailing around the horn, but through the Yud river. Two Topituya's are done in the decade, one in 282, and another in 290. Yannian athletes win five events in 282, Syresian athletes four, and Exhulan athletes five, leaving 18 events to be taken by Xüonaisl. In 290, Yannian athletes win five, Syresian athletes six, and Exhulan athletes eight, leaving 13 Xüonaisl athletes winning. The results mirror attendance, with more foreign athletes coming to the event. Internally, stability grows without any expansion other than the colonies. Areas north of Roaurelai (Aurelia) and east of Exhula are explored, and the colonies become settled, sharing 4 px rural between the two colonies in the south, 15 px in the north (which are mostly potato farms), and another 15 px in the south near the Benekundon border (which are mostly mining settlements).
 * Irian Culture: The death of Naubalates causes his empire to fragment as Ludian commanders, governors, and chieftains vie for power in the conquered lands of Iria. The Hecis and Cebrion rivers are now home to a plethora of small Ludo-Irian states. Ludia proper, beyond the Cebrion, also falls into turmoil as pretenders fight for competing claims to the throne. Nolossia, Solcia and Corenia become independent during this power vacuum and quickly rise to become the three most influential kingdoms in the region. Meanwhile, Rhithera and its allies establish the "Kingdom of Ceta" from their holdings in Ceta. While the kingdom is still materializing, it will be under the protection of Rhithera. Exploration occurs on all fronts as trade increases between the Irian cityports and their foreign neighbors, with Mithadia receiving the bulk of Irian traffic. Solcia gains knowledge of eastern lands that are within their proximity.
 * Beraba: After receiving word from the representatives of Gahren, shipments of fruits and metals begin being shipped up the coast. Groups of contracted explorers travel up the Cinhoedl river to find its headwaters among the highlands to the east and find a lake, which they name Lake Conylt. A small earthen fort is established here for further explorations. The Crown Princes continue to drive economic expansion, including establishing more iron and tin mines, and financing creation of more farmland across the Tanguiynik river (southernmost river). The Kitsar family officially names their settlement Kitsura and petition for their own crown prince to be recognized by the other three High Houses. This petition is denied by the princes of Ngaoudera, Doulaba, and Damatura. Prompted by decisions made by the Crown Princes, the High Cities begin to specialize their roles within the nation - the various royal academies are reorganized into the National Royal Academy of Ngaoudera, and the National Mint is established in Doulaba, making it a center for finance and commerce. The Tomb of Hun-Cane in Damatura is recognized as a national monument and becomes an important site in the annual pilgrimages during the feast of Sydes.

291-300
If you have not posted in the old turn yet you may do so.

'A new leader among the Cantor decides to use the chaos taking place in Gyt to declare Cantor’s independence from Hythia, and he manages to seize former Gytian lands south and west, nearly to the river. '

'Many of the Azozian ships sent to explore the Western Sea, particularly those who venture far from the one of the coasts, do not return. Legends of the world’s edge and sea monsters appear in some of the Fashnoq coastal cities. '

'The recent lands conquered in the south by the Yannis Empire experience unrest from the Kuscisiwan people, who find support from the Kuscisiwans of Weritsz. '

'Many of the settlers sent by the Saemonites into Uskana return reporting vicious cannibals in the region, scaring many off from venturing deeper into the area. '
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The Tsar orders the construction of a wall. (Can we begin mining yet? VANDENHOEK RESPONSE NEEDED). We begin mining and discover a metal which is named Dold (purple gold ore).
 * Exhula: Rttagan continues to rule the court and the empire with an iron fist, micromanaging as much as possible due to a desire to avoid unexpected negative events ruining him once more. He is decently effective in running the empire the way still, but it takes a great toll on his personal relationships, with his relationship with his wife deteriorating even further. Many expected him to continue running things this way for many years, but he instead abdictates the throne on his 30th birthday in 296, running off to live his life as a playwright, actor, and director again, making his 14-year-old son Emperor Sassigan III. Despite his young age Sassigan proves to be a better ruler in some ways than his father, being much more able to delegate to competent administrators and much more kind in some aspects. However, he proves very insecure due to his father's constant abuse of him since he was born (as Rttagan hated his and the Empress children as they reminded him of what he lost) and refuses to have any kind of regency council as a result, making him make several poor choices due To refusing to listen to his advisors such as Yiia and his mother. This insecurity eventully leads him to seek to conquer Northeast (to prove his superiority over others and that he deserves to be emperor, both to himself and others), sending his great aunt Yiia, by now an old woman, to the Kaloman capital and demanding they bow to Exhula or be destroyed.  They obviously refuse, so Sassigan gathers a large army of 7,000, which we are able to gather now since the population has had a few decades to recover, and leads it through the Mexiquen lands up north to attack into their territory and subjugate them. This is also the first conflict where we make large scale use of chariots, which we previously invented but have only just finished implementing into the army (and which we didn’t have before anyway because we only got horses when we vassalized he Sarrthari, who were tribal and didn’t have them) (ALGORITHM NEEDED!). We also use a large portion of our navy to blockade them and fight their navy, planning to land forces in the coasts if this is successful.  Meanwhile, throughout this turn we continue to colonize the northern islands, the area north of Kaloma and what used to be Mexiqua, and we continue to expand West another 15 px into the small portion of mountainous region that we are near, also beginning to push more north of that new push by another 20 px. We found our first settlement in the new territory claimed west, which we call Arrvrris. We also found another five settlements on the islands and three more new ones on the western land west of it. We also found another three settlements in the Northeastern unclaimed land, while also  Sending an expedition of men through to explore 24 px inland in unexplored territory. Secret: We continue the trade war with Qera despite Xüonai buying most of their spices that we can produce from us, continuing it more out of fear of a resurgent Qera than our previous reason of combating their attempt to monopolize the spice trade, since that is no longer a threat. This is done by continuing to secretly use pirates to raid their shipping of spices, a process which, encoureged by the lack of a Qeran counter response and with more and more money available from salt trading, we increase even more, hiring many more pirates to prey on their shipping in the Exhulan Sea and in the Bay Of Qera, primarily on their trade going North to Xüonai.  We also order the pirates to begin preying heavily on supply shipments to Qera’s colony near the Olmacs, hoping to also Increase our trade with the East.  We adopt a policy of rewards for what they take, where whenever the pirates raid a ship they can keep all of the loot for themselves in addition to their normal pay, and also increase rewards for those pirates who work together to take ships and split the loot, encouraging many of the pirates to begin traveling in “packs” of several ships in their raiding”.  End secret. We also increase taxes on Xüonai merchants carrying goods from Qera, although these are far less than the tariffs on Qeran vessels themselves. We also expand heavily expand our exploitation of the salt in the deserts of the Ettyian Coast provinces of Sarthar, Httcaron, and Ciast, which also begin to experience increased immigration and settlement from other parts of the empire as their increased prosperity due to the extremely profitable salt mining makes them more attractive for settlers and the region has vats stretches of uninhabited but perfectly livable land in its confines that is open for settlement, with a practice beginning where those with a fair amount of slaves but not many prospects (mainly poorer noble third and fourth sons who don’t have a chance of inheriting anything but still have enough money as part of this to fund this kind of activity and rich merchnats who desire lan and increased profit) move to the Ettyian Coast and loan out their slaves to the salt mines in exchange for large cuts of the profits and use those profits to purchase large stretches of unsettled land and settle it with freed slaves and indentured colonists and mine salt themselves, while also loaning many slaves to the large salt mines, creating a growing class of so-called “Salt Barons” who purchase land and use it to “farm“ a large amount of slaves, many of the most fit and strong of which mine for salt on their owners land or are rented out to the larger salt mines in exchange for part of the profit. Incidentally, this practice also makes a large amount of inland Ettyian Land suddenly settled in a short time period.  We also decide to send a diplomat to make contact with the Red nation farthest Northeast of us (BERABA RESPONSE NEEDED!!!) . The expansion of the navy continues, with many more ships being added during these ten years as we begin working on new, improved ship designs. Finally, we launch an expedition to explore 30 px east of the archipelago of islands to the north, which becomes known as Irrosia. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!).  We also decide to extend the offer of an alliance between us to Yannis, proposing a marrige between one of the current Anointed One’s female relatives (preferably a daughter) and Sassigan III and to have one of his sisters, Merrya, be one of the current Anointed one’s wives (YANNIS RESPONSE NEEDED!)
 * Exhulan diplomacy to Xüonai: Exhulan settlers in the region north of us with three rivers encounter Tyha Už settlers from Xüonai in an instance where we were both trying to build settlements in the same region. A violent clash results that causes heavy casualties to both sides without either being victorious. Several other clashes occur between confused Tyha Už and Exhulan settlers in the region, both of whom believe the other is trying to settle territory alredy owned by their respective governments. When Emperor Sassigan gets word of this (before he went to war, which he did in the last year of the turn) he realizes that Tyha Už and Exhula are both trying to colonize the region and that neither of us were aware of it before now and already both of us have set up several prosperous and growing colonies in the region that neither side would be willing to give up. Wishing to resolve the issue peacefully but with no desire to abandon our claims to the region and colonies, he decides to propose that the region becomes a joint Exhulan-Tyha Už colony with its own semi autonomus government controlled 50% by Tyha Už and 50% by the Exhulan Government, so we can both profit from the region and neither of us have to abandon our intrests and colonies in the area. (XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED)
 * Beraban diplomacy to Exhula: The diplomat is received in the southern high city of  Doulaba. He is greeted with feasting and a display of the riches of the land. The Crown Princes are very interested in establishing trade relations with Exhula and seeing the products of their society. They also seek to know how Exhula sees the world around them. (Propose to share maps.)
 * Qera: Since the competition with the Exhulans increases rapidly, a huge navy is build, to compete in the trade war. Prince Ycas IV, now an old man who spends most of his time in Imbalama is annoyed by the news of the piracy and sends his son Ygran to Ogaholle to deal with the recently discovered pirates from Exhula. 50 small yet fast and agile ships are build to secure the trade routes. Meanwhile, the proper naval army searches pirate ships and captures or kills the pirates, since they are mostly made up of teens and youung adults that became pirates out of poverty or in search for an adventure rather than actual trained warriors. So the Exhulans are offered to surrender goods and weapons to the army or be burned with their ship. every captain is captured (but not killed) and made to talk about the orders they got. Most of the captains are silent and so got their tongues cut off, but one captain talks. He tells the officials that the pirates were sent by the government and rich merchants to disturb the concurence in Qera. He is set free later. Shortly after, many of the captives were executed, some where made to produce Qtaqtas, as it became a widely spread tradition among soldiers and generals alike. This happened in 303, one year later the most Exhulan pirates were either afraid of attacking the trade routes in large scale or brutally slaughtered by Ygrans troops. The aftermath of the trading war results in extremely high taxes for merchants from Exhula, while the fees for trading ships from Xüonai are heavily lowered. Prince Ycas IV dies in 305 by a stroke, making his only son Ygran officially Ygran IV. He is still annoyed by the pirates and decides to murder a complete crew, chopping off their heads and send them to the court in Exhula, along with a letter where he states: "We are grateful for the large amount of war trophies you have sent us, but our necklaces and belts can't bear any more of your presents. My men had fun with them, but we think that this surplus is better in your hands. May the winds always be in your back, Ygran of Rollver." The border territory to Exhula is also solidified with new settlers who mine iron there. The lake to the south proves to be salty and locals quickly begin to discover a form of "salt harvesting". This method includes that salty water is boiled in huge pans, where the water is boiled so long until only salt is left. Even though the salt is often "enriched" with small pieces of chili in it to fit the Qeran cuisine, the raw salt is sold off to the markets. Since this method is less laborintensive than mining salt from mountains, Exhulan prices can be easily competed and potatoes can be preserved immediately.  We offer to deliver the spices and potatoes immediately to the shores of Xüonai, if we can have access to their maps. (XÜONAI RESPONSE). Further, the five-finger flower (similar to something between OTL tobacco in addictiveness and marijuana in effect and shape) came in contact with sailors from Xüonai. The production of nutmeg and cinnamon increases, while chilis and pepper become a major business. The drinke Kucaua becomes increasingly popular. Kucaua is a liquor made out of honey, avocadoes and cinnamon mixed with hard rice wine. The cities of Imbalama and Ogaholle adapt their first coat of arms. Ogaholle has a Qipqatlo, one-half crocodile, one-half shark seamonster from the Qeran mythology as their symbol on a purple field. Imbalama adapted an ocelot with water coming out of its mouth on a white and green tricolor.
 * Mesallian Culture: According to Parius, the war between Meshwati and Karissa reached new heights at this time, with both cities firmly committed to war. A major victory for Meshwati came at the start of the 23rd Jafiad (Year 292), when the town of Agrino was captured by Meshwati allies and razed to the ground. The attack was led by Naphilus of Karistos, a city situated at the base of the Limian peninsula, which extends from the Gudumanes toward the northeast. Parius explains that Naphilus’ piety was so great that he could not spare a single Yannian or other heathen. Likely the brutal attack was also motivated by a century-long feud between the two cities, with Karistos finally gaining the upper hand and ability to destroy the other. In response many of the surrounding cities who were distrustful of Naphilus declared their allegiance for Karissa. The king of Halatia, Lecitecus, arrived north of the city intent on bringing retribution, and captured the rest of the Limian peninsula up to the city. One of the largest kingdoms of the Gudumanes, centered around the city of Sericolis, entered the war in support of Karistos in order to seize the former lands of Agrino and parts of the northeast, but otherwise did not send aid to its ally. With the odds against him, Naphilus marched out to meet the armies of Lecitecus north of the city. At the Battle of Atis the outnumbered army of Naphilus managed to win a decisive victory, which forced the Halatians back north in defeat. Lecitecus fled back to him home, and two years later he had died, never gain crossing the sea to attack. For the next few years the Meshwati-led alliance largely dominated the war, both at sea and on land. This led to another temporary peace in the second year of the 24th Jafiad (Year 297), which greatly favored Meshwati. The League of Ossa used this opportunity almost immediately, when many of the islands west of Haphorus rebelled against Halatia, and Halatia was ultimately pressured by Meshwati into accepting the loss of the island. The alliance itself also expanded to include at least a dozen other minor cities, mostly in the west of the Melopenes. In the region that formally encompassed the northern one-half of Ulmaxares, a king known as Adranates of Ghanis managed to unite the region into the Alliance of the Three Cities, referring to Ghanis, Dascelos, and Nerimos, partially with the help of Karissan investment. Fearing that Karissa was forming new allies around the League of Ossa’s territory, Meshwati launched a naval expedition to dissolve the kingdom under Adranates. This ultimately failed, weakening Meshwati’s navy in the process, and in the beginning of the third year of the 24th Jafiad (Year 299), Karissa renewed hostilities. Additionally, right before the declaration of war, the Meshwati alliance suffered a major blow when one of their key leaders, Naphilus of Karistos, died suddenly of natural causes. The alliance’s presence in Gudumanes largely broke down, while Karissa focused its efforts on targeting Meshwati itself. After a series of defeats over the course of almost two years, Meshwati was finally forced to surrender. The rulers of Karissa, however, declared that they would not destroy their ancient rival outright, out of respect for the brief moment against Yannis when the two cities saved the region. Meshwati would not lose any territory and the city would not be destroyed, but it would have a Karissan government installed in the city, pay tribute to Karissa, and transfer its assets and its alliance to Karissan control. By the end of 24th Jafiad peace had seemingly come, but unknown to Karissa at the time was the fact that the Yannian authority would not abide by Karissa’s lax terms, and soon Karissa found itself at war with its former allies against Meshwati.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: The earliest entries of city chronicles dates to around this time, and generally speaking consistently-reliable history begins to take shape in this decade. Teman, expanding their agricultural base faurther northeast toward Tuartha, was first to master the science of agriculture. They developed some of the oldest practices similar to a three-field system, and according to some recent arcaheology possibly even experimented with a kind of Mendelvian genetics. The philosopher Draco of Medan lived at this time, who formulated the first logical proofs for the existence of the True God. Many believe that Draco was highly influenced by the philosophy of logic developed in Mesallia, and in general a lot of Mesallian philosophy was applied toward Ulm scriptures starting in Medan. Ishbak, on the other hand, developed far greater military technology, including the first full face helmets of bronze. During the War of Ishbak Suzerity, the first major siege engines came to play against their war on Azoz City. In the far west, the First Saraita-Langui war ended with Saraita annexing direct control over the Uriel Islands. In the aftermath of this conflict, this prompted Langui to explore farther north, and establish a new colony on the coast at the mouth of what became known as the Fotashe ("Little Ashe") river. Many more apostles continue to preach the True God, in spite of martyrdom in Edom and Yannis. Many local monks in Mesallia and other places appeal to more intellecutals, even in the midst of ongoing war betweeen Meshwanti and Karissa. More slaves in Darna and military in Niani continue to be converted, as well as ongoing missions in Valun and Khin.


 * Hythia: The Betrayers. Hythus, once defeated by the very same, now sends his Unars to smite them. The Unar of Hythus marches now to destroy the betrayers. The Cartor are attacked without mercy. Small raiding parties are sent out to destroy their hamlets and burn their towns while the Unar marches to their city. The Unar of Hythus, fed off the backs of others, outnumbers the Cartor greatly and although the battle is fierce, the Cartor prove unworthy of Hythus. The captured are brought before the gates of the city of Cartor and burned alive, demanding their surrender. The crops around the city are burned to starve those who remain. Dynus the Untouched continues his reign as servant of Hythus, and messenger of the true god. Missionaries and apostles are sent out to bring the blessings of the fire and earth to all those that will listen. Dynus, himself, converts the Bysula, burning away their chains and burning away their mortal bonds. To Ashes to Earth. The missionaries travel south. Spreading the truths of Hythus speaking of the great mountain of fire from which dark, life-giving earth flows. All those who listen are converted, and those that witnessed the ash fall as rain know the truth of Hythus. These missionaries spread tales of the great strength of Hythus and his chosen people, they hear of the great Unar that marches now against the betrayers and the false believers. Truth is placed in their minds. The missionaries offer the tribes a choice, convert now and join the true god’s people, or wait to be converted through fire and earth.
 * Yannis Empire: A great army under the Anointed One is raised to march east and pacify the Burned Men who seek to rebel. In order to punish the Weritzs people who seem to support the heathens of the region, despite our gracious charity to the Kingdom of Weritzs, this army crosses the border and raids the Burned Lands across the border as well. A path is cut from the southern edges of the delta northeast to the lake near Sumyala, while in the north those provinces are fortified with additional soldiers and told to secure the area north of Weritzs. The Anointed One agrees to the offer from the nation of Exhula. He sends a great procession of a few hundred high priests and Holy Men to the nation, along with his daughter, Miahct’etil.
 * In Mesallas: During the war between Meshwati and Karissa the governor in Mesallas, Temen’telon, dies suddenly. This leaves the Yannian involvement in the war minimal for a brief period. In Year 300 the governor position is filled by a zealous Omvedomian named Ixacetonec, who vows to increase Yannian support for Karissa in crushing Meshwati. When Karissa sieges the city but refuses to destroy it, the governor is outraged. He raises an army and marches on Karissa, while at the same time the Yannian allies of the region are instructed to ravage all of Karissa’s allies at the same time. Also, the governor sends a natural philosopher to Tik’akna to ask the king there for their support, and in exchange will be allowed to keep any of the islands they capture.
 * In Tik’akna: The colonies all expand and seek new lands to spread the Yannian faith to. The governor of Tohatia is dismayed by Exhula’s creation of a settlement just south of the border, and requests that the region up to the northernmost river not be subject to Exhulan settlement. In Tahua the people are fascinated by the preaching of Nelrim, and many convert to his beliefs. The decision to have Nelrim killed is highly controversial, and ultimately leads to a civil war between the tribes. The descendants of Milo prevail and have the tribe that sentenced the prophet to death punished. The tribes ultimately agree that the supreme god that Nelrim preached of was the same supreme god of Tahua, and the two religions begin to intermix.
 * Exhula Response: We agree not to make any more setlements past the northern river, in order to maintain good relations with Yannis, but we continue to settle and expand into the lands under the northernmost river.
 * Xüonai: With the trading war between Exhula and Qera, Xüonai traders, especially from Tyha Už, avoid the Southern Sea and begin flying the flag of Xüonai much more often as not to be mistaken for a Qeran or Exhulan vessel. Tyha Už starts requesting that shipments come to neutral or Xüonai controlled colonies. The Treaty of Fahnatwi is signed with Exhula, giving colonies north of the Fahnatwi Line to Xüonai. Immediately, settlers from Fahnatwi are advised to move from the city to the islands both north and west of the island recently obtained from Exhula, or the colony northwest of Phorentheon. With the confusion of the Mesallian war, Xüonai just decides to aid Yannis and offers to join the war, under the condition that all territory taken by Xüonai stay under their banner after the war. Exhula's agreement with Yannis is music to Dashon VII's ears, but soon dies in 294. In 298, the seventh Topituya commenses, with Exhulans winning eight, Yannians winning six, Syresians winning six, and Xüonaisl winning 12. One-half of the army is kept in Xüonai rather than Mesallia, keeping one-half of that guarding the north coast and Darnan border, and the other one-half (one-fourth of the whole army) guarding the Zedislandia, Molaga, and Benekundon border. The other one-half in Mesallia conduct raids on the islands south of Ensoywi, mostly the large one to the southeast in hopes for a colony. We suggest Yannis adopt a banner to tell Yannian forces apart from other, Mesallian forces. With nowhere to expand on the mainland without war, the colonies are expanded, especially Lueht, the "Mosquito Coast", which expands to the Yannian colony border (which is loosely enforced, claiming the whole peninsula) and the island to the northeast. Natives are given the option to assimilate in the culture or face slavery. Islands in the south grow rapidly, due to their close proximity to important trade centers, and two urban areas are settled, one on the north island and another near the straight between the two southern islands. Exploration continues, especially in the Roaurelai region, and across the sea east to find more lands there.
 * Darna: We want to accept the offer of a non-aggression pact from the southern barbarians, but we are skeptical due to their abhorrent history of betrayal and bloodlust. We declare that the non-aggression pact should include the states of Molaga, Benekundon, and Zedisladana, because surely the southerners lust to desecrate those states, and they are likely just trying to ensure that we won’t be able to fight back when they come for them. Those three states aided us when the southerners senselessly came to Mosnola, and we will not stand idly by and agree to a “Zanphorian Scheme” to enable their wanton destruction. In Mosnola a rumor spreads that the gluttonous king of Xüonai is secretly the Darnan king’s bastard son, born after a raid on a Xüonai city. South of Isimandia a kingdom consolidates out of the native tribes, with influence from the Darnan traders to the north. The nation becomes known as Jasima, and gains control over the peninsula south of Isimandia.
 * Xüonai: Hearing of the rumors and the insults hurled at us, we justify that we didn't want Darna attacking us in the north while fighting in Mesallia with our ally, Yannis. We revoke the pact offer with Darna. However, their suggestion of adding Molaga, Benekundon, and Zedislandia is actually taken to protect our western flank.
 * Darna: We state that the four of us are allied, and if you expect to ensure peace with one of us, you must ensure peace with all of us.
 * Xüonai: Well, in that case, we rescind our offer.
 * Syres: At this time the city of Syres dispatched a diplomat named Neladenus to write a text on the situation along the coast to the southwest, which would shape the nation’s foreign policy in the region for the foreseeable future. He begins in the city of Canim, where he learns from the local government of the nearby city of Nesarafen. In the west of the Syresian province a negative picture is painted of the city, as its territory begins to overlap and conflict with claims issued by the government in Canim. But upon traveling to the city personally, Neladenus reports that the city is influenced greatly by Syresian culture, with many of its inhabitants being from the city. South of Nesarafen he encounters the city of Besheva, which stretches from the coast in the east to a small lake in the west, which is fed by a northern river. South of Besheva is the city of Jubaya, which has its western border at a small river south of the lake. The Kingdom of Neum launches an expedition to the west to subjugate the tribes of the west. They find the region already weakened by the Kingdom of Azoz’s recent actions, and manage to claim the area fairly easily.


 * Irian Culture: Westward migrations bring Irians to the fertile lands of the northwest, and the shores of the Dio River. East from here, at the foot of the Cassadian Mountains, lives the Gamadacians. This upland tribe is regarded as a nation of strong warriors and highly competent commanders. Their military prowess enables them to defeat the savage Hachalundae tribe, although their victory was attributed by historians of the time to a fast-moving north wind that swept over the plateau and blew back the Hachalundae army. The Hachalundae then submitted to the Gamadacians, believing the gods had turned their once-favorable wind against them. The Sarpedes of the Hecis also have a successful war of their own against the barbarians of the north, claiming large swaths of land on the west side of the river. King Lakros, an Erachmi, becomes the first independent king of the Ceta Kingdom after a reduction of Rhitheran influence. He builds his palace at the inland city of Massaion. Irians and Irianized polities spread to the narrowest part, or "neck", of the island. The Rhossoi attempt to form their own kingdom to compete with the them, but it quickly collapses from infighting.
 * Beraba:This year is considered a year of death among the people of Beraba. A plague sweeps through the land, devastating a significant portion of the population, especially children and the elderly. Crown Prince Caprakan of Doulaba dies of natural causes in 291 after serving 40 years as Crown Prince. He is replaced by a his nephew from a junior branch of House Tayanita, Tepeu. Crown Prince Hartono of Ngaoudera is taken by the plague, as well as his wife and oldest son and daughter. His second son, Hozanek, is elected by the remaining members of House Chlumani to replace his father. The plague also leads to famine in the land, with many people flocking to the High Cities for food and quickly depleting the stores they have there. Hozanek, in an attempt to save his people, reaches out to the Kitsur family, whose city had largely been unaffected by the plague, to ask for assistance. The Kitsur agree, with the stipulation that Hozanek marry a daughter of the family and that the Kitsur be allowed to elect a Crown Prince. Hozanek agrees and marries Zyanya of House Kitsur, and recognizes Votan of House Kitsur as the first Crown Prince of Kitsura.

301-310
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'A great kingdom known as Sellasiyan begins expanding around its surrounding river valley. Upriver in the mountains a rival kingdom known as Corun emerges that controls the northern one-half of their region.'

'The Exhulan invasion of Kaloma is successful, with the Exhulans winning an initial battle, and suffering 2,204 casualties in the process. With Exhula making its intentions known to seemingly conquer the whole region, and annoyed by Exhula’s rapid colonization of the areas around them, the nations of Teninukal and many of the Makuku cities aid Kaloma. In the south Kaloma manages to win a second battle farther inland, inflicting 1,002 casualties against Exhula. In the north its allies seize the region that Exhula recently colonized.'

The Kingdom of Adjiba forms in a small valley between two mountain ranges.

'The city of Besheva subjugates the Tribe of Jarnim to its northwest. Similarly, the city of Jubaya extends its influence south along the coast to the border with the Kingdom of Neum.'

'According to legend, a disgruntled prince in Euskaladun leads a schism among the nation’s people. His contingent claims the region just west of their home nation, founding the nation of Pyrenidun.'

'A pirate hired by Exhula makes a name for himself targeting the ships of Xüonai, despite the Exhulan government’s positive relations with Xüonai. Many others follow suit, and the northern islands become home to many secret dens for piracy, targeting ships from Exhula, Xüonai, Qera, Yannis, and others. The risk of piracy and Exhula’s control over the seas prompts some traders in Qera to seek out alternative ways to transport goods other than the Northern Sea.'

'The Cartor tribe manages to seize the northeastern one-quarter of the former Gytian realm, and administers over the area somewhat successfully for a brief moment. The invasion by Hythia proves to be a difficult task, but ultimately the Cartor are defeated, with heavy losses on both sides. The region is united under Hythia, but at a greater negative impact to the region’s people in the short run.'

'The Yannis Empire manages to subdue its rebellion and raids into western Weritsz, but the latter causes Weritsz to declare war fully. The main Yannian army suffers a defeat near the capital at Osenoja, and another minor defeat in the north after a series of skirmishes near Lake Sumyala.'

'The Kingdom of Mithadia expands along its southwest coast, with its settlers and soldiers coming into contact with Irian people migrating west. '


 * Makuku Kingdom: We continue this year to live in relative peace, practicing our culture and religion. We continue to expand along the coast. At the end of this Balulu (which is what “year” is called to the Makuku and will be used to differentiate between a Gregorian year and a Makuku year) a massive feast is held, which includes various meats, such as deer and bird, and of course the kingdom’s delicacy, fish. The feast is followed by the people gathering in the center of the main settlement, in which they exchange gifts; this event is a centuries old tradition in the Makuku culture, with it apparently being practiced by the first Makuku, though this is probably just a myth. More to be added.
 * Exhulan Diplomacy: We demand Makuku withdraw all forces occupying our territory and bring those cities warring against us to heel. Otherwise, we threaten to completely blockade all their ports and completly wipe out every Makukan in our territory once we retake what they have stolen.
 * Exhula: With the marriage Of Emperor Sassigan III and Miahct’etil now official, the wedding is held in 301 in Siccarius. Both Sassigan and Miahct’etil wish to have the marriage done in the traditional way of their respective religions, and both refuse to do any kind of mixed wedding. This initially causes some problems and ends up delaying the wedding, but they eventully come to a compromise and hold two equally lavish and expensive weddings, one traditional Exhulan/Hcctaal ceremony and one Yannian in the style of the Yannian religion. With this the alliance between our nations is solidified and the succession is secured, with a son being born to them in 303, who is named Lorgar. They have a further four children over the rest of the turn, named Vassigra (304), Yiia (306), Ulraan (307), and Aullurre (309), of which all to survive the course of the turn. This is possible because Sassigan makes the rare decision to bring his wife with him when he returns to war despite the dangers as he believes she can handle it. The alliance results in a further increase in trade with both Yannis (for the obvious reason of our alliance) and Xüonai (because with the three nation coalition now existing officially Tyha Už and Xüonai traders feel much safer and more secure when trading between us three and are more willing to make the journeys to do so, despite the fact that the alliance has existed de facto for a while before this). This also makes us more confident in the actions we can take toward Qera, and we use the sending of the severed heads to court as an excuse to boycot Qeran goods and traders, in response to the slaughter of the innocent crew of that ship and Qera’s disgusting gesture of sending their heads to the Emperor in a massive insult, despite our “obvious” lack of involvement (And due to their new salt trade, which we refuse to have completion in though we don’t state this as a reason) We also ask our allies Xüonai and Yannis to boycot Qeran products, promising to lower tariffs on their ships and to lower prices on the products we sell them that they could have gotten from Qera, while also pointing out the only product they can only get from Qera, Nutmeg, is a luxury that we should be able to temporarily go without. (YANNIS AND XÜONAI RESPONSE, PLEASE). When the pirate captain Rogar Petras (the last name is a self-given nickname, as “Petra” is the Exhulan word for victory and he either doesn't have or won’t say his real last name, likely because he is a peasant and they usually don’t have last names unless they gain some form of status), one of the major sellsails (naval mercenaries) and pirates we hired with a small fleet of his own begins to target shipping from Xüonai, Yannis, and Exhula as well as that of Qera (with him making a name for himself raiding Xüonai ships as mentioned above) in 304 we condemn him and threaten to stop sponsoring him and begin hunting him down if he does not stop, effectivly giving free reign and encouragement to any of the numerous powerful people he has pissed off as a pirate to murder him. He openly laughs at this and doesn’t send a reply, declaring himself the “King of the  Irrosian Isles” (basically claiming that he owns the entirety of the northern islands, ours and Xüonai‘s) and gathering a large following to himself. Many Pirates and mercenaries gather to his banner, being drawn north like a moth to a flame by his growing legend and his immense charisma. They set up many hidden bases and ports throughout the islands and the increasing fleet preys more and more on both Exhulan and Qeran shippingm as well as that of Xüonai, Yannis, and any other nation that‘s ships enter the region, eventully effectivly taking control of the area despite the frequent navy purges of the area due to his and his fleets ability to hide away in 1,000 tiny hideouts throughout the islands. This severely damages trade and makes it way hard to get supplies, and since we are at war already, in a trade war with Qera and a normal one with Kaloma and now Teninukal and several Makuku city-states, we have few naval or army assets to confront the ”rebellion”. Seeing no other option, Acting Emperor Sasagorn (Sassigan's younger brother, serving in the position of “acting Emperor” while his brother is away, meaning he is the one running the Empire until the real Emperor can run the nation again) makes a major offer to him. He is willing to recognize Irrosia as a vassal kingdom of Exhula and Rogar as “King of the Irrosian Isles” if he stops raiding the shipping of Exhula and its allies, including Xüonai, and Irrosia aids Exhula in its War against Kaloma and is allies by preying in their trade routes. In exchange he will recognize the Irrosian Kingdom as the legitimate rules of the Irrosian Archiopeligo and give a signed promise with the Emperor’s personal seal as proof that we will never attack them or seek vengeance for his taking our land, promise we will defend its autonomy against any threat, internal or external, and promise a huge amount of autonomy and ability to do whatever it wants as long as it opens permanent free trade with Exhula and its allies, doesn't raid our shipping (although preying on neutral or hostile nations is perfectly fine), gives us unlimited access to “its” ports and it aids us in our current wars or ones we call upon their assistance for in the future. To seal this deal he offers to marry one of Rogar’s many children and secretly messages him that he wishes to retain his power and overthrow his brother and that if Roger assists he would have his blood on the throne AND gain unlimited ability to plunder the Empire for a few months when he overthrows Sassigan (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). We stop hiring pirates and sellsails to destroy Qeran presence in the North (instead beginning to use our actual navy to forcibly sieze any Qeran ship that enters our waters since we have now officially banned them from our territory and trading in it with them) but still make sure to finish paying the ones we already had hired so that they wont start raiding us immediately out of spite. Instead we begin focusing the pirate hiring on the Southern part of the Exhulan Sea, hiring hundreds more to raid Qeran ships and providing many hideouts and bases to the pirates both to resupply and to hide from Qeran retribution. Although we continue to use part of the Exhulan Navy in the trade war (to protect pirates we have hired and project our power in the area, although we don’t openly work against Qera, despite often doing so discreetly), we move the majority (although a sizable portion is still in the Qeran area) to fight the Makuku cities and Teninukal and begin using our massive numbers of ships to blockade Makuku‘s ports and those of Teinukal, in order to deprive them and their forces fighting in Kaloma Of supplies and further manpower. We vow to take back our land and swear we will get revenge on those who chose to aid Kaloma, but we focus on our invasion of Kaloma and on our fighting there rather than on taking our northern territory back, although we swear to do so as soon as Teninukal and Kaloma have been conquered. In the parts of Kaloma we have successfully occupied we begin forcefully drafting the male population to help us fight their countrymen, with most of them still there rather than raised by Kaloma due to the fact our invasion was a surprise attack and we quickly smashed Kaloma in the initial battle, so most of the population in the occupied areas was untouched. We do not continue pushing forward immediately, but after our defeat in the Battle of Fttattalliar (the second battle) we retreat back to the territory we occupy to consolidate our forces for two years (304-306) before, with 2,000 more soldiers gathered from a combination of new recruits from throughout the Empire and those members of the peasantry we forceibly conscripted from Kaloma (who are mainly used as front line cannon fodder due to being useless for anything else, since most don’t understand Exhulan and thus we can't order them to do anything but the simplest things due to the massive amount time and effort it takes give a more complex order that will still likely be misinter when neither party understands the other). We also request military aid from our allies Xüonai and Yannis in this invasion and the “defense of rightful Exhulan territory”, and although we don’t expect that many troops due to the fact both are currently fighting in seprate conflicts, we do expect at least some help, although we also promise to aid them as soon as our current war is over. (YANNIS AND XÜONAI RESPONSE NEEDED!). If they do honor our alliance and provide aid then the attack we launch at the end of 306 to defeat the Kaloman army that previously beat us and conquer the city they were defending is aided by Yannian and Xüonai forces, further increasing our numbers, while if not, we still do it, we just do it alone. The colonization of the area now formally claimed by us as per the terms of the Treaty of Fahnatwi increases this year as we send thousands of colonists to the region and build four new settlements in the area, while also beginning to develop Fahnatwi itself as a settlement. When it was initially ceded to us last turn we promised any Xüonai citizens who wished to remian citizens of Xüonai help in moving north to their colonies up north, and we honored it. However, the majority of the settlements people despite encouragement to move by the Xüonai government were not particularly patriotic (as nationalism isn’t really a concept at this time) and didn’t wish to abandon their homes which they had lived in for much or all of their lives, and so while a fair few people, mostly the wealthy and the nobility, did move back to Xüonai, the majority of people stayed and became Exhulan citizens. With the city now ours, we change its name from Fahnatwi to Pohnnte and begin to develop it into a major city in its own right, encouraging many Exhulan settlers to move their and beginning true development and expansion of the city, building new walls and many new districts, improving the port, and building a number of Hcctaal Sicca’s (Temples) in the city, the largest of which, the Noraris Thayth, being visible throughout the city and one of the largest Siccia’s ever built in the Exhula, rivaled only by the Siccia Aall in Exhul and the Grand Temple of the Gods in Siccarius. We also send a number of preachers into the city in an attempt to convert the Xüonain populace of the city to Hcctaal and culturally assimilate them, although we do not force this on them, as Xüonai itself is our ally and we do not wish to make them angry. The numbers of Exhulan settlers now moving into the Ettyian Coast provinces continues to grow immensely as more and more of the land becomes controlled by the wealthy “Salt Barons” and the wealth they made encourages many others to move into the region, further increasing its population and making much more land strongly claimed. Despite Qera’s attempts to rival our prices in the salt industry, they are still unable to beat our prices or truly rival us in that market, as we have been in it for much longer than them, the Labour intensity doesn't really matter to the people running the mines when the Labour is made of slaves and the boycott of Qeran goods by Exhula and thus them being stopped from trading easily in the North Sea, as well as the constant piracy (as their attempts to terrify the pirates into not attacking Qeran trade routes fail miserably due to 1) The fact Qera is never leaving anyone alive to tell these stories of what’s happening, 2) Naval Warfare is not, despite what Ygran IV seems to think, anything like land warfare and it is impossible for Qera to hunt down anywhere near the majority of the pirates when they have so many hiding places and easy ways to raid Qera and they can get away so easily, so despite his boasting the majority of the pirates are fine, and 3) The captains don’t really care most of the time and the crew can’t just leave whenever they want, and the pirates knew what they were risking when they took this contract, as these are hardened pirates and mercenaries, not fresh boys picked up off the streets, although there are an abundance of those too. Thus the raids continue and although Qera does successfully kill or capture many pirates they are unable to terrify them into stopping or kill anywhere near the majority. We also suprisingly decide to construct six new settlements in home areas, three on Clorrtill and three on Zoelle. Finally, the presence of so many charismatic Yannian Holy Men and preachers during the weeding and after causes a fair amount of people to convert it the Yannian Faith, but they remain a minority, if a sizable one after a few decades of contact with Yannis and their constant sending of preachers to our lands, and the majority stay with Hcctaal, especially in Siccarius, which is one of the most pious and holy cities in the entire Empire and proud of it, so most men convert or if they consider it don’t due to peer pressure. We also send diplomats to make contact with the ”recently” discovered nation of Bangor, and open diplomatic and trade relations.
 * Mesallian Culture: The invasion by the Yannian governance struck near the weakened city of Meshwati, forcing the same army of Karissa that had taken the city to now defend it. Within the city the Meshwati king was replaced by Gamisoces, a Karissan prince, who systematically killed or ostracized most of the city’s elite or governing bodies. The Meshwati writer Davian serves as a major source of the events, stating that a controversial trial began, which ultimately saw six of the city’s lead generals, who had fought greatly against Karissa, sentenced to death. This move would prove a problem for the Karissans ironically, as they soon realized they would need to rearm their enemy’s men and commit them to battle, which would be difficult while demoralized and unsupervised. One of the only leading men to be spared, Thiminis, was spared because of how he vocally argued for the city’s surrender in the weeks leading up to the event. Although not a trained general, Thiminis would turn from a politician to an unlikely commander. Davian writes that the remainder of the city’s army remained within the city near the Leopades, an ancient meeting place of one of Meshwati’s councils, and refused to move until the Karissan puppet vacated the city’s citadel. Thiminis went to the spot and gave an impassioned speech, urging the men to follow him into battle not for the sake of Karissa, but for the sake of their city. They reluctantly agreed, and the army departed west. At the same time the Karissans were also experiencing difficulty at sea. Many of the islands that comprised the League of Ossa were reluctant to aid their enemies, and withheld their fleets from the Karissans. One of the lead Meshwati admirals, Palimus, managed to escape the city with most of the Meshwati ships, regrouping near Florimos. The navy remained at odds with Karissa for several months after the city of Meshwati itself surrendered. Fearing that he would be killed upon following the order to recall the fleet, Palimus continued to attack Karissa and ignore the situation in the city. According to Davian, Palimus was eventually surrounded near Isimos, and planned to have the fleet scuttled to not fall into enemy hands. Before he could give the order he allegedly became distracted by the passing seagull sent by the gods. Soon after, a messenger arrived from Karissa promising a full pardon for Palimus and all his men, and a promise to have the admiral retain his position. Palimus reluctantly accepted and sailed southwest toward the Yannian navy. On land the joint army managed to repulse the initial invasion, with Thiminis proving himself as a competent commander. Similarly, the timely arrival of Palimus managed to turn the tide at sea, and the Mesallians achieved an important victory north of Oronaca. In the southeast the worshippers of Enyeas came to be ruled by a king named Isjemen, who spread the kingdom’s influence toward Emalia and along its river.
 * Mang: The nation plans for an industrialization of trade port ships to start trade routines with other foreign nations that encompass them. Ompai Emperor continues to industrialize the nation and jobs, as he is nearing his death. The cities start to grow an effort of population on them, realizing there are for-sale homes. Expansion becomes somewhat crucial, barely expanding across land, as more internal issues bare within the nation. The wars are still going on, and Mang declares neutrality before any external issues come to play.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: The Ebony Era overall helped greatly to expand individual aspects of society and technology throughout the realm, as each of the various city-states fought in tight competition with each other. The maritime cities of Langui and Saraita each held a vast navy at their height, and the small colony of Fotashe expanded far up the titular river. Langui remained at a distinct disadvantage, however, due to the productivity of the Uriel Islands, and the Seige of Langui ended in a very close defensive victory. Gandai of Medan was a profound mathematician at this time as well, who is best known for developing his formula for the sides of a right triangle, otherwise known as "Gandai's theorem". Most significantly, Gandai composed the oldest extent textbook to this day, The Elements, which established a basic methodology for developing mathematical proofs based on underlying principles, connected ultimately to Ulm theology. Gandai was one of nine total scholars from each of the city-states of Azoz, the "Nine Sages", who collectively formed the oldest scientific society in the city of Azoz. Another sage, Anthrax of Teman, was alternatively known as the "Father of Cosmology" by being the first scholar to theorize on the shape of the Universe, believing it to be a bowl. More missionary journeys are sent from the Holy Father to Valun, Khin, Eskaladun and now Pyrendium, as well as the new territories south of Syres, offering their new rulers to be anointed in the faith of Ulm. Many churches that exist in Mesallia organize a vast relief system, to provide humanitarian aid and philanthropy to victims of the Meshwanit-Karissa war.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One is enraged by the news of the recent defeats, and orders a larger mobilization of Holy Men to fight against the Burned Men. 20,000 of the nation’s most pious and fierce warriors are called to the Anointed One’s position, and set east to raze Weritsz.The army is the most advanced ever assembled by the nation, with all units equipped with metal helmets, greaves, and shields. During the siege of the old Burned Men capital of Osenoja, siege towers and battering rams are employed for the first time, helping to take the city. In the far north the nation’s newer provinces are less well-equipped to handle a major war. Instead the governors prepare defensively, with cities being fortified with walls. A small number of skirmishers are sent south to avenge the defeat inflicted against the nation, pushing Weritsz back from the south side of Lake Sumyala.
 * In Mesallas: Governor Ixacetonec orders the Yannian-Mesallian army in the north to hold the line in Meshwati. A generous price is put on the head of Thiminis and the enemy army’s generals, with Omvedomian assassins attempting to sabotage the enemy army. The nation offers a deal to Meshwati; rebel and overthrow the Karissan overlords and be given their freedom back. Else, they face probable eradication. Another army of about 5,000 men, mostly from Yannis proper and from Calamos, is sent south to take Isimos. A Yannian named Geqecna’tenoc is sent to Halatia with a small force to take overall command of the Mesallians there, and they are instructed to raid the northern one-half of the western peninsula.
 * In Tik’akna: Infighting persists within the tribes of Tahua, but ultimately the people of the region largely accept the teachings of Nelrim ez Jesiphim (“Nelrim the second, the returned”) as part of their own scripture. At this time in the city of Iynderam the tribes began to write down their oral tradition, and over the next century this syncretism would become clear in how many texts began to change due to Enulmian influence. In Tohatia, in order to solidify the region after the deal with Exhula, the governor sends Holy Men to found a fortified settlement on the northern bank of the northernmost river. The settlement becomes known as Isisinqeyam, and also serves as a trading post to reach the Exhulans on the other side of the river.


 * Xüonai: "United we rise, divided we fall. This is a fact of life, and true to our current situation. With Weritiz attacking from the east and Kaloma in the south. Even we have been attacked by Rogar in the south. Our allies have been attacked unjustly, and we shall help them. Darna may attack; the west might as well; but our allies need us, and this is the time we shall rise." With an arousing speech from Dashon VIII, the century kicks off. The built up industry from 20 years of profit, wealth, and prosperity has the industry booming, and war supplies helps a lot. The eighth Topituya is conducted in 306, and although grander than most games (as 8 is like the number 10 in Base 10 terms; a nice round number), it shows off the industrial capabilities of Xüonai to the Darnans in Monsloa. Strangely, all participating countries (Yannis, Exhula, Syres, and Xüonai) get eight medals, which is seen as a good omen, considering that it is the eighth Topituya (which is in an eight year cycle). Dashon VIII has his first and only son, Dashon IX. 15,000 troops stay at home, waiting for an invasion from the west and/or the north. Three mining settlements, at the bases of hills, become major cities; one just south of Benekundon at the origin of the third river from Zedislandia; another in the mountain pass between the north and the south (it becomes a major trade city due to its location between the north and the south); and another one at the base of the hill in north central Xüonai. The royal navy is sent to escort ships in the south sea, but Tyha Už makes the government an offer; they will escort ships for a small tax from the ships (5%) if some warships are given. This is readily taken up, as the navy is quite old and renovations need to be made. The ships are sold to Tyha Už, and the navy gets beefed up. When Rogar proclaims the Kingdom of the Irrosian Isles, war is declared for a brief period of time between mid and late 304, when Exhula offers vassalage. Xüonai promises to recognize Irrosai (Irrosia in Xüonaisl) and never attack him if Rogar promises never to attack the north islands we own and if Rogar accepts Exhulan terms. The majority of citizens in Irrosia stay under Xüonai, just like Exhulan citizens in Fahnatwi. We agree to boycott Qera due to us being allies with Exhula, and ask Yannis and Exhula to boycott Darna, due to their insults hurled at us, although the boycott is mainly asked of Yannis, one of the main importers of slaves from Darna. With the Fahnai Phoaito officially formed through marriage, around 7,500 troops, along with supplies, iron swords, and catapults (which were invented some time ago in Xüonai), are sent to aid the Exhulan army defend their lands, explaining that a Darnan and western invasion seem imminent, and with the threat of Weritiz, troops need to be able to defend the homeland. The casualties on the transport is minimized by the trading ports in the south, both from Exhula and Xüonai. With the boycott of Qera, Exhula essentially wins the trade war. 12,000 are sent to defend Yannis. One of the terms for Weritiz if the surrender is that their large island just south of the mainland shall become Xüonaisl. Chariots from Exhula become imported, and are used to replace cavalry in the Bphliacre tactic, which is tested out against Weritiz. The northern part of Lueht is claimed by Xüonai. A major settlement is built on the northest tip of the newly claimed Lueht, and a road is built from the south of the colony to the north to make trade easier. The island just northeast of the major settlement is also claimed by Xüonai. With the new fleet, ships are sent into to Mesallia. Xüonai involvement in the Mesallian war had limited, but now Xüonai starts to invade. Hostile cities/islands are invaded, starting from the north from Ensoywi down. 6,000 are sent to assist the invasion force, and those who don't open their gates to us before we attack have their population enslaved when Xüonai troops storm their city. Anyone who does surrender without a fight gain citizenship. Darna's desperate attempt to make war with us is disgraceful. An official statement is issued, exclaiming that there is no cannibalism in the region at all, as there is no reason for us to, as well as moral grounds; even if there was a food shortage, ethics would make cannibalism virtually indefensible. If Benekundon, Zedislandia, Molaga, and Niani want to stoop down to Darna's level, creating fake news about cannibalism to shamelessly force a war, then we won't stop them. However, if they want to stay neutral or help us against our righteous cause, then they are welcome to. We trust Yannis will have the sense to deny their lucrative proposal, as we are fighting alongside Yannian troops and aiding them. However, 2,000 troops sadly must be recalled from Yannis to defend from the threat of Darna, and 2,500 from Exhula. Another 5,000 troops are trained to help defend the homeland, raising the army size to 24,500 in the homeland, 10,000 in Yannis, and 5,000 in Exhula. News tell of a Darnan collapse imminent, and Darna is making war to unite the people of their country. This is further supported by the large number of Ulmists in their country, especially slaves. Sources tell of an Ulmist slave rebellion to come soon. Secret: Exhula is told that if war comes with Qera, Xüonai can not send any more troops to them than already there. Of the 24,500 troops, 10,000 defend the border with Darna and coastline, while 4,500 guard the Molaga border, 5,000 guard the Zedislandia border, and another 5,000 guard the Benekundon border. An official condemnation is sent to Darna, although war seems inevitable. Plans are drawn up to invade through Benekundon and then split into two, one going south into Zedislandia and one going north into Molaga. The Bphliacre tactic is planed to be used extensively incase of a war. Troops on the border of Molaga are ordered to move in, but the troops on the border of Zedislandia are ordered to defend over the river, except catapults, which are stationed mostly near Mosnola and Zedislania, because of the river separating Xüonai and other countries forces. Secretly, Dashon IX hopes that Benekundon will support Darna and declare war, as untapped mining settlements on the other side of the Benekundon border are an interesting prize. With the third Xüonai-Darnan war imminent, Darnans are portrayed as warmongerers, with the citezens doing nothing wrong but living inside its boundaries. Dashon IX hopes of a successful arangement in Siccarius. Secret: Yannis is asked if they would join a war against our neighbors threatening us. Xüonai decides to make peace in Mesallias to focus on the Darnan and Weritiz invasions at the status quo (I'm pretty sure they'll accept, as not much damage was done). We encourage Yannis to make peace too, and explain that we had to exit the war to defend the homeland. The 6k troops returning from Mesallia are redeployed as followed; 2k on the Benekundon border, 2k on the Zedislandian border, and 2,000 on the Molaga border. Currently, 10,000 defend the border with Darna and the northern coastline, while 6,500 guard the Molaga border, 7,000 guard the Zedislandia border, and another 7,000 guard the Benekundon border. A 1,000 man garrison is stationed at various locations.
 * Irian Culture: From the green highlands to the seacoast, a change is sweeping across Iria — a new way of life that challenges the ideals of its ancestors. As life in the countryside becomes uncertain, people move to the safety of walled cities and strong leaders. For the first time, large armies are raised, equipped entirely with metal weaponry. Religion and politics become more centralized, and philosophers talk increasingly of war in their sermons. It is the age of iron; the age of allegiance to kings. The Ludo-Irian kingdoms of Corenia, Phimerea, Nolossia and Solcia command control of an expansive area between the two great rivers. Farther west, smaller kingdoms exist, including Motra, the succesor to Aigeium. Coastal Iria is undergoing a different change: the rise of city-states. Ruled sometimes by the people and often by tyrants, they are appearing more frequently as the populations of previously small cities swell. Decene lies north of Rhithera, occupying the the entrance to the straits; Ephon is north of Decene. Gazonion sits in the rocky hills near the mouth of the Dio River; Abyn lies to the south of that. The eastern tip of Ceta projecting into the sea is home to several cities as well, notably Dardas on the north coast and Orespontos by the bay.
 * Qera: With the trade war coming to a close with an ending that proves disadvantageous for Qera, the faith of repairing relations with Exhula becomes a far distant memory of the past, too good to be true. Anti-Hcctaal resentments grow in both the upper-classes and the commoners after they see them as traitors to their former closest ally (even though they are just some 2% of the entire population). The word "pornaq" (meaning similar to a pogrom) becomes documented to discribe active violence against the followers of the Exhulan faith. Prince Ygran IV does not agree with these actions and does his best to prevent people from murdering his own people, but he partly tolerates these actions because of his own position of power he finds himself in, that he doesnt want to risk. In 304, he travels to the Exhulan capital with 20 ships and 1,000 men of the most loyal men of the personal guard. They travel under the flag of the house of Rollver, a harpy-eagle and three springs around it on a white backround, which makes it a diplomatic mission and surpasses the ban on Qeran ships docking in Exhula. He demands to see the emperor and clear the situation once and for all (EXHULA RESPONSE NEEDED). Secret If the negotiations don't go as Ygran imagines, a signal will be given and the city will be invaded with every man avaliable and every living being will be slaughterd and the city will be pillaged. Ygran swears to himself to murder the emperor personally and start a succession-crisis End Secret. Ygran didn't come for revenge though, as he would much more prefer a live and let live attitude from the Exhulans with a fair and even competition.  According to a wide spread myth he came into the town with a harpy-eagle on his shoulder (which is impressive enough regarding the sheer size of these animals with a height of around 0.8 meters), but modern archeologists doubt that it actually happened. Ten of his most loyal men were guarding him during the complete meeting, often earning disgusted or scared looks because of the Qtaqtas they ware and their hight as the average Qeran is about 15 cm taller than the average Exhulan. Meanwhile, the economy reaches a point where trade can sustain itself and expansion becomes a widespread method to feed the markets with the last nations Qera interacts with, namely the Olmacs and Sillas. The empire now claims the complete Qeran bay and the princedom's eastern most border reaches the Exhulan colony on the east (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE).  The five-finger plant becomes a major cultivated drug for export. While the average farmer rarely consumes the blossoms of this plant, priests and foreign seamen seem to prefer this drug over any kind of alcohol, which might be because of the high addictiveness. Smuggling of nutmeg seeds (even though it happened almost never) comes to a complete halt, as the smugglers understand, that they would wipe out themselves if they aid Exhula. A small fortune is found at the shores of the southern lake, when farmers find a large disposit of turquoise in the Ualjak region. Mining becomes huge in the region that is rich in copper and turquoise.
 * Exhula Response: When Prince Ygran arrives in Siccarius in 204 his ships are escorted by the Exhulan navy, which heavily outnumbers the 20 ships sent by Qera. When Prince Ygran finally arrives his ships are not allowed to dock at port nor are most of his men allowed to disembark, as they are kept on the ships while he is escorted to the throne room to meet with Sassagorn with a maximum of ten guards, forcing him to leave his chief diplomat behind. When he reaches the throne room he demands “The Emperor” clear the situation and say what it will take to end the trade war. He is then informed that Sassagor Is not, in fact, the Emperor, but rather the Emperors brother who is ruling in his place while he Is off waging the war against Kaloma. This is severely embarrassing to the Qerans and Ygran insists on staying until the Emperor himself will negotiate with him. He waits for about two years until his stubo finally fades and he agrees to negotiate with Sassagorn. They begin negotiating a new treaty to end the trading war between Exhula and Qera, called the Treaty Of Siccarius, with Sassagorn stating if Qera does not sign it that the embargo will continue and the damage to Qera’s economy will continue.
 * Darna: News arrives of the southern horde’s relentless and utterly senseless violence, this time by picking on a small nation trying to defend itself. The people of the region cry for someone to stop Zanphoria’s bloodlust. This becomes even clearer when news arrives of Xüonai conducting child cannibalism in their lands. The nation is therefore forced to do something, for the sake of the children. But first, a coalition will be created, and Molaga, Benekundon, Niani, and Zedisladana are asked to consider banding together to stop the evil southerners. Likewise, the Yannis Empire should pitch in to help bring down the southerners, and could gain a great amount of land up to the river.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Darna's desperate attempt to make war with us is disgraceful. An official statement is issued, exclaiming that there is no cannibalism in the region at all, as there is no reason for us to, as well as moral grounds; even if there was a food shortage, ethics would make cannibalism virtually indefensible. If Benekundon, Zedislandia, Molaga, and Niani want to stoop down to Darna's level, creating fake news about cannibalism to shamelessly force a war, then we won't stop them. However, if they want to stay neutral or help us against our righteous cause, then they are welcome to. We trust Yannis will have the sense to deny their lucrative proposal, as we are fighting alongside Yannian troops and aiding them. However, 2,000 troops sadly must be recalled from Yannis to defend from the threat of Darna, and 2,500 from Exhula. Another 5,000 troops are trained to help defend the homeland, raising the army size to 24,500 in the homeland, 10,000 in Yannis, and 5,000 in Exhula. News tell of a Darnan collapse imminent, and Darna is making war to unite the people of their country. This is further supported by the large number of Ulmists in their country, especially slaves. Sources tell of an Ulmist slave rebellion to come soon. Secret: Exhula is told that if war comes with Qera, Xüonai can't send any more troops to them than are already there. 
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The tsar sends the fleet and 200 soldiers to colonize and claim the big island near Mithadia.


 * Hythia: Dynus the Untouched continues his reign until the seventh year of the decade. In this time he firms up the nation. Resettlement of the north begins, and the Cartor are forcibly spread across the nation to prevent organized uprising. Great tracts of land are resettled across the war and disaster torn lands. In his final five years in power, the prophet leads a personal mission to convert the heathens to the south. He performs miracles and demonstrations of Hythus’ power such as drawing forth fire from the earth (sulfur-laced soil). He travels with a band of 67 disciples of Hythus who all tell tales of his power. Many converts from these tribes come north and are welcomed to Hythia with open arms. All those who adopt the true faith are welcomed to praise the god of fire and earth. With Dynus’ passing the empire enters into mourning. His daughter Ayan is proclaimed Myrnech (beyond-human leader). As the daughter of the prophet of the great god Hythus, her rule is uncontested, an marked by the progressive re-stabilization of society. More missionaries are sent south and others west to preach to the tribal cities in that region. Trade networks which had fallen to disrepair are rebuilt and population recovery accelerates. Though the rebirth of Hythus has come, his people are not as yet strong enough to carry his banners into righteous battle in all directions.
 * Syres: After remaining neutral for some time, the recent invasions threatening our brethren in the Gudumanes Peninsula lead to the nation supporting Karistos and its allies. The Hensa approves 5,000 soldiers and a large portion of the state’s navy to be sent to Mesallas, hoping to ensure that no territory is lost to the invaders. Our army arrives in Sericolis under the command of Mosieh, and marches northeast to combat the invasion spearheaded by Halatia and the Yannian general Geqecna’tenoc. The navy, under Amnaron the Younger, focuses on controlling the waterways around the peninsula.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: Xüonai decides to make peace in Mesallias to focus on the Darnan and Weritiz invasions at the status quo (I'm pretty sure they'll accept, as not much damage was done). We encourage Yannis to make peace, too, and explain that we had to exit the war to defend the homeland.


 * In Silla, government-owned iron foundries and workshops are established to provide weaponry (bows and arrows, sabers, pikes, etc.), armor, and battering rams for the military. Walls and fortifications, constructed with rammed earth, encircle every major settlement. Due to a need for more land and raw materials, more aggressive military expansion commences–with conquered settlements being placed under the jurisdiction of military officials. Within these occupied territories, slavery is abolished and replaced with a system of contractual servitude. Basic infrastructure and civic buildings are constructed to ease administration and access from the capital, as well as facilitate assimilation into Sillan culture. In order to facilitate population growth, wet-rice cultivation continues – at the expense of lower-yield dry field rice varieties or rice crops. Agricultural productivity increases due to the usage of manure as fertilizer, and the usage of cattle or draft horses for plowing fields. All arable land is converted into rice fields; with the land in-between each field being planted with vegetables, as well as coconut or plantain trees to combat soil erosion. Canals are built to ease the transportation of goods and people, as well as divert water from the river to the rice fields. Drainage systems, latrines, and communal baths are constructed in more urbanized communities – thus improving public hygiene and reducing the potential transmission of infectious diseases. Many peasant families have more (surviving) children, due to a higher food supply and lower prevalence of disease. This is also partially due to the influx of people from neighboring tribal polities, who do not practice abortion or other rudimentary methods of contraception. This also could be attributed to an increased desire for children, as they provide labor. The economy rises due to increased foreign trade, with increased wealth resulting in a rising mercantile class. The production of porcelain, jewelry, textiles, and tea dominates the export economy; though the cultivation of fiber crops, exotic fruit, and indigo remains also important.

311-320
'If you have not posted in the old turn yet you may still do so. '

'A significant number of people, primarily poor miners, living in the far eastern section of Edom and the nearby mountain range, are attracted to the Enulmian religion through preachers from the neighboring kingdom led by Isjemen. '

'During Xüonai’s invasion of Milenis, while aiding Yannis against the Mesallian states in the League of Ossa, the invaders inadvertently harm ships from Taorina, prompting an alliance of Taorina, Naro, and Ghios to declare war to retake Milenis. '

'Rogar Petras accepts the offer from Exhula and becomes King of the Irrosian Isles, continuing to raid ships other than those prohibited by Exhula. He also uses his immense fortune to improve his new kingdom, creating new ships, fortifications, and ports. '

'Xüonai experiences difficulty transporting a large force to the other side of the known world, and loses a large portion of its army in Exhula to disease and lack of supplies. After a defeat in Kalmoa most of the remaining army defects, with many eventually being attracted to join outlaws such as Rogar Petras or settle in the region. The army they raised in their homeland also experiences some small losses due to having a large number of troops raised and waiting idly. (Your troop numbers in total are far too high.)'

'In a decisive battle in central Kaloma, the combined armies of Kaloma, Teninukal, and Makuku manage to defeat Exhula. The nation of Exhula suffers 2,893 casualties, and also sees a portion of its forcefully enlisted army flee or even switch sides. Kaloma attempts to make peace with Exhula, promising to cede the territory that Exhula occupied. '

'A nation known as Syghiph, located west of Eldebethias, the Alliance of Ten Cities, successfully resists their attempted invasion and establishes clear borders outside the Ten Cities. '

'After the successful Siege of Osenoja by Yannis, the nation of Weritsz sues for peace with the Yannis Empire, agreeing to cede the Burned Lands of Kuscisiwa. '

'Most of the inhabitants of Hythia accept its religion, although some tribes, such as the Cartor, cling to their old beliefs until the very end. Also, it is discovered that the Bysula has survived, as a small chapter has garrisoned the great wall in the eastern mountains. They fortify the approach from both sides, and cut off communication with the rest of the kingdom. '


 * Kingdom of Azoz: The competing states of Saraita and Langui continue to make bigger and better ships. At the same time, local legends start to appear at this time about claimed sea monsters in the open ocean, the most famous of which is the Yahlamolo, a giant multi-headed sea serpent. Possibly more famous now by the many horror movies of more recent generations, but they are all loosely based on this original myth. Gandes of Medan, among the Nine Sages of Azoz, experimented in various forms of astronomy, and is believed to have predicted the first major eclipse. The immediate students of the Nine Sages became known as the first philosophers, and all major modern philosophies can ultimately be traced back to this same group. Saragythorp, one of these earliest philosophers, was also a brilliant engineer, and is acredited for designing the first catapult. Thes catapults were essential in defeating the armies of Ishbak in the Siege of Medan. The Holy Patra of Azoz became close alliances with the League of Ossa, as well as the leaders of the Enulmian faith spreading in Edom.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: While exploring the unexplored jungles of Algeorgia, The explorest discovers a rare White Dodo which is twice the size of a normal Dodo and is brought to the royal zoo. The White Dodo mates with an ordinary Dodo and creates the Royal Dodo subspecies.


 * Mang: The officials in the nation begin to explore through the terrain for either two things: 1) natural resources or 2) more living area expansion. While that's happening, Ompai Emperor dies this year, and his brother, Fuki Emperor controls the throne. A first order of business that Fuki Emperor orders is an industry of health care, which is planned to be finished by 381-390. Fuki Emperor is wanting to gain more land area to build another medieval town. More ships are being built across the town, now named Kukimhew, to industrialize imports and exports to other nearby nations.


 * Mesallian Culture: In the Gudumanes, the arrival of additional reinforcements, primarily from the nation of Syres and other nearby states, greatly helps to turn the tide in the peninsula. After the death of the skilled commander of Naphilus, the city of Karistos came under the rule of his son, Telamonis. Initially the city suffered immensely, with the Halatians managing to retake the northern one-half of the city’s peninsula, while also virtually surrounding the city by taking the northeast Gudumanes. Sericolis reentered the war now that its position was favorable, and led the Syresian army east into the territory it claimed, also helping to solidify the kingdom’s own expansion from a decade earlier. At this time Karissa sent diplomats to Xüonai to negotiate them exiting the war with the status quo maintained. Likewise the state hoped to end the war with Yannis, but found that more difficult to negotiate. After beating back the Yannians initially, Karissa found itself distracted by internal affairs and resistance from nearby Mesallian states. Crucially the Naro-Taorina contingent was persuaded into joining the Karissan-led alliance, granting the city effective rule over the entire Lydonian Sea. In order to secure a southern route through the Melopenes, Karissa sent a continent to demand that Agira grant the city’s ships passage over the Agiran portage. When this was rejected, Karissa sent a large portion of its allied fleet to Agira to force the city to comply. Ultimately the city was defeated in a brief battle, forcing Agira into the alliance as well. In the Kingdom of Sephimora (a term derived from the Eclisian title of Jesiphim, meaning "the Returned"; here meaning "Land of the Returned"), the ruler Erenus spreads the nation’s network of copying monasteries, in the same tradition as the Ulmian scholars. The southern desert, which had been crossed during the nation’s exodus from Nerimos, is claimed by the nation to nominally connect the state with the stronghold at Leviea, while a trade route emerges between Leviea and Nelgistis, stopping at many of the major camps across the desert. Numerous monasteries are maintained in the mountains that separate the kingdom from the nearby nation of Edom, with some within Edomite territory. The king sends numerous preachers to the harsh mines across the border, preaching of salvation to the working miners of Edom. Many are said to have converted to the teachings of Sephimora, and in time this led to the Edomite governors of the region being alerted. By the time of Erenus’ death, the Enulmist religion had spread the towns of eastern Edom, the oases across the desert, and to a handful of cities in the far south in small numbers. Ulmians are also encountered in small numbers in this region, and Enulmians attempt to convert them. However, Ulmism is generally looked upon as favorable, too. Erenus was succeeded by Vedun II Nicantis who founded the town of Nicania during the early years of his reign.
 * Exhula: With our defeat in Kaloma we agree to make peace with them and continue occupying what we hold, and ask to re-open lost trade relations. We are humiliated by our loss in the war so far but we do not give up hope of retaking our stolen territory, ending the war with Kaloma but swearing revenge against Teninukal and Makuku for their theft of our rightful territory in an opportunistic attack, although we stop the war and agree not to pursue it further due to our funds growing low and the fact we have basically lost at this point, although we do not hold a grudge against Kaloma, since we attacked them to begin with. We also offer to marry one of our current princesses to the ruler of Kaloma or the heir, to ensure in their eyes we will not attack them again and to maintain peace (And so we can have more influence on them). With the loss of so much territory (Both to the new Irrosian Kingdom, although it is now a vassal, and to Makuku and Teninukal) we begin looking to colonize new lands to make up for it, sending 2,000 soldiers and many colonists to forcibly subjugate the large island to the northeast of us and exterminate the population, while also continuing colonization of the region west of the Irrosian Archipelago, building four new settlements in the region as we move farther and farther inland, also displacing many native tribes in the region, which we drive away, conquer and forcibly assimilate, or just enslave and force to help us build our settlements and extract resourses from the region, Which we conduct a major mineral survey of in 316 (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). We also begin colonizing the region southeast of Mexiqua which is bordered by Kaloma, Sillas, and Teninukal through its coastline, which we call Spalduria, after a major tribe in the region known as the Spauldians who have constructed a small city inland named Spporus, whom we offer vassalage (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED), while also founding five coastal port settlements, which begin to deepen our trade relations with Olmac as a result due to their close proximity and our already existing trade with Olmac, while also deepening trade relations with Silas. We begin sending many Hcctaal preachers into Sillas and, especially, into Olmac, attempting to spread the religion beyond our boarders more. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED FOR HOW SUCCESSFUL IT IS), we also begin discreetly doing the same to Qera again, although due to our worsening relations and their increasing persecution of our religion this is less common than in Olmac and Sillas. While the Salt Barons continue to be a major influential group in the Ettyian provinces, they beging to stop gaining more influence as most of the major salt-rich areas have already been claimed by now and the existing ones have firmly entrenched themselves in the upper areas of Ettyian society and begin to look down on those who don't share their status or similar statuses elsewhere in the empire (as these are the children and grandchildren of the original Salt Barons (which is still just a nickname, not what they are really called), and thus don't really allow outsiders a chance to become one of them, while they also begin to go by a different name, the Saryit's (literally meaning Salt Lords). Trade begins to flow much better and more profitably through Irrosia and throughout the Northern Sea without Rogar actively preying on Exhula and its allies ships, althougho they do continue to practice mass Piracy against other nations ships. The former Emperor Rttagan II dies in 318 a bitter and alone man, after having written over 37 profoundly popular plays throughout his life and becoming incredibly wealthy even after leaving the Imperial Household and its riches through that revenue, but still becoming extremely bitter and cynical after all that has occurred throughout his life and his lack of someone to share it with. His last play, Syrax, focuses majoroly on themes of regret and loss even as everything seems to be getting better, and many later historians speculate it was part of an attmept to finaly apologize to his family for how he treated them, despite everything. When he dies, he, in a suprising move, leaves all his accumulated wealth to the family he has become bitterly divided from, and imperial works in the future will shift to portray him much more postiviely, making many suspect the "Father of Modern Exhulan Theatere finally managed to reconcile with Sassigan in his last months of life. Theupgrades and renovations to the navy and the consistent increasing of its size continues, as dozens of more thips are built over the course of the turn, and the Exhulan Navy continues to maintain dominence over Qera despite them also increasing the size and power of their navy.
 * Kingdom of the Irrosian Isles (Vassal): Rogar continues to become wealthier and wealthier as his projects and construction, as well as his continued piracy, reap dividends and only seem to bring him more wealth. He founds five ports throughout his kingdom as centers of trade, and as pirate dens which other nations can't openly target due to being Exhulan Vassals. In response to the insults leveled at our friends and allies in Xüonai by them and their obvious attempts at warmongering, the few Darnan ships in the region become particularly targeted frequently, with none being spared when found travelling in the North Sea. He fathers many more children during this time upon his many concubines in addition to the many he already has, many of whom become major pirate captains in attempts to impress their father and win his favor. Although Rogar himself follows the Hcctaal faith (as do most Exhulans in Irrosia) many of his thousands of followers do not, as they come from many diverse cultural and national backgrounds and practice many different Religions and customs in close proximity, with major religions in addition to Hcctaal including the Yannian Faith, Xüonai religion, Sillas and Olmac religions, and in rare cases followers of Ulm or the Messalian pantheon, though these are rare due to the extreme distance between the major centers of those religions and us. The dozens of languages spoken in the region also result in a new Language beginning to emerge among the region known as Irrosian or simply the trading tongue, as it incorporates words, symbols, and grammar from dozens of different languages spoken in Irrosia and begins to develop as its own thing. The marriage of Rogars daughter and Sassagorn produce one child, a daughter named Ahhnt early in 112 who is soon betrothed to her much older cousin Lorgar in order to secure the royal succession after Sassigan is informed by Rogar of Sassagorns offer to him in exchange for a high amount of money in order to gain his trust and further independence for his realm, with proof including their signed agreement and the numerous incriminating letters between them while Sassigan was away that Rogar simply kept rather than burning as he was instructed, leading to Sassagorn's ritual execution by drowning (As a member of the royal family he is considered to warrant that respect, even if he is a treasonous dog), and his daughters becoming an orphan at the young age of 3, due to her mother dying in childbirth, which also makes the betrothal easier. The Irrosian kingdom overall prospers this turn, especially when the government begins running what is essentially a protection racket among non Exhulan, Irrosian, or allied ships where Irrosian ships will escort ships through the North Sea in exchange for protecting them from the many Pirates in the area, who are often those same government ships and wont hesitate to turn on those who don't pay. Finally, Rogar decides to order a census of the population of his kingdom, the first one ever conducted by the new kingdom. In response Exhula itself also does the same (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!!!). The navy of Irrosia, which is a major part of its power due to its status as an island naval power based on trade and piracy, begins to grow immensly as ROgar orders the construction of many new ships, an increasing amount of outlaws, pirates, and mercenaries willing to work for him come to Rogar with their ships, and as Irrosia purchases many outdated large warships from Exhula, at lowered prices due to being a vassal.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One decides to enact mercy upon the misguided state of Weritsz, that is to say, it will be granted the ability to live. However, the state will cede all land west of the river to the Yannis Empire, and all territory seized elsewhere, pay a small tribute annually, and accept proselytization from Yannis’ Holy Men. Likewise, we agree to give the southeast island to Xüonai, although the nation is put off by the rumors of child cannibalism, Xüonai’s seizing of many islands and colonies, and their recent feuding with their neighbors. It is hoped that this will not continue. The nation sponsors the expansion of its highway system into the newly conquered provinces, and places small garrisons in the hands of local governors, who commission new walls around the provincial capitals and big cities. Quick Yannian settlement of the east commences, with Holy Men being sent to spread the word of Yannis. The province of Bassar also is elevated from a territory to a full province, now that its population has largely assimilated, and the region has been adequately connected. The territory from Weritsz is divided into three new territories, consisting of Osenoja in the east, Uromawa in the southeast, and Vedensaqaden in the northeast.
 * In Mesallas: Governor Ixacetonec is killed in battle near Meshwati and is succeeded by a more moderate candidate, Yadsenetec. He becomes more willing to negotiate with Karissa’s coalition, and it is proposed that the Mesallas region be formally split between two spheres; those under the hegemony of Karissa and those under the hegemony of Yannis. Additionally part of northeast Gudumanes should be ceded to the Yannian sphere, while elsewhere there will more or less be status quo ante bellum. In the meantime the line near Meshwati is held, and in the west a major offensive is launched to inflict as much damage against the nations of Karistos and Sericolis as possible. The region up to the mountains is occupied or raided.
 * In Tik’akna: The colony of Tohatia reaches the river in the south and greatly profits from trade across the border to Exhula. In the north the colony expands to encompass the trade posts on the nothern coast south of Phorintheon. The Tribes of Tahua, now in communion with the religion of Sephimora from the west, brings the new religion south to the region of Lake Tahua, and all around the Great Lakes region. The new king becomes highly zealous and focused, and brings the banner of The Returned east in battle against many of the nation’s neighbors.
 * Darna: This year the "Western Bay Games" of Topituya, AKA the annual child sacrifice ritual, is held just outside the borders of civilization, and the disgusting rot of barbarism can be smelled from the walls of Mosnola. The warriors of the city clamor for a chance to put down the Zanphorian idiocy before its spews festering disease all over the land, but for now the chief of Mosnola tries to quell the upset people. A tunnel is discovered in the mountains that was apparently a “canal” but is believed to be a giant trough for child bloodletting, that the emperor of the southerners occasionally drinks dry during the summer months. The other nations in the region are trained and aided by Darnan warriors, with Darnan goods and weapons spreading throughout the region. The goal is that the states will be strong enough to resist the eventual jingoistic attack from Xüonai when the glutton emperor desires more children for consumption. A popular trend begins in the region of tying garlic to one’s belt to ward away hungry Xüonaians. The road from Mosnola to Tesardya is finished, allowing for quick access between the two cities.
 * Xüonai: When news from Darna arrives in Lhynui, the court laughs for a full minute until everything calms down. With Darna claiming the Topituya as a "annual child sacrifice ritual", they give up all claims of cannibalism in Xüonai, as Yannian, Exhulan, and Syresian athletes all compete in the games, along with many other countries as spectators, and all can testify that it is a gaming event. The closest thing to cannibalism in the Topituya is the traditional eating of fish. Darna's lies are seen as jokes throughout the country, just as their government. All countries are invited to see the canal, blue as the sky. Most in Xüonai feel bad for Darnan citizens, forced to listen to the propaganda of the state. A joke arises that all they do in the royal court of Darna is think of ways to frame Xüonai for cannibalism (Seriously? No running of state in your turn? Just blaming Xüonai for cannibalism?). The octennial Topituya is held, and smelling fish are thrown into river separating Mosnola from Topitui, smelling exactly like what the Darnan government says is dead bodies, embarrassing the Darnan government in front of all the Mosnolans watching. An official event arises, which is throwing fish as far as you can, tracing back to the 214 Topituya. The attempt to get a Casus Belli to go to war with Xüonai is laughable. With the accusations of the "annual child sacrifice ritual" and the "blood cannal", Yannis and other allies can see the lies of Darna and Dashon IX can finally dispel the false propaganda of Darna. With one of Yannis' worries about us gone, we attempt to explain our colonization to them; with no room to expand on the mainland and unwillingness to go to war with our neighbors, resources must be extracted from somewhere, and trade and new territories are the only options. Our colonization is focused on resource rich regions or strategic trading ports, which help us gain resources. To help with their last point of concern, our hostile neighbors, we state that Darna's warmongering ways have lead them to brainwashing their people into thinking we are barbarians, and we don't want war, but believe it to be inevitable, as the evil north wants it so bad. In the east, peace with Weritsz is accepted, and the island in the south is treated fairly, with some Weritszsl staying on the island (as nationalism is not really a thing yet in Weritsz) and being treated as full Xüonai citizens. However, most move south to start sugar plantations in southern colonies, which soon becomes a large part of their economy. Negotiations begin with Karrisa and their allies, and Yannis is invited to join. Our terms are Status Quo between Xüonai and the Karrisa alliance, although Yannian terms may be added on. With Xüonai at peace, the government sadly must prepare for an invasion from the oncoming barbarian, lying horde from the north; Darna. The western three states are expected to believe Darna's fabrications, and so defenses are prepared. For the first time, movable fortifications are experimented with, basically wooden towers on wheels, meant to be moved once the enemy forces retreated. These are used to defend immobile spots, like near Zedislandia, which is separated from Xüonai by a river (another example is the Darnan-Xüonaisl border), and sometimes places in which there is a large enemy troop concentration to gain a fortification bonus. In faster moving regions, Bphliacre is planed to be used with chariots from Exhula. The active duty personnel is reduced to 5,000. The ocean near Irrosia is named Irrosot. Infrastructure continues to be built in the mainland, and rural areas, especially near the city on the base of the hill.
 * In Lueht: The colony expands all the way to the north coast, in the west touching Yannis and the east touching the coast. The reason; to build a settlement. A large trading port is built in the northeastern tip of the mainland, and a smaller settlement is built on the island just northeast of that. Sugar plantations become large inland, due to the closeness to a slave source (Exhula) and the mediterranean climate. It soon makes up the second largest income source for the mainland, right after trading revenues. Many in the Xüonai army who deserted in Exhula decide to move there to start sugar plantations, like the OTL Caribbean.
 * In Xüonaisl Irrosia: Major ports are built on the two major islands as trade stops before Exhula. The north islands are culturally Exhulan and Xüonai, and so an Irrosian dialect, called North Irrosian, begins to emegre, which uses Irrosian words while being more heavily dependent on Xüonaisl. It is considered now a dialect of both Xüonaisl and Irrosian. The counting system in pure Irrosian is actually the Xüonai numeral system, as it is the most developed of the many languages. On the other hand, Xüonai grammar is almost completely disregarded in that it is very complex. Sugar plantations also become popular here too.
 * In Ouayi (Island south of Weritsz): The island south of Weritsz is named Ouayi, translating to "big island", although the smaller island south of it is still part of the territory. Most Weritszsl stay on the island (as nationalism is not really a thing yet in Weritsz) and are treated as Xüonaisl citizens. It becomes a major trade port, a last stop before heading south for most traders. The small, 4-to-5 px long island to the northeast of Ouayi is colonized, along with the tiny island just southwest of that. The few natives are given the option to assimilate or become slaves.


 * Sonshu: Kono slave raids begin at the usual time of the year with hundreds of new people being brought into th e Sonshu Market for foreign merchants to purchase or for labour. Sonshu grows with each passing year as more labour and foreigners fill the lower rings of society. The native Tausi make up the field slaves and improvished manual labour, Some integrated Tausi, and foreigners make up the next ring of society mainly merchants, doctors, and mercenaries or conscripts who serve under the Kono citizen soldiers, Above them are the average Kono people who are trained in martial activities and as craftsmens (fletchers, smiths, shipwrights, carpenters) who make up the backbone of the social structure. At the top are the Kono nobles and the house of Yana who work as priests, adminstrators and military advisors to Lord Nansu. Nansu's authority is absolute although he is one who seeks out the advice of his advisors and priests when it comes to decisions of state. He also cares greatly for the survival of his subjects given that he left with those who choose to remain faithful to him all those years ago. Now an aging man Nansu will begin transitioning power to his grandson after his own son's attempted coup a few years earlier. The Yali plant (cannabis) is used heavily throughout Sonshu by all sectors of society, as the Kono use it to stay in touch with their ancenstors and with the spirits during times of worship, and to unwind after successful combat, while the poor and destitute consume large amounts of it as amenas of letting losses whicih is encouraged by the ruling Kono who see the its uses as a suppressors so social ills. Tausi who in their youth who are seen to have skills or intellegence are emancipated and groomed into service. Thanks to superuior weapons and tactics the Kono have maintained their grip on the natives while better ships have allowed for the control of immediate sealanes. However, some ships have been spotted recently by scouting ships, and some native settlements to the southeast have begun showing signs of organizing stronger resistance to raiding parties. keeping a tight lid of weapons and dissidents through a mix of harsh punishment and tolerable treatment when labour isnt restive. More to be added later.
 * Syres: The Patra of Syres publishes a scathing report of the Western Bay Games of Topituya, stating that the rumors of child cannibalism are completely true. In reality this is an attempt by the Ulmians to dismantle a “pagan” festival/event held in foreign lands, which the Patra sees as blasphemous. All Ulmians are to cease attending the festival, and even many non-Ulmians cease as well. Word of this embargo spreads around the region to many parts of the world in contact with Syres, just as the Ulmian denouncement of the Jafiad in Mesallas spread to Syres. Content with having repulsed the Yannis Empire and their respective Mesallian allies from most of the Gudumanes peninsula, Syres recalls its soldiers and navy back home, but remains in close contact with the Mesallian states, particularly Sericolis and Karistos, to monitor the peace proceedings.


 * Hythia: Myrnech Ayan and her followers continue to spread the truths of Hythus. However, she shows more leniency than her father. The Bysula who fled to the north are granted amnesty for their sins and they are offered the help of the true people to rebuild their great hold in the mountains. The one stipulation made in the proposal is the construction of a great gate through which armies of Hythia may one day march. In the nation, an effort is made to rebuild the north. Cysk and Jynt are repaired and many refugees return to the cities. The resettlement of the Cartor continues as families are moved across the Myrnechate to be displaced far from home. More missionaries are sent south, but an emphasis is placed on converting the tribal confederation to the west. With trade routes running through the confederacy’s heartland conversions go unexpectedly well. The merchant class in the confederacy is the initial target, along with the ruling classes. A permanent diplomatic and religious mission is established in the largest city.
 * The Bysula of the Wall reply that they have a sacred mission to prevent any crossing over the wall (a mission that evolved from the wall's initial purpose), and as such can't allow a gate to be constructed. They hope to continue good relations with Hythia, and are willing to be treated as a vassal as long as they are left to continue their mission. It is also discovered that the Bysula have gained lordship over the lands in and around the mountain and the wall, as locals clung to the security of the fortification during the chaotic fall of Gyt.


 * Qera: After the major embarrassment that Ygran IV got himself in when he visited Exhula and the lost trading war, his niece Zatlahe takes power while he is away. Though she is just 19 years of age she is already responsible for the assassination of her older brother Yccem. Officially he died from his huge consumption of alcohol and an overall unhealthy lifestyle that led to a heart attack, but an analysis of his bones in the early modern era shows a large amount of arsenic in his bones. She also agrees to set an ending to the problems with Exhula and is willing to sign a treaty (EXHULA RESPONSE, PLEASE). She also continues to spend vast amounts of money on the navy, so that such an emberrasment like the trade war can never happen again. The colony to the east expands farther, now that the waters are clearer. A garrison is established with another 1,000 men to guard the outpost. The number of inhabitants continues there and the colony grows for some 3 px to the west. A trading contract is offered to the Sillans, where we grant lowerd prices for spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and chili in exchange for either money or goods like tea (SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED). A new form of theatre becomes popular, partly influenced by the Exhulan style of playing. Since Qeran culture has no long tradition of plays or operas, the theatres of Exhula often influence the way of the theateresque storytelling that is practiced at the high royal courts. Relations with a newly discovered tribe to the south start to increase. The tribe is called Ollehâtl by the Qerans, they themselves call them Òllejakr. Their knowledge of the area is exchanged in the port of Imbalama and diplomatic missions discover the area the Ollehâtl call their home (DISCOVER 60 px southwest). The economy sees a rise in productivity and a better situation in general again. Spices are farmed in large scale and the first turquise and copper mines open up in Ualjakia and southern Qera.


 * Exhulan response: We agree with the signing of a treaty to officially end the trade war and reopen relations between Qera and Exhula (despite us having won awhile ago, we want to seal it officially), demanding several concessions and conditions from Qera in return but also being relativly lenient in our terms in response to the offer and our decision to do our best to avoid the escalation of tensions into an actual war. We demand that Qera acknowlege our dominance of the spice trade with Xüonai and Yannis (although this is a mere formality and we aren't going to actually block their trade with them or anything, which we are sure to make obvious during the negotiations), that Qera lowers taxes on Exhulan merchants lower than they were even before the trading war (Although not by that much, only by about 10% including the extra percentage raised during the war, we are not demanding huge favours as I said but we are still taking advantage of our victorious status), and that Qera lift the ban on the trading of finally we demand a marriage between Zatlahe and Prince Vassigra of Exhula, in order to set up a cadet branch of the Aurelian Dynasty in Qera, although Zatlahe would remain the one with all the authority. We also desire to reopen official large scale trade between Exhula and Qera, although we do not demand it as part of the treaty. We also make it clear we are not willing to budge on any of these terms, and that Qera should agree since we already won the trade war.
 * Qeran response: Qera agrees to most of the terms, but informs Exhula that tariffs on Exhulan merchants were quite low already (before the second Ghisnan war). Zatlahe agrees to the marriage, too.
 * Final Exhulan Response: We agree to only lower the tariffs by 7% (You did say you made them extremely low), and with the marrige agreed upon Zatlahe and Vassigran marry in 317, with their first child, a daughter named Rias Aurelian, born two years later. She also begins to receive major Exhulan support in some of her plots, and is secretly informed Exhula would not be against helping her get on the Qeran Throne....
 * Draka: The nation below us is invaded, casus belli, they store our rum supply. Archon Elvira Naldorossen raises an army of some 500 hoplites, 500 mounted archers, 2,000 light infantry, archers, and javelin throwers. Some sabotage as well as subversion tactics are used, and as well as terror. Defectors are welcomed. However, the rest are feral serfs.
 * Beraba: The period of “The Great Death”, as it became known, lasting from approximately 292-307, was followed by a time of relative prosperity in Beraba. They reach out to Exhula again to begin trading with the new nation and share knowledge of the world (formal request to trade a map, Exhula response needed). A reclamation project for farmland lost during the Great Death is instituted, and various Houses are sponsored to establish new seats farther out in the countryside, resulting in a shift to a more federal system. Reclamation occurs in other areas, such as mining, forestry, and livestock.


 * In Silla, the three cities of Suzioú, Baselona, and Haitsuri (former districts of Silla) unify into a “Triple Alliance”, led by Empress Sanza. Within all the territories under its jurisdiction, the feudal institutions that have developed are abolished, and a system of contractual tenancy is established. In order to heighten agricultural productivity, iron tools are used. A comprehensive system of roads and canals are built to connect major settlements, and a household registry is established to facilitate conscription as well as more easily determine the location and population of the nation’s inhabitants (thus aiding the collection of tax). Iron coinage becomes the standardized currency due to its ability to be molded into bars (for storage), and its ability to be melted for usage in tools and weapons. However, grain is also a permissible form of commercial transactions. The construction of an imperial palace is commissioned, and each of the city’s walls are reinforced and repaired. Loosely-claimed territories are consolidated, with settlements within it being coerced into paying tribute and accepting Sillan suzerainty (but otherwise remaining autonomous, and also having access to trade). There is one economic boom, particularly within the agricultural sector. The usage of better tools and new methods of agriculture (especially intercropping and the elaboration of wet-rice cultivation) has led to a population boom, but has also led to a need for land. As a result, land is deforested to make way for rice paddies. The production of silk, porcelain, tea–the three most lucrative exports–booms, thus providing ample revenue. Tariffs are implemented to incur a trading surplus.

321-330
'The states at war with Exhula accept peace with the state, although Exhula’s subsequent colonization of the coast in the same area is interpreted by some of the states’ leaders to be an example of Exhula immediately breaking its treaty. Similarly, the Spauldians are pressured to reject the Exhulan offer. '

'A large number of people in the Xüonai military desert and return back to their lives. The nation as a whole experiences a famine, partially caused by the enormous army and a lack of people to produce food. '

'Raiders from Hythia begin traveling farther south in order to find new towns and villages. This leads them to encountering the Irian civilization, and the lands of the Sarpedes and Gamadacians in particular. '

'The Drakan invasion of the Kingdom of Benyisra sees Draka successfully raid and pillage the northern one-half of the country, leading its people to view the invasion as retribution for turning away from god. A new leader rallies the population and the Drakans are narrowly defeated near the capital of Ebracomon, suffering 540 total casualties.'

'After trading goods and information to Qera, the Ollehâtl tribe also speaks of a great kingdom near them that the Qerans could seek out, where many of the tribe’s riches originated from. '

'The Enulmian religion appears in the Upper Ema, in the kingdom of Alsoba south of Emalia. It is especially prominent in the mountains north of the kingdom. '


 * Mesallian Culture: In the third year of the 29th Jafiad (Year 318) the war between Karissa and the Yannis Empire is said to have ended, with a small conference taking place in the town of Basia, located west of Meshwati. The Peace of Basia officially closed the door on the Meshwati-dominated period following the first Yanno-Mesallian War, and began a period of Karissan hegemony. This hegemony was split, however, with two spheres emerging in the region; those aligned with Karissa and those aligned with Yannis. The peace turned this distinction into a formal affair, with states such as Meshwati, the League of Ossa nations, Karistos, and Sericolis now firmly controlled, or at least strongly allied to, the Kingdom of Karissa. In many of the larger cities discontent was high. In Meshwati the returning hero Thiminis helped to quell unrest, becoming a major figure in the city’s rebuilding. However, after his death the city once again called for the Karissan puppet king to be deposed. In Agira this sentiment was even stronger, as for centuries the city had elected its governing officials, and now had its affairs almost completely controlled by a small group of Karissa-appointed tyrants. After four years, when Karissa was distracted elsewhere, the city overthrew the tyrants and began elections once more, although many of its early candidates remained influenced by Karissa, at least in order to ensure peace. At this time Karissa found itself fighting numerous small wars to preserve its position as hegemon. In the east the states of Naro and Taorina remained only loosely aligned with Karissa, and a popular king from Idasimos named Xeminus attempted to unite all three cities once more. A navy was dispatched under Palimus and Xeminus was narrowly defeated, although Palimus died soon after, leaving Karissa without one of its main admirals. Peace was made, with Xeminus retaining control over the coast north of the Ema Delta. Soon after, Karissa controversially send forces to the allied state of Ossa, after they failed to turn over the old league’s treasury and taxes. Most of Karissa’s vassals refused to send troops to this endeavor in protest. Finally Agira managed to instigate a war by tricking a nearby town, also under Karissa’s influence, into attacking the city. Agira formed an alliance of cities in the area opposed to Karissan influence, known as the Belarian Confederacy, named for the Belaria region of the Melopenes. An initial force from Karissa under the command of Haliandus attempted to take the town of Ocromos, on the northern edge of the confederacy’s territory, but the battle ended inconclusively and Haliandus was killed in an attempted assault. The cities allied to Agira came to include other major cities such as Lamigis, and both sides prepared for a full war. Several smaller battles were fought over the course of the next year, and in the third year of the 31st Jafiad (Year 326) the Karissan Xenander managed to win a decisive battle against the coalition at the Battle of Isythera. The alliance managed to attract support from the Kingdom of Krasidos, which led Karissa to accuse the Yannian governance of breaking its treaty, despite Krasidos acting independently. Xenander was forced to return north, as by the end of the year the situation in Meshwati had begun to break down as well. An exiled Meshwati prince attempted to rally support for a restoration, forcing Karissa to garrison the city with one-half its army. Ironically, the exile was supported by the Yannians, who provided funds to field an army of mercenaries and to rebuild Meshwati lands. Known as Massisni the Exile, the prince managed to conquer several of the islands around Meshwati with Yannian aid, and then marched on the city itself. With invasions taking place from both the north and the south, Karissa was unable to prevent the capture of the city. The governor in Yannian Mesallas died soon after, changing the governance’s foreign policy. Instead they sought to preserve the balance of power and ensure that the Karissan hegemony didn’t fall, as per their treaty, and so the Yannian contingent threatened to intervene in the war should peace not be made. The other states did so reluctantly, and in effect the Belarian Confederacy was dissolved, although Agira remained independent from Karissa, Meshwati was restored, and Karissa retained ownership over the rest of the region, including the territories that Massisni the Exile attempted to seize. In this time the Milenis school descended from Doloson contributed numerous important entries to science and philosophy. During this time Axiles writes down the works of Dolosn and others for the first time, as well as his own theories. He especially is interested in the study of nature and the origins of the universe, stating that nature is ruled by laws, just like human societies, and anything that disturbs the balance of nature does not last long. He also postulates a mechanical model of the universe, that the indefinite is the source of all things, and that the world floats unsupported.
 * Mang: (redoing turn), Fuki Emperor plans a northwestward expansion toward the mountains to build an agricultural city spot for mountainous terrain. Meanwhile, the port city is continuing to build ships (not the luxurious ones, the ones that are modernized by this era, like wooden or any other mineral used by this) for exports and imports. Meanwhile, the agricultural center already built (somewhere in the middle of the nation), is attracting famous Mang artists and writers of this century (Backstory: Mang officials created a way to make art, with any type of writing utensil in the earlier years of these ten-year spans).
 * Exhula: With the end of the war between us and the other nations supporting Kaloma, we begin to settle the regions of Kaloma we now own, the territory of West Kaloma, with ethnic Exhulans to secure the region, building the major city of Ndamis in the region, and appointing 1,000 soldiers to guard the area as a garrison. We continue to colonize the region south of Kaloma, Teninukal, and Makuku, and respond to the openly expressed beliefs of some Makukan and Teninukali leaders that we are violating the treaty by doing so by pointing out it them that we never promised to stop colonizing regions near them in the treaty, only to vow never to attack them, cede MY Northern Territory to them, and not colonize the territories they lay claim to, and they age no claim to the land we are settling. The attempts by Kaloma and Teninukal to pressure the Spauldians are countered by pointing out there are many, many miles of unclaimed wilderness between them and Kaloma, and much more to Teninukal, that would be incredibly difficult for them to march an army through, much less one big enough to actually threaten us, and that WE are just a few miles from them and getting closer every day, and still have a huge amount of military forces we are perfectly willing to use to exterminate them if they refuse, pointing to the recent example of the Mexiquens for what happens to those of their power level who oppose us and promising the same to them if they refuse, while pointing to the Sarthari as an example of how they can benefit by siding with us. We also point out how it is extremely doubtful that Teninukial, Makuku, or Kaloma will actually go to war to protect them so shortly after they suffered so many casualties in the last war, and that they don’t even bring benefits with siding with them, unlike us, and once more extend our offer, now for the LAST time. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). Meanwhile, we continue to colonize the region and build three more settlements around Spauldian territory, which we call Huuth, Piror, and Pirccsis. We continue to settle the area west of Irrosia, constructing six more cities (Nurth, Olpicc, Essus, Ghm, Ditul, and Hottith) and sending in thousands more settlers, while also continuing to settle the area south of that and North of Ciast, constructing three new coastal settlements (Ithsocis, Serith, and Aiis) and a two new settlements farther inland, named Vasshri and Tyrroror while settlers sent to the region begin to increase. SECRET: With the full support of Zatlahe due to this matching up with her own ambitious desire for the throne and impatience to get it, we provide Zatlahe with an extremely deadly but slow working and subtle poison from the farthest parts of Yannis, called Madthir after the Madthir plant from which it is made. It causes a hugely increasing amount of blood clots and an eventual heart attack in the victim, and has no known antidote, and she has one of her servants sneak it into the drink of Prince Ygran IV in 330 while he is attending a play in the city, allowing Zatlahe and thus the new Qeran cadet branch of the Aurelian Dynasty to inherit the Qeran Throne, END SECRET. With the agreed upon Treaty of Siccarius signed between us and Qera, we reopen trade relations with Qera and massive amounts of wealth begin flowing between both sides once more. It also results in Httcaron finally becoming known as one of the wealthiest and biggest cities in the entire Empire, as all trade from the Ettyian coast and more northern colonies must go through it first and the city grows rich of tolols, in addition to the ones required for going into Ghisnar. We continue to increase our fleet size, resulting in us having the largest navy in our part of the world (not including the farther north Yannis and Xüonai). With the major opening of trade with Silas due to our colonies close proximity, a major market exchange between us soon takes effect, where we sell them goods such as slaves, iron, and salt which we have in abundance and they have little of in exchange for lots of Sillan products such as tea, silk, and fine china. Mining operations on Haeelos increase as a result to take advantage of this new, massive market and the population also starts to increase as a result, with us founding several new cities on the island after centuries of not doing so as a result. Trade with Xüonai and Yannis continues, and we also send an expedition to explore 40 px east of the newly conquered island. 
 * Kingdom of the Irrosian Isles: Massive economic growth and population continues throughout the Kingdom, which continues to become more powerful and influential throughout the North Sea. Irrosian continues to develop as a language, with the first unique letters and numbers of the emerging tongue first appearing around this time according to archeological digs in the early modern era. The language spreads throughout the islands and becomes more distinct over this turn, but it still continues to borrow most of its words and phrases from other languages, primarily Exhulan, Xüonais, and Yannian, but also borrowing words from many other languages. The language becomes widely learned by people throughout the islands (although the number knowing it is far from all), mostly due to the fact that it uses so many letters, words, and phrases from other languages, meaning those on the island will likely already know many parts of the language and be able to learn it easier. Irrosian will later become known as the first of the Exhulan Language Group as the first offshoot of Exhulan to truly develop into its own language, although it is not entirely accurate to say it was the first to come into existence, as Sarthari, High Ghisnan (The newer form heavily influenced by the region's Exhulan conquerors, not the original language of the Ghisnari Tribes, known as Low Ghisnan, which even by the time period is in practical terms completely extinct), Surhar, and West Kaloman all can find their origins in the subtle dialect differences in different parts of the Empire many of which had been developing for more than 200 years by this time. Rogar dies in 324, and is buried at sea in a traditional Hcctaal funeral along with his 14 concubines and his two wives. He is succeeded by his ambitious teenaged son Syrac (a name derived from the last name of the famous general, as his first name would later be forgotten), who wishes to expand the domains of his Kingdom but recognizes that attacking any of the powers holding land around him would be suicidal. Instead, he decides to attempt to purchase the two Xüonai owned islands that are part of the Irrosian Archipelago but not the Irrosian Kingdom from Xüonai and Tyha Už, for a sizable portion of his fortune, arguing that it does not violate the terms of the Treaty of Fahnatwi as the Irrosian Kingdom and the Exhulan Empure are different states, even if Irrosia is a vassal (Xüonai Response Needed!) 
 * Beraban Diplomacy: Beraba has still not received a response from Exhula regarding trade and sharing information.
 * Exhulan response: We finally receive the offer to share maps and to open trade relations, and we gladly agree to trading with Beraba and map sharing (OOC: Just act as if we have been trading since the first offer, sorry it took so long to respond).
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: During the final years of the shortest darkened year's period, the ceasing of the council's rule and the death of Saemon VII proved fruitful in allowing for later cultural leisure during the reign of Tiphrata II from 321 to 327, as the movement from a lack of data and information to further informative recordings were made. During Tiphrata II's reign and the reverting of many cultural blocks that proved voided, a string of literature and other texts were properly written. Although there were very minimal, major texts that were written include Manifesto and Odessa. Although the exact time for the creation of the Saemonite mythology is lost to time, it has been recorded have been created roughly around this time after numerous peoples and groups begin supporting the idea that the northern realm has been blessed by the God of Rain, Pheres, after numerous successful harvests throughout the decade, as well as the movement of combining of various talltales and older myths together into somewhat of a connected religion. With this, the first text canonizing the mythology known as Chronicles Of Abus, Pheres, and Ohstus is written and produced nation wide. Later texts would be produced envisioning the mythological Gods as either helping people or terrifyingly destroying life, while the original text would remain the only document standardizing the lives of the three primary Gods, as well as including much of their origin stories due to their existence being known for decades prior.


 * Hythia: Myrnech Ayan, now a well-aged leader, continues to spread the truths of Hythus. The Bysulan offer is accepted, and they are granted dominion to rule over the mountains as they see fit so long as they ensure the supply of ores. With much of the infrastructure in the north rebuilt land once again comes firmly under Hythian control. A new city Aya is built 40 septons from the border with the tribes to the west, along the banks of the river. This is done to improve the control over the area and also to increase the influence Hythia wields in the confederation to the west. The resettlement of the Cartor continues as families are moved across the Myrnechate to be displaced far from home. More missionaries are sent south and west, with great effort made to convert the tribal leaders. Tribes that border Hythia receive many missionaries who act as emissaries of the state and speak of the great prosperity that Hythus will bring to his chosen, those that live in Hythia. These missionaries hope to convince many to join Hythia and draw thousands more to the cause of Hythus.
 * Yannis Empire: Numerous Holy Men are dispatched to the new provinces, and also to Weritsz, helping to spread the faith of Yannis to the east. These men are also armed or backed by the military in many places, helping to avoid retribution from angry locals. The Anointed One declares that all the land on the continent east of Yannis, including Weritsz and beyond, shall be viewed as within the Yannis Empire, or within the empire’s sphere of influence. The governors in the east also send the first Holy Men to Aurelia, and the Aurelian colonies. The province of Teloc’tezon sees expansion along the coast to the northeast, while the other eastern provinces consolidate their territory and seek to pacify any remaining heathens.
 * In Mesallas: With the peace agreed upon between the governor of Yannian Mesallas and the state of Karissa, the region is largely split in two between our respective sides. The Yannian authority in the region continues to secretly influence events in the region, hoping to weaken Karissa, and also lure some of the neutral states to join Yannis. After Yadsenetec dies he is succeeded by Acayletezoc, and he is succeeded by Teloc’zepoc II. The new governor chooses to interpret the treaty with Karissa as technically allowing either side to compel neutral states to join a side, and he seeks to dominate what remains around the Gabatrian Sea. Lamigis appears to be too antagonistic to the idea of allying with the Yannians, so instead the governor tries to align with the states south of Lamigis on the southernmost peninsula.
 * Xüonai: The Kingdom of the Irossian Isles is abbreviated to AIY, "Ai'Irros Yi", or "Nation (kingdom) of the Irros islands". A famine occurs from 221 to 223, with rivers drying up in the south; on the other hand, the north seems to flourish. The army is cut down to 1,000, which leads to less food needed to be devoted to the army and more to the people. Cannibalism is still not practiced at all, punishable by death, although no one ever tried anyway. The famine is mostly eradicated by 223, due to an extra successful potato harvest in the north and sugar in the south. The army is raised to 3,000 after the famine is over. Dashon IX dies, leaving Dashon X inheriting the throne. Internal affairs are focused on rather than external, with the famine being attributed to a disease in foods imported from Exhula infecting crops in the mainland. Yannis is trusted to reject any buttering up attempts from Darna, and the country in the north is largely ignored. With the trade war concluded, trade once again continues with Qera, with the delicacy of nutmeg being imported. The colonies help a new trade route to flourish, bringing wealth to sailors and the colonies. The army is once again cut to 1,000, as we see no use for anything larger. The offer from AIY is politely declined, as the islands are very valuable as a trading port. Slavers begin enslaving any Darnan sailors who go south, and soon the slave pens are filled with merchants from Darna who were heading to Mesallia. The money and goods the slavers got from the merchants soon make their way to other Xüonai merchants, who make their way to Mesallia and sell it themselves. In turn, this makes the profits swell. Due to the famine, potatoes replace old crops and their growth brings stability to the food supply. Intense breading programs of potatoes commences to have disease prone potatoes weeded out, and the most disease resistant are sold to farmers growing potatoes or other potato breeders. Soon, this is done with other foods and slaves, with the latter never have being done before. The Darnan merchants made strong slaves when bred, although not disease resistance, and soon they are bred with slaves coming from the south from Exhula and other places to make the slaves very resistant to disease. Corn also gets bred the same way. Spices and corn, along with spices and potatoes, become a staple food source for the middle-class, with the lower-class eating the mentioned vegetables without spices. Nutmeg is usually a food of the upper-class, as the trade wars impact made nutmeg less available to the middle-lass, making it a rare spice before. The genetic variety in the food and slaves have led Xüonai to be a very disease resistant nation to this day.
 * In Lueht: Sugar becomes a major export of the colony, with traders stopping by to pick up sugar to either trade with the south or bring back to the mainland. The plantations in the south begin importing slaves from the mainland, and soon a sugar-slave trade is made, with sugar from Lueht and Xüonaisl Irrosia being traded for Darnan slaves from the mainland, which in turn allows the plantations to produce more, and the cycle keeps going.
 * In Roirrosyi (also known as Xüonaisl Irrosia): Sugar becomes a major export of the colony, with traders stopping by to pick up sugar to either trade with the south or bring back to the mainland. The plantations in the south begin importing slaves from the mainland, and soon a sugar-slave trade is made, with sugar from Lueht and Xüonaisl Irrosia being traded for Darnan slaves from the mainland, which in turn allows the plantations to produce more, and the cycle keeps going. The offer from AIY is politely declined for buying the south islands, as the islands are very valuable as a trading port.
 * In Ouayi: The economy becomes focused primarily on trade, although the native cacao tree and coffee plants both become bitter drinks, usually sweetened with sugar, and are sold to the upper and upper middle-classes as exotic drinks on the mainland. Otherwise, infrastructure is improved, and the island overall prospers, raising the Weritsz majority's opinion of the new Xüonai government.
 * Darna: The nation’s king is appalled by how the Xüonai keeps trying to instigate wars, and how they keep accusing us of being “about to invade”, even though we have never offensively started a war here, nor do not have soldiers stationed on their border. The nation of Xüonai becomes little more than a backwater oddity, that some travel to just to witness the shear depravity of life before civilization. The surrounding states of the region laugh at its small population, meager army, and inability to feed its people. The civilized nations of Darna, Molaga, Benekundon, Zedisladana, and Yannis are asked to form a group of cooperation and assistance, as we five are the only nations really of note on the continent. This alliance will work together to trade and prevent raids from the wild animals of the south. Darna begins trading across the sea, with Darnan traders visiting the ports of Yannian Mesallas and other nearby cities. A large number of Xüonaians (the descendants of those captured in the war, who have been bred in captivity for generations) are gifted to the Yannian governor in Mesallas for ritualistic sacrifice. The slaves are of a special vintage; they have been trapped in solitary confinement and unable to speak for most of their lives, and are intellectually and mentally children, despite being physically adults, albeit very weak and famished. The slave pits in Darna proper boast hundreds - if not thousands - of Xüonaian animals for sale, with a whole industry developed around special categories of slaves. One of the more pricey commodities is the Royal Line of slaves, which is supposedly descended from Xüonai royalty captured a century ago.
 * Xüonai: We remind Darna that the first time they interacted with us, they declared war, and so they actually did declare war on us offensively.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Various states of Azoz continued to compete for influence toward the end of the Ebony Era. The Langui colony of Fotashe expanded much farther up the titular river. As the generation of the Nine Sages passed, their pupils took up the role of developing further feats of engineering, mathematics and philosophy. Ishbak, under their last ruler Gerrier, developed the first fully professional army about this time. Tired of waiting for crops to be planted each year to go to war, Gerrier devised a means of paying a steady group of military directly from the government, who in turn would personally manage a set of farmland to supply the steady military. Meanwhile, the Cassanderan dynasty came to an end over Azoz when Chatnaguri, leader of the royal cavalry, seized control of the capital in a coup. Chatnaguri greatly expanded the personal royal lands into the gap in the northeast, filling in more farmland between Azoz and Valun. He is also accredited for inventing the game of chess, a game which he was always held title of champion throughout his lifetime. Most historians study this last generation to get the best picture of ordiary life in the Ebony Era, thanks to the more detailed historical accounts at this time, including multiple personal accounts of Chatnaguri himself.
 * Qera: In the last years of his reign, Prince Ygran IV becomes more and more of a figurehead. His power dwindled away since the trading conflict. In reality though, his daughter Zatlehe is already in charge of the most responsibilities of the realm. After her first daughter was born, she starts to shape her early to her likings and provides her with the best scholars from all over the princedom. As the prince and his family live in the capital Ogaholle Zira (as the child of Zatlahe is called in Qera) grows up there. The Qerans start to make a highly complicated art form of modelling statues from turquoise and coral. One of the most precious statues is the Kuecalkoatl statue that is made purely out of turquoise and polished copper. The artist is unknown and it was found in a remote abandoned temple to the south some centuries later. Expansion continues, when the Ollehâtl cooperate further and allow to secure the Qeran merchants. They purchase maps and knowledge over the area the Ollehâtl (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Explorers are send east from Imbalama along the coast to discover the "lake" (explore 80 px east). Qera claims the landbridge to the east and surrounds the Exhulan colony there. The south gets solidified when major roads are built to connect the region. Meanwhile, in 329, Zatlahe starts to remove the influence behind her husband's and Exhula's back. She has the Qeran law on her side when it comes to succeeding to the throne (the married partner of the royal is not considered one of the royal family by blood, making his name and status useless and the child is the heir to whatever dynasty is on the throne), but the religious and political influence is worrying her. To attract more traders from Sillas and Olmac, the colonial governor loweres the tariffs on the mrchants to 4%, hoping that they would rather take the shorter trip there than sailing all the way up to other territories. Trade flourishes once again in Qera, but to grow the markets, and to grant more healthy alliances, we ask Exhula to share their knowledge of maps with us (EXHULA RESPONSE, PLEASE). People in the east start to cultivate sugarcane and the consumption of tea in the nobility rises.
 * Exhula response: We agree to share maps with Qera, but inform Qera we are only showing up to where Yannis and Xüonai are, as we don't consider that particularly useful information since Qera will most likely never reach there (OOC: It's so I don't expand your map by like one-half the world, as Vand has rules against that).
 * Draka: The occupied areas are kept. However, the siege of the capital failed. Thus a final task had to be led by a group of warriors, the knights of scraw. Centered around Archon Scrawlandscribblescratch, they besiege the capital on a long siege.
 * Syres: The nation sponsors greater settlement of the southwest territories, in order to secure our claimed areas that border the city-states of the coast. Trade also continues with these new states, creating a trade route stretching from Neum in the south, traveling north along the coast, to the city of Syres. On the fringes of the nation’s known world, traders and explorers beginning sailing east past the edges of the Yannian Empire, making contact with the nation of Bangor in the south, and its neighboring Anglenite nations, and Weritsz in the north. Ulmian preachers attempt to travel to these lands, but find that this area is heavily influenced by the Yannis Empire and the Yannian religion, making it difficult to preach in safety. In the area south of Tik’akna Syresians trade and preach to the people of the Great Lakes, with Syresian goods primarily making their way into the hands of Emalia or the tribes of Tahua.
 * Irian Culture: Not much is known today about what happened in the fourth century. It is a “dark age” of Irian history, a period from which few artifacts survive. As a result, much of what I write about Iria in this century has been pieced together from fragments or gleaned from foreign writings. It can be ascertained that Irian civilization continued expanding outward, albeit without much population growth. Archaeological evidence shows that trade and cultural exchange with the east and south developed as early as the 320s, but contact with distant powers like Ri’kiva may have ceased altogether. The gradual transition from bronze to iron occurred. The well-known poetic cycles of Iria are also determined to have taken place during this period. The Irian language most likely underwent a significant change as “barbarian” words filtered in from the Ludian upper-classes.
 * Ri'kiva: Kal'If dies, succeeded by his son, who assumes the name Kal'If Yl. Kal'If Yl begins offering citizenship to conquered peoples who join the army and serve for five years. With this new source of manpower, Ri'Kiva subjegates most of the northern half of the Kjv'iv peninsula, extending the same liberties to the conquered peoples. Unemployed Ri'Kivans and citizens are offered living wages for joining the road building effort that is started, trying to link the cities into more of an empire.


 * In Silla, Empress Sanza changes her title to "Cabeza" and writes "The Art of War"–reproducing it en masse, and making it a vital part of military instruction. The Cabeza has a divine vision, with the God of War telling her it is the divine mission of Silla to instill civilization and high culture to the tribal polities that surround it. This revelation leads to increased jingoism within the political elite, who also see the annexation of surrounding territories as a way to acquire labor and raw materials. The class system is abolished, while the distinction between scholar-bureaucrats and military nobility no longer formalized. As a result, all Silla-born inhabitants are inherently "equal" and are entitled to the same rights and privileges, and attain higher status through imperial examinations. Due to an emphasis on meritocracy, impediments to the lower classes' ability to participate in imperial examinations, specifically the poll tax. As a result, social mobility is vastly heightened–though it is estimated that approximately 40–50% of the nobility are de facto hereditary, as the wealth they have amassed from leasing properties enables them to acquire private tutors. This military nobility is organized into an "Eight Regiments" system, with auxiliaries and infantry (who are conscripted) organized into the "Standard Army". Military nobles continue to serve in the Eight Regiments from 20–45, though they are only required to serve three months annually and attend monthly refresher exercises. The Cabeza commissions a council consisting of scholar-bureaucrats to standardize Sillan orthography and orders the establishment of grammar schools in all major settlements to facilitate the development of a large literati and improve communication between the Empire's regions. Within conquered territories, numerous small garrison-towns referred to as "colonies" are established and settled with 500 military nobles each. These also serve to ease the assimilation of the area's inhabitants and integration into Sillan society. There is an elaboration of equestrian culture, with new varieties being bred for warfare, sport, but also as draft and companion animals. Idle land is converted to create farmland, while large-scale deforestation of surrounding terrain commences. The intercropping of aquatic plants (specifically lotus, water spinach, and water caltrops) with wet-paddy rice; as well as perennial fruit-bearing trees (coconut and plantains) surrounding each paddy, is done to improve the productivity of the land and provide a secondary source of food. Root crops are planted in hilly terrain to further maximize agricultural output. The establishment of grain banks, and the construction of latrines, drainage, and communal baths, has led to a decrease in the transmission of disease and better nutrition; thus leading to a population boom. A census is ordered to better determine potential military resources in an event of a large-scale military campaign.

331-340
If you still need to post in the old turn you may do so.

'Several estranged members of the Cassanderean Dynasty manage to flee from Azoz and establish a foothold in the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann. One of the claimants, Cassander Medanius, marries into a high ranking noble family, while another, Andipedes, becomes a well-respected mercenary. '

'The city of Ebracomon falls to the Drakan invaders in a costly siege, which the people of Benyisra see as punishment for straying from the laws of God. The remaining kingdom sends a proposal that they are willing to become a vassal of Draka, if they can continue to practice their religion and customs. A great number of people from the kingdom flee elsewhere, populating new settlements outside the kingdom. '

'The Spauldians still reject the demand from Exhula, and manage to gain some supplies and weapons from the nearby nations, all of who do not want to see Exhula expand further. They also ask for help from Sillas, a nation who they share a border with in the east. '

'A small rebellion breaks out in the Xüonai colony of Lueht, as natives of the region resist the rapid claiming of their lands by the Xüonai authority on the coast. '

'An ambitious Mesallian king named Symander, who rules over a city on the western coast of the Emalian Delta, succeeds in launching a military campaign to subjugate the tribes who inhabit the region between Emalia and Mesallas. Emalia likewise takes interest in the west for the first time. '

'The collection of tribes east of Qera, who were armed and developed decades earlier with the help of Exhula, harass Qeran settlers in the region during Qera's attempt to claim the east. A tribal leader named Yupanqesin founds one of the first cities known of in the interior, harassing both Qeran and Exhulan settlers as needed, and uniting many of the surrounding tribes under his leadership.'


 * Mang: Expansion is starting by the Mangi officials, while Fuki is dividing regions up for Mang. These include Karkiei, a region where the capital sits, and the major port area, Solmanisk, a region where most homeless hang out, because nothing sits there and most homes are built from the trees that Mang offers, Holikin, where the agricultural part of Mang lies, which is the capital of agriculture across Mang, and the Gholek region, where homes are also built from wood, but most minerals lie there, which does boost Mang's agricultural and riches up. The region where the Mangis are expanding to will be known colloquially as the Utoki region.
 * Xüonai: A small band of natives in Lueht rebel, and a contingent of slavers are sent to deal with them. Armed by Xüonai provided materials, they put down the rebellion, and in doing so, capture the majority of the native population and convert them to slaves. At this point, Xüonaisl are the largest ethnic groups in most of the colonies except Ouayi, which is dominated by Weritszians natives, although they have a high approval rating of the government as there is no nationalism toward Weritsz, as that hasn't really developed, and their trading of cacao and coffee beans sponsored by the government had made the middle-class expand rapidly, compared to the large wealth gap when Weritsz owned the islands. For the first time in a few decades, a single letter reaches Darna, asking to demilitarize their border with us, although it is expected that they will deny and send us a flurry of insults. The emperor adopts a policy of ignorance, ignoring any insults sent by Darna unless they declare war on us or tell us something important, of which the latter is not expected. WIP
 * Kingdom of Azoz: It was around this time that the remainder of Azoz succeeded in being united under the new Chatna Dynasty, especially under its first leader and avid chess master Chatnaguri. The new king instated laws to fomally centralize the kingdom once again, outlawing the use of militaries by private nobles. Naturally, this was seen as moot by the other city-states as it was a law that couldn't be enforced. Chatnaguri then declared them all to be in rebellion, and raised his own army heavily relying on resources of the new northern territory. Teman was the first to peacefully admit being subjugated by Azoz. The war came to a head as Chatnaguri waged several battles of attrition against Gerrier, but by sheer luck in the third battle Gerrier was knocked off his horse by a low-hanging branch, and was struck dead by the enemy. Once the city-state fell in chaos, Chatnaguri took over, incoporating their entire military as his own. To cement control over the central region, the new king went forward with marrying the widow of Gerrier, Ilesebetta. With the mighty armies of Ishbak combined with the natural resources of Teman and Azoz, it became a simple matter to sweep down in two different campaigns to subjugate the remainder of the nations. At this point in time, the last of the Drokksites were driven completely out of Frasnoq, with 300 of the last followers hanged on crosses by the sea. With the colonies of Fotashe and Uriel being so small and dependent on the mainland, once the respective cities fell they immediately capitulated, except for one very minor sea battle by a military mutiny. Chatnaguri worked to centralize the kingdom into a unitary state, combining the militiaries of the various city-states into a standing, professional army in the style of Ishbak. He also designed the first complete standard for Azoz, combining the symbols of Ulm as a bull's head and pentagram on a red background. The navies of Saraita and Langui were largely left unchanged, almost retaining their former status as more autonomous entities. His son, Thalut, was carefully trained in all forms of stately and military matters, and treated as almost a junior king for a later succession. As the Cassanderan dynasty was now rulers of Tuartha, their distant relatives, Chatnaguri made consistent emnity with them, and instructed his son how one day they ought to destroy the Cassanderans and reuinite all of Azoz's territory. Thus was the end of the Ebony Era. More apostles continue to be sent to convert Valun, Eskaladun, and the tribes which are now touched by the Enulmians.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One receives the news from the Darnans and agrees that the nations of the continent should cooperate to live in prosperity. After which, he expresses disgust that the nation of Xüonai is now enslaving those same people. The nation’s military invents scale armor as a new way of armoring soldiers. The elite soldiers of the army are slowly upgraded to include the material. The nation begins employing new forms of heavy cavalry, with the horse rider and the horse itself being cloaked in light scale armor, and the rider being equipped with a long lance. By this time the northwestern provinces have grown enough to warrant a series of new roads stretching up to the border with Xüonai, and in the north across Dijunga. In the east Holy Men spread the Yannian faith into Weritsz and the new provinces freely. A brief campaign is launched to raid and subjugate the regions in the far northeast, up to the river, and the army is partially successful.
 * In Mesallas: The governor of Yannian Mesallas decides to demonstrate Yannian strength over that of Karissa, and seeks to subjugate the Kingdom of Idasimos, who Karissa was only narrowly able to defeat. Elsewhere settlement in Mesallas by Holy Men from the Yannis Empire is heavy in the northwest region of the Melopenes Peninsula. The governor thanks the Darnans for their gift of heathens for sacrifice, and under this influence, bans the sale of Xüonai’s slaves completely. He also states, and this is largely due to Mesallian influence in his court, that extraction of slaves in Mesallas or the surrounding waters by anyone will be treated as piracy and will be harshly punished.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: We justify our enslaving by saying Darna has been enslaving our people for generations, and we feel the right to do the same.
 * Qaryaat: Prince Adiyyl of the newer Najmi dynasty is crowned in Makra. This marks the end of a relatively uninteresting period of Qaryaati history. We expand east into the Mediterranean climate lands east of us. Meanwhile, explorers are sent to explore the coastline to the west of us. Diplomats are sent across the gulf/sea/bay/whatever to the Irian kingdom of Solcia with an alliance and trade offer. Along with the alliance, we will trade our spices, dates, dragon's blood tree resin from Saqqatra, dyes, and incense for their stone and whatever else they may have to offer. We will also share our map knowledge with them and we ask for map knowledge from them, too. (IRIAN RESPONSE NEEDED) A temple is built in Makra, and holy texts specific to the Qaryaati religion (later called Pehraism). A national census is conducted.
 * Solcian Diplomacy: King Nassohalus of Solcia receives the envoys from the land of Qaryaat in his palace at Seuthai. He is greatly pleased with their trade proposal, and promises an alliance with their people. He dismisses the subject of maps, but gives the diplomats a small etched token depicting the earth encircled by a great oceanic river.
 * Qaryaati Dip: King Adiyyl is glad that the trade proposal and the alliance were accepted. However, he requests to know more about what Solcia has up for trade.
 * Solcian Dip: The Solcians, for their part, are trading wine, wool, grain, cut stone, wood and shipbuilding materials.
 * Qaryaati Dip: We will gladly accept the trade deal with the kingdom of Solcia. We also gladly enter the alliance with Solcia.
 * Mesallian Culture: The successful war waged by Karissa, albeit mostly inconclusive, continued the city’s dominance during the period of Karissan Hegemony. Over the course of the next several years Xenander kept the peace on Karissa’s end, although his successor, Lepides, renewed Karissan intervention around the region. First the Yannian governor in Mesallas, Teloc’zepoc II, attempted to subjugate Idasimos, which Karissa continued to maintain was a violation of the peace agreement. Nevertheless, a Yannian army landed in the region and managed to subdue the kingdom after a brief war. Additionally it is likely that the nation of Temayal aided in this effort, as they were a Yannian kingdom bordering the state directly. All the while Karissa sent increasingly high levels of aid and men to the state, who had until recently been the city’s enemy. In the second year of the 33nd Jafiad (Year 343) the Kingdom of Idasimos agreed to become a vassal of the Yannis Empire, but around the same time the ruler of Ephenus, the king named Persitades, who controlled the region northwest of Ema, sought to expand his influence to the entirety of the Ema Delta. Ephenus had already gained influence over most of the western half of the delta, and at the time of the Yannian invasion was in a position to invade Idasimos. To this end Persitades convinced Karissa to lend its support to him, and he managed to secure the city soon after. This prompted a new response from Temayal, who Persitades would do battle with for the rest of his reign, as would his successors. Elsewhere, Karissa expanded its influence to the island of Elapheros, as well as other minor possessions, in an effort to prevent Yannis from doing so in the south Gabatrian Sea. In the west the Mesallians of the region supported the descendants of Cassander in Azoz and then the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann. Both the states of Salarinos and Igounematis, who had historically fought with the House of Lóegaris for dominance over the kingdom, supported the noble Cassander Medanius. At this time the king in Tuathna-Danann died, leaving Cassander with a claim to the kingdom. Salarinos and Igounematis, among others, lended soldiers to his cause, and even though he was a relative newcomer to the kingdom, he was eventually elevated to the position of king. This was also aided by the large Mesallian population within the kingdom, particularly in the northeast. The king brought with him many Azozian customs to the kingdom, in addition to being Ulmian as well, but also was tolerant of Mesallian beliefs, which had been less welcome under Lóegaris’ dynasty. During this time several developments also occurred in the south. The Kingdom of Erasidon grew considerably, thanks in part to a major port on the Gabatrian Sea. This allowed goods to travel through Erasidon to be shipped north, as a means of bypassing the Phydinians, the fierce tribe that controlled the land where the Melopenes Peninsula met the mainland. This new found wealth also brought the state unwanted attention, and sporadically during the rest of the century the kingdom was forced to swear fealty to Usinilago, or other nearby states. After the costly war against Karissa, Agira also turned their attention toward the south. With its port on the Lydonian Sea, the city planned to force the Phydinians into allowing Agiran traders through its territory. To this end the city appealed to the Water Merchants, one of the most influential groups of the south, and together the two fought a brief war to force the Phydinians to allow Agiran/Water Merchant trade exclusively. Karissa did not take much note of this, although the city did support Erasidon during a brief revolt against Usinilago, ensuring its goal of control over the Gabatrian Sea continued. The Water Merchants created a trade route over land going to Agira for the first time in centuries, which also helped the city recover. The Cult of Lementer would take notice, and it is recorded that several rulers of Agira in a row were either assassinated, pushed out of office, or otherwise influenced by the cult. When that failed, the cult managed to get a Lementarian elected in the city, but by that time it was unable to totally curb the influence of the Water Merchants.


 * Hythia: Years 48-57 of the Reign of Hythus. Myrnech Ayan continues her reign, now the longest living leader of Gyt or Hythia. A series of cities is founded along the length of the river Tythies, Hyt, Syn, Uyast, and Cy. Each is constructed a day’s ride from the others along the great river (7 px), and granaries and central plazas constructed. A grand temple to Hythus is built in Gyt itself, constructed of imported stone, the great temple shall take another two decades to complete. Its form is that of Mount Hythus, the mountain of fire (Square Conical). At the top there is great recess where sacrificial animals are to be given to Hythus. The temples is expected to be the greatest building in Gyt with a height higher than the tallest trees (200 feet). The presence of missionaries in the tribes to the south and west inevitably leads to a great mingling of cultures. It also leads to a great exodus from Gyt as the second and third sons of poorer Partunarch classes seeks marriageable wives with lands. Many of these nobles travel south and mix with the tribes there, spreading their religion and influencing the dialects spoken across this vast plain. The Myrnech is pleased by this development, and she actively begins encouraging this spread.


 * In Silla, the rapidly emerging warrior culture becomes increasingly entrenched into Sillan society. The prominence of the equestrian culture has resulted in polo becoming the Empire's main sport, though contact sports also experience a surge in popularity–especially among off-duty military nobility. Cabeza Sanza promulgates the "Sanzian Code", which establishes a more comprehensive legal and criminal code, affirms all Sillan's right to vote, and establishing provisions on marital relations. In order to better administer newly-incorporated territories and the facilitate the development of the Empire's frontier regions, a large comprehensive centralized bureaucracy is established. All administrative units (with the exception of the Three Cities) are designated into three categories depending on the number of inhabitants: provincial capitals, autonomous municipalities, and dependent municipalities. All of these send tribute (in the form of grain or bullion) to the Three Cities semi-annually. The greater degree of centralization leads to heightened revenue and greater ability to conscript infantry; thus allowing greater military expenditure. Also to facilitate control over newly-incorporated territories and appease its inhabitants, pantheons (incorporating all local deities) are established in all major settlements – with the largest and most elaborate in the city of Haynera (the most prominent of the Three Cities). This structure aptly referred to as the "Grand Pantheon", has over eighty large bronze statues of the God of War, as well as hundreds of statuettes of lesser deities. A division of labor develops between the Three Cities, with Suziou becoming a center of commerce and mercantile activity, Baselona becoming the center of arms production, and Haynera serving as the de facto seat of government. In order to facilitate interregional communications, Sillan is promoted as the lingua franca and grammar schools are established to provide instruction in Sillan. In addition, canals and roads are constructed – leading to increased interregional trade and settlement. State-owned iron foundries and workshops are built, manufacturing armor (iron-based brigandine or lamellar armor for military nobility, leather-based armor for conscripts) and weapons en masse; including composite bows, polearms, lances, and sabers. The production of porcelain, silk, tea, and jewelry increases to fuel both growing domestic and external demand, providing a source of tax revenue. Protectionist policies are established to incur a trading surplus. Indigo (a natural dye), exotic fruit, and fiber crops are also cultivated. Idle land is converted to create farmland, while large-scale deforestation of surrounding terrain commences. The intercropping of aquatic plants (specifically lotus, water spinach, and water caltrops) with wet-paddy rice; as well as perennial fruit-bearing trees (coconut and plantains) surrounding each paddy, is done to improve the productivity of the land and provide a secondary source of food. Root crops are planted in hilly terrain to further maximize agricultural output. The establishment of grain banks, and the construction of latrines, drainage, and communal baths, has led to a decrease in the transmission of disease and better nutrition; thus leading to a population boom. The average woman now bears four or five (of which around three survive to adulthood) children instead of three or four, breaking decades of population stagnancy. This can be attributed to increased farmland, and settlement of the frontier.


 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: Tsar Alexei III passes away at the age of 98 and is succeded by his daughter who takes the name of Anastasia I. The Tsarina makes the yearly trip to the Dodo temple and receives the blessing from it. We begin expanding our navy.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: Tiphrata III reign from 327 is cut short after he is found dead in the year 331, with his son Abieshu I taking the role as King. The adventures of the heroes Akki and Anshar take place this decade, and their events are recorded in an epic. The construction of the Hanging Gardens of Arazna is made around this date. The first national library is founded in 334, containing a majority of written texts within the nation. Expansion is made to the northeast, passed the river, by 5 px.
 * Bangorian Kingdom: with Konig Alphonse comes to power after his father's death. Alphonse addresses the militaristic question and what should be done with the Anglenites. With the population boom leading to many new settlements being established, road networks advance with the expansion of domestic trading. The cavalry sees a large amount of expansion while the. Traffic along the channel increases with merchants alike. Discontent for the Anglenites grow and as a result, an invasion is planned out using our cavalry as a main method of assault. The book of Bangorian laws and customs is established by the royal council and is published and placed within the capitol library. Clay and marble structures see development for religious practices as well. The library of Bruden is opened as well to scholars. The baby boom reaches new heights. Farming rises outside the cities providing plenty of food for the nation and its trade partners abroad.
 * Qera: When the eastern tribes rise up against Qera's expansion, the warrior caste, called Qxaneuo that was formed after the second Kisna war sees his first real battles. The highly skilled and deadly soldiers are mostly made up of Ualjaks and Qerans from the more southern region and have mostly replaced the conscripted peasent armies. Usual conscripted armies are still considered option, but the Ualjak forces are used for non-major conflicts. The first battle between the opposing sides occurs in 333, where 1,000 Qxaneuo clash with a tribe called the Wämeke with roughly the same size (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). It became a tradition to craft war trophies, but the disciplined men are now less of savages as they were some 150 years ago (even though they would still act like this if they get the permission). Captured leaders are often tortured and asked for information and later killed, in the hope that this will decentralize the tribes further. Captives are sent west and south to work the mines. By 335 the complete Wämeke tribe is either displaced and sent west or dead. Raidings of villages occur from time to time. Princess Zatlahe sends her husband to lead the attacks and motivate the men, where he manages to defeat the Macalla tribe, yet his men get often harassed by the Macalla. Many villages get wiped off the map in the hope to kill Yupanqesin or one of his relatives to make claims by his family over the territory impossible. Trade with the Ollehâtl continues and Princess Zatlahe starts to influence them politically, by offering to marry the Princess Zequene, a cousin of Zatlahe from a minor branch of the House of Rollver, to the Prince of Ollehâtl. Meanwhile, trade with the Adjiba starts slowly when the first spice merchants arrive at the Adjiban markets. Settlers are sent west now to expand the realm farther and satisfy the hunger for resources (expand 30 px to the west, 20 px become rural).  Crown Princess Zira is mostly raised by her mother and is shaped by her, becoming a well-spoken and well-educated child. She and her mother move to Imbalama, and let it fortify in a similar manner to Ogaholle. The northern border becomes increasingly fortified with small citadelles being build along the border to the north.
 * *Darna: The nation is glad to be in an alliance with the Yannis Empire and all the civilized nations of the continent, completely surrounding the desolate plane in the south that is Xüonai. In this position we demand that Xüonai immediately cease its barbaric slavery of civilized people, or we all will collectively put Xüonai down. Yannis will invade from the east and take its eastern provinces, the states of the west such as Molaga, Benekundon, and Zedisladana will invade from the west and liberate the provinces that Xüonai aggressively ravaged, Darna and Niani will invade from the north, and Mesallas will invade from the south. The tribe of Xüonai will be surrounded on all sides and will not be able to defend itself against such a large, highly trained army. The primates will therefore be vanquished from the earth once and for all. That is, unless they follow our just demand, which is simply to outlaw slavery in their land, stop attacking our allies and other peaceful lands, and turn over its prisoners back to their homelands. Luckily no Darnans have been captured by the pirates of Xüonai, and the Darnan navy, which is twice as big as that small tribe, will patrol the seas and stop any of their makeshift water crafts from harming the coasts. A census reports that we already have a population greater than the Xüonaians, and with all our allies around us we easily outnumber them. Meanwhile, in the capital, some merchants begin castrations on small boys from the pits, which produce a youthful sounding choir for the people of the city.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: We happily agree, as we want peace at all costs, on one condition; Darna, Yannis, Benekundon, Niani, Zedislandia, and Molaga follow the exact same conditions as we do, as the states listed are hypocrites to all the terms they just demanded we follow; they enslaved our people, invaded us from the north when they first met us, and still allow slavery.
 * Darna:' We clarify that it is not hypocritical, because Darnans are human beings while Xüonaians are subhuman animals. Therefore there is nothing wrong with us keeping Xüonaians just like cattle, sheep, or any other livestock, but Xüonai is committing a crime against nature by attempting to force intelligent beings into slavery.
 * Xüonai Diplomacy: We appeal to Yannis and all other states that we are not to be treated like livestock, and Darna's attempt to demonize us shall not continue. We offer peace on the continent as long as Darna either backs down on the demands or follows them themselves. We promise not to declare war on anyone so long as no one attacks us.
 * Irian Culture: There is substantial evidence of Irian trade links to the southeast beginning in the early fourth century. Excavations at the gardens of Corcos and Capezus in Solcia reveal a number of artifacts believed to have originated in Qaryaat, one of the ancient "incense kingdoms". Irian merchants had a presence in Qaryaat by the middle of the century. Remarkably well-preserved foreign coins and bowls found in shipwrecks off Casseran give further credence to the importance of the Cetan maritime routes to merchants shipping their goods north or south.
 * Draka: The deal to become a vassal is agreed to. However, the Archon's sister is married into the royal house, leading that nation to become linked with the Draka aristocracy. (more to come.)
 * Exhula: We continue to expand despite the attempts by the other Northeastern nations to stop us, building three new major settlements very close to the Spauldian's Southern Border, planning to use them as a staging point for a campaign to conquer them in the future, as promised .  However, we are not able to use the 16,000 soldiers that we raised and stationed in our territory in the region for that as we initially planned, as early in 334, shortly after the army entered Spauldians lands and after burning many villages and towns (but without leaving any bodies, so their isn’t enough evidence for the Spauldians to declare war on us) they receive new orders from Emperor Lorgar IV (as Sassigan II died in 326 but they did not receive this news until 334, and they were stationed in the region around 326, departing shortly before said death occurred). They soon leave the Spauldians lands, leaving as little evidence that they were responsible for the attacks into the Spauldians lands as possible (which is easier than it should be due to many villages and towns not having been touched yet and them leaving no survivors). Still due to attemlts that we’re being made to drive Spauldians citizens to the capital in preparation for a siege we had planned we know word will eventually reach them, and The Emperor personally writes a massive appology to The Spauldian High Cheif, Ricaard Of Spaulding, claiming that although members of the Exhulan army were responsible for the invasion of his territory and the burning of many of his lands, they had acted on their own and had no orders nor any approval from the Exhulan government, and that he had been recalled them immediately upon learning of their actions, and that he had the leaders of the army who ordered the invasion of the 1,000 soldiers (obviously not rally them, but instead scapegoats who were hated among the army and won’t be missed, who were involved in the campaign but obviously didn’t lead it or order it) that we claim we’re involved imprisoned in Siccarius dungeons currently and that if they wished, they could deliver them into his custody to do with as he liked, as their punishment and a way of apology. We also offer 1,000 Exhulan Aurels in cash (that is A LOT of money, trust me) and over 3,000 slaves as compensation for his losses. We even offer to marry Emperor Lorgar. Meanwhile, the army of 16,000 is taken command of by the Emperor while his only son out of his three children, Sassigan, stays in Siccarius to run the Empire. They travel to our southern colonies and from there they enter into Sayalen, the region where the various tribes Qera claims “rebelled” against them despite it never being their territory live in their several city-states, and their name for it. We quickly occupy the city-states of Valeya, Qytrohae, Tyrothos, and Relyaeya before their governments are able to respond to the surprise occupation. However, we inform them that this is a temporary measure and we are only occupying them temporarily for the purpose of protecting them against Qeran aggression, not attempting too conquer them, and the fact that we have been trading partners for a long time and we have not actively settled the region for over a century support this, allowing Lorgar to convince them to help him drive out Qera if it is necessary. They raise 4,000 troops altogether, which is a major strain but is seen as worth it by them, and then we march to the city that is currently being occupied by Qera, Marcalla, the former home of the Macallatribewith our combined 20,000 troops. We also capture Yupanqesin when he willingly comes to us, and we keep him protected and in our care as a bargaining chip and as a rallying point for the diffrent tribes. However, rather than immediately doing battle Lorgar and his brother Vassigran, who is in command, agree to meet on neutral ground with a retinue of ten men as a bodyguard, while their most trusted subordinates remained in command of their respective armies in case of a surprise attack from either side, despite neither of them expecting such to happen. When their they chat amicably and catch up for some time before they finally get down to the true reason they were there, negotiations between them so that they don’t have to fight eachother. Although Lorgar initially only intended to convince Vassigran and the Qeran armies to leave Sayalen (or if they couldn’t be convinced to do that to annex Marcalla and the former Wämeke lands alone and leave the rest to govern themselves, since the tribes of the Sayelen region are major trading partners of ours and we do not desire to see them wiped out, which seemed to be what Qera was intending to do and was why we chose to intervene to begin with) in exchange for large amounts of compensation and many economic concessions, and obviously in exchange for not attacking Qera, but during the initial talk Lorgar realizes his brother has grown to increasingly resent and hate his wife for isolating him from their daughter, who he barely ever gets to see, let alone talk to, due to Zarteles determination to raise her as loyal to her despite carrying the Aurelian surname and for blocking him from any form of power besides as a military commander, despite the fact he had no plans to subvert her rule or power or that of Qera, despite his attempts to increase Exhulan influence over the Princedom. This especially becomes apperent when Vassigra bitterly mentions that the Princess and their daughter Zira have moved recently to the city Imbalama and have started having it fortified in a manner similar to the capital and intend to run the empire from that location, but Zartele has informed him that he is going to keep running Ogaholle when he returns from the war and won’t even be in the same city as his daughter. This gives Lorgar a new idea, especially since most of the Qeran soldiers under Vassigra are more loyal to their usual commander (who is loyal to Vassigra) than to the state of Qera itself, since the concept of a nation dosnt really exist yet and even as a warrior caste they still become fiercely devoted to their comrades, and thus their leader, than to the state as a whole. He expresses sympathy for his brother and extreme anger toward Zartele for how she has behaved (neither of which is faked) and in the heat of the moment spits out that they should just depose her if they want Vassigra to see his daughter again. Although initially this was just an idea spit out in anger, Lorgar realises that if they attempted such a military coup d'état now while the opportunity was open it would have a good chance of succeeding and would result In vastly increased Exhulan influence over Qera while also solving his brother's problem. Vassigra, although he is initially extremly shocked and angered by the offer, actully becomes surprisingly receptive to the idea once he thinks about it more and Lorgar proceeds to offer the support of Exhula and its allies if he does attempt such a thing, and asks if he will accept it and launch such a coup (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). If he accepts then Lorgar sends 6,000 of his troops northwest to Ghisnar to guard the border with Qera and assault it if necessary while he and his brother begin a march into Qera toward Imbalama, which is still being fortified and is unaware of the danger at this time, with his remaining 10,000 Exhulan soldiers, the 4,000 vengance hungry soldiers of Sayalen who are willing to temporarily set aside their grudge against Vassigra to get revenge on Qera as a whole, and most of the soldiers who were under his command, who view this as meerly a change of rulers not a forigen invasion, with the march on Imbalama beginning in 340 with the battle of Imbalama expected to occur in 343. If he refuses than he is attacked and captured by the soldiers his brother had hidden nearby while his bodyguards are all killed to prevent Qeran knowlege of Lorgar’s proposal, and Vassigra is imprisoned as Lorgar does not wish to kill his brother, with Lorgar then taking command of the Exhulan army and launching an attack on the Qeran army to capture the city, although our bets is done to minimize Qeran casulties and afterword Lorgar sends a letter to Zartele explaining he doesn’t want a war and that he will return all his prisoners and heavily compensate Qera if she agrees to pull Qeran troops out of Sayalen and end her occupation of their territory (ALGORITHM NEEDED IF VASSIGRA SAYS NO). Elsewhere in the Empire, The settlement of the region between the three rivers, which becomes known as Gtuslrossia (West Of Irrosia), with four new settlements being created, named  Ylila, Bloros, Syithron, and Wygol, with Wygol especially becoming very important and beginning its path to later become the administrative capital of the entire colony next turn and for a long time after. We continue to forcibly drive any natives out of the region as we move farther west, forcing many to flee far from the rivers into the lands beyond, where they often fight with the Natives of that region. They end up conquering and settling the region throughout the turn, begining to form a new nation. Trade also continues to increase with both Sillas and Olmac, and slowly it begins to resume with the Northeastern nations despite our absolutly despising Teninukal, as we aren’t at war and despite disliking them trade is still profitable. We also send hundreds of Hcctaal missionaries into Sayalen, for the first time ever, as they have now developed sufficiently for preachers to feel safe entering their lands and living among their people. They attempt to convert many of the tribesmen to the Hcctaal religion, something made easier by the fact that the gods worshiped by the Sayalen are varied and many, but their religion is overall very disorganized and dosnt even have an official priesthood, meaning their are far fewer existing religious authorities besides individual preachers and worshipers to oppose the very organized Hcctaal preachers (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). We also launch an expiditon to explore another 60 px east of our second most eastern island. Finally, trade with both Yannis and Xüonai continues, and we decide to offer our Yannian allies the opportunity to buy the city of Ibsen, which we founded prior to Yannis request not to colonize past the northernmost river and prior to the signing of the Treaty of Fahnatwi, and which has long served as a major center of trade with Yannis and Xüonai. 
 * Kingdom of the Irrosian Isles: Trade continues with both Xüonai and Yannis and continues to make the Irrosian Kingdom increasingly rich as slaves, spices, iron, dyes, sugar, and many other products pass through the isles as a major center of trade. Archeolgical evidence shows that this was most likely around the time the first of many Irrosian Sugar plantations would be set up as, inspired by Xüonai, many of those who own land throughout the isles, usually the wealthy elite who are usually the sons and grandsons of Famous Pirates who served Rogar and were rewarded with land (almost always connected to the coast since they made their riches through piracy and trade and the wealth elite continue to rely on this) once Irrosia became its own kingdom. Although they would continue to rely on trade and piracy to enrich themselves, many of these Irrosian nobles find an alternative and extremely profitable trade in sugar, which is why they began to purchase much of the archipelAgo's inner farmland from its owners (the people living on it usually cant really say no to the purchase due to how high above them these nobles are in status) and repurpose the land to grow and harvest sugarcane instead of traditional food crops such as Wheat, Corn, and Potatoes, which instead become grown less and less. These nobles who now own said land then begin a process of settling many newly purchased slaves into the farmland, where they do most of the hard and deadly work of collecting, harvesting, and processing the sugar, with many dying in the process, with those who can't work or who get to severly injured too do soo either being killed or sold off to the many slave markets throughout the Archipelago. As a direct result of this the kingdom begins the process of becoming less and less self sufficient due to its focus on growing cash crops rather than on growing food, although it will not become fully reliant on exports until a long time after this. Although the regular landless poor and citizens of the isles are still perfectly capable of doing the dangerous work of harvesting and growing the sugarcane and often maintained their farms for regular growing of food to feed themselves in this period, most had absolutely no desire to do so due to the harsh and deadly conditions of the work. Instead, many of those who formerly would have worked on those farms begin joining the crews of ships and serving as pirates, both to make a living for themselves and, more often, to send money back home to their families. This further cements the status of piracy as a normal and perfectly legitimate way to make a living in Irrosia in addition to trade, which also makes it more common, despite Irrosia already being a major center of piracy. The North Sea Slave Trade also continues to become increasingly profitable and common in Irrosia, and as a result many Irrosian Pirates and members of the noble families that fund them begin raiding the northeastern nations of Teninukal and Makuku for slaves and for loot, and they also begin a frequent process of raiding the unclaimed lands north of the northeast nations and enslaving their inhabitants, although they do not generally target Beraba due to it being a harder target. Many also go in the opposite direction and begin establishing dens of piracy farther north past the Xüonaisl and Yannian held parts of Irrosia and begin frequently preying on the ships of those nations we are not allies with. They also raid the many unclaimed lands to the far northeast for the same purposes as the raids on the continent Beraba is on.
 * Syres: The nation sends an ambassador to the new regime in the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann, as the nation does not object to the change in government, and going forward would like to make a good impression with the new king. As such the nation sends a small amount toward crushing those opposed to the nation’s government, and begins trading with the new state in earnest. A small quarter in the kingdom’s capital emerges for Syresian settlers and merchants, who bring goods from Tuatha-Danann through the largely Neum-dominated entrance into the sea for sale elsewhere. At this time the office of king became increasingly eroded, and in the city a revolt was launched by the Hensa, with the support of the aristocracy and citizenry, which formally evicted the last elected king. Instead the Hensa decided that henceforth the office of king would be split in two, with these two officials being elected for only one year terms, instead of for life. The last king of the old system, Saphemus, managed to flee the city, launching an attempted retaking of the city from the west. He was stopped in a battle outside the city, where according to legend the people of the city personally stopped him from entering. Saphemus managed to flee by sea to the western territories, where he persuaded the governor in Canim to join his side. The city’s new leadership ordered an army be raised to return order to the west, and at the Battle of Lake Quenana, Saphemus was defeated and forced to flee from Syres completely. This would mark the last time he ever attempted to retake the city personally, dying soon after while in exile, but many of his descendants would continue the claim to the city. Within the city a sense of liberty, staunchly opposed to monarchy, began to develop, aided by myths of the deity Liberty guiding the early state. The early state used the Cult of Liberty to its advantage, promoting its worship heavily among the city’s pantheon.
 * Beraba: The nation is startled by the appearance of slave ships off the coast. The Crown Princes of Beraba, which now include Votan of House Kitsur among their ranks, decide that they need to know more about the world around them and do more to defend their citizens. The first order of business is to establish a formal navy, assembling the most knowledgeable seafarers in the nation to captain the new ships that are commissioned to defend the coastline from raiders and slavers. More explorations are commissioned, specifically east up the Cinhoedl River and south around the Makuku states. Another permanent settlement is built on the edge of Lake Conylt to the east, governed by a junior prince from House Hjadra. Additionally, a royal wedding is proposed between House Samasoni (who are joined in marriage to house Tayanita) and the rulers of Gahren to increase the political influence of Beraba.
 * The ruler of Gahren agrees to wed one of his children to a potential suitor from House Samasoni, hoping to being the nations of Beraba and Gahren closer together. 

341-350
'You may continue to post in the old turn if you still need to. '

'Qera’s army of 1,000 Qxaneuo is decisively defeated in the eastern lands. The tribes of the region harass the approaching army by sabotaging their supplies and using guerrilla tactics. When a decisive battle does occur, the Qerans are heavily outnumbered, and 885 Qerans are killed or captured overall. '

'Ships from Solcia, which were dispatched by King Nassohalus to begin trading with the nation of Qaryaat, also discover the nation of Draka while following the coast. They return to Solcia with word of the nation to the southeast. '

'After Draka’s subjugation of the Kingdom of Benyisra a number of refugees flee to the city of Jodan in the east, which becomes a small kingdom between Draka and Eldebethias. Likewise Benyisians also form colonies on the western coast, or settle in the lands of Qaryaat. '

'After the unification of Azoz, partially terminating the autonomy the cities of Fashnoq had enjoyed in favor of centralized Azozian rule once more, the governors of Fashnoq proper and the coast align behind a noble named Desemon, who launches a rebellion for Fashnoqian independence. In the colony of Uriel there is a period of violence, as the Fashnoqian and Azozian settlers fight with each other. The small colony of Fotashe, however, remains peaceful. '

'The Hcctaal missionaries sent by Exhula to Sayalen are mostly rejected by the native people, as although they do not share an organized religion region-wide, they still individually hold strong religious beliefs and customs, and additionally most of the population is still highly against the foreign influences of Qera or Exhula. '

'Vassigra accepts the offer from Lorgar to attempt to take over Qera via coup. However, almost immediately afterward hefalls ill and dies unexpectedly. Additionally, although some people of the south are willing to work with the Exhulans, most demand that that the Exhulan army vacate the territory as well. Elsewhere, the Spauldians accept the Exhulan apology and gifts. '

'A pirate lord from the Irrosian Isles captures a small island northwest of Phoritheon and creates his own lordship, which he names Marensa, after his ship. '

'A few missionaries from Hythia arrive in Eldebethias (the Ten Cities), but they are all turned away. Ten envoys arrive to Hythia, informing them that Eldebethias follows the pantheon of the Ten Gods, and they have no use for an eleventh. Elsewhere in the south, the proselytization is more successful. '


 * Hythia: Years 58-67 since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Ayan dies in her 67th year, having ruled the city for nearly three decades. Her successor, her grandson, Myrnech Rythus quickly organizes power under his rule. In an effort to expand he launches another expedition over the mountains in the east, this time through the Cartor Pass. The Grand Temple of Hythus continues begins beeing constructed and will require another decade to complete. Myrnech Rythus doubles-down on his grandmother's encouragement of the mixing of Gytan nobles with the tribes to the south. Under his rule another 200 second and third sons of lower nobility travel to these lands and take wives of relatively high station amongst the tribes. For instance, in the small Jita Tribe to the southwest, three Gytan nobles find wives with the principal families of the tribe. The overall influence of these nobles continues to grow, and Myrnech Rythus hopes that their loyalty to Hythia and Hythus will one day lead their tribes to join the true people without struggle. The great armory of Gyt is expanded once more with large bloomeries. Water wheels are built, in the style of the Tythorus, to power hammer that smash ore into the small sizes needed for smelting. The decades of war have seen the development of new forms of weapons and armor. Iron plates, woven together with rawhide or leather, become common among the nobles of the Unar. Those without access to iron choose instead to make the same with layers of hardened rawhide. The horse istelf begins to change with the tides of war. Indeed, warhorses are selectively bred for speed, bravery, and size while smaller horses are bred for maneuverability and speed for the outriders. Armored helms of iron also have appeared over the last decades, and have become widespread.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Daesmon's rebellion is largely seen by historians as a reaction to the Frasnoqan culture being displaced by the integration in Azoz. Some have theorized if this was the actual origin of the cultural split between Frasnoq and Azoz culture, as information prior to the destruction of books in Azoz is sketchy. Daesmon's greater noble house of Moonbear certainly had a larger influence over the nobles not yet annexed by Chatna. Chatnaguri dispatched his son, Thalut, on his first military expedition to crush the Moonbear rebellion. Thalut organized the professional military of Azoz on a specific strategy, dividing the Frasnoq forces in three groups and surrounding each, then converging on to besiege the capital itself. One anecdote said that as the city walls were set on fire, Daesmon the Moonbear flung himself off the walls rather than wanting to be taken alive. Later that decade, Chatnaguri took more harsh measures to forcefully integrate the remaining Frasnoq people. All nobility was abolished, and completely replaced by appointed Satraps over each city-state. The Frasnoq cities were given Frasnoq Satraps, but many cities were occupied by Azoz settlers coming from Saraita and Langui. In order to avoid further conflict, Frasnoqan settlers are heavily restricted in Uriel. Chatnaguri re-established considerable trade, exporting alumite and copper to cities in Mesallia, and offering alliances to both the Water Merchants and Agira. 


 * Silla: A large arsenal is constructed in the Three Cities, consisting of roughly two dozen workshops and hundreds of iron bloomeries, and employing a total of ~2,000 workers. To facilitate mass production, and ensure the quality of each product, the units of measurement and weight are standardized. As a result of these efforts, a high quantity of high-quality reflex bows, iron-tipped arrows (including a limited quantity of incendiary arrows), as well as melee weapons such as polearms (poleaxes, pikes, and lances) and swords of varying lengths. The production of lamellar armor remains low and remains under the responsibility of small-scale private operations manned largely by highly-skilled artisans and craftsmen. As a result, it is reserved for the military nobility. The Cabeza increases the funding to the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of War, resulting in several major discoveries – namely, the invention of the crossbow (albeit using bronze-based mechanisms). While noted to have a slower rate of firing and a lower accuracy rate, its longer range (owing to its higher projectile velocity) and ability to be used with little training leads to the Cabeza seeing its potential to be used as auxiliaries to inflict attrition on enemy forces from a range; and as a result, she commissions the production of ~500 units for experimental use. The Cabeza herself also invents the "volley formation", after instructing mounted archers to dismount and organize themselves into three rows in order to maximize their collective rate of fire and concentration – decimating the forces of an attempted raid. As a result of this revelation and many other observations made during wars against tribal polities, she adds this to the "Art of War" – which basically advocates for an offensive strategy of using ranged weaponry to inflict attrition on enemy troops, prior to a decisive engagement by cavalry – using their heightened mobility to break through enemy forces and disorient them, and to evade hits. It also advocates for tactics such as flanking, encirclement, and the frequent usage of psychological warfare through deception (such as feigned retreat), exaggerating the size of forces (through lighting more torches at night, using multiple horses, and surprise engagements) to demoralize the enemy. To increase the number of military nobility, the threshold is raised from the top 5% to the top 10% of test-takers. Small-scale military campaigns are waged across border territories – completely conquering the southwest, and northern and eastern territory up to the mountains. A total of 12 fort-towns (four each in each cardinal direction) consisting of an initial population of ~500 or so military personnel (plus locals) are set up in these conquered territories. These fort-towns serve as a model of Sillanization, centers of regional trade, and the site of pantheons incorporating local beliefs; thus consolidating and ensuring Sillan control over these territories. '''After encountering a fairly organized barbarian tribe now known as the "Súbaudise" (an approximation of "Spauldians", an expedition of 2,000 cavalrymen accompanied by 8,000 infantry and auxiliaries (transported in horse-carried vehicles) are sent to conquer them – being led by the Cabeza's cousin, Sarase. The first five settlements spotted is encircled with a mere force of ~200 cavalrymen (divided into two groups) and razed to the ground; though none of its inhabitants are deliberately killed and are instead sent to warn others – instilling fear in the population while also destabilizing the enemy's cities through an influx of refugees. Upon meeting enemy forces, the cavalrymen are divided into four army groups. The first army group charge, inflicting attrition with their reflex bows (superior to earlier bows). Approximately 300 meters away, they turn and feign retreat. Meanwhile, the three other already-positioned army groups charge at the flanks and rear of enemy forces, killing skirmishers and as many troops as possible from a range. The group that had feigned treat earlier returns to provide aid. One-half of the four army groups encircle the enemy in three formations–preventing any from entering or leaving while continuing to inflict attrition with their bows. Meanwhile, the remaining one-half switch to lances and engaging with enemy forces at a closer range; however, brigandine armor offering protection for the rider and their horse, while the height and mobility of the horse offer a greater range. While unaware of the enemy's numbers, forces are kept readily supplied by mounted auxiliaries that serve as supply carriers, while infantry (which are organized into a phalanx formation, using pikes or poleaxes) are divided into multiple groups to stall and warn of a potential surprise engagement, and to prevent them from wiping out a large number of troops in one concentrated attack. In defensive battles, infantry organized in a phalanx formation is used, while cavalrymen and other auxiliaries are used for skirmishing duties, so enemy forces can't exploit the relative vulnerability of the rear and the flanks. Within more heavily-forested areas, guerrilla tactics are utilized, with archers (either dismounting from their horse or not – depending on the density of foliage) targetting high-ranking military officials instead; prior to luring them to a more open spot – where they are encircled from all sides by cavalry so that infantry (organized in a phalanx formation) could effectively kill them en masse.''' Meanwhile, reflecting an increasingly militaristic culture horseback-riding, polo, archery (both on foot and horses), and hunting continue to gain popularity. Contact sports – meant to mimic cooperation in the battlefield – also gain popularity. In these activities, the beauty of the human form becomes increasingly emphasized – prompting off-duty military nobility to participate in rigorous exercise regimens to maintain their physique. A systematic and highly formalized form of concert dance known as "ballet" also emerges, being increasingly used in Sillan theatre. Accompanying these cultural developments is the increase in interest in the arts – particularly sculpturing - making (made of bronze) and the manufacture of intricately-decorated containers (usually made of white-glazed lacquerware). Latrines, drainage, and communal baths are built, reducing the transmission of disease. Meanwhile, canals (both for the purposes of irrigation and transportation) and roads are constructed to facilitate travel. Silk, porcelaneous wares, jewelry, tea, and other cash crops are produced for both export and domestic consumption. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural productivity increases due to the incorporation of intercropping, rudimentary fertilizer, and more efficient tools and machinery. Abortions (for married women) are discouraged but permitted under certain instances and by licensed physicians. People are encouraged to marry in their late teens to early 20's, heavily discouraging both extremely early and extremely late marriages – with the Ministry of Rites recommending an ideal age range of 18 to 22. Largely due to increased wealth and nutrition, women now bear an average of 5.5 children – of which around three survive until adulthood.
 * Mesallian Culture: During the 37th Jafiad (Year 348) the city of Karissa came to be ruled by Amindus, a young king who succeeded after the death of his father. He inherited a kingdom that retained loose hegemony over most of the Mesallian world, but its influence had begun to fade. The city sought a new strategy of garrisoning small armies in allied towns or near important cities, in an effort to deter the local population from rebelling. Also, it was negotiated that Karissans would be welcomed within Agira once more as a sign of continued peace, but this backfired when Agira’s new elected government called the move an “occupation”, and the Karissans within the city were surrounded and arrested. Likewise, in the town of Navos near Lamigis there was another garrison, and when this force attempted to aid the group in Agira they were repelled. The commander of this force, Menilades, was brought on charges back in Karissa, but when he was acquitted Lamigis decided to sign an alliance with Agira. THe Agirans also renewed the Belarian Confederacy, and set about liberating the rest of Belaria from Karrisan control. After a crucial battle in the central Melopenes, the Battle of Danum, was won by Agira, Meshwati joined the alliance as well. Meshwati dispatched two forces; one that traveled south and won another victory near Karissa, and a second that sailed around the peninsula to the Gabatrian Sea, which disrupted Karissa’s allies in the west. A temporary peace was created during the 38th Jafiad (Year 352) after over two years of fighting, but within a few months hostilities resumed. There was temporary infighting among the anti-Karissan alliance, after Agira advanced north and a number of anti-Agiran refugees settled in Meshwati. Despite this the alliance held, but Meshwati would insist on negotiating with the Karissans. A peace treaty was eventually concluded the following year, but after Agira insisted on signing on behalf of the entire Belarian Confederacy, Amindus personally crossed out Agira’s name from their peace agreement; war would continue, but it would be between Karissa and Agira head on. The Karissan king departed with 11,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry, crossing toward Agira over the mountains rather than directly. This caught Agira by surprise, and the city gathered an army of only about half as many infantrymen, all under the command of Caemon. The two armies eventually met at Nucemia, where the decisive battle of the war, and one of the most important battles of Ancient Mesallian history, would be decided. The Agirans were facing a much more experienced force and highly outnumbered, but unexpectedly reinforcements arrived from the Water Merchants. 1,000 men from the southern campaign arrived, dead set on avenging the ancient fall of the Water Merchants at the hands of Karissa, some three centuries prior. Their arrival brought some much needed cavalry to the Agiran side, but they remained significantly outnumbered. The Karissans initiated combat by attacking with their skirmishers, which drove the Agirans back toward their camp. According to one source the outnumbered Agirans were actually attempting to withdraw, but unable to escape they were forced toward their camp, which inadvertently made their position stronger. Next the cavalry clashed, and the Agirans gained the upper hand. At this time in history the Mesallian way of war revolved around placing heavily armed infantry in a solid mass, usually with the most experienced unit at the far right, as a place of honor and to prevent drifting. The Karissans followed this tradition, with their elite infantry and the king personally on their right flank. Agira placed their remaining cavalry and a 50-deep column on the left flank, while their remaining infantry was placed to the right and back, creating a staggered line. On the left the mass of cavalry and infantry charged into the elite Karissans, the Water Merchant cavalry shouting “Cania!” moments before crashing into the enemy line. The result decimated the defending line, with 1,000 of Karissa’s best men and the king himself falling in battle. The battle ended in a miraculous victory, with about one-third of the Karissan force dead. Karissa was forced to end the war, but also end its decades-long hegemony over the Mesallian world. Instead, the Agiran Hegemony began, with Agira exerting influence over the former allies of Karissa.
 * Exhula: When Vassigra dies less than a day after accepting Lorgar's offer, it is taken as a sign from the gods by Lorgar and his men, and they call of any plans to invade Qera, due to that and the fact they no longer have a claimant to the throne. Although this causes Lorgar to decide not to fight the army of Qera, it dose not stop him from allowing the 4,000 Sayalen tribesmen we brought with us to attack the now leaderless Qeran army, and the ferocious army of tribesmen easily defeat the Qeran army in the Battle of Marcalla, where the Qeran army, already ground down through attrition and constant guerrilla attacks, is driven out of Sayalen with a total of 885 Qerans killed or captured. After this, we occupy that city as well and begin discussion with the Sayalen tribes, now united under a temporary confederation led by Yupanqesin, who angrily demands we leave the Sayalen lands now that Qera has been defeated. We agree to do so (since Sayalen is far from our territory and we couldnt hold it if we occupied it), but we leave the Hcctaal preachers behind to preach to the Sayalen, and although the majority do not convert, as before enough people do for the religion to establish a foothold in the Sayalen Region, although it is not anywhere near a majority and most stick to their native religion, and even most of those who do convert decide to keep their practice subtle so they aren't seen as forigen influence, even if that isn't the normal treatment of followers. Lorgar decides to keep his attempt to organize a coup with his brother secret, and has every member of his army who was present when he made the offer quickly and silently executed and buried in an unmarked mass grave for the 14 or so who hear of the offer, with them being listed as casualties due to disease. He also decides to offer the Sayalen Tribes a defensive pact between them and Exhula, and promises that he will withdraw as soon as it is signed, so we can keep defending them from Qera. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). He also sends a letter directly to his sister-in-law, asking her to cease her attempts to conquer the Sayalen tribes. Secret: He also tells her in a disguised message in the letter that he has Yupanqesin in close proximity and if she wishes that he should be able to secretly remove him, and that he would be perfectly fine with Qera attacking again and annexing Marcalla, as long as they don't destroy the rest, but that he would prefer if she didnt and instead proposes that they use Sayalen as a buffer state between Qeran and Exhulan territory in the area east of Qera and south of Exhula. (End Secret, QERA RESPONSE NEEDED!). Trade continues with both Xüonai and Yannis, and we once again offer to sell the city of Ibsen to our Yannian Allies, as it is a major trading point and large city that is still past the northernmost river separating our colonies due to us founding it before our agreement not to expand beyond the northernmost river, and it has now expanded enough its starting to grow beyond the limits of our small territory in the area and into the Yannian Colony. (YANNIS RESPONSE NEEDED!). We continue to settle Gtuslrossia, the name of which is changed to Tulrosia during this turn, and we send in thousands more colonists while building four more settlements farther into the territory. Meanwhile, we also continue trading with Silas, thousands of Spauldian refuges begin fleeing into our territory from the Spauldian lands while fleeing from Silas, 4,000 of the armies soldiers are moved to our teritory under them and we use them to either slaughter or enslave every Spauldian we can catch, and while a few small groups do sometimes get past, they are soon enslaved and sold off by the Exhulan citizens farther into our territory. Lorgar dies in 344, and his son takes power as Emperor Sassigan III at the age of 26, and orders a population census to mark the beginning of his reign, as is the common first action of many Emperor's. (CENSUS RESULTS NEEDED). He then decides to make a major controversial but ultimately beneficial choice, when he Offers to sell Kaloma the lands that we conquered from them in the previous war, in exchange for 1,500 Aurels of money, some trade concessions, and a gurentee that they will not prosecute Ethnic Exhulans and Hcctaal followers in the region (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). Secret: We send a letter to Empress Sanza of Sillas, asking her if she would be willing to support us in a future invasion of Kaloma in exchange for a large amount of its territory, and we propose secretly drawing up a treaty on how we will divide these lands if this is accepted (SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED!). We also begin to more heavily settle the region east of Qera and South of us (Although not in the Sayalen territories), where we create three entirely new settlements after an extremely long period of ignoring the area. We also begin to more heavily settle thee area south of Tulrosia but North of Ciast. Our final major military action this turn is when we launch a military expedition of 5,000 to conquer the new major islands to the North of our more recently claimed large one, which we finally decide to name, calling it Urittyyrr, while the two largest islands of that group are named Pirast and Riccirus. We claim all those islands and completely slaughter the native populations while sending in thousands of settlers to claim the islands. We also send smaller expiditions and amoounts of settlers to the two tiny island groups north and east of it, where the existing population is instead enslaved and forcibly shipped off to our many slave markets, both in the East, the South, and the North. In the capital Sassigan III becomes known as a major patron of the arts, as he gathers dozens of his favourites in the Palace Court and has them work on the many projects he commissions them to create. This period also sees the first emergence of new cedar oil paints, which become widley used in the art of this period, especially in the increasingly unique style of Exhulan Ceramc Art where many vases and forms of things such as tableware are sculpted from hard clay and hardened by extreme heat before being filled on the insides with various forms of decorative jewels and with highly unique scenes based both on real events and on those described in Exhula's legends and Mythology painted on. They also create many newer forms of sculpting and painting, with one massive fresco on a paticular wall of the Palace, depicting the apperant final battle of the War In Heaven (The war in the sky between Kharrnan and the other gods where the world was first created), which was over 40 x 40 wall that survives even in the modern day, although severely damaged by time and usually seen through recreation, although it, and the palace, which underwent major expansion under Sassigan III's rule, continues to be a major source of tourism for Siccarius and the island of Zoelle in general. Entire new wings of the palace begin construction during this time, using the greatest architects in the Empire.
 * Sillan Diplomacy: Wary of increasing Exhulan presence to our West, Cabeza Sanza sends a letter to the leader of Exhula refuses to partition Kaloma and warns any Exhulan aggression against the Kaloman people will be met with Sillan hostility. However, in-exchange Sillans offer to reduce tariffs on Sillan exports and add Hcctaal deities to the Grand Pantheon.


 * Kingdom of the Irrosian Isles: The Islands continue to grow rich throughout the reign of King Syrac, as the slave trade, the sugar trade, the spice trade, and the sugar trade continue to flow through the Islands in increasing quanities through the North Sea Trade. The shift from traditional farming to the growing of Sugar and other cash crops continues, with many farmers traditionally working the land being displaced in favour of slaves, resulting in thousands more joining the fleets every year, massively contributing to the further development of Irrosia's strong Naval Tradition and many Irrosians beginning to seek to explore and claim far away lands due to many being unable to find regular careers in the main kingdom due to being newly displaced from their regular livleyhoods. This lead to a huge increase in Irrosian piracy in far away lands such as the central area of the Large mass of water North of us where nations like Messalia, Darna, and Yannis reside and to the far northeast, where slave raids by Irrosian Pirates become increasingly common and a number of large groups of explorers found several independent setllements, most of which will be abandoned or destroyed in the future, but four of which begin to develop into real settlements, although they are almost entirely independent of Exhula and Irrosia due to sheer distance. Many new Irrosian pirate dens and ports are founded in a number of areas in the sea northwest of Irrosia, with one, the new Irrosian lordship of Marensa, named by the pirate lord who conquered it after his own ship, which was itself named after his dead wife. The small island soon becomes the location of a new but increasingly growing port as a center of trade, and he begins constructing a grand fortress as his seat of power in 344, which will take eight years to complete. Most of the pirates to the northwest, like the ones to the northeast, will claim nominal allegiance to Syrac and the Exhulan Empire, but in practice they will mostly be independent and will serve as ports for more explorers, traders and pirates. These groups will also make far less of a distinction between acceptable targets and Exhulan-Irrosian allies and their own ships, frequently raiding even the ships of Yannis and Xüonai and sometimes even attacking those of Exhula and Irrosia themselves, although this is far less frequent.
 * Draka: Archon ***** (policy on no wiki names) continues to assimilate the visualized territory. Their idols are smashed, and Drakan ones put in place. Those that assimilate are given tax exemptions. Several revolts occur, so once those areas are crushed entire villages and towns are made serfs. Meanwhile, Benyisryan nobility are purged, and a Drakan aristocracy replaces them. Some avoid this by adopting Drakan culture.
 * Irian Culture: The politics of this decade become clearer to us as we scour the writings of Caelun, a Ludo-Irian chronicler from the period. Solcia conquers the Oros Peninsula, to the south of Nassohalus’ demesne, following a war with the Catascapti. The islands in the Gulf of Solcia are settled by Irians. Traders from Solcia and other Irian polities arrive on the shores of the Draka Empire and form a small community among the people of Benyisra and the coastal dwellers; this place is called Laeberion. Droupos invades Likos for a dynastic claim, causing the house of Likos to flee to the small island of Ilikos. Dardas and Orespontos become rival kingdoms. A Rhossoi state called Mantaion appears on the north coast of Ceta between Traikastro and Midabira. The city-states of Decene, Ephon, and Rhithera form closer economic and diplomatic ties. Nolossia builds a great statue of Hemesh, the legendary founder of their tribe, in their capital. Meanwhile, the coast of Qaryaat becomes known to Irian merchants and explorers. It is immortalized in verse as the "Land of the Sweet-Smelling Fruits" by the poet Ausano.
 * Qaryaat: The Benyisran refugees are received into the kingdom with open arms. Meanwhile, trade with the Kingdom of Solcia continues. Qahsik Adiyyl continues expanding his realm, expanding the eastern border up to the Akehdim Peninsula (north of the Alahtdim Peninsula, the maximum point expanded east in the last decade) and expanding the southernmost border to the southeastern coast of the Bay of Ghasir (the small body of water west of Qaryaat). Settlers are sent to consolidate control of the loosely claimed areas. Meanwhile, an expedition is sent to explore the western coast of the Bay of Ghasir. A band of diplomats is sent south to the Anakadeham Kingdom, requesting for an alliance and trade deal. Along with the alliance, we will trade our spices, dates, dragon's blood tree resin from Saqqatra, dyes, and incense for their precious metals and whatever else they may have to offer. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) (WIP)
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One travels the eastern provinces, overseeing the construction of new roads, defensive structures, temples, and monuments. In all the new capitals of the eastern provinces a dedicated town center is constructed that is designed as a miniature model city. Each smaller city within the confines of the old one will have Yannian settlers, a central temple, a market and forum, and other amenities. The Anointed One is dismayed by the instability happening in the west, and calls for the situation to resolve or else the Yannis Empire may be inclined to intervene and restore order.
 * In Mesallas: The governor in Mesallas named Teloc’zepoc II dies and is replaced by Igaletezoc, although he does little during his reign. The new governor is less ambitious than some of his predecessors, and as such doesn’t intervene during the war that breaks out between Karissa and Agira. He dies the same year the war ends, and Ixacetonec II becomes governor. He recognizes the new state of affairs in the region, with Agira now having surpassed Karissa, but reiterates that Yannian Mesallas will retain its hegemony over its respective sphere, no matter who takes up the other half.
 * In Tohatia: The governor informs the Exhulans that he is unaware of any Ibsen. Anything above the river is already owned by us, and became ours as soon as it crossed the river. There will be no payment for it at this time.
 * Syres: The new government system in the city remains, with its formative years testing the nation. Although Saphemus would never return to Syresian territory, one of his sons, Demisinus, would attempt to retake the throne, and to this end launched an army into Syres from the west. During this time the state would be forced to fight numerous wars to solidify control over the west, including one war against the state of Nesarafen, who backed Demisinus’ claim. During this time the old practices of honoring the king in Syres largely disappeared, as the population in the city became mostly anti-monarchy. The veneration and worship of the founder of the city, Erian the first king, continued, with him being recognized as part of the pantheon of the city. The Ulmian minority was vocally against this, and helped to preach against this worship, and inadvertently against the monarchy in general. In the city a mathematician named Montagos discovers a connection between sound and mathematics. He discovers that by dividing a vibrating string into different lengths he is able to create musical intervals based on the ratio to the original fundamental. From this he creates a theory associating musical harmony with the universe and all beings within it, which states that the planets move according to mathematical equations and resonate to produce an inaudible symphony of music based on these simple ratios. In the heart of the city an old beggar named Vanden attracts attention when he claims to be able to see the entire world, and some begin coming to him for prophetic visions. Generally no one takes him seriously or heeds his prophecies.
 * Darna: A number of Darnans settle the northern coast above the islands of Darna, and they call this land Enyenia, with numerous coastal towns developing from the outposts and trade posts already existing there. The nation stays away from the pirate haven, although in the north the Darnans outnumber the southern's at sea, which allows for easy raids against the coast. The West Bay City is damaged by the occasional raid, although these are outside the control of the Darnan government. The nation of Darna seeks to be closer with the Yannis Empire, and begins trading heavily with them, usually by land in the north, passing through the mountains or through the Empire of Niani, as it is believed that passing through the south may lead to capture for cannibalism. The navy is upgraded with many new ships, as well as some larger ships specifically for warfare. Larger cargo ships are also built, for trading across the sea to Mosnola or Tesardya. In western Isimandia these cargo ships are also used to to travel across the western sea. Exploration in this region continues, as well as trade with the newly discovered nations.
 * Xüonai: Dashon X dies in 350 without a heir, leaving the country in a state of despair (see the rhyme?) The north secedes from Xüonai, and soon small bits and pieces break off the mainland. Soon, most colonies declare independence. The only colony to stick with the crown is Ensoywi, since it is an integral piece, although even that is striven with conflict. Slave revolts occur, and the provisional government calls for order. The states of Xüonai decide to form an "HRE" of sorts, with hundreds of small municipalities becoming states in the "XFS", or the Xüonai Federated States. Ironically, the only states to stay with the crown were around the Yudan river, the exact lands owned in the year 1. Sadly, I must leave the game due to me not having enough time to post due to other projects. The XFS will be in the hands of the moderator. I have had a great time playing. This is Ahoys123, signing off.

351-360
You may continue to post in the old turn still if you need to.

'The Anakadeham Kingdom the offer to trade with the nation of Qaryaat, and also accepts an alliance. '

'Draka’s immediate breaking of the peace treaty signed with the people of Benyisra, in which they would accept vassalage only if they were allowed to continue their religious practices and customs, results in a revolt across the region. They manage to retake the capital city of Ebracomon after trapping the Drakan presence there. They also send requests for aid to Eldebethias and Solcia. '

'The explorers sent by Qaryaat encounter ships from a nation known as Mohejaro, a small empire located on a series of rivers west of Qaryaat. '

'The invasion by the nation of Silla of the Spauldians, or Súbaudise in the Sillan language, is successful. Silla suffers 655 casualties in combat and another 520 from disease and other causes. '

'The Sayalen Tribes agree to a defensive pact with Exhula as long as Exhula withdraws from their territory. Their leaderships expresses that they will remain independent of both Qera and Exhula. The move by Exhula to not only continue to hold its settlements in Sayalen land, but also increase settlement there, angers the tribe. Moderates within the nation are willing to negotiate that Exhula keep its outposts on the coast, but many within the tribe’s leadership see the settlement as a breaking of trust between the two nations, and many Exhulan settlers are killed. '

'Kaloma accepts the offer to buy back its territory from Exhula, and immediately settles the region and constructs defenses in the major settlements. The decision leads to protest in the Exhulan court, with members of the military and nobility annoyed at the new ruler. '


 * Hythia: Years 68-77 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Rythus works tirelessly to enrich his people. Fertile volcanic soils now yield rich crops of wheat, with thousands of septons sown. Irrigation channels are constructed along the length of the Tythies in the manners of the past and the labor tithes paid by those that could not afford taxes in food. Each barren season thousands of Hythian men are pressed into this service, and hundreds of septons of canals are built over the decade. Hundreds of Tythorus are built to fill them. The population density along the river grows rapidly as the rich and watered soils supply grand crops. Wheat and sweet potatoes constitute the majority of the crops allowing for much food to be stored for winter or transport. The potatoes are a product of the mountains to the east and were brought down to the plains after their discovery there. Their sweet flavor has also led to a new bread of Hythian Beer which incorporates the tubers as a replacement for wheat in the mix. Around the capital, the labor is instead directed toward the Grand Temple of Hythus, which is finally completed on the 75th year of the great eruption of Hythus. Towering over the city, the structure is the largest building ever completed in Hythia. The practices of taking wives to the south continues and poor nobility travel to these lands. The overall influence of these nobles continues to grow, and Myrnech Rythus hopes that their loyalty to Hythia and Hythus will one day lead their tribes to join the true people without struggle. Missionaries continue proselytizing to the south and west and converts are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to see the Temple of Hythus.
 * Qera: Many of the high generals of the Qeran army are enraged and worried when the news of the defensive pact between the Exhulans and the Sayalen tribe spread to the capital, because the majority of the generals are only informed sporadic about the letter the princess received from the Exhulan court. Secret Zatlahe gladly agrees to remove Yupanqesin, in hope to shatter the confederation, and she agrees to draw the border around the Macalle territory (EXHULA RESPONSE, PLEASE) End Secret. The army is withdrawn from the east in Macallea in 352, only to be restructured, resupplied and provided with General Yced of Mallafe who is trained to fight in rough terrain, especially forests and hills. The Qxaneuo march again into the Macalle territory and make a way better start, capturing almost the half of the territory in about six months. He achieves this through copying the guerrilla tactics of the defenders, splitting his highly skilled and deadly soldiers in smaller groups of about 50 to 75 and ransacking villages or intercepting supply tracks. This war sees the use of Jâtzijatlev which are mostly young men and boys who don't have much physical strength, but can walk fast and have good knowledge of surviving in the wild. Using them, the reconnaissance increases on the side of the Qerans and the Macllean troops can be easily outmaneuvered. and are forced into submission in 354, when they capture their tribal leader. They fight all this way less barbaric all along, since they got the order to turn Macallea into a vassal state (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Trade with the Ollehâtl to the south continues with a lot of goods are traded. The local tradition starts to become a subgroup of the Rhatixemy faith. Though the faith calls itself also Radixemy, which is just the term for the qeran religion. The Qerans call it Ollenorhat, gods of Olle. Zrias marries finally in 355. She is married to the son of the Ualjak Count Verentuâ. The first cook book is published around this time too, modern archeologists date it to the time between 355 and 358. It includes various recipes, for example different sauces, how to brew beer and liquor and what to do with leftover ingredients. Apart from that it gives a detailed insight into the table manners of ancient Qera and also other parts of culture, like farming.
 * Mesallian Culture: After the Battle of Nucemia the city of Agira was left as the de facto head of the Mesallian world. The city found new found wealth and prosperity, commissioning a new temple complex in the city that became one of the largest in all of Mesallas. However, they also inherited some of the problems that Karissa faced while in the spotlight. Namely, Agira demanded tribute from the states of the League of Ossa and Karissa’s former allies, and fought numerous engagements all over the region to preserve this arrangement. The state of Sericolis in the west voluntarily submitted to Agira’s hegemony, but under the condition that the Gudumanes peninsula largely fall to them. This arrangement preserved Agira’s control over the west, but at the expense of growing Sericolis’ own power. The Water Merchants also profited immensely from the affair, as they became strongly associated with the Agiran government. In Karissa Water Merchants enacted a lofty toll on the city’s inhabitants, dictating that any aid or trade to the city pass through them first. Under the leadership of Water Tyrant Ganis the organization also sought to reoccupy the ancient ruins of Cania and reignite Water Merchant control over the central Melopenes, but this proved to be a costly endeavor that would distract them for some time. Although a number of new citadels were built in the region, states such as Jafia rivaled them for religious and economic control over the central mountains by this point, and the Cult of Lementer fought with them at every step, usually much to the agreement of the local states. The Lementarians also sought to weaken the Water Merchants in other ways, with agents in Edom attempting to convince local authorities to conquer the western region of the Phydinians, which would have cut off land access for the Water Merchants. One state in particular that profited as well as Erasidon, whose use by the Water Merchants helped elevate the state into a minor power. The king’s eldest son, Ptelamus, was a political hostage in Agira, which solidified the state as an ally of Agira. Also at this time in the city of Ephenus (in eastern Mesallas near the Ema Delta), a philosopher named Alcemenon becomes a well-regarded figure. One of his most famous theories is the idea of everything in the universe being in constant flux, famously stating, "No man ever steps in the same river twice".
 * Ri'kiva: When tribes from the southern part of the Kjv'iv Peninsula unite to form a confederacy of sorts, Kal'If Yl takes this as a direct challenge to the strength of Ri'kiva. With the army swelling with Batur, Aurilian, and Eiynith auxiliaries, the disorganized tribes are smashed and integrated. Lower-class Suh'Hyiks are incentivized into road-building projects, and subject peoples are integrated by educating young aristocrats from the groups. All this continues to be financed by the ever-growing Ri'kivan trade network, which begins probing even farther east of Ritheri cities.
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One’s decree to ensure peace in the west is unheard, and thus he takes it upon himself to restore the region from its instability. 15,000 Holy Men are raised from across the southern and western provinces, and the Anointed One takes the head of this army. The group marches west, seizing the city on the banks of Lake Xlaban first. From there the army advances south down the river and seizes the major population centers in this area. At the same time another 5,000 men invade from Dijunga, taking the northern regions. Each army advances toward the capital of Xüonai. The mission of the Anointed One is not to destroy them, but rather to aid the Yannian and Unao-Yannian people of the west from harm, and so he occupies this region to protect the faithful within. The capital is besieged, and the Anointed One appoints a new king to rule over Xüonai who is friendly to the Yannis Empire. The eastern province of Xüonai will be administered by the empire directly, up to the Safir River. From here the region will be placed under Yannis’ protection, but still de jure independent. As a means of appeasing the westerners who are hungry for revenge against Xüonai, they are allowed to retake the land that was legally theirs before, although there will be no violence against those who follow the true faith of Yannis, and administrators oversee this process. The idea of a decentralized collection is approved, with each governor in Xüonai allowed to act quasi-independent as long as they obey the new governor in the Xüonai capital. In some of the provinces, especially those in the northwest where there was relatively little Yannian influence, the governors attempt to resist and fight both Yannis and the westerns, such as Darna. They are left to do so, but in time those who survive submit to the new order of things.
 * In Mesallas: During this time the instability occurring in Xüonai led to the Yannian governor ordering a seizure of the small Mesallian island east of Calamos. Relatively little changed for the inhabitants of the island, other than the local authorities swore allegiance to the governor.
 * In Tik’akna: The governor of Tohatia decides to intervene in the Xüonai colony east of him, to ensure that the region is under his protection. This consists of simply sending a small force to aid the local government there, as a deterrent to prevent any other bloodthirsty powers from invading and treating the local Xüonai population worse. The governor occupies the mainland, but does not have the ability to guard any other possessions, such as the islands.


 * Exhula: With nine years having passed without any sort of Qeran attack, we fulfill our promises and withdraw all our troops from the Sayalen Lands in 351, although we warn them that we were likely the only deterent and that it would be hard to defend them. With our troops now freed from those obligations, Sassigan orders a military campaign to the North to reclaim the upper parts of the Irrosian Isles that we previously sold to Xüonai, justifiying this by stating that the new states in the region betrayed the legacy of the House of Dashon by rebelling and that they are Not the legitimate heirs to the Xüonai we allied with, instead decrying them as traitors and rebels, and stating that it is our duty as friends and allies of the former dynasty to restore order to as many of their lands as possible. Using this justification we invade the two islands of the Irossian Islands formerly owned by Xüonai, Royui and Pokita, with the larger area known as Roirrosyi by Xüonai. Both of the island colonies, which were major Tyha Uz-owned centers of the slave trade where thousands were worked to death every year, fell to major slave revolts when their masters stopped being able to even feed them due to the massive disruption in trade, ending their needed supply shipments of food from Xüonai itself and causing a major famine. As a result neither island is part of the new Xüonai Federated States, which do not recognize any of the governments made by the slave revolts as they all still practice slavery, and which we still do not see as a legitimate successor to the old Xüonai, since they were formed almost entirely by seceding or rebelling States. We first start by invading the self-declared "Republic of Rottira" which occupies almost the entirety of the island of Royui in 353 (Departing from Sayalen in 331) with 6,000 troops and within three weeks we have completely overwhelmed the starving, poorly armed armies of the new government and completely slaughtered the population, who are helpless against us and who we know will fight much too hard against being re-enslaved for it to be worth re-enslaving them and who would never submit to our authority otherwise. We start settling it with Exhulan settlers soon after, although we don't start for about four months after that, leaving the island completely desolated of human life during that period. We do the same thing to the island next to it, invading with 5,000 soldiers simultaneously with the other invasion, and the so-called "Yiturun Free State" has been completely exterminated within three weeks of our first landing. The justifications above are used, as is control over the sugar trade further, but the real reason was so we have an excuse for not fighting that hard against the Qeran invasion of the only recently resettled Marcalla, sending only 9,000 troops to fight there even as most of those who participated in the Irrosian campaign resettle throughout the empire, and stating it is because we are fighting a vicious invading state on our northern borders, and apologeticly claiming that although we are doing our best, we do not have any other forces to spare to help them. As a result, the Qeran invasion of 7,000 troops into Marcalla is quickly able to sieze Marcalla by 344 and much of the area around it by 346,and we are barely 'Able" (This was all carefully orchestrated to appear like a real conflict and many died on both sides, but this was pre-planned by Zartele and Sassigan) to force a stalemate that sees them ultimetly just occupy Marcalla and many of the surrounding lands, and instead of directly annexing them they transform them into vassal states with a close relationship to the rest of the Sayalen. This makes the remaining Sayalen extremely angry and many begin to distrust Exhula even more after this, but the overall consensus is that Exhula did the best it could, and that they need to focus their hatred and vengeance on Qera rather than on their larger Northern neighbour, although the humiliation of the defeat bites hard and is part of the reason so many are willing ot begin killing Exhulans in 357. In 256, many Sayalen leaders, supported by Yupanqesin, attempt to force the us to give up our colonies in their claimed northern region, demanding we "Give back their land!" despite the fact they had never held most of it to begin with and by the time they started claiming it we had held it for a long time. This results in us having him quietly assassinated when we have a heavily trained assassin, one of the Elite Normis Assasins that we have long had trained in discreet assassination missions for the last few generations, sneak into his room and smother him to death with his own pillow, making it look like he simply died in his sleep. This is quite easy to do, as he was already a very old man at the age of 71 and this sudden death was not unexpected, being put down to old age. As a result, seven of his sons split the Sayalen realms between them within a still existing confederation, with four of them claiming the main remaining city-states of Valeya, Qytrohae, Tyrothos, and Relyaeya as their own personal fiefs and the remaining three venturing farther northwest, attempting to forcibly claim two of our newer colonies while the last one goes farther west to found a new city named Sariquixor. The princes are defeated and although they do enough damage for us to decide to cede the two northern Sayalen setllements, we demand that if they wish to be the rulers of those areas they must first convert to Hcctaal to fit in with the local Exhulan population, and that attempts to force the current inhabitants out or kill them will not be tolerated (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). However, we make it clear we will not give up our northern colonies and that if they try to sieze them under any circumstance it will result in war. Meanwhile, the 8th son of Yupanqesin, Tupitoquri manages to gather enough support to himself and a large enough army to sieze control of most of the confederations territory and force his brothers and the many smaller tribes and states in the Sayalen area to swear allegiance to him, and begins to build a new central capital called Tupitoquiros. He continues the alliance with Exhula and as a result we continue trading with them and seeing the Sayalen as allies. Meanwhile, with the collapse of Xüonai into a huge amount of feuding states and its only partial "Unification" under the XFS they are no longer seen as an ally and as a result, the now vastly divided and in chaos Xüonai states become a major target of Irrosian and Exhulan Piracy, with thousands of pounds of Tresure, riches, slaves, and gold being carried off from the former Xüonai state in increasing amounts every year. The lack of a strong and united Xüonai navy also leads to Irrosian and Exhulan pirates being able to establish a much more significant presense in the sea northwestern Sea, although they still avoid touching Yannian ships. We also decide to try to mend relations with Kaloma by proposing a double marriage between the current King of Kaloma or his heir and the only beloved daughter of Sassigan (Despite her being a bastard she has been legitimized for 14 years (she is 19) and is his only child) and between himself and one of the Kaloman king's daughters, for the purposes of getting a claim to the throne of Kaloma and a greater influence in the Kingdom and for mending relations, and on the Kaloman side providing a massive deterent against another invasion (Namely, a massivly valued and beloved hostage).


 * Silas Diplomacy: We are interested in trading maps with Sillas, and offer to trade maps.
 * Silla: We take interest, and agree.
 * *Darna: Xüonai ignored our ultimatum, so we have no choice but to invade to liberate the stolen Darnans from captivity. Raiders are sent all along the coast to attack the southern barbarians’ main settlements, freeing or capturing prisoners as we go. An army is sent to Mosnola, which joins up with our allies to invade from the north. We promise to grant the territory that was stolen by Xüonai back to these allies for their support. Many slaves are taken back to Darna from the barbarian land, along with a large amount of valuables and other goods. We leave a trail of devastation in our wake, as people clamor for justice against the child cannibals. Many are found to be practicing cannibalism and they are hunted and killed. The West Bay City, which was the center of the cannibal rituals, is razed, with all its heathen inhabitants killed or captured. The navy is upgraded with many new ships, as well as some larger ships specifically for warfare. Larger cargo ships are also built, for trading across the sea to Mosnola or Tesardya. In western Isimandia these cargo ships are also used to to travel across the western sea. Exploration in this region continues, as well as trade with the newly discovered nations.
 * Irian Culture: The Irian population increases dramatically due to food surpluses and a relatively stable geopolitical climate. Settlement and expansion continues in all areas as a result. Experts generally divide the Irian culture of this era into two major subgroups: Western (or Ambran) and Eastern (or Ludo-Irian). There is, however, considerable ambiguity between the two, especially in their borderlands. In the west, Tydhon's sea empire has grown so large that it rivals its overlord, Rhithera. With Tydhonese colonies in Ceta founding colonies of their own, tensions have reached a breaking point. Feeling that their power is threatened, the rulers of Rhithera launch a punitive expedition against Tydhon. In defense, the city-state recruits an army of mercenaries led by Phoethos of Chamia. The king of Ceta elects to join the war on Rhithera's side, but is shortly defeated in battle by Phoethos' mercenaries. Phoethos then lays siege to Massaion, the Cetan capital. The Rhitherans arrive during the siege and relieve the defenders, driving Phoethos north. In a decisive battle on the outskirts of Tydhon, the Rhitherans defeat the mercenary army and kill Phoethos. They occupy Tydhon without further resistance, bringing it back under their influence. Meanwhile in eastern Iria, it is a time of peace. The arts are flourishing. Ausano, the foremost poet in all Iria, composes his most famous work, the Jurnian Epic. It tells of Jurnes, one of the cloud-sons of Kourisseus, and of his fantastical journey of return to his father's sky kingdom after falling to Earth. At the same time, the playwrights of Corenia discuss the tragic nature of fate with Solemnity and Diadromes, both premiering at the newly-built theater of Leugonis, a suburb of Corens.
 * Dardas: Dardas establishes a series of trading posts in Nolossia as part of its ongoing rivalry with Orespontos.
 * Solcia: In the Kingdom of Solcia, the aging king Nassohalus would rather not fight a war on foreign shores. But his son, Neboleptes, has other ideas. The young prince convinces his father to approve an expedition to the Casphiron (the coast of Draka and Benyisra, collectively, as it is called by the Irians) by regaling him with ideas of honor and glory to be gained on the battlefield. In truth, the expedition is undertaken almost wholly for the sake of a love interest: a Benyisran dignitary named Sonia. Neboleptes lands in Benyisra with a great fleet and pledges his support for the revolt. With him are the finest warriors of Solcia in gleaming iron ranks. He begins by attacking the Drakan coastal centers in quick succession, striking in unison with the Benyisran leaders. Before each battle, Neboleptes makes a lengthy prayer and sacrifice to the gods, believing it his sacred duty to war in their name. He will spend the next six years on campaign.
 * Laeberion: Because of the war, Laeberion has benefited from increased traffic and Solcian protection. Now an Irian trading colony, it is defended by a garrison of soldiers sent by Neboleptes.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: The Tragedy of Kinziru is written around this time. The Hanging Gardens of Arazna are roughly finished in construction, and becomes one of the King's official domains of philosophy and wealth. The Hanging Gardens of Arazna is known to have influenced later texts and documentation, such as the Odyssey and the Books of Piety. However, the latter would become known as non-canonical in 1253.
 * Syres: In the south, the nation begins trading with Agira and Erasidon, with ships traveling through the Gabatrian Sea to Erasidon’s coastal port on the southern edge of the sea. The news of the chaos in Xüonai alarms the nation, with many Syresian merchants fleeing back west until Xüonaian lands are deemed safer. The nation also claims the region between the two rivers north of Canim, with a number of Syresians being sent to settle the area. In the west major cities such as Canim are fortified with walls in case of another attack from the southern city-states. With the border more or less established in the west a number of outposts are also constructed near the border, which serve as fortifications should an invasion occur.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: We expand our port on the mainland and begin constructing the Tsar's fortress complex. The fort will be the biggest project undertaken and will be finished in ten years.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Late in his reign, Chatnaguri worked at a variety of vast building projects, creating grander and more opulent basilicas in various cities in the nation. It is generally believed that Chatnaguri himself designed the plans for the Blue Basilica of Azoz, although this is debated because we know it was completed under Thalut's reign. The colossal statue that once sat there was given the name of Chatna, but its appearence more closely resembles his son. Daesmon the Moonbear lay defeated, but his son Labaya attempted a smaller, second revolt two years before the end of his reign. Labaya was defeated at the Battle of Saraita, but he fled the field and remained unaccounted for. All the cities in the west and south of the kingdom greatly expanded their urbanization. As Chatnaguri lay dying of old age, he instructed his son Thalut to remember several important things to complete in his name: first, to complete the construction of the Blue Basilica; second, to kill Labaya and his followers; third, to continue his legacy of being proficient at the game of chess; and finally, to spread the crimson banner of Azoz to the ends of the earth. Thalut swore on his life that he would fulfill all these things, and then Chatnaguri breathed his last. Thalut immediately seized control over property belonging to Labaya's allies, and tortured the servants there to reveal his whereabouts. After three years of searching, Labaya was eventually found and killed before being captured. The Blue Basilica was completed some time during his reign, and while it existed the colossal statue of Chatnaguri/Thalut was known far and wide as a great wonder of the world. Thalut was an ambitious man as was his father, and he made the best preparations for the task that lay ahead of him. The young king Thalut came to the Oracle at Syres, and asked it three questions: "Will I conquer the world?" "How will I ultimately die?" and "Will I prove to be as good a chessmaster as Chatnaguri?"
 * Draka: Defectors are allowed to continue their religion practices in a policy change, however, "troublemakers' are hunted down and impaled. Archon Sheriden orders the Drakan troops out of the major cities, to prevent casualties. This is done, but 300 of the 3,000 troops stationed were killed or captured. The captured ones likely died, so the rest are told to take revenge. Drakan troops burn - as well as live off - enemy crops, killing livestock, and launching horse archer raids, burning cash crops in Benysyria. Eldebethias and Solcia are gifted golden bats, the Drakan animal, as goodwill. However, our coasts are blocked just in case. Local tribes formally paying tribute to Benyisyria are offered to defect and take revenge on their oppressors, so a re-disciplined tribal army of 500 is raised. Meanwhile, defection policies see some success, however, most support the rebellion, with only 150 Benysyiran defectors. With the 2,700 Drakan troops, 500 tribals, and 150 defectors, a city in the rebellion is seized and occupied, however, treated well, as showing an example on excellent hospitality should peace be sought. However, Drakan idols are still put up larger than local ones, the local ones are tolerated, and some signs of merging the two pantheons exist. Some 300 of the 500 tribals and 25 Draka lay siege to another minor city, who this time resists, so they are razed to the ground. Quasi-genocidal techniques are used against troublesome farmers, akin to the Mongol invasion of Persia and Carthage war, with irrigation destroyed and horse archers burning crops. Also, irrigation dams are destroyed to cause famine, thus ensuring starvation. The aquaduct network is poisoned with lead. In a mass execution, some 500 "suspected individuals" who showed signs of unrest are impaled, while collaborators enjoy fine means and "pleasures" from slaves.


 * Silla: Cabeza Sanza issues the "Literacy Edict", which mandates that all first-born children (regardless of gender) would be sent to grammar schools to attain basic literacy skills–thus improving the government's ability to enforce laws, and collect taxes from peasantry. To facilitate interprovincial communications and stifle regionalism, she also commissioned the standardization of the Sillan script. In response to small-scale peasant revolts (mainly protesting the practice of extracting semi-annual tribute) within conquered Subaozi territories, Cabeza Sanza pioneers the principle of "compassionate assimilation", codifying this in the "Assimilation of the Barbarians in Three Generations" policy; with the first stage consisting of the Sillanization of the elite and Sillan-language acquisition, the second stage consisting of large-scale intermarriage and infrastructural development, and the third-stage being large-scale cultural immersion resulting in complete assimilation. To incentivize intermarriage, the "one-drop" rule is passed, with anyone of even slightest Sillan ancestry being considered a "full Sillan". Meanwhile, the increasingly controversial tributary system is completely abolished–being replaced with a proper taxation system (either 10% of household income in iron coinage, or 25–50% of grain depending on the size of land). Meanwhile, the administrative system is entirely revamped. The Three Cities are consolidated into the single city of "Qing", and as a result, Silla is increasingly informally referred to as the "Qing Empire". Territories with a majority ethnic Sillan population are organized into "Imperial Provinces", which are divided into municipalities under the jurisdiction of the provincial capital, both of which are further divided into districts. They are governed by the Governor–General, who oversees both administrative and military affairs. Territories recently incorporated into Silla and therefore have not been completely assimilated or settled – are organized into "Commanderies", who are governed jointly by Viceroys and a "Grand Commander"; the latter fulfilling the role of the Governor–General as well as representing the central government. Similarly, it is further divided into fiefs and provincial capitals, and even further into districts. Greater power is granted to the Ministry of Finance, with licenses being issued to artisans, craftsmen, and other workers in order to enforce the quality standards of commercial goods. In addition, a 5% tax is levied upon luxury goods, thus increasing government revenue. A monopoly over iron, bronze, arms, salt, sugarcane, cocoa, and charcoal production is established. The Cabeza invests into the Ministry of Rites. A national observatory is established to track the movement of celestial objects, and to predict meteorological events. Several astronomers confirm the belief that the Earth is spherical–based on the fact that other celestial objects (including the Moon itself) are observed to be spherical. In addition, they calculate that the Sun is approximately 2,000 km in diameter, and orbits the Earth at a distance of 25,000–40,000 km. The Ministry of Rites also begins to codify Sillan medical practices, with famed physician Go Natano compiling a document known as the "Treatise on Toxification Damage Disorders", as well as writing "A Physician's Inner Cannon". Sillan medical doctrine revolves around the philosophy that all sickness is caused by the accumulation of toxins, and to relieve one's sickness, one must undergo the process of "purification". Bathing is promoted as a way to maintain one's cleanliness; while acupressure and pressure massages, inhalation of incense, and the consumption of green tea or red bean-paste soup being prescribed to facilitate the process of "purification". Meanwhile, the consumption of meat, sugar, and high concentrations of alcohol is limited; as it was seen to stifle the process of purification if consumed excessively. Since disease is believed to be transmitted via certain body fluids or airborne elements ("foul hair") carrying toxins, one can also assess one's health via examining one's excrements and urine. Ailments are treated with the replacement of body fluids, with induced sweating (or in serious cases, blood-letting) coupled with the ample consumption of water or green tea to provide "fresh" fluid. Honey, sugar-water, and alcohol are applied topically as antiseptic, as well as they are thought to "absorb" or "protect" wounds against airborne elements. Another 250 units of crossbows are manufactured. The Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. A moderate number of lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. In addition, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Latrines, drainage, and communal baths are built. Every settlement has at least a single public latrine used for defecation (while small buckets are used for urination, which is then disposed of once full), with drainage delivering it to an isolated pit where it dries under sunlight. Afterward, it is collected and burnt, with the remains being mixed with dry earth. Canals (both for the purposes of irrigation and transportation) and roads are constructed to facilitate travel. Silk, porcelaneous wares (while earthenware is increasingly abandoned – with the exception of tea canisters), jewelry is increasingly produced both for export and domestic consumption. Tea, sugarcane, cocoa, honey, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages (such as rice-wine, bread-wine, and mead) and condiments (various oils, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce etc.) are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land; as well as the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of manure), and more iron tools and machinery. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants, and perennial fruit-bearing plants is done to boost yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition, with the average woman marrying at 20 years old, and bearing a total of 5.5 children – of which, approximately three survive until adulthood.
 * Beraba: In 351 and 352, the Crown Princes of Damatura and Doulaba both die and are interred in temples in their respective cities. Albrah of House Hjadra and Khisit of House Tayanita ascend to these thrones. A royal marriage is arranged between the Princess of Gahren and Corphe, Crown Prince of House Samasoni. The occasion is marked with days of feasting and gifts exchanged between both nations. An ambitious project, the Salt Road, aims to link the two nations via a long road next to the sea. This project employs many stonemasons from Beraba, and they are put in charge of training the next generation of artisans as well. Another census is commissioned by the Crown Princes. More exploration around Lake Conylt is commissioned, and the permanent settlement is officially named Cohibos.

361-370
'Benekundon and Zedisladana invade Xüonai to retake their lost territory, but in the south the Xüonaian governor of Udhntooi manages to successfully defend the border and drive the invaders back. '

'The independence of Benyisra is secured for the time being, as no Drakan response has been successful in capturing the capital. The invasion by Solcia additionally strains Draka’s capacity for a war. For their support the kingdom agrees to Neboleptes’ marriage wishes. The Drakan destruction of crops and irrigation harms both sides, but causes a large problem for the Drakan army, as supplies now need to be sent from the far north to the campaigning army. 1,220 Drakan soldiers die as a result of disease or lack of supplies. '

'The Xüonai possession of Lueht declares its independence as the Kingdom of Lueht. The nation falls under the leadership of a Weritszian-Xüonaian nobleman known as Eizen I. '

'The new leader of Sayalen, Tupitoquri, manages to unite an even larger region than his father, and he gains control of the region from the Qeran border in the west to the Yesecenem River in the east. In an effort to make a long lasting peace he proposes to Qera that a border should be created at the western edge of the mountains, with all the land west of the mountains ceded to Qera - and to Exhula, he proposes that Exhula will be granted their three settlements, but they should not seize any land around them or make further attempts to invade south. '

'The town of Kepitis on the coast east of Qaryaat grows into a small city-state, with Benyisran refugees making up a portion of its population. '

'Although weary of involvement with Exhula, the nation of Kaloma agrees to the double marriage pact, hoping it will help ensure peace between the two states. '
 * Draka: Archon Baldrik I seizes the throne in a coup, killing all of the incompetent administration. The remaining troops are pulled back, the army is down to 1,000. Peace is offered to Solcia, and compensation will be paid - same for Banisyria. Meanwhile, to develop the maritime industry further, a trading expedition is sent, success? (mod reponse). Meanwhile, Draka architecture develops, similar to OTL Yemeni complex mud brick architecture. Crops are traded. Meanwhile, some demobilized soldiers form a mercenary band, seeing as while Draka are slowly developing good taste, they still enjoy killing. Seeing as relations are okay with Eldebethias as they did not assist, they offer themselves as elite troops in the Eldebethias army (mod reponse) (troops types basically hoplite style pikemen, lighter armor than hoplites, but longer pikes (think macdonian). A sea port is opened up at Archona, the capital. Serfs are put to work in the mining sectors to get rare earth minerals.  Merchants taxes are lowered. To compensate for the failed conquest, expansion into tribal lands west and north begin.
 * Solcian Diplomacy: Having witnessed the brutalities wrought by the Draka on the people of Benyisra, Neboleptes is hesitant to accept their offer of peace. With Drakan soldiers on the retreat and much of their armies disbanded, however, he decides to formally end the war. A treaty of "lasting peace and good relations" is carved in a stone tablet, as per the Solcian custom. This treaty is presented with the understanding that Draka will recognize Benyisra's independence and not make any abuses against its sovereignty in the future. Instead of monetary compensation, Neboleptes asks that the trading communities of the region will be protected from piracy or raiding, and that Irians, Benyisrans, and Drakans alike will be allowed to go about their own affairs unmolested.


 * Qaryaat: King Adiyyl dies, and his son, Prince Hakhim, ascends the throne. Tales of the encounter with the unknown nation known in Qaryaati as Mawan-Jaho (AKA Mohejaro) spark an increased interest in exploration. Two fleets are sent to explore west of Qaryaat. One continues to explore the shores, while the other is sent to explore the unknown landmass which may be an island or a peninsula discovered two decades prior. A colony is created on the eastern coast of the Maqiri Peninsula (the western edge of the Bay of Ghasir) in order to create a launching point for future expeditions westward. Meanwhile, settlers are sent to other loosely claimed areas to consolidate the control of said areas. Qaryaati architecture develops, similarly to OTL ancient Egyptian architecture. Expansion along the coast west of Qaryaat continues. The newly crowned King Hakhim begins to invite intellectuals throughout the kingdom to his royal court in Makra. Trade with Solcia and Anakadeham continues to bring wealth to Qaryaat. A group of diplomats is sent out to the fledgling city-state Kepitis. We offer them vassalship and protection under Qaryaat and a degree of autonomy, but they will have to pay tribute to and militarily assist us. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) (WIP)
 * Mang: Fuki Emperor went official in the plan making of expansion across the mountains, as the emperor wanted Jakhjart (living space in Mangi), and more industries in the mountains to produce new materials. However, the Mangi forces weren't prepared to face rocky terrain in the mountains, so the general of the Mangi Armed Forces, Hoojahze Markei, ordered to go around the mountains in order to maintain intact with the expansion orders. The expansion was ordered to maintain contact with new districts, and expand more industries.


 * Hythia: Years 78-87 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Rythus passes in the 8nd year since the return. His successor, Myrnech Syberus, his nephew, takes the high seat of Hythia. At the start of his rule, Syberus orders a census, the first in many decades. Counting of the many cities of Hythia commences, with rural Patriarchs called to report the population for their hamlets and villages. He also continues the irrigation construction, but with even greater success now that a great deal of labor is freed from the construction of the Temple of Hythus. A great irrigation and trade canal is built between the Tythies and Mynethos Rivers forty septons north (2 px) of Gyt and a great earthen wall constructed on the south bank. The population density along the river grows rapidly as the rich and watered soils supply grand crops. Wheat and sweet potatoes constitute the majority of the crops allowing for much food to be stored for winter or transport. Sweet potato beer becomes a national staple as its sweet, nutty taste is popular among all classes in society. The practices of taking wives to the south continues and poor nobility travel to these lands. Myrnech Syberus requests that several of these Hythian nobles in the three largest tribes, the Janti, Baust, and Kya if they will attempt to influence their fellow tribal leaders to join Hythia as provinces. The tribal leaders would keep immediate power, but pay taxes to Hythia and receive protection from Hythia. Missionaries continues proselytizing to the south and west and converts are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to see the Temple of Hythus. A large troop of missionaries is sent west to the mission in the capital of the tribal federation to make a case for its adoption of Hythus as its principle god.
 * Mesallian Culture: During this time Agira campaigned in the central Melopenes to liberate the people who Karissa extracted tribute and labor from, which permanently crippled Karissa’s ability to dedicate itself to warfare. To further its dominance of the region, Agira also defeated some of the towns of the lower peninsula, allowing it to dominate trade to the mainland near Edom. After the fall of Larissa another city that prospered was Meshwati. While the cities in the League of Use a were nominally all under the influence of Agira, or directly in some cases, but half the former league was conquered by Meshwati or placed under its influence once more. The city greatly expanded its navy, which trade ships dominating the north of Mesallas, and warships patrolling the region in Karissa's absence. In the Three Cities (the union of Dascelos, Ghanis, and Nerimos), Adranates III attempted to remove the influence of the Ulmian and Enulmian religions. He began by ordering that all citizens of the nation offer a sacrifice to the Mesallian gods upon his ascension to the throne. This was rejected by both groups as worship of false idols, and open protest broke out across the nation, especially in Nerimos. With the aid of Sephimora this revolt grew in power considerably, and Adranates III was ultimately forced to recognize both religions are legal within the nation. Around the same time Sephimora expanded south toward the upper Ema River, with dozens of copy monasteries and small settlements being founded in the mountains near the border of Alsoba. During this time numerous missionaries attempted to convert the region, as well as the people of the southern desert in and around Edom.


 * Solcia: Now that Benyisra’s independence is secure, Neboleptes concludes an end to hostilities with Draka. Soon afterward, he receives word of his father’s death. He hastily returns to Seuthai, the Solcian capital at the mouth of the Cebrion, with his wife and most of the army, leaving the remaining troops in the capable hands of Carogalus, one of his commanders. When the prince arrives home, the capital erupts into joyous celebration. A funeral is held for Nassohalus, followed by a week of mourning. Only then does Neboleptes officially ascend the throne. After his coronation, a splendid feast is held to honor Nassohalus’ memory and celebrate Solcia’s military successes. The warriors who fought with Neboleptes in Casphiron are awarded land in eastern Solcia and the isles for their retirement. Some of these palatial estates become cities in their own right, including the fortress of Sadaium. The Solcians found new settlements on the largest island, Pyrgeiros, and trading posts throughout the smaller isles and the mainland.
 * Laeberion: The colony of Laeberion expands in the aftermath of the Benyisran Revolt. It becomes an important center of commerce and Irian influence in the Casphiron.
 * Yannis Empire: The war to restore order in the west ends. The Kingdom of Xüonai ceases to exist in its old form, and instead is replaced by the Kingdom of Xanulem, an elective federation of quasi independent governships, which will answer to a monarch preferable to the Yannis Empire. In the north the Anointed One proposes peace with the westerners and Darna, which grants the areas around Topitui and the West Bay to Darna, the north to Molaga, and some land to Benekundon, although this does not include the southern areas, as that region successfully repulsed the invasion and proved itself capable of governing itself. In total six provinces are created, each with a chosen governor, and this group elects the first king in Xanulem. In all these provinces the Yannian religion spreads, as religions deemed incapable with Yannian beliefs are outlawed. A large number of Yannian soldiers remains in the region to garrison the major cities and ensure order, while Yannian civilians settle the new land in ernest. New roads are ordered in the west, which will connect the coast of the Yannis Empire west through the new lands of Xanulem.
 * In Mesallas: The governor in Mesallas creates a number of opulent temples in major cities, especially in the city of Oronaca. With control of the western Melopenes Peninsula, the Yannian governor begins sponsoring trade with the west, hoping to spread the Yannian faith to nations such as Besheva and Jubaya. The hunt for Ulmians continues, with many hunted for sport or bought from slavers simply for ritual sacrifice.
 * Kingdom of Azoz: Thalut prepared his army in this decade to proceed on the most ambitious expnasion in Azoz history. With an army numbering over 80,000 professional troops, Thalut personally led his men to seize control of the Ashe River in a three-pronged campaign, followed in the next spring by a decisive strike against the capital of Tuartha. Tuartha's capital was known to be heavily fortified, supported by their Mesallian allies and having no entrance except by boat on the Ashe River. This did not stop Thalut, however, who had the Ashe River's source diverted temporarily, causing the moat of Tuartha to dry and make a clear path under the gates. While they were besiging the city, however, Thalut had to temporarily break off engagement in order to crush the armies of the Mesallian supporters, taking most of their armies prisoner in the Battle of Salerinos, then pushing for the Seige of Igouremais to control the entire peninsula. The Cassanderan Dynasty were likewise captured in this attack, and taken prisoner back to Azoz. Thalut claimed control over the entire posessions of the former royal family, including the crown of Tuartha itself, which he collectively adopted under the overaching title of the Chatna Dynasty. Having completed the Tuartha War, Thalut pushed his armies northward, likewise crushing the Neum and annexing them under the Tuartha crown as they once were in ages past. His campaign continued farther north along the coast toward Syres, where he came to earlier for the Oracle Vand. However, not having particular interest in the north at this time, Thalut did not attempt to directly subjugate them, but offered instead for them to become vassals. This was especially the case for Syres, who shared a religious history with Azoz and thus was treated to practice their religion in peace (mod and player response). After the northern campaign, Thalut returned to rest in Tuartha's capital, reorganizing the bureaucratic administration. Since the Tuartha navy had been seized, Thalut made it a high priority to expand the navy to have more domination over trade in the White Sea. Finally, toward the end of this decade Tuartha began his southern campaign, seizing control of many smaller tribes until the empire came up to just border Usinilago. During this time, the the Holy Father Rainer of Azoz was very active to promote new monestaries and basilicas in the newly-acquired territories, beginning a sort of loose colonization of Azoz citizens to the coastline. Rainer seemed to immediately suspect that Thalut was far more involved in foreign campaigns than administrating the nation, and so he began to take matters into his own hands. The Council of Senior Scholars located in Medan, or informally abbreviated the Senate of Medan, was established as a layer of bureaucracy to administer the home nation while the King was absent. This was especially important as the professional military had left their personal crops in the care of the federal government while they were away.
 * Syres: According to one legend, when the legendary king Thalut arrived in Syres to see the oracle Vanden, the king asked if there was anything he could do for the wise man. Vanden replied, “Yes, stand a little out of my sun.” When the king asks how he will die, Vanden becomes distracted by a pile of bones, stating “I am searching for the bones of your father but can't distinguish them from those of a slave,” as a metaphor for the inevitability of death. When that answer doesn’t suffice, Vanden says, “you will die by something more worthy.” When he asks if he will conquer the world, Vanden replies, “you will lament only conquering one.” And finally, when asked if he will be the greatest at chess, Vanden tells him, “he who seeks to master everything rarely masters anything.” Later, the invasion by the Kingdom of Azoz on Syres’ historical allies in the south sparks alarm within the nation. During the invasion of Tuatha-Danann, numerous Syresians become entangled in the conflict, especially after the nation sent soldiers to the region only a few years before to aid the kingdom. When Azoz invades the Kingdom of Neum, a Syresian kingdom and ally, the nation is forced to declare war, sending men to aid in the siege of Neum. Surprisingly the invasion is successful, and the Syresian army is forced to flee back north with as many men of Neum as it can supply. In the city the consul Perimines attempts to rally support for a war to liberate Neum, and proposes that the nation try to sway the coastal city states of the west, although this will prove a difficult task after recent decades of occasional conflict between Syres and Nesarafen. It is likely that the invasion by Azoz will also spark Mesallian interest as well, as the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann had become a largely Mesallian kingdom before its fall to Azoz. In the meantime the nation trains its own army and stations its navy to guard the home islands.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: The Tsar forts first of eight towers is constructed. The Tsarina personally funds the army and equips it with bows and arrows and creates an archer legion.
 * Beraba: After trading knowledge of the world with the Exhula, the Crown Princes call a conference to discuss their new worldview. They realize that they are at a disadvantage to other larger nations. They decide that, to preserve the Beraban way of life, they need to expand. Three noble houses - Rihen, Vingod, and Esashti - are elevated to the title of Crown Prince, bringing the total number to seven. These new princely houses are charged with creating new settlements for the Beraba people to expand to. House Rihen and House Vingod go north to the Sagror peninsula. House Rihen establishes Allsid on the north side of the peninsula, and House Vingod establishes Ibranos on the south side. House Esashti travels the coast to the south and founds the city of Eiros. The Salt road finally connects Beraba to Gahren, with branches connecting to the new cities of Allsid and Ibranos. There are plans to extend it south through the nation, eventually connecting it to Eiros. Naval patrols now extend all the way from Eiros in the south, with stops in the other major cities, all the way up to Gahren. More mines are established in the new territories to find precious metals and minerals. Farmland is expanded exponentially. Trees cleared from these areas are shipped to the coast to be crafted into ships. Families are offered incentives to have more children to expand the population of Beraba. Votan of House Kitsur dies and is replaced by his son Ensho. Many senior members of House Samasoni relocate to Gahren as official liaisons of the Beraba people. Official ambassadors are named for the Makuku peoples, as well as the nations of Exhula, Qera, and Yannis.
 * Exhula: After a long, tedious process of negotiation we finally begrudgingly agree to cede our two newer colonies in Sayalen to the new Sayalen Fillaqate (The ruler of Sayalen is a type of ruler called a Fillaq). However, we intentionally do this publicly as a “gift from the Emperor Sassigan to Fillaq Tupitoquri and his descendants“ rather than a ceding of territory from Exhula to Sayalen. This ensures none but the rulers of Sayalen themselves own the territory, thus also locking the Princess who didn’t meet our conditions. We also request to be allowed to keep two small garrisons in each of the cities we are ceding (one for each) for the next 20 years after feeding them to ensure fair treatment of our citizens (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). Trade also begins to truly increase and come into existence in a significant amount during this period, as now that the Sayalen have advanced to the point that they have largely been united under one authority and have begun to construct a number of small but growing ports along the coast and the Yescenem River (as well as the large lake) our traders and merchants are able to much more easily trade with them in those new ports and now that they have developed so much they have many more products to offer and a new, large market for Exhulan goods and products. This also causes a number of growing changes to gradually begin effecting both of our societys, as this trade gives Sayalen many more resources with which to build their civilization and enrich themselves more while Exhulan society gains a number of new sources for our products and access to many new sources of resources they didn’t have access to before, such as the large lumber industry of Sayalen (due to the many forests and jungles in her region, which was one of the reasons we had such a hard time colonizing the area before) and, to many people’s delight, a new source of salt due to their ability to harvest salt from the surface of the lake they occupy most of the territory around, copying the Qeran method of doing so for their own profit, which provides a small but growing source of salt to many merchants dissatisfied with the high prices of the Salt Barons, and although it doesn’t effect their profits on a large scale (due to the lack of roads or other infesteuctue between the lake and their major ports). We send many hundreds of Hcctaal missionaries into Sillas throughout the course of thus turn, to try to convert as much of the populace as possible and in order to oversee the promised integration of the Hcctaal gods into the Sillian Pantheon, and ensure the process goes smoothly. We also begin sending increasing numbers of them north into the former territories of Xüonai, as without the strong and allied Xüonai central government telling us not to their is little stopping us, and it is hopped that many more will be willing to listen to their words in the current situation, with the central Xüonai government having only just recently collapsed and its new status as broken into dozens of autonomous states, where even those governed by Yannis now also being fairly autonomous and many still being uncertain (and certainly with many losing faith in the native gods of Xüonai with the recent collapse). We also use the argument to many of the new rulers of these “autonomous“ or independent states that it offers a way to be more independent from the control of Yannis even as its vassals, as conversion to Hcctaal means they are not religiously obligated to listen to the Anointed One (and people will be more likely to be loyal to their leader when their leaders liege isnot going against the will of their gods by defying their representative). (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). Although we, of course, continue mass trading with Yannis despite this and the North Sea Trade continues, even if the loss of Xüonai has significantly damaged our economic prosperity in the area, making even more Irrosians and many Exhulans more willing to do things such as piracy, making that problem even worse. In othernews, the double marriage occurs in 361, between Emperor Sassigan and Princess Aquitutaqa of Kaloma, and between Princess Lccania of Exhula and King Yrgrqan Of Kaloma. This secures the beginning of trade relations between us once again and peace is secured as we continue working to repair our relationship. A son is born to them, named Vasigga, in 363, as well as four daughters over the course of the turn, Yiia (364), Orria (366), Tyha (367), and Syyala (369). We also send ambassadors and traders to Gahren to open trade and diplomatic relations with them (GAHREN RESPONSE NEEDED).
 * Kingdom Of Irrosia: King Syrac dies in early 361 of alcohol poisoning at the age of 46, leading his son Aroccis to succeed him at the age of 30. He continues the raids on the former Xüonai lands and on Teninukal in particular, but he begins to limit the raids on the former Xüonai lands to those not now under Yannian control, and tries to limit piracy on the ships of them and those who we are trying to convert, although it is obviously impossible to completely stop them, especially since it is a major source of revenue for the Kingdom and entrenched in its culture by this point, nor would Aroccis want to. However, piracy is not so limited on those nations it is not limited on. He also gains interest in colonizing the large unclaimed island group far to the northeast, founding six settlements in the area while sending many settlers there while raids also increase on undefended native villages in the area. He also begins to heavily focus piracy on Phoritheon, with many of the raids launched from the closer areas and from Marensa. The two formerly Xüonaian islands experience heavy settlement as many of the inhabitants (mainly the slaves, former free Xüonaians who didn’t side with them are left alone) are enslaved and heavily worked to death in the sugar plantations that are set up, and to make up for this many thousands of Irrosians and Exhulans are moved into the islands, which are renamed Assalca and Iyssia.
 * Darna: Our forces march from Mosnola and destroy the Zanphorian presence in the north. Their cities are razed to the ground, and their people are killed or captured. The raiders travel as far south as Xüonai proper, raiding the old capital of all its valuables, freeing all its slaves, and capturing a large portion of the city as slaves. Many members of the royal family or other nobles are even captured, and these are brought back to Darna proper to be paraded as great trophies, before spending the rest of their lives in torture in the slaving pits. As part of the peace treaty we demand that slavery be outlawed in Xüonai, so that they can never again capture and sell righteous Darnans or others, and so they can't compete against us in the slavery market. The war ends and we accept the peace terms proposed by the Yannis Empire. Most of the land goes to our allies, although the governor of Mosnola asks that his territory be expanded to the other side of the river, approximately doubling the size of the territory. There is great celebration all across the nation, as the old enemies have been destroyed, and justice has been brought to the cannibals.


 * Sillan Empire: In 630 BCE, Cabeza Sanza dies at the age of 65, with her grandniece Qianlana – aged 20 – being elected into power. Due to her achievements in vastly enlarging Silla's territory, overseeing massive structural reform, and reviving Silla's economy, she is given an elaborate funeral in Da Qing (being visited by 100,000 people over a seven-day period) and her date of birth (May 30, 695 BCE) is turned into a public holiday. Following in her grandaunt's footsteps, Qianlana continues the consolidation of Silla's outlying territories and forcibly centralizes conquered populations into villages at the river bank – to ease the collection of tax and facilitate administration; this system becomes known as the "Reduction" system. She also patronizes the establishment of merchant guilds, due to her interest in the arts. Due to the spread of high-temperature kilns, and the durability of the material, porcelaneous wares replace earthenware as the main form of ceramic. However, earthenware remains in use as tea canisters (since they are believed to enhance the flavor over time), while stoneware is used for culinary purposes. Porcelaneous wares begin to diversify into a multitude of forms with many either using white or celadon lacquer as the main glaze. The Da Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. A law is passed mandating all recreational weapons are to be licensed, and also painted in white (as white is seen as the color of beauty, and by-extension, athleticism). A moderate number of lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. In addition, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Latrines, drainage, and communal baths are built. An increasingly quantity of silk, porcelain wares, jewelry is manufactured both for export and domestic consumption. In addition, cash crops such as tea, sugarcane, cocoa, coffee, honey, spices, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages (such as rice-wine, bread-wine, and mead) and condiments (various oils, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, etc.) are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land; as well as the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of manure), and more iron tools and machinery. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants, and perennial fruit-bearing plants (namely coconuts and plantains) is done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion–thus maintaining soil quality. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition, facilitating relatively early marriage (but still considerably later than in most societies) and curbing the effects of disease. To better analyze the extent of potential human resources to be used in a future conquest and to simplify population counts and household registration, a law is ratified mandating all households keep a tablet outside of their residence displaying all of their family members and their year of birth.

371-380
'The nation of Mithadia continues its conquest of the sea to the west, securing the subjugation of a tribe on the same island as the Tsardom of Algeorgia’s colony. '

'The nation of Sayalen accepts the request from Exhula to continue to house a garrison in its former outposts, in the hopes that it will lead to good relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, Gahren accepts the offer from Exhula as well, opening trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations. '

'One of the main tribes to convert to the worship of Hythus and Hythian customs, located southeast of the former Cartor nation, asks to become a vassal of the nation of Hythia. '

'The nation of Kepitis accepts protection and aid from Qaryaat, but asks to be an ally instead and retain its independence. '

'Eldebethias accepts the offer from Draka to contract Drakan warriors as mercenaries in its army. A number of Drakans travel across Eldebethias during this time, bringing word of the lands to the east back to their home nation. '

'Almost a decade into its rulership of Neum and Tuatha-Danann, the Kingdom of Azoz experiences a discontented local populace. The deposed heir to Tuathna-Danann, Cassander IV Nicolanes, flees to Sericolis and attempts to rally support for his return, especially as the religious customs of the region are seemly threatened by the rise of Ulmian basilicas across the former kingdom. '


 * Mesallian Culture: In the third year of the 42nd Jafiad (Year 370) the League of Agira was formed as the conglomerate of Agira and its allies, which at this time included most of the Mesallian world. This was merely a formality, as such an alliance had already existed without a proper name for some time. Also discussed at this meeting of the Mesallian states was the problem in the west. At this time the Kingdom of Azoz had turned on the east and pillaged the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann, crushing the kingdom of Cassander. It is well-recorded what a high regard the descendants of Cassander were held in, as the eponymous hero had ventured around the known world and was a descendant of the gods. Present at the meeting was the Agiran writer Palo, who serves as one primary source for the events. According to him the Azozians had first attempted to ally with Agira, and the head of the Agirans, Amondias, produced a message that had been delivered to the state. The diplomats in the city made a sacrifice to the gods before Amondias threw the letter into the flames. Palo attributes this to the city’s want to be a force above foreign influence, but also it is likely this was to appease the other cities with very little regard for Azoz. Regardless, the message was clear, the free world would not submit to the invaders, but would stand on the side of the invaded. This was not made clear to Azoz immediately, as Agira first turned its attention to securing the homeland. Some in the city feared that if Agira withdrew its army then Karissa might take the opportunity to attack, and finally it was decided that if the war faction would win out, they would also need to secure Karissa’s loyalty. Envoys asked the city to commit its army to the allied force, so that it would not be stationed in Mesallas. This split the city’s opinion, and ultimately it was decided that the Karissans would not join the Agirans. Instead they signed a sacred oath of neutrality, with the understanding that trickery would likely result in their extermination. Henceforth the leaders of Agira styled themselves as “Hegemons of Mesallas, except the Karissans.” All the states of the alliance contributed the better part of their armies to Agiran command, although Meshwati commanders largely kept to the naval aspect of the alliance. Next the Agirans sent envoys to the governor of Yannian Mesallas, hoping to ensure that the Yannians would not take advantage of the situation to invade the rest of Mesallas. To this end the envoys demonstrated how they had faithfully executed the terms of every treaty with the Yannians and had outlawed the Ulmian religion. Additionally one of the envoys even proposed that Yannis should join their cause, as Yannis would have the opportunity to fight the Ulmian religion directly. Before an army departs another sacred oath is said by the cities of the league, with each city promising to serve the league to victory or fall together in the process. Joining the army would be the political hostage turned commander, Ptelamus of Erasidon, in command of the southerners of his homeland. For his native forces he takes several lessons that he learned while in Agira back to Erasidon, especially in the aftermath of the famed Battle of Nucemia. He follows the example set by Agira, that the state must create a professional force of elite units to remain dominant on the battlefield. Up to this time Erasidon’s infantry still consisted of many lightly armed peasants, and a slow process began to upgrade these units. Infantry was outfitted with Agiran-style light armor, a Meshwati-style small shield, and bronze helmets and greaves. They were armed with a long pike that was about twice as long as any contemporary weapon. These pikes are made from cornel wood, a type of timber mostly native to Mesallas, which was considered the strongest material for wooden weapons. At one end of the pike a long iron tip is mounted that is specifically designed to penetrate armor, while at the other end a heavy metal butt is mounted to act as a counterweight, or even as a backup weapon. Each infantryman is then organized into a tightly-packed formation, thanks to the small size of their shields, which consists of 128 men, and a commander. Two of these units are then combined, along with auxiliary units such as horn players, flag bearers, and messengers in each unit. The cavalry sees similar changes, with each cavalryman equipped with one of the nation’s best horses, a full bronze cuirass, shoulder guards, a bronze helmet, a long thrusting spear, and a sword. In addition to the league members, the Mesallians were also joined by states such as Salarinos and Igounematis, both of which had fought multiple wars in Tuatha-Danann to put a Mesallian claimant on the throne. Their neighbor Setia, who had a partial Ulmian presence, was less included to be involved. (More to be added after other players post their actions.)
 * The Umhlaba War: As the Azozian army invaded Usinilago, the Umhlaba Confederacy fell into its own conflict. For over a century the confederacy had hanged in a careful balance, with dozens of local authorities of roughly equal power all under the command of the High Tyrant in Isono. The balance of power shifted immensely when Venien of Serieta was elevated to the effective ruler of the Kingdom of Tuatha-Danann. This left an outcasted tyrant in command of a nation larger than the rest of the confederacy combined, which sparked great alarm among the rest of the confederacy. Notably several Water Tyrants aligned with Venien and with Azoz. The important Sykorn to Analunba route, which had historically been home to Gilian the Anointed, an early convert to Ulmism, was one such supporter. Another was Water Tyrant Tiris II of Agnomon, who oversaw operations in southeast Azoz and the area around it. In Isono the High Tyrant was Mercenus, and he supported the nation of Usinilago in the hopes of disrupting Azoz. For this reason one of the pivotal battles of the war would occur near Isono, resulting in Mercenus’ death. As Azoz continued into Usinilago, Venien of Serieta departed with a good portion of the Tuathan garrison to seize Isono and see himself elevated to the head of the confederacy as well. With no force able to oppose him he was swiftly elected. Although, in the eastern regions of the confederacy the Water Merchants rallied behind a new council, which worked in secret. From the tunnels and monasteries of the ancient trade routes, several great merchant lords signed a compact to retake Isono. The signatories included Shemzun aze Merani, the patriarch of the Upper Meran, Ketus the Black, a Phydinian merchant and veteran of the war with Agira, Democrates the Meshwati pirate, Levian the Lucky, an Enulmian warrior of Leviea, Vedun Ironsides of Dascelos, Calumus of Cania, the Canian zealot, and Bedun al-Zari, a Vomasian nomad. Their secret stronghold became known as The Hub.
 * The Aexontine War: After the election of Venien in the south, Palo writes of an invasion by Nyvram and Iskander of the Aexont (the “setting sun coast” according to the Mesallians). The westernmost states of Mesallas were called “restless” by Palo, for they desired to control Tuatha for the past century or more, as they had supported the king Lóegaris around the time of the 12th and 13th Jafiad. The two cities of Salarinos and Igounematis combined their forces of approximately 8,000 men, and also managed to attract another 2,000 men from the northern peninsula in what was Mesallian lands under Tuathan control. The army was given to the command of Geamander, who according to legend prayed to the gods, traveled to the sea, and cast his spear into the waves, asking, “will we fight alone?” At that moment a ship arrived from Sericolis with a message stating that Cassander was preparing an army and would return to the west.
 * The League Takes Action: In the city of Agira the army marched through the streets one last time before departing. The people of the city filled the sides of the streets, throwing holy roses at the soldiers’ feet. The generals marched at the front with their faces painted red in the image of the divine Ioganter, with flags and emblems flying behind them. At the city gate the old councilman named Leus came to the generals and said, “to those about to die, your city salutes you. The world salutes you.” The head general, Kosodus, crossed the pomerium to officially exit the city, crossing under the ivory gate. He would never return to Agira. That same moment an envoy was sent to officially declare war, and by the time it arrived in Tuatha the Azozian army had begun its invasion of Usinilago. A fleet of “1,000 ships” departs from the Melopenes for Sericolis to bring the first group of reinforcements, but the main army marched on land toward Erasidon, where the Mesallian world bordered Usinilago. The exact size of each army is not entirely known, but an educated guess can be made by examining the strengths of each side. Agira is said by at least two sources to have 40,000 voting citizens, another 100,000 people from their families, 70,000 non-voting peoples, and at least 150,000 slaves, which would have made it the largest city-state in the region. The handful of larger kingdoms likely also possessed at least 100,000 people, with other members of the League of Agira being as small as 10,000. As one of the larger cities in the region, and after the conquests during the war with Karissa, Sericolis possessed an army of about 10,000, and was likely supplemented by another 5,000. As the city did not expect Azoz to continue its invasion east, Cassander IV Nicolanes landed in Tuatha, creating a total force of 25,000. He marched across the northeast and took the port cities on the coast of Tuatha, at the mouth of the Ashe River, and it was here that he received word that the Azozian army had taken Usinilago. Fortifying this region, he had himself crowned king and awaited further news from the east. In the east Ptelamus of Erasidon and about 12,000 men made the vanguard of the land force in the region. Kosodos and his army of an estimated 30,000 men arrived and the group elected to defend the narrow mountain passes into the Gudumanes and the Thusmos River, meaning the invaders would either have to march through the desert and the small mountains of the south or force a river crossing and fighting in disadvantageous terrain near Thusmos.
 * The Gudumanes Gambit: After the conquest of Usinilago the Kingdom of Azoz appeared to continue toward western Erasidon and into Thusmos. The first battle south of the river was secretly intended to draw the Azozians farther into enemy territory, while the main army from Agira swept in from the south and surrounded the Azozian army. This feigned retreat also helped to harass the advancing army. Although the invaders had captured the city of Thusmos, the elite phalanx of Ptelamus was now poised across the river and on higher ground, while an army from Agira marched through Erasidon to surround surround the Azozians. Here they intended to surround the invaders and push them into the sea. Furthermore, to the Azozians’ surprise, the man they thought was Ptelamus was actually a commander from Phydinia named Telodus, who had stood in as a double. The real Ptelamus stayed across from the Azozians ready to spring their trap, and it was hoped that the decoy king would help lure them. Unfortunately, Telodus would be murdered while in captivity. If the gambit should fail the King of Erasidon considered another option, having received the offer to become a “King of Mesallas”, which he knew the democratic Agirans would never accept.


 * Chatna Empire: King Thalut II (so called because the similarity of name to King Taulut) took note of Nicolanes' exile in Seriocolis, and used this as his reason to push the empire farther east, fulfilling his destiny to absorb the Mesallian world. First, Thalut dispatched his general Nyvram to crush the Syresian insurrection. Nyvram, accompanied by the King's son Iskander, brought in an army of 10,000 men toward Syres, in addition to armies recruited from the new Azoz vassals on the western coastlands. Having first crushed the Syresian soliders on land, the problem occured in the process of reaching the capital of Syres at sea. Taking an idea from Iskander, however, the military worked at gathering tens of thousands of stones to cast into the shallow bay, and form a makeshift bridge up to the walls of Syres, where they could besige the city directly. Back at home, the Senate of Medan worked to further organize the administration of the budding empire. In order to place more direct control over the people in Tuartha, de facto power was given over to the former Hegemon of the Umhala Confederacy, being of loyal Ulmian supporters and an ancestral claim to the throne as well. Thus Venien of Serieta was appointed the first Viceroy of Tuartha, ruling in the name of King Thalut. The remainder of the Chatna territories were standardized into local administrations, or satraps, under the authority of either the Viceroy or the Senate. Meanwhile, Thalut took the remaining contingent of 40,000 troops to head to the east. First, the armies of Usilango was forced back at the Battle of Isono, followed by the Seige of Usilango capitulated the entire kingdom. It was at this point that Thalut was poised to prepare his war against the Agiran League. In the beginning of the invasion up from the south, Thalut met in open field the combined armies of Sericolis and Erasidon, headed under the command of Ptelamus. The peasent militas of Erasidon, although destined to lose this battle, proved remarkably resilient if the Chronicle of Palo is to be believed, at one point shattering Thalut's helmet with an Agiran halberd. Ptelamus proved a shrewd opponent, however, and managed to retreat from the field rather than be wiped out. At the end of the battle Ptelamus was taken alive, and Thalut intended to bring him as a court guest in the new Mesallian Kingdom, but several young soldiers took matters in their own hands and murdered the prisoner in cold blood. Disgusted, the king ordered the soldiers taken out and executed on the spot for their barbarity. After securing Erasidon, Thalut pushed farther east.
 * Gudemian Redress: Thalut II immediately fell back to Usinilago after his initial defeat by the Mesallians. The elite soldiers of Erasidon were far more impressive than the Azozans initially anticipated, and so tasked his general Talmai to investigate how to improve their capabilities. According to Talmai's instructions, over the next eighteen months the imperial military was outfitted with chainmail hauberk over solid bronze chest plates. Furthermore, the heavy cavalry adopted iron reinforcement to their lances, utilizing a unique strategy of thrusting xyston first while using the hoplite shield for protection. Meanwhile, a far larger military was called in, seeing the invasion of Mesallia fostered a broader conlfict than anticipated. 20,000 troops supported the naval expedition from Tuartha and Serita, focused on stopping the Yannis from landing at the support of Neum. Another 60,000 troops returned to the border of Mesallia, at first stationed more defensively to secure their position at the high ground near the Thusmos River. While encamped near Thusmos, Thalut II reached out to the King of Erasidon with personal secret messages. He offered the ruler of Erasidon that if he submitted to be vassal of the Chatna, and betrayed his armies against Agira, not only would his nation be remained unharrassed any further, but he will be made Viceroy and de-factor ruler of the the Mesallian Kingdom, with all the cities and all the wealth of the archipeligo given under his command (player or maybe mod response). Having recieved the reply of this message, Thalut continued north on his campaign.
 * Aftermath (pending): Thalut then pushed more unopposed north to crush another army of Sericolis at the Battle of Thusmos River, before crossing the river to occupy the city of Viredos. It was at this point, as they wintered in this city, that Thalut's soldiers became restless, shocked by the change of culture now faced in the Mesallian Peninsula. In a landmark speech, Thalut assured his men that all children of the True God share the same family among the Gabatrian Sea, regardless of different names or customs each city has for him. It was this speach that gave the most charactaristic of the subsequent "Mesallanistic" Era that carried along with the Chatna Empire, with emphasis on religious and cultural plurality under the collective name of Ulm. After the winter, Thalut pushed farther north, enlarging his army for more Ulmian supporters in Viredos, before besieging Sericolis. Nicolanes himself was killed in battle, as were many leaders of Karistos and Sericolis. Having captured Sericolis, Thalut proclaimed the beginning of the "Kingdom of Mesallia" should exist over the whole archipelago, with its capital in Sericolis. All cities that wish to break off from the Agiran yolk and ally with Thalut shall become enlarged, high-ranking vassals of the Chatna Empire. The Viceroy of the Mesallian Kingdom has yet to be appointed (player response?). Having secured most of the Gudeman Peninsula, Thalut moved through the city of Karistos south in the archipelago, through the island of Elapheros to invade Erasidon a second time. This second battle against Ptelamus was far larger and more evenly-matched than the first battle, at the height of which Ptelamus and Thalut himself faced off in one-on-one combat. Not wanting to directly engage the fierce tribal nation of Phydinanes, Thalut instead offered an alliance with them as his vassal, as long as they permit the faith of Ulm spread in the region. From here Thalut took a slight detour to leave the Mesallian realm, and invade the Kingdom of Edom first. The capital of Edom at the mouth of Meran was taken in a brief battle, and in general the greater Ulm population welcomed the entrance of Thalut II who was likewise crowned King of Edom. More potent resistence persisted in the Upper Meran, however, where a more radical cult of Enulmians loosely ruled under the guide of Shemzen. Thalut dispatched 2,000 troops southward to take control of Meran, who were initially successful, but after they crossed over the sixth cataract all contact disappeared. Many scholars debate to this day what the final fate of the "Lost Legion of Thalut" exactly was. Finally, toward the end of this decade Thalut pushed northward with his combined force of 50,000 troops, determined to at last put the entire archipelago under his control. One final battle remained between the armies of Agira and Azoz, who met at the small town of Lysandris. The details of this battle and its outcome can be found largely in Palo's principal work, History of the Kingdom of Mesallias.
 * Sillan Empire: Emboldened by the success of the "Assimilation in Three Generations" policy, '''Cabeza Qianlan orders an invasion of the Olmac peoples (or the "Huimagezi" in the Sillan language). The fort-town neighboring the Olmacs (named Qibe) undergoes expansion and becomes an officially-designated city – with a population of 5,000 residents, many of whom are military personnel. A force of ~20,000 men and women are mustered – of which one-fourth are cavalrymen, while the rest are hastily-trained conscripts fulfilling the role of auxiliaries and infantry. They are divided into 20 regiments (each with 1,000 men and women), with five regiments (collectively referred to as a "division") each under the command of a single General (who operate largely autonomously, but maintain loose communications through messengers on horseback); thus allowing tactical flexibility and allowing to maintain the appearance of numerical inferiority. This also allows for the increased ability of Sillan forces to outflank or encircle enemy forces, as well as the ability to attack in multiple fronts thus overwhelming forces. Due to the relatively heavy-forested terrain in-between settlements and surrounding farmland, fires are deliberately incited to clear vegetation as well as to raze farmland and deprive enemy forces of a food supply. Meanwhile, raids are conducted into unfortified settlements to hoard as many supplies (including using razed cash and grain crops as fodder) as well as to spread fear among the population, as well as overwhelm other settlements with an influx of refugees. While the seized crops of the natives, as well as gathered tropical fruits, provide an ample supply of food; additional nutrition is derived from wild game (mainly deer) as well as the milk of mares. Similarly to the war with the Subaozi people several decades prior, guerrilla tactics are used in densely-forested terrain where traditional cavalry-centric tactics cannot be employed. However this time, these archers (either on horseback – if it permits – or on foot) are organized into small bands of 3-to-5 individuals (to increase the concentration of fire) that encircle the enemy from multiple concealed locations and then proceed to target individuals of high positions. Afterward, they are lured by a seemingly numerical inferior force into a more open space, where they are shot with arrows (with archers being organized into a volley formation and using heavier bows) and then - with the aid of cavalrymen (attacking from the rear and the flanks as per the principle of "encirclement") – attacked by infantry, which are organized into a phalanx position. Skirmishing duties are handled by cavalrymen or mounted auxiliaries, wielding lances or halberds respectively. However, within more open terrain (such as in fields), the usual strategy of feigning retreat or numerical inferiority – succeeded by a surprise attack from the flanks or the rear, encirclement to prevent the arrival of reinforcements, infliction of attrition (through arrows), and if enemy forces are rendered disorganized, close engagement with lances and scimitars – is utilized. This strategy is heavily effective when facing organized troops (in particular, phalanxes) due to their inflexibility and inability to protect their vulnerable flanks and rear (even with skirmishers). As an increasing area of forest is burned down over the course of the conquest, these tactics become increasingly used – further hastening conquest. Incendiary arrows are increasingly used due to their capacity as not only a tactical, but a strategic (through the burning of even more fields and infrastructure) and psychological (as it instills fear, especially as the majority of the population have never encountered such a weapon) weapon. The usage of crossbows (with each of the 20 regiments receiving ~30) also proves to be of considerable advantage – due to their higher projectile velocity and thus range.''' Meanwhile, famed physician Go Natano travels with the expedition to study the treatment of severe physical injury. From this visit, he concludes that the principle of "fluid displacement" is not applicable to these sort of injuries, and instead prescribes the usage of tight bindings and contraptions to "set" the injury in place for a period of 30–to-100 days depending on its severity – while the patient is advised to remain immobile. Honey is used as a "healing serum" as well as a binding agent. From these findings, goes on to write the "Treatise on Physical Injury"; which he adds on to the "Physician's Inner Canon". As his work and various achievements become recognized by the central government, the Ministry of Rites bestows him an honorary title, minor property, and a monthly pension. The "Annals of Silla" is also revived, but this time, it also provides monthly news to the literati in addition to recording historical events. The Da Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Bows begin to be systematically stored in leather sheaths when not in use. In addition, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. A moderate number of 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, 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; as well as the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of manure), and more iron tools and machinery. 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. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * During the Sillan invasion of Olmac the defenders met the Sillans in battle in the north of the nation. The Sillans were victorious, with Olmac suffering 3,330 casualties and Sillas suffering 2,100 casualties. 
 * Qera: Princess Zatlehe passes away in 372, leaving behind her only child Zrias. The new princess is in her late 20s now and enters her position with much enthusiasm. She arranges a marriage between the tribal leader of the Ollehâtl and her cousin Ztafhe of Rollver, turning the Olleâtl into a vassal. This was only possible with the lift on any tariffs the tribes merchants usually pay and the promise to develop infrastructure there. (Everything along the coast to the southern river becomes the County of Ollea). Exploitation of the turquoise mines and iron in the south continues. Due to the good relations with the Ollehâtl, a substance known as "Redeye fruit" (OTL coffee) finds its way to the Qeran markets. Though many people find it weird how the drink from it is made (tea is rarely made in the cuisine of the commoners, so they are not familiar with the concept) it gains popularity due to its effects. Cultivation begins in the rich soil of northwestern Qera, but it is quite limited. (MORE TO COME)
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One accepts the offer from the Mesallians, as he relishes in an opportunity to eradicate the heathens. And regardless, as soon as he learned of the events in the west the invasion by Yannis became imminent, as Azoz made a horrible mistake; it confirmed Yannis’ suspicion of its location. A great army of Holy Men is assembled, which will be used to kill every heathen who refuses to submit to the rightful Yannian religion. The navy sails west, tasting the blood in the water around the dying city of Syres. We sail up to to the island with 20,000 men under the command of Tonaqemoc, avoiding the only ships of note in the region by appearing to be arriving to liberate the region. In reality, the city will submit to Yannis, and Ulmians will finally be purged, and every last Azozian will be captured and killed, now that they have trapped themselves on the island. First the rock bridge is seized and destroyed, and a blockade controls the narrowest parts of the straits. The larger Yannian force surrounds those trapped within, announcing that the city of Syres should join them in liberating themselves, or face similar cruelty. Another group of 20,000 men, under the command of Lezemac’telon, sails to Neum to seize that port and aid the army already seizing it from Azoz. One last group of 20,000, of which most of which are native Yannian-Mesallians or Mesallians in the region, all under the command of the governor, marches to join the Mesallian army already in the south. Any basilica that is discovered along the way is to be razed, and every Ulmian discovered is to be killed. The Anointed One eventually travels to the region as well, being carried on a large throne, surrounded by an enormous entourage of soldiers, Holy Men, and exotic animals, so that he can watch the events of the war in style. Another small group of soldiers is raised to defend the Yannian homeland and garrison its forts. There is great celebration in the holy city, as the fall of the evil heathen capital will soon be imminent.
 * Syres: The nation prepares for war to help liberate the kingdoms of Neum and Tuatha-Danann, and raises soldiers near the city. There is some backlash in the city against Ulmians, as many of them disagree with the Mesallian portion of the population, causing some fighting to break out in the streets. The government of Year 370 buys into the anti-Azozian fervor, and the government discreetly has the Patra of Syres captured and executed, as he was outspokenly against the government’s actions. In Year 371 the government is replaced, with the new leaders stressing that violence must end, and the city must band together to defend itself, regardless of who is attacking. The news of an Azozian army marching toward the city directly causes great alarm, prompting the city to take extreme measures to defend itself. The navy is placed on high alert and tasked with patrolling near the city, while the army gathers in the city to prepare for a battle. The Azozian crossing of the sea onto the island takes the nation completely by surprise, and the army hastily marches out to fight with the attackers. Despite the odds, the Azozians manage to prompt a retreat of the defenders, and later that day the city elects to surrender to the invaders. This proves controversial, and many of the city’s lead generals elect to defect rather than accept surrender, with the city’s admirals taking Syres’ navy to the islands in the north out of the use of the invaders. Late in the following year news arrives of the Yannian demand that the city turn itself over again, which again causes much disagreement in the government and an outbreak of violence. The population has no love for the Yannis Empire, with an opinion less than that of the Kingdom of Azoz, although there is a small minority who sees the potential for a Yannis-sponsored liberation of the city if that allows for independence down the road. In the meantime, a small Azoz-installed presence in the city begins promoting the Ulm religion in the city.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: The Hanging Gardens of Arazna continues to attract large amounts of philosophers, tourists, and scribes. A population census is done (Mod). Expansion is made in the northeast by 5 px.