The Treasures of Meranthe

[ExaByte]

Oh shit, the FUZZ.

Which is to say, that the authorities are coming to the Brigand's Bazaar to control the flow of resources and establish the Order as the customer to please. Having first pick and control of the exotic goods that flow through proves quite the enticing prospect, and it's perhaps no surprise that a certain crowned drakanite is the brainchild behind this operation. If not stopped, the Order may well cement itself and control the trade coming through here with an iron grip.

Once again the Republic attacks the problem at its roots and turns it into a resource. Of course, they may yet have to demonstrate their control through force of arms first.

Goldlight Order: 60K Influence - Brigand's Bazaar

[GriddyCannister]

Mages and sorcerers gathered within Aetius' tower, drawn together by a single purpose following the conclusion of a meeting.
Growth demands resources- and resources require a claim.

With that in mind, Aetius raised its banners and marched north, setting its sights on the remnants of a land that once brimmed with life and technology. A place that held many treasures and mysteries, long lost after its fall at the hands of The Atrellyan forces.

Squads of adventurers, mages, and sorcerers were gathered, each formed with the intent to explore the ruins and find treasures.

45k influence

Fallen Frontier

[GoldenOpulence]

Nation: The Kingdom of Caethir
Captain: Cifer Mugen
Resource Claim: Mt. Grimjhall
Sent:  With the mountain having long since been bare for some years now yet left untouched, it provides a perfect avenue for further excavation and studies. With such a team of sorcerers and Soldiers of Caethir are sent forth to further secure such.

[30k Influence]

[radio]

Nation: Aetius
Captain: Cardan
Resource Claim: Mt. Grimjhall
Sent: 30k Influence

Soldiers pull from the deserts of the Fallen Frontier as dozens of portals open within the lifestream. Camps are torn down within the hour and all that remains of the army of Aetius are smoldering flames that once fed the troops.
 
Within the day they arrive at the foot of Mt. Grimjhall, preparing to ascend and claim whatever rests within its depths.

[raydarula]

Hands are shaken, and the Consul of Arcanum, with the Headmaster's blessing, meets with the Keeper of Arcadia.

The promises of treasure, traded for the promise of a collaborative future.


Arcanum withdraws their claim to The Fallen Frontier.

[Spiffspoff]

A second gathering of the three nations within the halls of Stonehaven saw, perhaps, a surprising outcome. Through shrewd diplomacy, or perhaps shady dealings, Aetius officially withdraws military presence from Mount Grimhjall.

Rumours begin to spread of mutual cooperation revolving around major projects in the region, the purpose of which wildly creative, and exaggerated. Or perhaps not? Time would tell.

One thing was certain though: The battle of the three fledgeling nations had been averted. This time.

[Tristam]

With the ruins secured and under the control of Arcadia, an ancient figure accompagnied with his decades old loyal retainers oversee the current prospections. Labourers of all ages, young ones like old ones, work to dig the collapsed galleries of what was once the Proto-Institute. 

But among the oldest ones, many of them were veterans that once resided there, before the war of the Atrellyan's extinction. People who supported Svengalf Sandsker back then, as he was the Coordinator of the Final Frontier, and Sentinel of the Heavenly Blossom's Church.

Memories of old years back then. When these people were still young workers of the Land, preparing the defenses against the invaders. Most of them were not avid artificiers. But they still gave part of themselves, to help defending their homeland.

"Back then when the Final Frontier was still the beating heart of the edge of the Silent Expense, it was a city, that once managed to allow Nature and Technology to cohabit together. If the eastern edge of the Silent Expense is still green and blooming as today, it was because of the result of this Symbiotic Harmony we once established. Technology and Faith, is what allowed for Solais to bloom into this barren land, and allow Nature to grow and make Life possible to settle here. When I arrived at the Final Frontier when I was 15, right after Ragnarok, it was only  the Proto-Institute and some homes at the Surface. Later, we managed to grow into a proper town. 

And yet. This harmony had to be severed by the tides of War. Not from the outside. But from the inside..."

Despite the efforts made to defend their hometown, the Defense looked underwhelming compared to what they would have to face. And due to internal strife and an uphill battle ahead, a decision was done to leave this Forsaken place, before the massacre happened to the people. Those, who were still loyal to Svengalf, moved to Arcadia. Their new Homeland, where their beliefs and ideologies may continue to live where it truly mattered.
But not all of the people who went through this Diaspora remain alive today. Many have fallen back then during the Finale of the Extinction. With others, dying to the wars and skirmishes Arcadia later endured. Only a few remain today, to be able to remember their previous homeland, and assist in unearthing what was once their lives before.

But perhaps, these remaining people may be the key to accelerate the prospection. While most of the Heavenly Blossoms Church and the Carnation District were emptied before the Diaspora, who knows what could have been forgotten there before their leave ? Fragments of the past that can ressurface, perhaps ?
But a visit to the past, was not only the sole purpose of the Elder Svengalf to come.
Gathering the remaining fews Artificers of the Final Frontier who took residence in Arcadia, the Elder explained and gave insight to how the Proto-Institute's layout was set. Being a coordinator, and having access to the Vault previously, the Elder instructed what was to expect in some of the rooms they were unearthing, and how to access to the Vault. 

"For many years here in the Final Frontier, I was many roles at once. A spiritual guide. A mentor. An architect. A Scholar. An Artificer, an Alchemist. I have helped in the developpement of this town, along with the people immigrating here. I have witnesses different Directors through my years. Acantho, Eleos, Andes, Akroma, Katryovno. While the deepest ends of the Vault were still locked to me, I have built most of the modern building's here. Here is what you can expect...

While it is uncertain of what has become of these, the Elder explained some of the most important works that has been done by past artificiers and directors here present. And where they may be located. Examples of such may be the Seasonal Crystals and the Archwood that were once publicly displayed. Or the Alloy that the Director Akroma once advertised.

And shall the people encounter a road block behind locker doors or working security, the Elder would lend a Keycard that granted access and prevented Security measures to attack.

"I may not be able to see the end of the excavations. But it would be selfish from me, to be buried with all of the hidden knowledge your homeland once had. I pray, that this knowledge may grant you insight to unearth the history that precedes the modern Arcadia. Way back, when Azalea, Mitra, and the Church of Harmony, was settled back here."

In an attempt to improve the ressource Node as part of the influence that was invested into the claim, Svengalf Sandsker instructs the labourers presents here some of the quirks and points of interests to search in the ruins of the Final Frontier, as someone who has lived many decades in the city as a leading figure. Hopefully, less risks and quicker progress can be done with the presence of Veterans here.