State of Meranthe

[FrozenDeadGhost]

[Year 2174AC]

We seek those who will stand beside us when the winds turn cold and the world calls for strength. We do not dilute our fire—we share it, to burn brighter against the darkness which lurks.

ᛟ Under a radical proclamation, the Queen has declared that public worship of Enarr & Ualdir is strictly forbidden within Altharim’s walls. An open edict stating the crimes of both gods against mortals & primordials alike. It appears that since this proclamation relations with Enos were strained for a short period before leveling out again. It seems that room for growth is possible for the Enarrans that seek to change the teachings of their god. Time will tell how this affects Altharim’s views.

ᛟ Long term prisoner, Boushi, has been executed after breaking her sentence by tampering with her collar making it inactive within the territory of Viritas shortly after the Delphina & Viritas battle. Per her own admission to ranked officials of Altharim she was aiding and abetting Varrach the God Killer. With her coming of age and having spat on the merciful redemption she was offered, her life comes to an end. Death rites of Koretheia & Caius have laid her to rest. Through death, does her soul find redemption finally.

ᛟ The Vassal, Moth Industries, has vacated the territory of Nihil after discussion with the Lumin King of Delphina. Moth Industries has consolidated into Altharim and as a result started to show signs of magitech advancement across weaponry and armor of its Paladin’s.

ᛟ Under the cover of fog, Altharim made an attack on the Kingdom of Nilhirra in an attempt to free the enslaved nameless children. Sthenno released the collars of the children upon request, with death threats slung from both sides and tensions rising the children fought alongside their once slavers. Their minds seemingly lost to that of the Circle as far as anyone present could tell. Reports of Sthenno proclaiming that he will bring destruction to Meranthe as a whole. Recent investigation has found that the children of Nilhirra who have always been natives to the island wish to stay in their homes, to keep their families safe who are held against their wills. They will not abandon their family that are held hostage leaving only one path forward to save them. May the freedom of Nilhirra come swiftly.

ᛟ Surras the Witch engineer was captured by King Za’agan Sun in the wilds. Soon after a group of ambushers led by Morrigan Shadecrest and Lyam M. Hiraeth attempted to capture both monarchs to free her. Through coordination with Goddesses Vinaska and Koretheia, Surras is currently under a redemption program in Arcadia. Within two short years, Surras failed her redemption and was transferred back to Goldlight for soul purification via the goddess Vinaska.

ᛟ Any questions and prods that are given to Altharim about the Queen’s sudden change into a human are only met with a single response. “Caius is a funny god.”

ᛟ A few short weeks before the encroaching war, both monarchs were witnessed going into a private trial with leadership of Goldlight. Reports that Za’agan Sun went under a trial of truth via former Captain-General Grey Aundeoth regarding the Coven of Denath. After three days of investigations and a Divine Rite of Truth performed by the goddess Vinaska, Za’agan Sun was immolated to his end. Despite this, relations between the Republic and Altharim seem to continue positively for the most part. A statement is released by the Queen; “Many rumors have been spread by our enemies in an attempt to cut off allies from being gained for the war. My husband was not a witch. Attempts at espionage led him into a situation that could have been avoided but unfortunate decisions and miscalculations were made by both of us that ultimately led to his death. It is my intention to redeem how Meranthe views Altharim. While we may have unconventional methods, our intentions have always been to unite Meranthe against the Fel forces. Despite our lack of official support, we will continue to fight alongside those who doubt us.”

ᛟ In a test of perseverance, Altharim faced off against four Fel nations at their home’s borders from all sides. While seemingly left in the dark with no aid from all governments across Meranthe, the small city of unity received aid from individuals all over Meranthe. Being led to victory by valiant warriors such as Paladin Sterling Ryder and the aid of Mikael Richter of Goldlight. Several prisoners of war have been taken on both sides, notably; Valdis Hiraeth, Sorchaei, & Saige Stormheart. Within the battle it was revealed that Ibuki has been a captive long term by Altharim. A statement is released from the acting Queen; “To everyone who defended our nation, we will be forever grateful. Should you ever be in need you may call upon us.”

ᛟ A Celebration of Life for King Za’agan Sun & Saige Stormheart will be held in the coming year (announcement soon to follow). Games with prizes, prayer rites, food and drink will be provided. A great celebration is what they would have wanted to rejoice in the defense of Altharim and protection of Za’agan’s legacy.

Republic of Paritas - Friendly

Kingdom of Fortune - Friendly

Delphina

Dal’Thala - Neutral

Arcadia - Friendly

Enos - Neutral [We sail into better waters than the past]

Stone Haven - Neutral

Serenity - Cautious [Through your declaration for our people to burn do we step away]

Caethir - Neutral

Keep of Aetius - Neutral

Nightview - Friendly

Scholia Arcanum - Neutral

Viritas, Pscaela, Kingdom of Nilhirra, Ad Contra Deos, Monolith, Guignol - Hostile

[ValroseEmpire]

2174 AC

The wheels of fate turn evermore, progression under the umbral mantle is at hand.

• The umbral Gala had been a success and invited many nations to view the current state of Caethir. Many relations flourished between individuals and the like, though not without disturbance...
  
• Several squires have been promoted to knights and dames, to formally be announced: Dame Gwenevere, Sir Cifer Mugen, Sir Marcoh And last but not least, Sir Auras Blackthorn- master of house Blackthorn. A ceremony of knighting has been held for each to congratulate and acknowledge the achievements of each. All of which have shed blood for their homeland. The ceremony was hosted by none other than the commander of the order, Zuu Vawris.
  
• Caethir has begun construction plans to further expand, their influence reaches far and wide. Donations are gathered and the stone path furthers. An attempt to forge a kingdom further that will not bow or buckle in the face of threat nor storm.
  
• The Umbral guard furthers their influence as well with Atlas Von. Crescent at it's present lead. An expansion of the shadowed organization is soon to take place.
  
• The noble houses of Caethir expand as well, new houses form and older houses grow. Each well deserving of it's earned title.
  
• Due to recent events, a speech is held by The Queen Adira in announcement made firm on where they stand - against all fel and any possible corruption towards The Life stream.
  

"And to those of you that dwell in the darkness, in corruption- consider yourselves targets. Destruction may not be wrought, without consequence."

Relations:

Pscaela and any of it's allies: Consume.

The rest of Meranthe: A hand was extended with no response, indifferent until further notice.

[Folian]

[This entry appears to have been Painted Black...
How curious?]

[GriddyCannister]

Life is as beautiful like the ocean, but it carries that same darkness deep within. Where loss is unstoppable and suffering is inescapable. To hesitate is to drown- to falter is to die.
 

---

- The march to sever a head of the three headed hydra ended terribly for Aetius. Many were left injured, but far worse was the loss of their Warlord, Uralai, who fell in battle against the Lady Viceroy. Though such outcomes were always a possibility, his death struck hard either way. Aetius was left shocked, they were left wounded, and above all else, uncertain.

- With Uralai's position now vacant, the former Archmage of War, Gideon Lancaster, stepped forward to claim the role. His rise was met with the general acceptance of their people, and not long after having the positions, changes were made.

 

 -The Architect, Abigail Bylthe has been given the title of Grade III Archmage. 

 -May has been given the title of Archmage of War, succeeding Gideon. 
 
 -Thea Sigurjonsdottir has been given the title of Grade II Archmage. 
 
 -Ghost has been promoted to Grade I Archmage. 

In acknowledgement of their contributions to Aetius, the following individuals has been promoted to the rank of High Mage.

Cassandra Lancaster.

 
Aaru.

 

 - Following what appeared to be a major expedition, many of Aetius' members returned- though not without cost. Every individual who had been sent out came back bearing injuries.

-A large construction site has been set up on the outskirts of the castle-town, and in the midst, a galleon. The Architect, Abigail Bylthe proclaims she wishes to make it fly, and urges prospective shipwrights to seek her out, offering generous payment for their services.

 

-Aetius' sorcerers remain ever busy. The Astral Forge remains one of Aetius' primary projects, although what exactly it is for remains shrouded in secrecy and the wizardry of sorcery. Those interested in participating in it's construction should seek the Red Sorcerer of Aetius, Thea Sigurjonsdottir.

 

---

"Though I have been entrusted with this position, there is one thing I must make clear. Uralai was my mentor- my brother. I knew him well, just as he knew me. But I am not Uralai. I cannot replicate the feelings he may have inspired in you, nor can I mimic everything he did. We had a dream when doing everything he had, and now that he is gone, I will be the one to carry it on, and I will do it in my own way.
 
He was his own man, and I am my own.
 
With that said, any agreements or promises made between Uralai and others will be considered null and void until they are reviewed and discussed with me directly.
 
Though my feelings toward many of you have been quite... bitter, to say the least. I now realize that I cannot let my personal feelings interfere with anything that could benefit us in the future. I will make our current stance among you all clear.
 
Delphina: Matters of the past will be set aside in favor of similar interest.
 
The Republic: We share a common enemy, but that appears to be the only common between us.
 
Altharim: You have no involvement with us, and we have no involvement with you. I'd prefer to keep it that way.
 
Caethir: If you're truly interested in friendship, then show us your sincerity... and we will respond in kind.
 
Serenity: Altharim weren't the only ones you turned your back on.
 
The Three Headed Hydra: Must be slain. No matter the sacrifice. 

And to any others yet to be named: Do we have anything to talk about?"

[Vanai]

Year 2175

Settlement type: Devoted

• For many years, there was silence within the halls of The Temple of Man. The prayers to Enarr and Ualdir persisted but there was a silent stagnation that lingered, slowing the progression of the faith and development for the residents… In these quiet years, Tahuwa had been driven away by disagreements with the administration, Acantho fled Meranthe on charges of grand crimes, Fran Garijn disappeared beyond the Gates of Death in a long lasting spiritual journey and in the end, so did Atlas Equisol retreat into isolation.
  
• As Enos was at risk of fading into obscurity, Kosta Garijn, daughter of Atlas and Fran would step up at the age of 16. Over the coming years and under guidance of the temporary leader Gunnar (NPC) she came to be respected as the leading power within the Temple, and for its people through keeping Enos oath to give aid to their allies and to always stand against the fel in the various battles across Meranthe.
  
• Slowly, the temple began to stir: refuge was given to those of Drakanspire, allies who needed a hearth after the fall of their home... A passing moment of tension between the church and Mikael Richter, upon which the honourable dwarves of Stonehaven offered aid to the temple in their time of need. But mercifully the threat was withheld, and no clash came.
  
• Since then, the slumbering of Enos has ended. Once more, with new friends, allies, and members coming to the temple’s doors, the hearths once more burning with activity and friendly faces, do we rise. Of particular note, the Giant of Enarr Saevara Vindrskald proclaims that she is undergoing an operation to repair the warped and defaced Forge of Ualdir, and invites those of similar interest to make contact.
  
  
• The temple finds its strength once-more, so too do its enemies: for just as Atrellya marched on its predecessor, so too did Aisenliche march with an army of undead helmed by a forgotten terrible beast. With Enarr and Ualdir in their hearts, and many allies from near and far at their side, the incursion was repelled: yet tragedy struck all the same, for the temple’s leader Kosta Garijn was dealt a near-mortal blow in the defence of the city by the maw of the black dragon.
  

Now, the giant Saevara Vindrskald takes acting command of the temple, while the doctor Esoti Liam’s medical talent is all that keeps the wielder of the mighty Calsevol clinging to life, her future uncertain…

In the wake of the battle against Aisenliche, the regent proclaimed the following:

“Far too many years have passed with our halls in silence, with Enos left slumbering and unmoving amidst illness and inner turmoil. To this end, I proclaim before Meranthe that our heart yet beats, and that Enos stands as it always should have been: as a bulwark of the pantheon.

There are many in this world who hold Enarr and Ualdir in contempt, those who would wrongly name us tyrants, warmongers, and worse for our faith. Yet, regardless of how you may feel of the Twin-Crowns, be you of good intention and pure of soul, the Temple of Man shall be your shield against the darkness. Whatever you may think of the Enarr and Ualdir, know that we stand with humanity and the pantheon’s unity.”
- Saevara Vindskaldr

Relations

Stonehaven: Our liege in the mountains, we recognize the Crownbearer’s claims of the snowy lands.

The New Dawn Order: Friends of the faith, all.

Altharim: Our past is a checkered one, but we believe in your vision. May she rest in peace.

Meranthe: The temple’s doors are always open to those of good nature who seek them

The Fel: Repent or perish

Aisenliche: Wrath, unending

Credits:
Thanks to Tokkihopp who helped me write this (Practically wrote the majority!)
Original art made by Javier Charro (link)

[Folian]

Another one so soon...? How curious.

2175AC
Settlement Type: Progressive

The City of Art Stirs

Following the recent Council of the Hydra, as so branded by the late Warlord of Aetius, the Martyr of Mydaea secluded itself away in the depths of Castle Viritas alongside its inner circle, consulting with the Angel of Art and finalizing plans going forward.

"Her Grace has spoken unto me and revealed the designs of the tapestry she wishes me to write. No longer shall death be wrought without purpose; a mess of spattered paint devoid of grace and beauty. Such meaningless carnage shall do naught; why deny the opportunity to those who may understand the righteous cause that we pursue.

This land knows well of the Tyranny of Ualdir and Enarr, heavenly edicts that deny the freedom of those they see as lesser. The will of Avalon is much the same, benevolent as they pretend to be; sentencing their own brothers and sisters to an eternity of imprisonment, just as Vdali once suffered, for daring to threaten their status quo.

So many fear change. So many fear what could be.

I offer to you, those who would listen, the opportunity to join in the pursuit of a new canvas. A more beautiful, kinder world."

- By the edict of the Martyr of Mydaea, the Shades of Viritas have been ordered to cease any meaningless pursuits of bloodshed outside of the City of Art's borders. Assaulting foreign agents without purpose is deemed a crime, and punishable by the Martyr itself. Self-defence however remains perfectly permissible, and does not fall under the previous edicts. More codified changes to the City of Art's law are said to come soon.

- Following this, the presence of the Shades becomes less pronounced, returning to their roots as a more shrouded and secretive branch of the City of Art's military.

- After the conclusion of the Hydra's Coil summit, relations with the other so-called 'heads' have been strengthened. A following meeting between the Martyr and Omnistrate has seen mutterings of something greater bubbling in the works.

- Word spreads that at the summit, the Martyr announced its intention to pursue some form of powerful relic that dwells within the Tower of Aetius. More details to come in future months.

- Rumor spreads that in the previous months, the Martyr called down the Angel of Art Herself before the city's populous. A woman of raven-hair and wings, carrying an otherworldly beauty who bestowed unto some of Her most loyal apostles an ancient and wondrous art capable of bringing to life not decaying flesh and bone -- But to animate paintings and even statues, such as Martyr itself.

- Those who seek to better understand the Angel of Art and Her aims are encouraged to seek out either the Viceroy, Yaeka Akatsuki, or the Martyr himself.


Relations:
Pscaela - Shared in purpose
Ad Contra Deos - Shared in purpose
Meranthe - A return to indifference.