Origo Mundi (Map Game)

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

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

The main features of the game are as follows:


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

Moderators
Full Moderators:
 * Vandenhoek (talk)

Plausibility Moderators:
 * Nathan1123
 * ForsakenPear

Rules
Currently being expanded.

Maps

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

Population

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

Money

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

Nation Creation

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

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

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 credited 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 explorers discover 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 resources 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 are beginning 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 Saryits (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, although 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 primarily on themes of regret and loss even as everything seems to be getting better, and many later historians speculate it was part of an attempt to finally apologize to his family for the way he treated them, despite everything. When he dies, he, in a surprising 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 positively, making many suspect the "Father of Modern Exhulan Theater finally managed to reconcile with Sassigan in his last months of life. The upgrades and renovations to the navy and the consistent increasing of its size continues, as dozens of more ships are built over the course of the turn, and the Exhulan Navy continues to maintain dominance 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 traveling in the North Sea. He fathers many more children during this time by 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 large 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 daughter's becoming an orphan at the young age of three, 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 immensely as Rogar orders the construction of many new ships, an increasing number 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 northern 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 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 led 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 emerge, 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 the 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 impoverished 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 craftsmen (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, administrators 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 ancestors 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 a means of letting losses which is encouraged by the ruling Kono who see its uses as a suppressor of social ills. Tausi - who in their youth who are seen to have skills or intelligence - are emancipated and groomed into service. Thanks to superior weapons and tactics the Kono have maintained their grip on the natives while better ships have allowed for the control of immediate sea lanes. 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 isn't 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 marriage 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 Doloson 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 number 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 Empire 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 nationwide. 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 lowers the tariffs on the merchants 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 subjugates most of the northern one-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 33rd 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 one-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 peasant 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 citadels being built 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 are done to minimize Qeran casualties and afterward, 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 he falls 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 one-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 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 led 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 one-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 an 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 one-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 eighth 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 number 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 treasure, 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 massively 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 fantastic 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 infrastructure 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 seaport 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 one-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 expansion 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 up 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 each of our societies, 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 this 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 hoped 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 Canxi – 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, Canxi 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, porcelain 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 large 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 soldiers on land, the problem occurred in the process of reaching the capital of Syres by sea. Taking an idea from Iskander, however, the military worked at gathering tens of thousands of stones to cast into the shallow bay, to 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 peasant militias 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 18 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 conflict 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 facto ruler of the the Mesallian Kingdom, with all the cities and all the wealth of the archipelago 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 speech 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 resistance 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. 
 * A decisive battle takes place near Neum, with the Yannians under Lezemac’telon and the Mesallians/Tuathans under Cassander IV Nicolanes on one side, and the Azozians on the other. The Tuathan king successfully repulses the Azozian counterattack. The Yannians suffer 4,420 casualties, Cassander suffers 3,100, and Azoz suffers 13,320.
 * The second attempt to retake Tuatha results in an Azozian victory. The city of Tuatha falls, with Azoz suffering 7,050 casualties, Mesallas/Tuatha suffering 6,600 (of which 2,000 are captured), and Yannis suffering 2,390. 
 * 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 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 can't be employed. However, this time, these archers (either on horseback – if it permits – or on foot) are organized into small bands of three-to-five 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 this 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, pole arms (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 numbers of philosophers, tourists, and scribes. A population census is done (Mod). Expansion is made in the northeast by 5 px.
 * Draka: Baldrik sadly passes away, with his heir, Baldrik II becoming the new Archon. By now, Archon is a clear monarch figure. More is done to develop agriculture technology, and animal husbandry is practiced. Dryland farming develops. Oxen are used to pull carts. Draka tries to becomes a mercantilism hub, however, exercise is emphasized, as the Draka must remain a "master people." Meanwhile, a megastructure is planned, built by Hasibal, known as the Hasibaleum otl Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. 


 * Hythia: Years 88-97 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Syberus, having recieved the Jantian offer suggests a counter proposal. Hythia will take the Janti as a vassal, and Syberus’ son, Kylinus will take the first-born daughter of the tribal leader, Silania, as a wife.  Irrigation projects continue to the south, and more land is made fertile and productive in this manner. Tribesmen in the untamed south are integrated through the sale of newly irrigated land to these peoples. Food production continues to swell thanks to improving irrigation methods. Trade with Mythadia continues with great strength, and a network of barges, harbors, and markets is built in the cities along the river. This network allows Hythia to import luxuries of the sea in exchange for iron and the now regionally famous Hythian Beer. The practices of taking wives to the south continues and poor nobility travel to these lands. Missionaries continue proselytizing to the south and west and converts are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to see the Temple of Hythus.


 * Irian Culture: The Iron Age is in full swing across Iria, and with it comes war. The Ludians once held all of Iria under their yoke. Now, the inevitable growth of western polities and the petty squabbles of the Ludian nobility have reduced their empire to dust. Ludia is so weakened that in 372, King Asymagos of Corenia is able to conquer it all within the year and seize its capital at Apalaoda. According to the play The Liar's Burden by Cambereph, the king of Ludia killed himself by swallowing a poisonous fruit when he saw the Corenians advancing on the city. Asymagos also subjugates Motra and Corascuto, greatly expanding Corenia's borders. The first coins are invented in Corenia around this time. Following these conquests, Ludo-Irian culture moves eastward, to Lake Kratta and Lake Mela. The city of Hecyra is founded here in 379 by the priest-king Barlas. In the south, Neboleptes of Solcia declares war on Nolossia after a Solcian caravan was attacked by Nolossi raiders. He uses this attack to justify a reconquest of the original Solcian homeland, the lake lands, from the "invaders". The Nolossi, however, fight well. Their warrior women use guerrilla tactics to thwart two invasion attempts. On the third attempt, Neboleptes is mortally wounded by a Nolossi arrow in the wooded marshes of Cana. The death of their king shatters the Solcian army's morale, and they retreat back to Seuthai. In the aftermath of her husband's death, Sonia struggles to maintain her status as Queen of Solcia and keep the provinces unified. She makes her best effort to ally with the people during her reign, gaining the nickname "the Builder" for her numerous contributions to the nation's infrastructure, with her road to Sadaium becoming the principal highway of Solcia. Still, many Solcians refuse to accept someone who is both a woman and a foreigner as their monarch, leading to revolts and plots against her rule. In her distress, she sends a message to her father Ebromahan, asking if he will aid her, and makes preparations to flee to Benyisra if necessary. In the west, Decene, Ephon and Rhithera form a three-way alliance and use it to propel their influence across the straits. Together, they found new colonies in Ceta. Asklena is dissatisfied with this state of affairs and forms their own league with Dardas and Droupos. A city called Synnateira appears between Lake Mareum and the Ima River.
 * Beraba: Hozanek of House Chlumani dies with no eligible male heirs in the family. Instead, the seat goes to his nephew Exas, whose mother Bira was part of House Chlumani before marrying into House Rhethlune. House Rhethlune now has the title of Crown Prince of Ngaoudera. To the north, Adis of House Samasoni bears a child, Aralde, who is in line for the Gahrenese throne. The Seven Crown Princes send gifts of precious gems and metals, delicacies, and livestock to Gahren via the Salt Road, which now reaches as far south as Eiros. Sacrifices are made in the temples of the High Gods in the Holy City within Ngaoudera to celebrate the child’s birth. A survey of the land is sponsored, with surveyors taking note of areas surrounding the nation that are optimal for farming, settlement, and mining. A census is also conducted for the people of Beraba. The “Great Shiplight” is constructed in the city of Ngaoudera to guide ships into the harbor.
 * Darna: The last of the Zanphorians in the captured lands are killed or enslaved, and the land becomes home to new Darnan settlement. The area around the ruins of the old West Bay City are colonized, as a new fort is built across the river from the city of Mosnola. Ships freely travel through the Syresian straits and south near the former Zanphorian lands, able to trade in peace without the threat of piracy. Darnan ships enter Mesallian waters once more, just as the war in the south begins by the heathen invaders. Darna gladly begins slaving along the western coast, eager to capture Azozian slaves for sale to the Yannis Empire and other buyers. Azozian ships are captured, and on the coast many slavers operate. Darnan entrepeneurs travel to Mesallas directly selling slaves, war supplies, and other goods, and also to offer their services as mercenaries.
 * Exhula: The beginning of this turn is marked with tragedy in 361, when Emperor Sassigan is quickly struck down by a quick and unexpected illness and dies within three months, resulting in his son Vassiga being crowned as Emperor Vassiga I Aurelian at the age of only 8, resulting in his decisions all essentially being made by a council of Regents, of which his mother is not a member, as the regents try their best to gather power for themselves and thus do their best to isolate the Empress politically and in every way possible, eventually forcing her to essentially live in a gilded cage in a heavily guarded wing of the palace known as the “Ryccis Vicchs” (Literally translating to “Golden Cage” ), where her every whim is catered to, everything she could possibly desire is provided, and every need is provided for ... except the ability to leave, as she is heavily guarded at all times. This gives the regency council unlimited and exclusive access to the Child Emperor, who they essentially turn into their puppet, making all the true decisions and essentially turning him into a glorified signer of papers. They begin massive military buildup and  in 376 they order an invasion of Kaloma with 20,000 soldiers, with the intention of conquering the land, not caring about the hostage Kaloma holds or the recent efforts to repair relations since they have no care for the Empress, who begins to grow increasingly mentally unstable from her years long confinement. The invasion is launched as a four pronged attack, with three prongs being launched from two of our cities near there in the Nirobran (Former Mexiquen) Territory and thrusting into Kaloma separately. Two of them push into the territory we formerly conquered from Kaloma and push into the heavily fortified area, eventually meeting up at the  battle ofBquirr (the renamed city we founded in the area before we sold it), where they are victorious.  The other main thrust on land is farther north of those two and pushes into the area north of the territory we once held. It pushes far and invades into the area around the Kaloman Capital, joint up with the fourth thrust of 4,000, which unexpectedly invaded from the sea transported by a large number of Exhulan Ships, and which  successfully took of much of the Kaloman Coastal area in that province during the initial 377 attack, but who had been holding their ground and in a stalemate with Kaloma forces due to being pretty much evenly matched.  With the third thrust of 3,000 men’s assistance, however, the situation there quickly turns decisively in our favor and many of the Kaloman forces are killed and  the rest are forced to retreat into The Kaloman capital, which we begin besieging in early 359, hoping to take it by 364. The rest of our forces, the other two thrusts of 4,000 (the one farther North) and 9,000 (the one that pushed down through the coast)  successfully take the areas they attacked into and push far into Kaloma, with our forces having sucessfully conquered about one-third of Kaloma by late 379, after which we begin to consolidate our gains around the Kaloma Capitals in that area and in the general area in the southern region held by the forces of the two southern thrusts. Overall, we suffer 2,340 casualties from fighting and 3,900 from disease and other causes (I asked Vand to do the algorithms before I posted so I could write it into the turn more easily so these are the official results) and we begin preparing to defend our new gains and in the future launch an attack farther into the northeast part of Kaloma.  Meanwhile, the expansion of the Palace mostly stops as the regents lack Sassigan's love for art and grand projects, using the money elsewhere instead, often to benefit themselves but still to run the realm in large parts.  Irrosia continues to colonize the far northeastern islands, spefically the farthest southwest and farthest northwest ones, founding two more settlements on the southern one and three more on the Northern one. Finally, a Marriage proposal is made to Yannis, where a daughter of the Anointed One will marry Emperor Vassiga once he comes of age. (YANNIS RESPONSE NEEDED!!). We also continue sending hundreds of Hcctaal missionaries to the former territories of Xüonai and begin increasing the amount after a number of successful conversions, although none of major leaders have yet occurred, we continue anyway, continuing to emphasize our previous points and new ones such as the more positive trade relations this would provide and the freedom from (sanctioned) Irrosian piracy their ships would have if they were followers of the Hcctaal Faith (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!).
 * Qaryaat: King Hakhim decides to accept Kepitis as an ally instead of a vassal, deciding that retaliation would be too troublesome. He also sends a group of diplomats to Benyisra, requesting an alliance and trade deal. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) A Qaryaati mathematician, Fahram, comes up with the theorem that if a triangle is drawn inside a circle with the long side being drawn as a diameter to the circle, the opposite angle will always end up as a right angle (later known as Fahram's Theorem). Meanwhile, the colony of Maqiri (named after the peninsula it is situated on) expands along the coast. We ask Mawan-Jaho (Mohejaro) if they would be interested in opening up trade with us. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) We also request Draka for a trade deal. We will trade spices, dates, dragon's blood tree resin from Saqqatra, dyes, and incense for whatever they may have. (DRAKA RESPONSE NEEDED) (WIP?)

381-390
'You may still post in the old turn if you need to, including if you need to update your turn because of an ongoing war or battle, as long as you do not retroactively change anything that is “canon” or contradict what occurs in these events or the following turns. '

'Qera discovers a particularly strong tribe south of them called the Dhulbalan, with a city named Mejeeramat at the mouth of the nearby river. Around the same time a plague also arrives in Qera that causes problems in the most densely populated cities of the nation. '

'As of a result of the missionaries sent south by Hythia, a number of people in the north Hecis region and in Ludia convert to the worship of Hythus. Some also seek to connect Hythus as one-and-the-same with one of the Irian gods. '

'The High Priests of Benyisra write extensively of how god intervened to save his people from foreign invasion, and these texts are spread as far west as Qaryaat and into the Irian cities in the north. Benyisra also accepts an alliance and trade deal with Qaryaat, while Mohejaro accepts a trade deal with Qaryaat. '

'What remains of the Olmac government sends a request to Sillas, stating that they will accept vassalage within the Sillan Empire in exchange for being allowed to keep some degree of autonomy. '

'The Yannians are successful in landing at Syres, but are thus far unsuccessful in preaching the city. During the defense, the Yannians suffer 1,420 casualties, the Syresians suffer 2,400 (as well as many civilians), and the Azozians suffer 1,050. '

'At the Battle of Tuatha Cassander IV Nicolanes' son and heir, Arsimon, is killed in battle. Cassander escapes with his life, but is forced to flee. '

The governors of Exhula’s northwest colony create a petition to the imperial government, stating that the quotas for slaves to be shipped to Sillas are too high, and state that the colony has suffered under this system.


 * Mang: The emperor is mostly paranoid for an expansion request to move more north west, so he orders a mandatory retreating to the south west, to maintain order and to industrialize more cities and culture, which the Mangi generals are willing to complete. Fuki's plan was simple, that the two generals would expand to the left and advance to vast terrain and meet each other in an encirclement to secure the area. The plan was put to place as the approval by Fuki was official. The two generals made good progress, but later had to slow to a halt because of the mountains and the way the nation was expanding. The plan was later abandoned because of a risk of losing some generals, so the emperor ordered an expansion southwest in order to create industries.


 * Mesallian Culture: The Battle of Glatena, named for a small town near the Thusmos River, would be the largest in Mesallian history up to that point, and according to contemporary writers, “the largest in the entire world”. Palo’s account is considered less useful when discussing the aftermath of the battle, as he records that 300,000 Azozians were killed while only a few hundred Mesallians were killed. Likewise Parius, who was born a century and one-half after the battle, records that there were at least 102,000 Azozians in the battle, of which 50,000 were killed. Modern estimates, which also take into account Azozian records, seem to indicate closer to 26,000 casualties, while the defenders suffered some at least 15,000. For his strategy Pletamus became a national hero, and with his immense spoils would continue to reform the Erasidon army, allowing for constant drilling and training in the nation. Although, during the battle a piece of shrapnel would damage his left eye, leaving him with sight in only one eye. When the news of the battle reached the cities, Palo writes that in Agira there was a festival held among the city’s civilians, with shared mourning but also celebration. The battle also proved Erasidon as an equal among the other kingdoms of the Mesallian world, and no longer a backwater nation, although there are accounts of soldiers from other cities complaining of being so close to Erasidonians. Additionally, most Mesallians found fighting and living together with Yannians to be egregious. Kosodos famously gave a speech after the battle, giving thanks to the gods, and urging the people of the alliance to stay united and put aside their old differences, which kept the peace in the Mesallian camp for the time being. There was also disagreement over the best course of action going forward, with some within the Mesallian leadership favoring a peace offer be sent to the Azozians. Both Kosodos and Ptelamus were against this, but they differed in where to strike next. In the southeast, the Kingdom of Edom seemed tenuously held, with its Edomian aristocracy and government more or less intact, albeit having sworn fealty to the Azozians. As such one possibility was to liberate Edom first. The Erasidonians favored a push through Usinilago capturing the coast, which was probably motivated in part by the kingdom’s disdain for Usinilago, and Erasidon would have had an opportunity to both loot their former enemy and potentially expand into it.
 * The Three Cities: Adranates III died and was succeeded by his son Zolius. Sensing an opportunity to both unite the many groups of that nation, something he father struggled to do, and to retake territory originally lost from Ulmaxares, Zolius marched with an army into Edom. The coastal cities of Imathia, the region east of the mountains were captured. Zolius would win a crucial battle against the Edomite governor of the region, Shemonda, although the Ulmians called the governor “Malecius II”, harkening back to the adversary of the Xaresians. Around the same time Sephimora also began to claim areas that had nominally been claimed by Edom, as central authority was low in these regions. This coincided with the nation’s attempts to convert the population of the region to Enulmism, and by this time many of the Edomian laborers of the east mountains had adopted the new religion. In the south this expansion was less successful, as the importance of the southeastern mines meant the Edomite governors of the region were better equipped and highly motivated to retain control, and the Sephimorans failed to gain a foothold on the western side of the mountains.
 * Umhlaba Confederacy: As the Kingdom of Azoz invaded Mesallas in the north, Venien of Serieta worked to expand its control over the Umhlaba Confederacy. Throughout the war rebels constantly harassed Venien’s supply lines and trade routes, and oftentimes these rebels would then disappear into the desert. This led him to begin seizing the outposts, trade posts, and oases that made up the confederacy, although this inadvertently turned many Water Merchants within the nation to begin support the rebels government. The network of government-controlled oases grew, and with it the confederacy’s ancient network of copy monasteries, tunnel systems, and other secrets were commandeered or destroyed. One Ulmian scribe named Medias writes that entire libraries were lost, except for whatever books he managed to carry in his arms in a hasty retreat. Gradually made writers and scribes fled east, settling in Sephimora or Edom, and important texts were slowly copied back into circulation. Emboldened by the success in the north, the Umhlaba council launched an attack on the trade post of Hemshamal on the Upper Meran, successfully defeating a small Venien-aligned garrison.
 * The West: The Mesallian nations supported Cassander IV Nicolanes’ rise to power in Tuatha-Danann, having successfully repulsed one Azozian counterattack. Combined with Yannian reinforcements, the army of the region secured the cities of Tuatha and Neum, and secured the rest of the region from there with minimal resistance. Despite what the other Mesallian leaders across the sea desired, most of Tuatha’s leadership desired peace be made with Azoz while they held the upper hand, although the king was more zealously in favor of war continuing. At the same time Cassander IV declared himself Cassander I of Neum, as the kingdom’s capital was still under his possession. This caused a split among the city’s nobility, but in the meantime, the city was forced to accept it with no other alternative present.
 * Afterward: After much deliberation, Ptelamus elected to invade the Chatna Empire by marching through Usinilago, but before he could depart he was unexpectedly attacked by an assassin and badly wounded. He decided to cancel his plans for an invasion and had the men of Erasidon return home, with him carried back home to his wife and his young son. Kosodos would lead a vanguard force across the sea toward Tuatha, as it was believed that the kingdom still held on from Azozian retaliation. When he landed near Salarinos the news of the approaching army to Tuatha arrived, and he marched with his army to join the battle. Ultimately the city would fall to the Azozians, and Kosodos would be killed. Although most of the rest of the region was not directly captured by the Azozians, the remaining forces decided to make peace on their own terms to at least hopefully preserve their way of life and some degree of autonomy under Azozian rule. Cassander IV Nicolanes mourned the death of his son, and was ultimately forced to flee into exile, while most of army either returned to Tuatha as civilians or settled in the Mesallian cities of the eastern part of the kingdom. The invasion of the Three Cities was of less importance to the alliance in Mesallas, although many spoke out against the aggression, including at least one notable Ulmian writer, Dalmos. Most Ulmians, however, welcomed the Azozians, as they now would take over the government of the region, much to the disappointment of the majority. In Agira the league decided it would make its peace, as they had ensured that the Gudumanes and the Melopenes would remain independent, at least. As the Azozian king was in Edom, Agira sent diplomats to the city to formalize a peace. The diplomats showed respect for the king, but according to Palo at least, were anxious for the state of the world’s soul.
 * Qera: When the plague struck, the nation shortly avoided a complete disaster by pure luck, since it struck right after the harvesting season. Nontheless the plague spreads faster than others known to the priests at the time. The practice of Merccrehpy becomes a common practice again. This ritualized form of suicide is done by many of the sick people, to save the rest of the people. They are piled up and burned by the priests in the temples and are offered to the gods. This leads to the death of many people in the cities killing themselves, especially in the hard hit north. In Ogaholle, for example, 4,000 people kill themselves in 382 and led to a complete shut down of the temple for a complete week. Evidence of this is shown in a letter to the smaller temple of Zefek in the smaller town of Hllevana to help with the corpses. After the last real threats to the population are exterminated and one year later recovery starts. Princess Zrias orders a census to organize the next harvests and tax collections after so many people died (CENSUS, PLEASE). To make the cities cleaner and prevent plagues, a sanitation system is built in Ogaholle and Rollver along with some bathhouses. Contact with the Dhulbalan, or Dolbala as the Qerans call their land, starts. Qera has no military interest there because of their tribes military strength, but the area between the Ollea territory and the southernmost tip of Qera is discovered and incorporated. After the Olmacs are weakened due to the war and vassalization by Sillas, trade with Sillas increses. the main exports are spices like pepper and nutmeg and valuable minerals like copper and turquoise. Further, trade with Exhula and even nations from the far north flourishes. A small trading outpost at the shores of the peninsula on the opposite side of the southern bay is formed to make exploring and coral harvesting more valuable (3 px become rural, 1 px becomes urban). The city is called Uothtzija, meaning reef city or coral city. The first exploration from there is again southward, in order to prove if this body of water is just a massive salt lake or indeed an ocean (discover 100 px south). 
 * Yannis Empire: The Anointed One watches the great battle that takes place south of the Gudumanes Peninsula, affixed upon an enormous, ornately decorated throne. He beckons toward the Azozian heathen leader and curses him, and as foretold the Azozian is driven away in defeat. Then he spends the night at his palace complex feasting and celebrating, taking all the Ulmian captives for sacrifice. After the war the Anointed One plans an enormous victory monument in the holy city of Yagothna-vis, as well as a monument at the site itself if possible. The siege of Syres is called off, and instead the remaining ~18,000 men depart for Neum, since that city has held out. The whole region is overrun by us and our allies, killing and capturing many. The Ashe River and the Tuatha River both run red with blood from slaughtered Ulmians, much to the Anointed One’s enjoyment. At the site of one great massacre, General Lezemac’telon laughs, “Where is your god now, Azoz? He can’t save you from death after all.” Some of the Mesallian commanders in the Yannian ranks propose that peace ought to be made with Azoz ceding the east bank of the Ashe River up to the eastern coast, and that would suffice. The Yannians are less eager to make peace, seeing as it would be better to simply burn Azoz City to the ground.
 * Tsardom of Algeorgia: (According to legend) a mystic glowing stone falls from the sky just one week after the Dodo had said it would. Soldiers and miners arrive at the place and after having mined it away realizes its a gigantic diamond. After several months of work and cutting it up into smaller pieces. The tsarina orders that every citizen will get one small diamond and the rest will go to the treasury. The iron mined from it is used to make new armor.
 * Syres: After over a year at siege by the Yannis Empire, the city of Syres narrowly managed to hold on and repulse the attackers, although at great cost to the city and its inhabitants. Several thousand Syresian soldiers and civilians were left dead, along with many of the occupying Azozians. The occupation proved to be unpopular and controversial. To the Ulmians the Azozian presence was welcomed, as they condemned violence against Ulmians and rebuilt the city’s basilicas. To the large Mesallian presence in the city the occupation was egregious, and they fought against the rules of the occupiers at every step. All sides generally accepted the Azozian help eventually, as the Yannis Empire was feared more universally than the Azozians. After the Yannians lifted the siege and sailed south discontent against the Azozians renewed. Slowly the people of the city united to help recover, with the walls being repaired, the dead being collected, and homes rebuilt. The government of the city assured the people of Syres that the Azozians would likely leave once the threat of attack was gone, but when the Azozians ensured one of their own was elected to the government as tyrant, this was deemed a false promise. A revolt occurred a year after the Yannian withdraw, in which the tyrant of Syres and the rest of his government were murdered, along with many Ulmians or Azozians. The Azozian garrison puts down the revolt, but the discontent remains. As such the Azozian control over the nation remains tenuous and held by the threat of violence. Outside the city the nation’s navy flees to the northern island and its outposts on the coast, remaining outside the government’s control and quasi-independent. The Azozians and their allies call for this rebellion/piracy to be put down, but they are largely unable to spare the men, and the Syresians feign support, but are actually glad that there is resistance to the occupation.
 * Exhula: The War against Kaloma continues in a state of active conflict throughout 381-384, with Exhulan troops continuing to besige the Kaloman Capital until the third month of 384, when Exhualn forces successfully breach the walls of the city ater several years of siege and the city undergoes a two-day sacking by Exhulan Soldiers, during which the Kaloman King, Carthis, hangs himself in the palace and his three young sons and two daughters are captured by Exhulan forces and taken as hostages by Exhulan forces, with Vassiga himself arriving in the city shortly afterward, now almost entirely independent of the regents after having them stripped of power and exiled at 20. The Emperor departs back to Siccarius with the hostages in 386 and forces the young king of Kaloma, now King Yiturpth III at only the age of 13, to sign a treaty of unconditional surrender to Exhula acknowledging the Exhulan Victory and declaring the remaining two major provinces of Kaloma Exhulan territory, with Exhulan soldiers quickly occupying the two remaining areas (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). However, we make sure to be as kind as possible in the occupation and offer all remaining Kaloman soldiers and their commanders with the exeption of the few remaining direct relatives of the Kalom Dynasty, which we either capture as hostages or have killed as rival claimants to the Kaloman Throne, with us putting up a large bounty on any members of the dynasty delivered into our custody, dead or alive, of 500 Aurels. Thousands of settlers and preachers are sent into the newly conquered territories as we begin the process of integrateing them into the Empire, although this is proceeding at a smaller pace than it historically has so far, as most territories we have conquered before had less of a pre-existing population and we are doing our best to make this colonization a gradual process of several decades so we can minimize resistance from the Kaloman Populace as much as possible. We also offer to sell our small Spauldian territory to Sillas, as at this point it is just an extra territory making our occupation forces in Kaloma more spread out than they need to be (Sillas Response needed) Vassiga, being more reasonable in this area than his predecessors, agrees to dispel the 1,000 slave quota in the Northeastern Island colonies (Which they haven’t been able to fulfill for a long time anyway) as it is essentially only serving to harm them and stunt their growth at this point. However, the other purpose of the quota, depopulating the archipelago Of its native population and making t impossible to resist a major push into the region, has succeeded and without the quota the Exhulan inhabitants of the island eagerly colonize the rest of the archipelago, easily taking it and building several new settlements while the few remaining natives are completely unable to do anything about it and are quickly hunted down and put to the sword, making the archipelago almost 100% Exhulan, although it obviously is not completely Exhulan ethnically, especially since so many of the settlers are from Irrosia or of Irrosian Decnet, and the Irrosian Archipelago is such a diverse area of the Empire. Speaking of which, the current and third Irrosian King, Rogar, dies early in this turn without heirs, causing the vassal kingdom to revert back to the Imperial Government, beginning a slow process of reintegration into the Empire as many fresh batches of settlers are sent to the area to help restbalish mainstream Exhulan Culture and Hcctaal preachers are sent in large numbers to convert those large minority segments of the Irrosian Archipelago who don’t follow Hcctaal. We also begin attempting to shift Irrosia away from purely relying on sugar and purge much of the local nobility, as we gradually begin shifting much of the sugar plantations to regular farming areas in order to make Irrosia self sufficient again, with much of the Sugar industry moving back into the rest of the Empire, which is largely tropical and good for growing sugarcane anyway, as Irrosia is far too dependent on it. We also begin using this to gradually begin a process of destroying the pirate traditions inherent in much of Irrosians unique culture, as it is harmful to our relations with others and it has long since stoped being helpful or necessary for the wider Empire. Trade with Olmac, Qera, and Sillas increases a lot more, as we begin intensifying trading with them, and trade with Yannis and the former Xüonai nations increases as well, although the lack of response from Yannis is surprising. Instead, Vassiga begins grooming the oldest daughter of Carthis, who has adopted the Exhulan name Clorryil, as his future wife, planning to marry her when she turns 16 to cement his legitimacy in ownership of what used to be Kaloma, as part of the integration process despite the large age difference between them, as she was eight when she was captured, and we begin discreetly preparing to “dispose of” the remaining members of the Kalom Dynasty once this occurs. (More to come)
 * 'Silla agrees.
 * Irian Culture: With the arrival of newcomers in their lands, people in northern Iria quickly adopt Hythus into their pantheon. He is generally associated with Kourisseus, the sky god, and worshipped under the epithet "Kourisseus Phythos". The Ludians alternatively connect him to Sus or Tanrir, while the Solcians view him as an aspect of their patron deity Solcis, the sun god. Aniphus, a Decenian mathemetician and astronomer, writes his Book of Measurements based on his geometrical observations, declaring that "all things can be measured". The Measurements, the oldest-known work its kind in Iria, contains pages about weights, angles, shapes, geometrical constructs, measurements of objects great and small, constellations, and even stellar distances as viewed from Earth using arbitrary units called "sky-leagues". Despite being called a book, it is often divided into as many as 15 volumes. Following a revolt of the nobility in Seuthai, Queen Sonia flees by ship to Benyisra, and stays at the home of her father, Ebromahan. Seuthai comes under the rule of an influential statesman named Akroricus, while the rest of Solcia splits into warring factions vying for the throne. The largest faction is led by Catules Nassohalus, the brother of Neboleptes. Small groups in the more remote parts of Solcia still support Sonia I, but they are limited in strength.
 * Darna: During the siege of Syres the Darnan trade fleet begins buying and selling goods to the various sides, especially the Yannis Empire. Sensing an opportunity, the King of Darna orders the fleet to head south and seize the possessions of Syres in and around the strait, including the islands north of Syres. Their rogue navy is slowly defeated, with most of the ships captured. On the island 5,000 Darnans land and begin establishing control over the small colony. The ships then sail south to Syres, demanding that they recognize the possessions as ours now. If they agree we are willing to sell them back their ships and men, and could even deliver the head of the rogue naval commander to their door. In the meantime, the island is fortified with additional soldiers and defenses.
 * Hythia: Years 98-107 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Syberus passes on in the the 100th year since the coming of Hythus. He is succeeded by his daughter Myrnech Lydina. Her brief rule is marked by the construction of a new system of administration that standardizes the distribution of powers between the Myrnech and the Partech-class under the Codex of Hythus. This administrative shake-up also establishes the rights of the common citizen and slaves in Hythia. Additionally, she begins the construction of a series of administrative outposts to begin the area to the northwest of the river under firm control. However, in her third year as Myrnech, Lydina takes ill with fever and passes unto Hythus. She is followed by her son Myrnech Dynian. His policies mix the administrative reforms of his mother with a greater emphasis on religious unity. Administrative centers become host to temples to Hythus and the system of outposts is refined with the incorporation of religious missions alongside the administrative buildings (similar to Spanish missions in North America). All of these leaders continue the centuries-long work of improving the irrigation systems along the Tythies, and the administrative oversight improves the strength of the trade networks along the Tythies. Tribes to the south continue to receive Hythian nobility looking to marry into powerful families. This influence continues to build and the tribes adjacent to Hythia are asked to join a federation.
 * Realm of the Northern Saemonites: The Hanging Gardens of Arazna continues to attract large numbers of philosophers, tourists, and scribes. Expansion is made in the northeast by 5 px.
 * Chatna Empire: Having retaken control over Neum and Tuartha, and sustaining defensive troops against the Yannis Empire, Thalut II decided it was better to extend an offer of peace with the cities of Agira, Sericolis, Karissa and Erasidon, and allow them to remain independent as long as they do not align with the Yannis Empire. 30,000 troops remain spread out along various key fortifications in Neum and Tuartha, in preparation for any further attack by Yannis. The navy of Tuartha continues to be built up with help from Serita to train naval officers. The Ulm religion is spread much farther throughout the empire as a result of the war with Yannis, establishing monestaries and Basilicas further in both Neum and Usilinago. Seeing first hand the cruel and treachery the Yannis wrought, the Theology of Priapas latches on to most of the intellectuals of these regions. Kosodos having been killed in the Second Battle of Neum, the region is restructured politically to accommodate its diversity of citizens in the empire. Neum is folded in to the Kingdom of Tuartha, which although Thalut remained their king they enjoyed de facto rule under the appointed Viceroy while Thalut was in the east. Cassander IV largely disappears from the historic record at this time, but later anecdotes tell of him being the ancestor of claiments to the Cassanderans to this very day. Palo's chronicle mentions how Ptelamus was conviently assassinated just before his invasion of Uslinago, leading many historians to suspect foul play. However, it is largely pointed out that Ptelamus had many political rivals by this point, and so might have incurred fear that his personal success against Chatna was making him too powerful among his Mesallian peers. 10,000 troops are stationed in Usilinago to aid our vassal in suppressing the revolts. In the east, Shanzan Ulmism is more effective at spreading into the previously tribal areas south of Erasidon. In reaction to the attack of the Three Cities, Thalut leads an army of 40,000 troops to crush the attempted invasion of Zolios, and proceed from there to invade farther east. First the region of Leviea capitulates quickly, as their population are largely supporters of Ulm since the fall of Xares. Having secured the high ground of the mountains of Leviea, Thalut waited with his troops to send scouts to know exactly the position of Zolios' army, before departing from the mountains carefully to strike against the largest contigent of armies and proceed to besiege of the city of Nerimos. Being successful at that, Thalut pushed farther north along the coast to attack the city of Ghanis. Once Ghanis was conquered, however, the armies of Thalut grew very uneasy and restless, feeling that they have gone much farther from Azoz as they ever could feel comfortable with. Thus, Thalut returned to the city of Edom. Throughout this decade, Azoz scholars closely studied the Phydinian people, to understand their culture and politics. A close political alliance is extended to the most powerful confederacy of these tribes, and many ambassadors are stationed there to teach the tribal leaders methods of central government, mathematics and agriculture, while passively offering to share the faith of Ulm. (Player or mod response). The Chatna Dynasty hopes to be able to eventually offer military support to some of these tribes, in helping them crush their traditional enemies among the Phydonians. Iskandar continues to be trained in military at Neum, and hearing his father return from campaign he cried "at this rate I will have no world left to conquer myself". The extent of the Chatna Empire has created a collective peace across the various conquered kingdoms, now able to freely share ideas, cultures, and technologies without barriers of war.


 * Sillan Empire: Cabeza Canxi sees the rapid conquest and capitulation of the Olmacs as proof of the superiority of Silla – and its inhabitants and institutions – and designates the Sillan God of War as the patron god of the Sillan people. She continues the "compassionate assimilation" policy, declaring that the Olmac people could free themselves from the vestiges of barbarity through adopting Sillan culture. The Olmacs are converted into two military provinces (Northern and Southern Olmac), with the local sovereign being referred to as a "Viceroy" and continuing to exercise de jure power; however, real political power is exercised by the Governor–General (appointed by Silla), who oversees administrative, educational and military affairs as well as enforce tax collection. These two military provinces are further divided into several fiefdoms (nominally under the control of the Olmac aristocracy) and a single provincial capital; which are both under divided into districts. Olmac deities are added to the Grand Pantheon, and several academies are built within major Olmac settlements. Sunday is declared as a work-free day, thus allowing all the subjects of the Sillan Empire to participate in religious services and leave offerings to their respective deities on a regular basis. The recently-purchased colonies of Exhla are integrated as an imperial province, and settled with 5,000 Sillans. Meanwhile, the Sanza-era tax system is further elaborated upon to eliminate loopholes, ease the process of tax collection, and to crack down on tax evasion. A "sales tax" of ~5% is applied to all commercial transactions. Landed gentry will be required to give 25% of their household income, and 25% of their grain, to the state. Lesser property holders will be required to give 15% of their household income to the state. Finally, tenants will be required to give 5% of their household income, or 7.5–15% of their grain (depending on the number of harvests annually) to the state; in addition to providing rent to their landlords. Collectively, tenants would thus allocate either 10% of their household income or 15–30% to their grain to fulfilling tax duties and paying for rent. These strict provisions in regards to tax collection and the relationship between landlords and their tenants facilitates heightened government expenditure – thus allowing the Sillan government to continue their military campaigns and infrastructural projects. Relatively low levels of grain collection allow for the peasantry to not only attain enough grain for subsistence but also allow them to use excess grain for animal feed or as a source of additional income. Meanwhile, famed physician Go Natano – during his travels to the newly-conquered Olmac provinces – performs a Caesarian-section on a live patient (as it is usually done on already deceased or mortally-wounded mothers) going through obstructed labor. The operation is a success, and both the mother (whose wound was tightly bound with wine-soaked wrappings) and the infant survive. He starts to spread knowledge of this technique, reducing the procedure's mortality rate from near-universal to ~85% (as it is only done once obstructed labor is clearly established as the root cause of the difficulty of labor). In addition, his colleague Han Zima starts prescribing menthol to treat sinus infections and nasal congestion and starts promoting various types of herbal tea (originally used for religious or divination purposes) to treat various minor sicknesses. Ginseng tea is particularly in demand, with small-scale plantations dedicated to the cultivation of ginseng being established. Together with Go Natano, he and Han Zima conclude that most pain is caused by tension; which could be relieved by either cooling the area (with cold water) or applying heat, depending on the type of pain. This is partially due to observations of the Olmac people applying small dogs referred to as "chihuahuas" as living heat pads, a practice that becomes widely-adopted within settlements along the Olmac provinces. The Da Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Meanwhile, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Massive quantities of copper and tin are imported overseas, in order to produce bronze for mirrors, jewelry, and statues. Lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. Latrines, drainage, as well as communal baths and grammar schools are built. An increasing quantity of silk textiles, porcelaneous wares, jewelry is manufactured both for export and domestic consumption. In addition, cash crops such as hemp, tea, sugarcane, cocoa, coffee, honey, spices, and exotic fruits are cultivated; while alcoholic beverages and condiments are produced. Large-scale deforestation continues, yielding land for rice paddies. Agricultural production increases due to the utilization of more land, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to rice paddies. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants (water spinach, lilies, and water caltrops), and perennial fruit-bearing plants (namely coconuts and plantains) are done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish large-scale fish farms. The large-scale raising of mollusks (snails, oysters, mussels, clams) and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crabs), and the cultivation of seaweed in littoral areas also begins. In marshes or wet areas, deep-water rice is cultivated or small, rectangular artificial islands are built to provide cultivateable land. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.


 * Emalia: 300 years have past since the death of Queen Prophetess Nysia and her life is celebrated throughout the land in the form of feast, joy, splendor, and most of all fertility, with many marriages, consumations, and births happening simaltenously  for Ema the Godess of Fertility and her Prophetess Nysia. Since the death of Nysia, her descendants, the Nysians, ruling from the lush and fertile Ema Delta have blossomed this land into a fledgling empire, becoming one of the most formidable powers in the known world. The Emalia of the past, however, is no longer a reality, for it has morphed and changed into a new animal, with Messalian culture being dominate throughout, especially with the males away from the center of the Ema Delta. This battle of cultural domination is now coming to a close, however, as the fertility celebrations have led to a mixing of Emalians and Messelians, both a mixing of people and a mixing of culture. This culture makes its way to the Holy Court, where Queen Ionia marries a Messelian prince, Agetos. The royal couple gives birth to twins, Pyra and Leto, in honor of the Diomian War that first brought the Emalians and the Messalians together. Princess Pyra is to rule Emalia while the fate of Leto is unknown, both are highly educated from a young age by top scholars around the world with emphasis on the art of war. In celebration of the birth of Pyra and Leto, a census is conducted to analyze the state of Emalia after the spike of births post-fertility festivals.
 * Chatna Dip: An ambassador from the Emperor Thalut II the Great, King of Azoz, Frasnoq, Tuartha, Usilinago, and Edom, overlord of the Three Cities, Syres, and Umhala, welcomes the Queen of Emalia with a variety of gifts of gold, silver and alumite. We offer to extend trade and closer diplomacy, as well as imparting apostles to spread the gospel of Nelrim. We further offer to trade historical and cultural knowledge, sending our corpus of classical works on the heroes of Nathon and Jamshid.
 * Emalian Dip: We welcome Emperor Thalut II's diplomats, and his envoys with open arms. In response, a personal invitation is sent by Queen Ionia to Emperor Thalut II to visit Emalia. This momentous visit makes all people from Chatna now known as Thalutians. We accept the gifts and offers of trade and closer diplomacy, as well as historical and cultural exchange, hoping our people will achieve wonders together. Priestess of Ema meet with the apostles of Nelrim in an attempt to come to a religious understanding with some going into Thalutian territory. The legend of Pyra and Leto (the namesakes for the royal twins) is given in return for the stories of Nathon and Jamshid.
 * Bangor: Thousands of the Bangorians storm into Anglenite lands under the order of the King including spears, swords, and cavalry in use. This would be a test of our latest military improvements including armor. We push to the capital of the Anglenites. The hall of whites is completed as the location in which the advisors to the king and the king discuss future plans within a marble enclosure. The year ends mild with plenty of snow although there was a late winter, totals were above average. The cities and towns - now well-connected - experience steady growth as trade continues to go well. A Fabric based banner os used for the first time as a symbol of our nation. This would include a basic three-striped banner with the colors of a red-ish based from the dyes gained from the local wildlife produced at the shore, white, and black. The red-purple represents valor, white represents purity, and black for fertility brought upon by the ashes of the volcano that fertilized our crops. The Library of Bangor becomes the largest and becomes its own institution for scholars. Catapults are put into use as well whilst we rage war against the anglenites. Shops and such become quite popular which causes an expansion of workshops. Lato, a philosopher operating the Library of Bangor brings upon a new economic design that begins to be written in his papers. Temples and large marble structures become more and more common while the inland areas become accustomed to wooden structures as a more suitable build. Dyes are introduced into the clays to give a more vivid feel to houses built out of wood as a base. Handelsstraße is noted for its colorful houses owned by the upper-classes with houses having bright colors and such. The Harvest Festival is celebrated nationwide. Old rags and clothing of that manner are tossed out as silk prices fall to the floor as a result of silkworms being more widespread and farms being established causing clothing based on silk to be at low prices. The lower-classes who have access to these products are called the “wealthy poor”. An earthquake rattles the valley causing minor damage. Smoke bellows out of the volcano. An eruption is feared.

391-400
'If you still need to post in the previous turn you may do so. '

'After Sillas successfully subjugates the nation of Olmac, the other nations of the region take note, especially Teninukal and the Makuku nations. These nations begin to emply Sillan-style reforms to their military, government, and infrastructure, albeit slowly and behind the Sillans. '

'The remaining army of 5,000 men, joined by another 6,000 men from its allies, attempts to repulse the Exhulans from Kaloma. Kaloma also asks Sillas for aid. If that fails, Teninukal offers to end its support for Kaloma in exchange for a small concession of land to themselves and a pledge of non-aggression, although they have minimal faith in Exhula’s word. '

'The Phydinians accept the offers of aid from the Chatna Empire, but reject their foreign customs and religions, and most Phydinians balk or mock the foreigners’ ways. '

'With the Yannis Empire distracted across the sea, the Kuscisiwans and Weritszians of the eastern provinces and territories stage a revolt. '

'In Emalia some of the more conservative nobility show disapproval toward integrating Mesallian customs into the royal court, although by this time such a thing is already common across the north. In the south Enulmism spreads as well, especially along the upper Ema River and near Lake Tahua (southeast lake). '

'The Bangorian invasion of the Anglenite Confederacy occurs at a time when the confederacy is already weak, and the Bangorians seize the capital and much of the nation. Two of the confederacy's leaders hold out north of Bangor; King Aganathid of the Inigam (western peninsula), and King Vigonam of Ursan.'

'After the death of the last King in Irrosia, Exhula's annexation of the territory is unpopular by the elite of the islands. Instead they elect one of their own, Barnam, as the new king, hoping to establish a new precedent and preserve their autonomy.'


 * Chatna Empire: Thalut II, now styled as "The Great", finally succumbed to a disease he caught on campaign, and died in the city of Edom. Legendary anecdotes tell how he was given funeral rites twelve times, as each of the different cultures in the empire had such a variety of customs. The immediate task of his son, Iskandar, was to enforce proper succession of the empire. Due to a difference of succession laws, Iskandar's brother Hershef had claimed the crown of Edom while his uncle Abiud claimed Tuartha. Nonetheless, he proved to be equal to the general of his father, and managed to crush each of these rebellions in turn. Iskandar sought to manage the empire in a more direct manner than his father to keep it united. The various city-states taken from the Mesallian Peninsula were united under the Chatna crown as the Kingdom of Mesallia, albeit very discontinuous. The ruler of Nerimos was designated to be Viceroy of the new Kingdom. He ordered the construction of a new city in Edom, in the spot believed by legend to have been a kingdom visited by the ancient hero Leto, which was called Iskandaria. Iskandaria was built to have the largest library in the known world, collecting books across the whole empire along with a reliquary of various artifacts and tablets. All religions across the empire were tolerated, and in fact Iskandar instructed peoples of Azoz and Tuartha the benefits of customs borrowed from Edom and Leviea, and vice verse. However, religions not branched off from Ulm were carefully regulated, as they were not permitted to proselytize or otherwise make public declaration of faith. Even so, Iskandar himself encouraged discussion and debate between different scholars, and would frequently host public debate to be held in Iskandaria. Thus the city ended up entertaining scholars of Orthodox Ulm, Shanzian, Apocist, Lemanterian, and pagan religions of Usilinago, Tuartha, Syres and Mesallia. Ulmian apostles are sent to encourage conversions in southern Emalia, and further missionaries carry the gospel of Nelrim to the farthest eastern coast of the peninsula. The Emperor further ordered a standard issue of currency to be used throughout the kingdoms, replacing old systems in each kingdom with a singular system of gold, silver and copper coins. Each coin would bear the Emperor's face on one side, and the symbols of Ulm on the other. In general, Iskandar rarely ever stayed in one kingdom for more than a few months, as he was constantly fulfilling duties of different governments of different places. Even so, Iskandar commissioned General Talmai to lead a military expedition south from Edom, as an attempt to find the source of the River Meran. Having secured an alliance with some Phydinian tribes, much support is given to them in terms of military technology, training and advisors, in encouraging the Phydinian allies to fully unite the tribes together. Some of these ambassadors also continue to be Ulmian clerics, in case any voluntary conversions come later. In Mesallia, Iskandar orders the reconstruction of the Great Basilica of Nerimos. A gigantic statue of the Apostle Levian is added to the courtyard of the Basilica, with a plaque commemorating how this action by the Emperor Iskandar was in fulfillment of the ancient Prophesy of the Ulmexarians. The navy continues to be developed by Tuartha and Seita aid, and is largely employed to curb any Syresian piracy and push out a larger section of the Gabatrian sea. Syres, although a looser held vassal, is treated the same way in the Empire with its amnesty to religion and unity of language and currency. Aid is given to the local government wtih a contingent of 2,000 troops to prevent overt violence or vandalism in the revolt.


 * Irian Culture: Worship of Solcis Phythos, the aspect of the Sun God concerned with fire and volcanoes, displaces that of Kourisseus Phythos in most of Iria, except in the lands of the Sarpedes and Gamadacians, where Kourisseus Phythos is supposed to ride a horse across the skies and rain fire down from the heavens. In Solcia, Solcis Phythos is depicted as a tall, horseless, golden figure carrying a beacon or torch. The Ambran people adopt a version of this god that is most true to its original Hythian form. Simply called Phythos, he is the spirit of Mount Cambor that causes the Earth to rumble and shake from his volcanic forges. In Solcia, Catules Nassohalus seizes the throne after a series of bloody battles against pretenders. Akroricus flees the capital with one-third of the Solcian army, and takes shelter in the stronghold of Sadaium. Catules pursues him, but is repelled at the Siege of Sadaium (394). Afterward, the two enemies make a treaty wherein Akroricus may rule Sadaium as long as he pays tribute to Solcia. Iodora, a descendant of Phesha, is crowned akeissa in Nolossae. On the first day of her reign, an oracle predicts she will defeat a king in battle. Emboldened, Iodora gathers her loyal companions and invades Solcia. Yet, at the Battle of Meria (396), her army is routed by the Solcians. She retreats into Nolossia, disillusioned, but runs into a band of marauding Phimeres led by none other than the king of Phimerea himself. Iodora's warriors fall upon the Phimerean ranks with ferocity and utterly crush them. The Phimerean king manages to escape to the north and raise a second army, but he loses again to Iodora at the Battle of the Sehypos River. Now completely convinced that the gods are on her side, Iodora invades Phimerea and swiftly captures the whole country along with its king, whom she makes her vassal.


 * Mesallian Culture: At this time there was peace between the Mesallians and the Chatna Empire, which the states sought to uphold as long as the Chatna Empire refrained from attacking any of the states of Mesallas. The fall of the Three Cities nearly prompted a response from many neighboring states, but at the behest of Agira, the states refrained from retaliating, accepting that the Three Cities would become a vassal of Chatna, but that it would be the last of its kind from the Mesallian world to be taken. The ruler that the Azozians elevated to the position of “viceroy” was named Garus II, directly referencing the legendary king Garus of the Dioman period, who Xares Levian had claimed was his direct ancestor. Garus brought a second great awakening in the region, promoting the Ulmian faith and Xaresian law, for the first time since the fall of Nerimos. The city became the center of an Ulmian city, with Garus ordering the construction of the Second Temple, as prophesied by the Ulmians of the Xaresian period, when the first Great Temple of Nerimos fell to invaders. Although Garus was personally zealous in pursuing the Ulmian religion, he ruled over a nation that was mostly Mesallian religiously, as well as Edomian, particularly in the west, with small pockets of Enulmism and Emalian followers. There remained uneasy tension between the Azozian vassal and the southern nation of Sephimora, as the southerners were also descendants of the Xaresian Ulmians, and had carried the Holy Dwelling of the True God south from Nerimos to Nelgistis. Because of differing religious beliefs, the Enulmians would not allow the Holy Dwelling to transfer back to the Second Temple. Garus II would die before he could press the matter further, and his son, Xares II, elected to promote peaceful coexistence with the southern state, partially due to his interpretation of peace as a holy endeavor, and partially due to his following of writers such as the playwrite Solonus, who was notably anti-war in some of his productions. As such the two states traded heavily, exchanged ideas, and its inhabitants made pilgrimages throughout the two lands. During this time philosophy and the arts explode across the Mesallian world, with Agira at its center. New ideas travel through the Chatna Empire and beyond, leading to new ideas and discoveries. Many contemporary and past thinkers had their ideas written down for the first time. One Ulmian writer named Colomus of Dascelos declares God to be the eternal unity, permeating the universe, and governing it by his thought. From the Karistan school there is Zaramanes, who founds a center of learning in the city. He becomes most famous for the idea that there is one unchanging existence, which is alone true and capable of being conceived, with multitude and change being an appearance without reality. One his students, Zemus, conceives of a number of famous paradoxes, including “Leto and the Tortoise”. One of the most famous Mesallian philosophers in history, Xenocrates, rose to prominence in Agira at this time. His ideas became so important that historians would later call the thinkers before him as “pre-Xenocratic”. He is famous for the Xenocratic Method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out ideas and underlying presuppositions.


 * Exhula: When we get news of the mobilization of Teninukal and Kaloman Remnant forces in preparation for a counterattack we begin preparing to defend our new territory and drive them off. We already slightly outnumber them as we have 11,400 troops left from our initial campaign while they have 11,000, but we raise 2,500 troops from the rest of the Empire, mainly from those who have now grown old enough to be recruited from those young when the war began and 2,500 Sillian troops arrive in Kaloma to aid our defense against Teninukal and the forces of the so-called Kingdom Of Kaloma (which we hardly consider legitimate and has low morale due to our capture or killing of all but the most distant claimants to the Kalom Dynasty). This brings the total number of troops we are able to field against the attacks at 16,440 Exhulan and Sillian forces. When they launch their campaign to retake Kaloma in 393, (which we consider a diffrent war than the initial conquest of Kaloma between Teninukal and Exhula despite the large number of former Kaloman forces and their goal of restoring the Kingdom of Kaloma which we have now effectively destroyed) we purposely allow them to conquer a small amount of territory and take the intentionally poorly defended city of Texora and the surrounding lands. They suffer about 2,315 casualties doing this, but are mostly OK. However, this was ultimately a trap that we quickly draw shut the Jaws Of, as we swiftly use 4,000 swift Exhulan Cavalry to retake the territory leading up to the city and thus cut them off from their supply lines, leaving 4,000 soldiers behind to keep the area in our hands and prevent any attempts from Teninukal to retake the territory and relive their now besieged brethren, as we quickly retake the territory around the city and force the 9,000 remaining Kaloman and Teninukal forces to reside heavily packed together in the small city alongside the existing population and the already depleted food stores from the two sackings the city has undergone in recent years, namely that we committed when taking it and the one they did when they retook the area. We besige them in the cramped walls for about four months while thousands of the soldiers in the area and the citizens of the city die of mass starvation and disease caused by the immense population now packed into the city like sardines. We then storm the city and retake it in an extremely bloody battle for both sides, massacring or capturing most of the enemy army but suffering many casualties ourselves (ALGORITHM NEEDED). Afterward, we revive Teninukals offer for peace, but disagree with many of the terms. Instead, we send a document with many of our own demands back to Teninukal, although we also state we are willing to meet in neutral ground to negotiate on the conditions, beginning the writing of the treaty of Bxyiq (A neutral island northeast of both of our territories in the region). Meanwhile, trade continues with Sillas and Exhulan citizens gain a mostly positive view of Sillas and its Empire due to their military aid in avenging our previous humiliation, and we decide to offer Sillas an alliance between our two nations (SILLAS RESPONSE NEEDED!). We also continue trading with Qera, and relations with them have mostly been repaired by this point, as we have gone a long time without any(True) conflict and we have a fruitful trade relationship, although it is not completely repaired. We also continue relations with Yannis and We begin sending Many Hcctaal missionaries to the nations of Beraba and Gahren, hoping for a fair number of conversions and making sure to be respectful to the natives culture and gods despite this, while also still doing their best to spread the religion. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!)  Trade relations with Sayalen become more and more developed as they become an integral part of our large trade network, and the vast quantities of Salt now being harvested from the lake south of Sayalen and the roads Tupitoquri has had built between the lake and the coast in the last few years making salt trading with Sayalen far more profitable and widespread then before. It also results in the “Salt Barons” monopoly on Exhulan Salt Trading beginning to dissolve and thus, the Salt Barons begin doing their best to damage the salt trade from Sayalen, frequently hiring illegal pirates to raid those waters and becoming some of the most anti Sayalen groups in the Empire, although these views are not widespread. The election of a new King by the Irrosians to be their King is accepted by Vassiga, Alibit begrudgingly. He agrees to allow them to elect their own leaders and continue being a semi-autonomous region with a king if they agree to several conditions, namely that the Exhulan Emperor has the right to veto certain measures made by the Irrosian King, and they agree to lower the numbers of piracy overall, for the reasons mentioned last turn, this also serves to establish a new precedent of Irrosia being an elective monarchy that is still a vassal of Exhula. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!). Finally, the colonization of the far Northeastern islands continues, as we send thousands of colonists to the region.
 * The forces of Teninukal, although forced into a battle by Exhula, manage to come out victorious. Teninukal suffers 2,100 casualties, Exhula suffers 2,900, and Sillas suffers 980.
 * Exhula Continued: With the narrow Victory Of Teninukal, their forces are still surrounded by Exhulan ones, although they now once more hold the lands around the city. As a result, we decide to agree to the evening of borders between us and Teninukal, and promise to return all Teninukal Prisoners if they withdraw from our territory and accept our terms.


 * Yannis Empire: The Holy Men return from the great and righteous battle in the west back to the holy land, to much celebration. An astonishing number of heathens were killed, a great wealth of goods and slaves was taken, and the Yannis Empire reigned supreme. Although the Yannians of the region are thirsty for the rightful destruction of more heathens, the Anointed One returns them home, as the revolt in the country threatens its stability. 20,000 men are sent into the region of the Burned Men, killing and enslaving many. Slowly order is restored in the east through the swift justice of the Anointed One. New governors are appointed in the region, and soldiers are sent to garrison the major cities. Sensing that the nation of Weritsz violated the peace treaty by supporting these rebels, the Anointed One brings justice upon them as well in the following years, ordering 30,000 men to seize the Weritsz capital. He decides to strip that state of its sovereignty and fully divide it into new territories, with four territories emerging. The most loyal Holy Men are selected for the divine task of pacifying the region and spreading the Yannian faith. In the meantime, the new governor of Yannian Mesallas continues to establish relations with the other powers of Mesallas, hoping to soon return to the west and south and liberate those lands from their heathenry. In particular he thirsts heavily for the great honor of laying waste to Nerimos, just as his forefathers did.
 * Qaryaat: King Hakhim dies, and his son, Ghasyan IV, ascends the throne. The colony of Maqiri expands to cover the northern tip of its namesake peninsula. Meanwhile, on the main territory, expansion inland is carried out in an attempt to unite the region of Greater Jazhari. The vast irrigation system in the main territory is expanded to include newer parts of the empire. Meanwhile, Qaryaati ships explore along the coastline north of Mohejaro. The mathematician Bakar devises a theorem involving the ratios of the lengths of line segments produced if two intersecting lines are intercepted by a pair of parallels, later known as Bakar's Theorem. Settlers are sent out to loosely-claimed areas of the empire to consolidate control of said areas. The Benyisran religion, while remaining a minority religion, is tolerated within the empire. Infrastructure in Makra is improved upon. (WIP?)
 * Emalia: The Conservative Court conspires against the Messelian King Agetos, with the plan to depose Agetos by any means necessary. Prince Leto discovers the plot and grows to hate pure Emalian culture and adopts Messelian culture, idolozing his father Agetos, becoming alienated from his Emalian peers. With the plot now uncovered the conspirators have little time to act and they poison Agetos, who Prince Leto is witness to, and in his rage, kills the treacherous conspirators. Princess Pyra sees the entire thing unfold in front of her eyes, and she pleads on behalf of her brother Leto for mercy to Queen Ionia. Ionia accepts Pyra's plea, her favored child, and the two head north to the Messelian integrated territories with a band of royal soldiers. When the chaos subsides, Princess Pyra returns to the Ema court and learns the way of statecraft and the priestesshood, being deeply taught in the ways of the Godess Ema while also having an Messelian education, truly a balanced and learned ruler. Prince Leto however, remained in the North, raised under the command of General Atalia
 * Syres: One of the lead admirals responsible for the mutiny of Syres’ military, Lehiemus, travels back to the city with his fleet and attempts to enter the city. Initially the Azozian authorities want to charge him with treason, and trade the arrival of the fleet as an incoming attack, however, the Syresians open one of the city’s gates and allow him entry. Lehiemnus is soon after elected to a consul position, despite attempts by the Azozians to block his election. An agreement is reached in which Lehiemus and his men are pardoned by the state, and the nation formally backs a military expedition to take back the city’s many territories. The city takes back the territories on the coast, although does not manage to seize the northern island. Ultimately the city offers peace, willing to recognize Darna’s ownership of the island in exchange for monetary compensation. The presence of the Azozian army in the city continues to keep the peace, but after such a long period of time in the city, most of its inhabitants deem it an illegal occupation, and protest the presence of soldiers in the city. The city’s largest basilica is built under the supervision of the Azozians, much to the approval of the city’s Ulmian population, but at the risk of angering the rest of the city.
 * Hythia: Years 108-117 Since the Return of Hythus. Myrnech Dynian continues his rule with an increasingly despotic and aggressive world-view. His advisors, realizing the Myrnech suffers from some form of possession (bipolar disorder), begin slowly reducing the direct access of the Myrnech. Through this, Meunarch Wyn assumes increasing authority. His position at the head of the Council of the Partechs has always been influential, but rather symbolic. Wyn instead assumes increasing power over the daily affairs of state, organizing labor tithes, taxation, the construction of a new state forge, and other more subservient matters. This shift marks a transition of power away from the Myrnech to the Council of Partechs as was the case in the history of Gyt. Emphasis on religious administration continues, but more of the administrative centers established in the west. Around several of these centers new cities are founded, notably: Lyst, Dys, Ryn, and Pyen. These cities are located between 120 and 140 septons from the River Tythies to the north and west. Tribes to the south continue to receive Hythian nobility looking to marry into powerful families. This influence continues to build and the tribes adjacent to Hythia are asked to join a federation. (Mod Responses)
 * Darna: The nation chooses to accept the offer from Syres, and we give them back a portion of money if that keeps them away. We keep a number of Ulmian slaves for sale around the area, and we take many slaves and other goods back to Darna. The discovery of Eskaladun has led to tremendous trading in the western sea, with trade flowing from Darna to the nations of Isimandia, south along the coast to Eskaladun and other nations. Ships continue to explore north and south along the coasts. One of the chiefs in Isimandia claims the island west of the coast, establishing a new territory under his control. The island becomes known as Alendia, and becomes a popular stop while sailing to numerous locations in the south.


 * Sillan Empire: In 608 BCE, Cabeza Canxi visits the two Olmac provinces in a four-month period to consolidate her popularity, and affirm the effectiveness of the "Assimilation in Three Generations" policy. Upon returning to the capital, she proclaims that “the people [of the Olmac provinces] are perhaps the closest to the Sillans in regards to their level of sophistication, industriousness, and capacity to learn – welding skills far exceeding those of the barbarians to our North. Perhaps this is the reason why they [the Olmacs] have readily accepted Sillan culture as their own, for they are evidently the only barbarian group encountered so who not only have recognized the numerous flaws of their cultures but have been active in the pursuit of civility." The Olmac provinces are now 20% Sillan, achieved through a combination of Sillan settlement, intermarriage, acculturation, and facilitated through the extension of "Sillan" to all subjects of the Sillan Empire. Many Olmaco–Sillans however, continue to identify with Olmac tribal affiliations in addition to being "Sillan". Wet-rice cultivation is taught and promoted, however, most rice remains imported. There is large-scale cultivation of cacao (for chocolate), avocado (which becomes valued as a meat substitute), maize (as a staple and as animal feed), beans, squash, manioc, and sweet potatoes in plantations (permitted by an abundance of land). Turkey meat is imported into Silla proper – from the Olmac provinces – but prices are low due to low production levels and its perceived "exoticness" (as junglefowl remains the dominant variety of poultry). With the pacification of the southern polities, attention shifts to Silla's northern neighbors. While not explicitly hostile, military advisors are worried over both Teninkual's and the various Makuku city-states' puny attempts at Sillanization. To calm her military advisors, she reminds them, that "they [the Makuku and the Teninkuali people] lack a strong tradition in cavalry, horse-breeding, and equestrianism; thus preventing them to field a comparable cavalry force to us both in quantity and quality. Meanwhile, they struggle to produce even longbows or spears – let alone crossbows, reflex bows, or even halberds." She also reminds that, "even if the northern barbarians manage to acquire those arms, they can't readily reverse-engineer them – thus ensuring our superiority in a potential conflict." As a precaution though, Cabeza Canxi authorizes the establishment of four walled cities (each with 1,000 military nobles and 4,000 commoners; yielding a total of 5,000 inhabitants) along Silla's northern borders to consolidate Sillan territorial legitimacy there. They also function as centers of trade with the Makuku city-states, however, the transfer of certain goods (in particular, large amounts of bullion and any quantity of sophisticated arms) is strictly prohibited and punishable by heavy fines. An arrangement similar to the integration of the Olmacs as a large-autonomous military province is offered to the three southern Makuku city-states, as well as offering them aid in the conquest and partitioning of the northern neighbors. If rejected, the Sillans offer a non-aggression pact in exchange for the large-scale purchase of slaves, serfs, and indentured servants, etc. ( MOD RESPONSE ). Meanwhile, a total of 2,500 men (consisting of 500 cavalrymen and 2,000 auxiliaries) divided into five divisions to aid the Exhulans. Meanwhile, a letter is sent to the Teninkual capital falsely-informing them that they are accepting the offer of peace. Exploiting this fallacy, and the Teninkual's occupation with aiding Kaloman forces against the Exhulans, a total of 16,000 men (consisting of 4,000 cavalrymen and 12,000 auxiliaries) divided into four army divisions (named after the four cardinal directions) are sent to conquer the entirety of Teninkual. The Western Army is sent to engage with Teninkual's forces in Kaloma from the rear and from their flanks–using the element of surprise to their advantage. In addition, they are tasked with diverting local militias' attention away from defending Teninkual proper, as well as destroying Teninkual's supply lines. The Western Army is divided further into four subdivisions, with three subdivisions engaging with enemy forces (utilizing traditional tactics) while the fourth subdivision checks for any surprise offensives, conduct reconnaissance missions, as well as prevent the ability of Teninkual or Kaloma to send reinforcements. Once Silla's "betrayal" is known by Teninkual, the Northern Army is sent northward to engage with Teninkual's remaining militias. However, they are kept mainly on a defensive role (utilizing phalanx positions, while cavalrymen are relegated to skirmishing or reconnaissance roles), and are told to feign retreat frequently to embolden the enemy and give them a false sense of confidence and to create a false image of numerical inferiority – before switching once again to traditional offensive tactics after inflicting sufficient attrition, thus yielding a decisive battle. Whilst this is occurring, the Eastern and Western Armies (known as the "Twin Armies") are sent northward to exploit this vacuum – with this division into two allowing flexibility. The Twin Armies are led by General Hue Banzen, a veteran of the Sillan Conquest of Olmac, after her skills in war are recognized by Cabeza Canxi. All encountered settlements and their surrounding farmland is razed to the ground after being raided, with their inhabitants being allowed to leave and flee to unrazed settlements as an expression of "Sillan grace" – this is strategically advantageous, as it overwhelms other settlements with refugees, instills fear into the populace, while not exhausting resources in needless massacres; thus facilitating future assimilation. Forest is also razed to the ground, to deprive the population of wood and timber (thus preventing the construction of fortifications). While previously fortified settlements were purposely avoided (instead, resorting to psychological warfare to weaken their will to fight), rams and large crossbows, as well as hails of incendiary arrows, are used to destroy and penetrate through fortifications; proving a shock to those who believed in the impenetrability of their fortifications. Crossbows (and once the supply of crossbow volts are depleted, archers in a volley position) are deployed in order to kill enemy infantry and cavalry (who are poorly-armored, poor-equipped and tactically inferior; thus vulnerable to such attacks) from a range. Crossbows are also used to disorient and disorganize massed enemy infantry – in accordance with the strategy of inflicting attrition, prior to using a combination of encirclement, outflanking and shock tactics to deliver a decisive victory. With the effectiveness of crossbows being evident, Cabeza Canxi commissions the production of 1,600 more units. However, it is the superiority of Sillan reflex bows, incendiary arrows; as well as better military tactics, discipline, and training; and the manipulation of enemy forces through psychological warfare (such as feigning numerical superiority/inferiority); ensure victory. The Da Qing Arsenal produces a high quantity of reflex bows, iron-tipped and incendiary arrows, polearms (halberds, lances, and pikes), and swords. Meanwhile, its bloomeries also produce a high volume of wrought iron, bronze. Massive quantities of copper and tin are imported overseas, in order to produce bronze for mirrors, jewelry, and statues. Lamellar armor is produced for cavalrymen. Latrines, drainage, as well as communal baths and grammar schools are built. An increasing quantity of silk textiles, 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, the utilization of fertilizer (in the form of bovine manure), and the construction of canals for irrigation and to deliver nutrients (from silt) to rice paddies. Intercropping of rice, aquatic plants (water spinach, lilies, and water caltrops), and perennial fruit-bearing plants (namely coconuts and plantains) are done to boost crop yield, and combat soil erosion – thus maintaining soil quality. In addition, subsidies are given to farmers to establish more large-scale fish farms. The large-scale raising of mollusks (snails, oysters, mussels, clams) and crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crabs), and the cultivation of seaweed in littoral areas also begins. In marshes or wet areas, deep-water rice is cultivated or small, rectangular artificial islands are built to provide cultivatable land. The population grows immensely due to increased wealth and nutrition.
 * No more use of BC please. -Nate
 * Beraba: The decade begins with a period known as “Eshdime”, or “the Great Expansion”. Settlers are sent to areas previously identified by surveyors as particularly optimal for settlement, farming, and mining. Aqueducts are constructed beginning at Lake Conylt and extending into the valleys and nearby cities to supply fresh water to the citizens. Emissaries are also sent to local neighboring tribes, offering peace and protection in exchange for becoming subjects of the nation. Missionaries are also sent to neighboring tribes and nations in groups of five, each member an acolyte of one of the High Gods. Cultural emissaries are exchanged with Beraba to share cultures and observe the budding language used by tradesmen from the two cultures. The new language uses words from both the Beraban and Gahrenese language, which stem from the same language family. A formal military and economic alliance is proposed between Beraba and Gahren, cemented by more political marriages between the royal family of Gahren and the Crown Princes of Beraba (Mod Response Requested). The missionaries from Exhula are not turned away for fear of offending the nation, but they are strictly limited in the times that they are allowed to be outside of their dwellings or preaching. Diplomats are sent to Makuku to offer to trade kowledge of the world (Mod Response Requested - map trade).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


 * Sillan Empire: 10,000 troops (divided into four army groups) are stationed along the city-state of Makuku; with 2,500 in Norianxi (which is heavily-fortified). Its arsenals are stockpiled with heavy crossbows – capable of shooting crossbow bolts and its incendiary variants; thus preventing enemy forces from seizing the walled city. Similarly, while the wall's structure and main material render siege engines (such as rams) ineffective, a shallow moat is hastily-built just in case. Sillan control over recently-seized Rakaroa is further consolidated; with the population pacified with psychological tactics in order to instill fear and thus obedience – which allows leniency, which further incentivizes submission. A walled city is established, w/ a garrison of 2,500 military nobles. The territory has two more defending army divisions numbering ~1,250 each. Vast tracts of forested land are burned to allow the easier location of enemy militias or rebels. A second expedition to Punauia is launched with 18,000 troops divided into nine army divisions instead of four; with the smaller size and more division allowing flexibility, easier movement in forested terrain, and increased ability to evade enemy militias. Due to the pyrrhic victory sustained by the Sillans in the first campaign, Sillan leadership decides to utilize the tactics used in the Olmac Conquest. Guerilla tactics are employed due to differences in terrain preventing the usage of traditional tactics. Mounted archers dismount and form groups of 3–5 – and from concealed positions – target high-ranking officials in order to deprive enemy militias of leadership. Then, operating in groups of 5–30, they proceed to "lure" and "herd" (keeping them moving in one direction, and contained within a small space) enemy militias (feigning numerical inferiority and retreat) to where infantrymen (who are organized into phalanx formations) are located. The infantrymen are armed with either pikes or halberds, with their light armor enabling faster movement and organized marching, while the foliage helps conceal their exact locations. Archers serve as skirmishers. Upon engaging with enemy militias, reinforcements of cavalrymen arrive and attack the flanks and rear (thus inflicting attrition); while also forcing enemy militias to phalanxes where they would be forced to descend to melee (however, the usage of superior polearms and more effective organization proves advantageous). If they are under heavy attack, infantrymen form effectively pike squares while cavalry flees and instead attack with their bows – thus forcing enemy troops to choose between attacking the pikemen (but losing men at the process) or attacking cavalrymen (but losing cohesiveness at the process). Meanwhile, the razing of settlements and surrounding farmland continues; with rams, heavy crossbows and incendiary arrows used to destroy their poorly-made and hastily-made fortifications. Crossbows are also wielded by some infantrymen (organized in the volley formation) or sometimes by cavalrymen due to its superior range and projectile velocity – being capable of piercing their armor.
 * Beraba: The Crown Princes of Beraba respond to the message from Exhula by stating that, even if they had the means, the militia formed at a time of great crisis when the nation’s attention was focused south, dealing with the Cazekorom. They also state that the Hcctaal missionaries were in violation of their original agreement, therefore they would have been sent away regardless. Meanwhile, the cartographers among the Tangakwunu use the new information from Qera to update the “Great Atlas of the Known World”. In exchange for their generous gifts, the Crown Princes send back a delegation laden with salt and pearls, customary gifts among the Beraban people. This delegation requests a formal trade agreement with Qera. Meanwhile, more attention is shifted south, strengthening the Beraban presence along the Salt Road south toward Eiros. A garrison of soldiers is permanently stationed in Eiros to protect against the Cazekorom. Exas of House Rhethlune, the oldest (and considered wisest) of the crown princes, makes a recommendation that Beraba seek to atone for the hatred felt toward them by the Cazekorom. Official delegates are sent to negotiate with the chiefs to see if some kind of civil relationship can be established (Mod Response Needed). Expansion continues north toward Allsid and Ibramos and east toward Cohibos and Lake Conylt.
 * The Cazekorom accept the offer to normalize relations, if Beraba swears not to harm them in their new territory, if both states mutually pledge not to war with each other, if Beraba allows all their people and their possessions free passage to their new territory, and if Beraba ensures that any Cazekorom captives or slaves are freed.
 * Beraban Dip: This news is received with hope and optimism in the High Cities. Exas and the other Crown Princes accept the offer and send surveyors south to formalize the borders of the two nations. The Cazekorom captives are freed and sent south with some provisions to join their countrymen. A formal non-aggression pact is drafted and presented to the Cazekorom chiefs, with the stipulation that Beraba has sovereign control over the Salt Road and the land surrounding it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


 * Hythia: Years 178-187 Since the Return of Hythus. Under the leadership of Meunarchs Lythanius and Tystius, both veteran military men themselves, the war with the Saemonites is expected to cost Hythia greatly, but also enable the future peace of the people of Hythus. The greatest Unar ever to grace the lands of Hythia is raised. With 4,000 heavy cavalrymen, 6,000 light cavalrymen, 6,000 spearmen, 4,000 archers, and 2,000 Bysula and Hytoriy the force is larger than any previously raised. It is supplemented by a host of vassal and allied armies, swelling the Great Unar to 30,000. This force marches north to face the Saemonites. With the Saemonite supply column stretching for hundreds of septons, it is vulnerable to hit and run attacks by expert Herati light horsemen, and the Saemonite combat forces are all vulnerable to mounted archers as the spearmen are seemingly equipped with little more than long daggers on sticks. These probing raids sap Saemonite morale and strength. Meanwhile, Hythian military experience is put to use, greatly improve the discipline and fighting spirit of the Unar. The strategy for this battle shall be one of feints and withdrawals. Hythia commands a vastly more mobile force with its greater use of cavalry and more developed knowledge of the terrain thanks to Herati scouts, and it is this knowledge which must be used to win the day. The goal is to draw the Saemonite infantry horde deep into Herati territory, an easily accomplished feat, where it might be trapped without water, encircled, and obliterated. Thus, the allied Unar stages strategic withdrawal after strategic withdrawal, pulling the horde to a large plain known to have only one source of water. It is as this source of water that the Hythian army intends to meet the Saemonite horde. Reinforced by the Herati Army, the Hythian Unar awaits the enemy. Upon the arrival of the Saemonites at the chosen battlefield, 20,000 Hythian and allied spear infantry, bolstered by the fanatic Bysula and Hytoriy, close to within charging distance of the Saemonites with support from 12,000 archers. After taunting and jeering the force braces for a Saemonite charge hoping to engage the majority of the Saemonite force. Then, while the Saemonites are distracted by the infantry, the Hythian and allied light cavalry will sally forth and draw off the Saemonite cavalry escort with a bombardment of javelins, arrows, and bolts. This accomplished, the professional heavy cavalry, drafted from the largest and most dangerous of men will ride out from the rear and execute repeated charges into the Saemonite rear and flanks. Eventually, the Hythian light cavalry will join them in finishing-off the routing Saemonites. This is the plan to destroy the Saemonite invasion, and great pains are taken to prepare, not only the advance scouting of the battlefield, but also training in the small scale tactics that will be used. Hythian units are broken into bands of 10 men, who will fight, live, die, and survive together. These small units, called Dymuens, then comprise larger units of 100 named, Mymuens. With these more flexible tactics the infantry component of the Unar is more mobile and more effective in combat. The domestic programs of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed towards feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are retasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host that invaded the Saemonites early in the decade continues to lay siege to the coastal cities of the Saemonites. The main force of their army maintains a tenuous frontier in an effort to prevent invasion by the North Saemonites, but its commanders attempt to avoid any true battles in an effort to protect their forces.
 * Darna: At this time a great Darnan creates the Darnan alphabet, and writes a series of texts about Darnan history and culture. His most famous epic, the Darnan, begins with the famous passage, “गեकաe-նσ’ወ d͡ʒजuك يΦʒ-& म/jɛtʃʰ/ %तʔةги W’रa-խե ပါΨᠡ ʊթशሴख ቾ, ﻱ-ডᚉჰ ⵙⵇzכㅉu ठo0( զ-ጐጪש, ⵓll!” A great new palace is constructed in the city of Darna, with the king’s name carved into the front; “ლЛoमž”. Many Darnans are dispatched to fight against the Thot invasion, with 5,000 men raised on our southern island, and a similar number raised along our coastal colonies. A Darnan discovers the cruel Ulmite practice of child sacrifice and cannibalism, and spreads this truth across the ancient world through our trade routes. It is revealed that Nolrom the Infidel was a bloodthirsty monster, who consumed the souls of children through his harsh torture. Sure enough, it is recorded that the Darnan slavers witnessed the mongrel Ulmite slaves taking part in this cannibalistic practice after they left a slave cage unattended for some time. One of the greatest scientists of the day, նጌուㅔ, hypothesizes that the Ulmites are in such a primitive state of cognition that they revert to animalistic tendencies when left alone. The Darnan king orders that primitive children from the Ulmite dens are to be trained as pack animals, and they are used in the deep mines pulling carts of ore to the surface.


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


 * Xeran Empire: Culture and scientific growth continue throughout the empire, in spite of the occasional internal disputes such as the tragic Lemantarian War. A new wave of artistic devleopment was stimulated in both Azoz and abroad, creating a more stylized, metaphorical representation on media such as mosaics and glassware. True perspective of the Chatna Dynasty has started to be phased out, and replaced with a more universal pattern of false perspective. Occam of Iskandaria further develops his theories of the motions of planets in the universe, taking the "Sandreckoner" of previous studies and comes to the conclusion that the all the planets and stars revolve around the sun. Some years later, Occam also concludes that the universe must be finite in size, arguing that otherwise the entire sky would be filled by stars in every direction. The native Edomite religion, in its orthodox practice before the advent of Ulm, completely disappears from historical record around this time, only to be preserved in a few underground mystery cults for specific gods. In fact, it wasn't until the 20th century AR that native Edomite religous rites were rediscovered. Xarenvarus favored his wife's address towards the events in Iskandaria, and called together a council of his advisors to discuss the matter in Edom. He came to the conclusion that the Lemantarians had grown too corrupt and influential, and thus worked to began to systematically limit the Lemantarian influence over politics in the region. Instead, the Apocist branch of Ulm became greatly promoted in the kingdom, and rose to prominence to replace Lemantarians in most public offices. It is believed that the "Shemona Library" was buried at this time, being an archaeological treasure trove of Apocist apocryphal scripture. As the island of 'At some Point' [placeholder because I can't find the name] has been taken from Darna, it is given control officially to our ally Syres. Syres is now tasked to guard the narrow straight using this more strategic position, and prevent Darnan Pirates from entering the Gabatrian Sea. A sizable navy is kept at the island to help defend it in the meantime. Continuing farther east, the naval expedition of Cyris reaches the Island of Phorintheon. Cyris offers trade and diplomatic relations to the natives of Phorintheon on behalf of the Xeran Empire, and offers to sell them minerals, exotic foods, technology, and Ulm. In order to find out where the Valun ultimately come from, the western expedition fleet is sent north along the coast to explore more of the continent.
 * Qaryaat: King Midhet declares war on Gomis, looking to colonize the city-state. He requests Solcia (IRIAN RESPONSE NEEDED), Benyisra, and Kepitis to aid his war efforts and for Avsylann to send mercenaries. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) He sends a navy of about 20,000 troops on 13 small ships and 7 large ships to seize the port of Gomis to fight the Gomis navy, looking to besiege the city afterwards. (ALGO NEEDED) Meanwhile, expansion into unclaimed lands is also carried out. The colony of Maqiri expands to cover the entire southern half of the Maqiri Peninsula. The main territory expands along the southern coast of the Bay of Ghasir. In both areas, settlers are sent to loosely-claimed areas of the empire to consolidate control. The mathematician Mazim dedicates himself to solving the Three Classical Problems, three geometric problems that are to be solved by purely geometric means (squaring the circle, doubling the cube, and trisecting an angle). His contribution to the "squaring the circle" problem is called the Mazim's Crescent. At this time, he also compiles a book of geometry known as The Pillars of Arithmetics. The walls surrounding Makra are annually maintained and reinforced. Former cultural exchange with Mohejaro brought along sanitation ideas as well, and thus, sanitation reforms are done through the building of latrines and communal baths accompanied by evaporative coolers. A breakthrough in agriculture is made when it is discovered that adding crushed-up sea shells to manure before using it in their fields causes crops to grow healthier and stronger, increasing overall agricultural output. Besides the staple crops of wheat and barley, vegetables such as eggplants, onions, radishes, beans, lettuce, and sesame seeds (which were first brought to Qaryaat from the trade with Mohejaro) and fruits such as grapes, figs, melons and apples are grown in the Muyadi region, around Lake Al'Muyadi and the Muyadi River. Sheeps, cows, and goats are raised as livestock.
 * Solcian Response: Solcia, already embroiled in a war against the southern Cledesian tribes, does not wish to involve itself with Qaryaat's piratical endeavors.


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


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


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


 * Hythia: Years 188-197 Since the Return of Hythus. It is early in the decade when Meunarch Lythanius perishes of fever. He is followed by Meunarch Pycitus, one of his Mepartechs from the war with the Saemonites. Tystius, now an exceedingly old man, also resigns a few years after Lythanius’ death and cedes his position to his son, Qyntine. The transition of power fortunately occurs before the Saemonites have time to truly regroup following their major defeat at the Battle of Khoras. The Saemonite army, which lost a large portion of its cavalry escort battle, is hounded by Hythian cavalry the entire way back to the border. Unable to outpace the Hythian light or heavy cavalry, a constant rain of arrows, bolts, and javelins assails the retreating columns of Saemonite infantry. Hythian generals estimate that at least another 5,000 casualties are inflicted by these attacks, and Saemonite morale must be extremely low. The Hythian commanders decide to press the attack and engage the Saemonite forces before they can retreat to their homeland. Thus, Hythian cavalry units attack the lead units of the Saemonite column, while Hythian infantry move in from the rear. The envelopment is completed by skirmishers and assorted light infantry units supplied by the Herati and Hythia’s allies. In total the force consists of 5,000 heavy cavalry, 7,000 light cavalry, 16,000 spearmen, and 11,000 archers and skirmishers. The goal is to capture or otherwise destroy the entirety of the Saemonite main column, some 33,000 soldiers. With the enemy forces enveloped by the more maneuverable Hythian Unar the battle becomes a slaughter as the Saemonite forces are surrounded and under a constant bombardment from the archers and light cavalry forces. The domestic developments of the last decade are put on hold as all efforts are directed towards feeding and equipping the Unar. Slaves are retasked to harvesting and the sum excess of labor used in peaceful years is redirected to producing the means of war, food, weapons, and armor. A trade proposal is sent to several of the Irian city states to the south and the Drakans looking to secure more sources of food for the nation. Trade with the Irians is conducted on the newly constructed road network as a means of supplying yet more critical food. Fortunately, most of the Hythian diet is comprised of easily stored grains, legumes, and root vegetables, allowing the easy transport of at least staple nutrients. All foreign explorers and missionaries are recalled to serve in the Unar as healers, soldiers, and, if talented, as commanders. The Mythadian host continues its invasion of the coastal Saemonite cities and launches a series of raids by small light cavalry units to burn Saemonite crops and force them to surrender.