Extinction (Certain Death)

[Milly]

There has been a flurry of activity even before Atrellya's initial assault against the Gakaiyo Empire. Yet once the smoke of the destroyed Citadel cleared and the destruction that had been wrought was fully feasted upon, the Oracle who had been in attendance pushed his people to work harder and to channel their focus. Goals were established in the coming weeks of certain resources and for the most part, Gloomlight's Citizenry - and even some members of the Republic - excelled and pushed past the goals without a single problem.

And now with Prospera's destruction and the Atrellyan Army's sight turned onto the Grove, one can only pray to Athelios that it's enough.

The Oracle had bid the Commander of the Bastion to create a wall to the North of the Grove in order to shield them from any external threats. This wall, in specific, is made of copper and wood but also reinforced with Tyrium in order to absorb any magical attacks the Army may open with. The idea isn't for the wall to last forever - the idea is to stall and weaken the initial assault upon the Grove. 
(4,000 copper, 5,000 wood & 200 Tyrium)

Meanwhile, from official sources, Thomas set about in utilizing the little black book that one of his Knights, Bonbon, had gifted onto him. A book filled with the names and numbers of merchants and contractors who owed her a favor, the Oracle set about cashing in those favors immediately. Any fighting forces within the Grove without suitable equipment soon would have it, and mercenary forces were called upon from that little black book in order to ensure Gloomlight could at the very least, break even in the numbers game.
(30,000 Influence & 100,000 coins for increased forces)
(330 Mythril, 5,000 iron, 500 Blue Mercury, 500 Orichalcum, 200 Viridium, 200 Nyeshk, and 1,000 Adamantite, and 5,000 wood)

For all of these troops that are filtering in from the favors the Oracle calls in, they must be prepared and fed and treated in the initial small scale skirmishes that come about from scouting parties on either side of the impending battle, of course! And so they are, with the ample supply of food stock that Gloomlight has brought together, as well as the small amount of boosters and alchemical supplies and trauma kits.
(Alchemical, Food, Booster, and Trauma kits totaling up to: 4,496 units together (its a lot of stuff easier to just list it that way))

As for the rest of the supplies, traditional barricades and spike traps are laid out within the encroaching army's path. While it may not do much it does ease the common folks mind in know the government is doing all it can in such short notice.
(15,000 wood & 600 copper)

Some say the Oracle has passed leadership of the defense of Gloomlight to his Commander, given the intricate military matters that are at stake.
The citizens of Gloomlight have flocked more and more to Church services, praying to the Warden for salvation and protection.

[Kartoffelstampfer]

Mavethkar has been mostly silent during the assaults on the north, while helping in the background. This however seems to have changed with the recent losses of Aegis and Prospera. Involvement of the Ziggurat of Mortyl has started.

In secret, a chaos-bomb fuelled by a respectable amount of briarwood and steel has been created. In the time of gloomlights invasion, it will be launched via wayfinding, directly in the middle of the approaching army, drawing atrellyans inward to the bomb with gravity runes, before detonating, causing a huge alteration magic explosion, turning every poor soul caught in it's radius to turn into a blob of flesh, before a violent kickback of reality causes the final damage in the landscape and the demons.

------------------------

A surprise shipment from blackthorn island has been spotted, heading towards Londo. On it, supplies for the masses could be seen, to be used by Londo and the Coalition respectively. Grains and Seafood for the masses are spotted, along with a few crates of medical supplies for the armies to make use of.

"I might have left. But I will not let my old home stand without aid, even if I am not there."

Supplies for Gloomlights defense: 
750 Briarwood
1000 Steel
200 Orichalcum
(Together, fashioned into one bomb)

Supplies for Londos and the Coalition:
100 Water Crystals
50 Earth Crystals
30 Amber
30 Crimson Reed
60 Perdegine 
(To be brewed into Healing Elixiers for the army)

300 HQ Wheat
400 HQ Rice
200 King Crabs
200 Tune
(Rations for the army and to keep morale up)

[radio]

In the months following the loss of the Ten's Citadel the forces of Gakaiyo reconvene within Xuefeng, the streets bustling with noise and troops. Empire's leaders in constant back and forth meetings, gathering information about the Imperfects that they had faced, preparing for their next move. It seems for some time they might never come to a decision and retreat might be their next play as ships are packed full of boxes and supplies.
 
Shogun herself is seen boarding upon a vessel as the fleet prepares to set off east and towards Sheng, the crew light, similar to the trip she had taken only a year ago to return with foreign soldiers.
 

 
Yet rather than continue on the eastern retreat, all ships take a sudden turn westward, their figureheads aimed on a straight path for the port of the Ash Citadel, now housing the great Atrellyan fleet. Silvered runes carve through the air as a rift tears through reality and many within the crews are seen traveling through. Shogun included. All to remain a small skeleton crew, brave warriors to sail within the enemy ranks.
 

A bright flash, fiery explosions. Ships rigged with explosive mana erupt within the port and look to cripple the Atrellyan fleet's ability to maneuver troops and reclaim power over the seas. Sailing over the horizon, ships bearing the flag of Fortune aim their cannons upon the ports caught aflame..

 

[[ -1500 Fire Crystals and the Supplies for five ships previously taken in preparation to build naval forces. +Port Fortune Forces 
Crystals previously infused with explosive and fire magics, Magi across Meranthe assisting with the project of Gakaiyo.]]

 

 

The cry of a dark-colored phoenix echoes in the spring of Xuefeng, the forces prepare to march upon the Ash Citadel in order to destroy the remaining demons and recover whatever can be from the once great nation. Atrellya's forces split as they land upon the the Republic, Gakaiyo looks to clear their influence from the North.

[DwizzleDorf]

The ritual is complete, and Tzernobog's blessings are given to the aged giant, Ventirion Calafax.

With the assistance of a great many magi, Ventirion's ritual took hold, his body, and all offerings having been taken by the great dunedrake, Tzernobog.

.

Resources spent (the offerings of those in attendance to Tzernobog):

1x Krausmas hat

2x Fairy powder
2x cobalthine

1x Shin unarmed rum
1x Caewynn bloodwine
2x Dungeon tokens
1x Dunedrake Jelly
1x Ventirion, Vessel of Tzernobog (that's me, I died)

139,791 coins

.

Additional resources/injuries:

Shards of Ifraheim (not consumed)

C'a-thul'dra'sfyr'leo (not consumed)

Sacrifice of Sincerity (injury)

Life, Given freely (injury)

.

Tzernobog now acts through the vessel offered to him, and Ventirion Calafax is once more able to stand in defense of that which he holds dear, his home, the city of Gloomlight, at the cost of his very life.

[DragonDarklyDreaming]

From the Traverse, ships sail carrying supplies, and troops move through the Waygate, to help reinforce Gloomlight. With the city being their main tie to the mainland, it's obvious that the Traverse has a vested interest in keeping them intact.

These soldiers bring with them supplies and other goods...

The Traverse Sends:

900 Soldiers
100 wheat
100 blueberries
200 grapes, carrots, potatoes, heads of lettuce,
200 bags of grain

A smaller contribution than some grand nations, but it would appear to be all that they can spare, in addition to supplies privately sent...

In addition to that, though, they are making clear efforts to bolster their own troops. A call for aid has gone out towards New Atlantis, who already send elite soldiers to bolster The Traverse... 

[NauticalMile]

---

2136 AC
Age of the Free Sea

After the recent raid against Nilhirra, the people of Fortune have gained a vast bounty of morale with their victory. Their spirits sing high to the sea and give their thanks to all those who had fought for them, allies, friends, family, and even those who came on their own accord. The seas have once more been claimed by their rightful rulers.

With the recent invasion by Atrellya, the Isles took a moment to recover from their wounds. Collecting supplies, bringing out weapons of all kinds. However, there's been a surge of the sea- with warships patrolling the Southern Seas along with Night Raids against the Atrellya fleet led by those of Fortune. Both sides have taken heavy losses but, at this moment. The seas remain secured.

Many have seen the bloodshed that has rolled through the Mainland. Their sacrifice, their loss, is not in vain. Their allies of Prospera have been welcomed with open arms, and those who have chosen to make their home upon the Islands of Fortune have been granted just that. A new home in the loss of their own, Fortune will not allow their grand sacrifice to be forgotten.

Glory to Prospera and its people.

Alongside the Northern Forces, the call for aid has reached Fortune. The Ruby Empire and the Kingdom of Fortune have now worked together to fight back against the fleets of the Atrellya forces. For they tread in the sea that does not belong to them. Forever in service do the Troops and People of Fortune defend the Sea. Their cannons roar, and they raid upon ships, slaughtering Demons, Witches, Warlocks, and all that stand for the Black Magic.

Fulfilling their promise.

The Seas belong to Mankind.

Fleets Repositioned
x2,000 Troops sent to the Ruby Empire for the counterattack.

---

Sapphire Bay

At long last the projects of Fortune have come upon their capital. Officially it is now the main hub for military, forgery, and many other war projects. Upon the docks, new ships with the flags of Enarrs Colors have claimed to come and help upon the war front. This Isle has become a powerhouse, the true beacon of hope and the horror of War upon the Southern Seas. Only the selected few are allowed... and any that dare get too close have been sunk to the depths of the ocean.

With a recent commission of the Emeraldi Family, a Fortress has been built upon the center of the Island as well as a Light House said to guide the lost from the sea to safe lands, and a secured Fort to keep the demon invasion at bay should they ever reach the seafront. Yet the Light House has also doubled as a searchlight, no longer can the raids of the Atrellya fleet sneak upon the Southern Isles.

Rumors say that the Isle is far from finished on its most recent developments. Sailors of all sorts have been called to arms, and the High Corsairs have given their training, and the Higher Command of the Royal Navy. The call to arms has not been lost, and it is encouraged by those who wish to join the ranks of the Royal Navy to speak to Admiral Meri Emeraldi.

Additional Buildings
x1 Fortress [Built]
x1 Light House [Built]

---

War Front Supplies
As their allies have, so too has Fortune been working hard at gathering supplies for their people.

x2000 Wood

The wood has been given to the Royal Navy to restock and repair the warships, as well as emergency medical supplies given to the wounded and perhaps... even the dying. More medical supplies will come in time after the wounded have been treated

Man Power
The call to arms has not been ignored! The Seas call to its finest warriors and its greatest sailors.

Coin 150,000c - Marine Recruitment
Influence 50,000c - Marine Recruitment
Mythril x500 - Arming of Sergeants

Rations
x1000 Pork

Vegetables:
x1000 Wheat
x350 Grapes
x200 Tomatoes
x200 Rice
x200 Carrots (Kindles Personal Stash)
x150 Lettuce
x100 Pumpkins
x100 Corn

---

Sea Mines

A warning has been given to those of the Southern Sea.

Deployment of Sea Mines has taken place all across the Kingdom of Fortune.

Tread Carefully.

Or Die in the Depths.

Regretful as it is, extreme measures have taken place for those of Fortune. With their near loss of their homes mere months prior they were ready to defend all they had with the deployment of Sea Mines by the Royal Navy. Made personally by the greatest Artificers in the lands of Fortune.

Information regarding safe lanes of transit to and from the islands of the Kingdom has been dispatched to all non-hostile kingdoms to help ensure only the travel of the enemy is impeded by these deadly devices

[x100 Sea Mines]
[Log]
x1000 Iron
x1000 Copper
x100 Orichalcum
x100 Fire Crystals
x100 Air Crystals

---

Glory to Fortune.

Glory to The Sea.

Glory to The Navigator.

---

[Coroneljones]

---

"Faith, Steel and Mana."
2136AC - Goldlight Order

Since the very start of the invasion, the Castle-City of Martyrs´ Vigil has remained quiet in comparison to its neighbours, not a single wagon of supplies or troops sent out of its reaches to the rest of the peninsula, yet it has not remained idle.

The silent workhorse that is The Order turned its full attention to the inevitable push south, with labourers and materials seen at work on the northern side of the Stronghold, while within it, practice drills intensify and smiths toil to forge armor, blades and magitech rifles.
And word spreads of a small fleet of vessels, having charted a course westward, towards the Bay of Tears.


Yet material expenses are kept seemingly veiled, in publicity, to those outside of The Order´s ranks, for the sake of this defensive doctrine, and only time would tell its true value.
The full focus was on preparing the City and its Ranks for the inevitable assault upon its walls, where not even the reports of an army marching towards Gloomlight would deter the effort - Until word of the repositioning of Fortune´s Fleet, northward.

The Guard was forced to adapt, with new deployment orders issued at last to deploy a Brigade to Gloomlight Grove, along the safe lines that connected both cities. For if the Western Wall that was the Aphrosian Grove fell, The Vigil would be surrounded.
One could only hope that the valiant Guard and Clergy of The Order would be enough to help hold the line - Where Guardsman and Overseer alike will bleed all the same, for the sake of Home and Family.

---

BRIGADE REDEPLOYMENT:

5,000 Military Strength to Gloomlight

Martyrs' Vigil Reserves: 5,000/10,000

[bonafidenubbin]

Gloomlight Grove is a city with a complicated and controversial reputation. 

Nowhere else can manage the feat of being simultaneously decried for fanatical, intolerant zealotry by half of Meranthe and accused of apologetics for witchcraft, necromancy, and diablerie by the other half.

But there is one thing few people have ever denied, for better or for worse…

…the Aphrosi are a passionate people.

***

The news that the Atrellyans are coming is met not with panic, but with rage.

The preparations that were already underway thanks to Oracle Thomas Equisol's careful planning receive a massive boost by the coordinating efforts of prominent Aphrosi citizens. Their own fervor and enthusiasm in service provoke an absolute groundswell of effort. From children just old enough to toddle around gathering stones for the great wall to grandmothers approaching their dotage turning donated supplies into filling rations. (+225,000 INFLUENCE.)

As for everyone else?

The work begins with a massive effort to bolster the outer wall. An outdoor forge crafted by Ophis of Mavethkar runs 24-7 for days, melting down a complex alloy of rare metals empowered by a donation of Yurekasme’s draconic blood allows for Christophore Garijn, Loramelian Ueda, and Mei’Ria to weave complicated runework in defense. Demons that reach the wall will have to contend with arcane runes of inversion, designed to convert their own occultic energies into holy to violently rend their own flesh – as well as wards borrowed from the divine Book of Kraus itself to inhibit all evils derived from the dark works of Mordred.

Physical efforts to strengthen the wall with yet more adamantine-bolstered wood are supported as well by the help of Earth mages and strong laborers. Tate Brier, the helpful visitor “Tuez” and the Squire Aedin Tanis are among those who work together to craft a trench before the wall, lined with tyrium spikes infused by Mei'Ria with camouflaging light magic to sap the enemy’s strength. Touka Akatsuki’s incredibly generous material donations fuel a network of earth crystals, embedded throughout the wall and wired together by her trademark ores, to turn common rock to the resolute strength of metal.

---

A secondary layer of defenses are constructed inside the walls in an effort led by Knight Ezra Ueda, barricades made from ordinary wood but fortified further with unyielding Adamantine. As the barriers go up, Sterling Montelione recruits Wayfinders to lay unpredictable traps buried within the earth – portal tokens in tyrium and orichalcum, powered by yet more lightning crystals. Missing conversion runes, a little more arcane inversion, and Wayfinding into mid-air at high speeds are all threats invading armies will have to face – and even the renegade exile Jaizara is seen assisting. Rhys Canavan of Goldlight, showing the benefit of his Chireus wings, begins to lay the groundwork for a rapid response wayfinding transit corridor as well.


As the people labor, Commander Hajime Akatsuki and Astra Captain Justia tour the fortifications, working alongside their subordinates without pride – and whipping them up to readiness and fervor with gallant speeches. Quieter but no less impactful words from well-liked private citizens such as Lys’Ria encourage civilians to come out and lend their aid as well.

---

And behind the scenes, the boring and essential work of bureaucracy unfolds…

…as an absolute titanic flood of donated provisions is initially collected by former-Oracle Loramelian Ueda, tracked and collated by Treasurer Edwyn Meeksworth, and disbursed by Head of Research Ksceniya C. Montelione.

Alchemical herbs, medical supplies, countless rations, even a donation of vitae itself from Grey Aundeoth (1x 24-day temp)…

Anything and everything is accepted, and thanks to the well-oiled machinery of Gloomlight’s bureaucracy, anything and everything finds its use. From aerosolized poison bombs for defenders to huck over the wall at demons (5x Magebane + XXX venom) to seasonal flowers spent to bless the lands in defense of the Cycle (20x Azilaena + 20x Saniskriti + 20x Marignolia + 20x Perdegrine), nothing goes to waste.
 

SUMMARY:

• REINFORCED WALLS: 500 Wood, 100 Adamantite, 1700 Earth Crystals, 1 Volatile Brown Shinium (D-Grade)
  
• TYRIUM SPIKE-LINED TRENCHES: 75 Tyrium, 200 Saniskriti
  
• RUNIC WARDING (INVERSION/ANTI-DEMONIC): 150 Orichalcum, 50 Blue Mercury, 750 Lightning Crystals, 1 Reinforced Orichalcum (D-Grade)
  
• SECONDARY BARRICADES: 2000 Wood, 185 Adamantite
  
• WAYFINDING TRAPS: 50 Orichalchum, 50 Tyrium, 250 Lightning Crystals
  
• MEDICAL RESPONSE/SUPPLIES: 50 Boosters, 200 Soothing Reed, 100 Sinka, 200 Poppylus, 20x Seasonal Flowers, 1 Vitae Donation (24-Day Temp)
  
• POISON BOMBS: 5 Magibane + 100 venom 
  
• RATIONS: 120x Rice, 150x Grapes, 220x Carrots, 100x Spinach (for Popeye), 50x Kale, 100x Apples, 100x Blueberries
  
• AND... 225,000 INFLUENCE to make it all happen.
  

GRAND TOTAL (GLOOMLIGHT AID POSTS COMBINED):

Troops: 13,900 (7000 + 2k Prospera + 900 Traverse + 5k Vigil; -1k Gakaiyo)

1 Spike Bomb (750 Briarwood, 1000 Steel, 200 Orichalcum


255,000 Influence

100,000 coins

---

1 Volatile Brown Shinium (D-Grade)

1 Reinforced Orichalcum (D-Grade)

---

22,500 Wood

4,600 Copper

5,000 Iron

---

1,285 Adamantite

700 Orichalchum

550 Blue Mercury

325 Tyrium

300 Mythril

200 Viridium

200 Nyeshk

325 Tyrium

---

1,700 Earth Crystals

1,000 Lightning Crystals

---

~7,672 Alchemicals, Food Items, Boosters, and Trauma Kits Combined
100 meals

***

(And, curiously enough, one unexplained element?

The Black Staff of Ozmandius Tal, Meranthe’ most notorious necromancer, publicly cleansed of nyctorre by Radiant of Life Svengalf Sandsker and Radiant of Death Christophore Garijn.

A lantern attuned to the Spirit Realm, inhabited by a powerful spirit, runewrought to open mysterious gateways by the Wayfinding legend Suzerain Mnemosyne Montelione.

A branch of Euphaedra, the Cleansing Tree, offered by the Lumin King to a Faeborne who left Home long ago.

A defense? A weapon? One never knows what to expect in Gloomlight.

REQUIEM AETERNAM - 90%)

[Bologna Prime]

Vibrant flowerheads swaying as waves of gold so far as the eye can see. The warmth of countless days from sunrise to sunset painted in layers of burning hues upon crystalline fissures. A passionate dance of winds that shift from jubilant rush to tempestuous furies. How countless fireflies and saniskriti lit the nights. How those estival quartz hissed and steamed against the downpours. How the spirit could drift in euphoria against the rolling breezes and be torn asunder as free-flying pieces between the shedding of petals in a great typhoon. The seasons write themselves deeply and dramatically all across Meranthe - and beneath histories of Prospera, Pleonexia, nor even the Marches of Helianth and names even further obscured into the mire of centuries, one name more than any which writes itself in the ink of Summer's essence as it touches this particular land.

Samil'shann

Summertide, would be its most concise translation approximated by a plurality of scholars to the ancient Faeborne tongue. The more verbose to highlight how with just the slightest alteration of inflection, addition of prefix and suffix, could paint that concise approximation into a niche evocation of all those particular imageries and elements which could be pinned to the land. Wylden a labyrinthine esoterica of Nemea's own poetics like no other, the subjective pliability of lesser tongues void before the complex rules of power which define it as a true magical lexicon. Those who'd claim to speak for the law of the land itself and every maxim of the seasons therein ought to know this name.

Those such as the shrewd souls of Delphina making their advance as most the occupying forces within the now-ruined streets of Prospera diverge south, leaving a vulnerable split of garrisons between that new stake and the so-dubbed Citadel of Ash. Swiftly are sails set, leaf-cloaked rangers dispatched to stalk what fields of florescence still endure the cumulative abuse of occupiers past and present. Their rally no claim of liberation for the abandoned state, but far more cryptic terms of exaltation through estivation. Cryptic, yet understood in full by a presence perpetual to a certain island looming just over the shore's horizon. A warden of the season's trials oft embarked upon for simple treasures, so rarely reflected upon for the deeper lessons therein. Those who do, may very well find the favor of the Phoenix which presides the so-known Isle of Eternal Estivation.

Burn bright, or burn away.
Absolution in a flash for a hundred nights' decay.
Light's consecration against ashen desecration.

---

---

Gloomlight is sieged, leaving the occupation of what was once Prospera thin and vulnerable.
Delphina seizes upon the opportunity, a force advanced to cull what is left behind.
In Nemea's gaze: Secure Samil'shann and prepare it for Her Exaltation of Summer.

- 10k Sent
- 250 Tokens "spent": Though it is more accurate that they were never there, as to represent repeated visitations to the Isle of Eternal Estivation (the monster den!) on grounds of pilgrimage rather than Association business. A process of currying the familiarity and favor of the resident Phoenix as to beseech its aid in this assault.
- ???: Details to come on the Exaltation of Summer and its own expenditures, should the necessary foothold to perform it be successfully achieved.

---

---

 

Thursday, 9/19, 6 PM EST(?)

[Only Sane Meranthan]

Rumours swirl of an armored figure moving from town to town, delivering millions of coin in materiel for the war effort. It is unknown where these supplies originated from.
A number of people have begun to look into this man, who holds no more than a pocketbook and pencil in hand as letters are written and items delivered. Whenever questioned, he provides only one response:

"When Atrellya is gone, I will be coming to collect."

[Inordinate supplies of ore (and meals) have been delivered to Gloomlight, Martyr's Vigil, the Sacred Coalition, and soon Fortune. Currently at 1 million coin's worth, with close to half a million more being prepped.
It's up to each of these nations (and the Coalition) to decide what to do with it!]

To Gloomlight:
[CENSORED], ~100 very delicious meals.
To the Sacred Coalition:
[CENSORED]
To Martyr's Vigil:
[VERY CENSORED]
To Fortune:
????, [CENSORED], ????, ???? (Scheduled, to be delivered once a list is given.)
All censored until the war is over?

Only the food is to be considered a donation.