State of Meranthe

[caeso]

CURRENT YEAR: 2050 AC

---

Again you show yourselves, you wavering Forms,
Revealed, as you once were, to clouded vision.
Shall I attempt to hold you fast once more? Heart’s willing still to suffer that illusion?

 

---

RUMORS & FABLES

• After a decisive strike along the distant sea of the peninsula's archipelago, the vanishing of ships become more and more frequent. Intercontinental trade is actively being crippled, but no-one can easily name why or how. Sailors speak of the Red Moon, and how it is an omen of extreme danger. Once upon a time, ghost ships are found floating to shore, without a single sign of survivors aboard. Some blame piracy, others dark magics: but the end result is all the same.
  
  
• In the wake of Moonfall, whispers of Alice's scattered limbs and pieces goes from town to town. They are hunted: and there are some dark rumors of a morbid bounty being put on her parts, and anyone who is in possession of them. Whatever Occult purpose these objects have is far from obvious, but it is very clear that someone is very unhappy that would-be Heroes have made off with her bits and pieces.
   
  
• The Arcana of the Emperor appears may appear in increasing frequency. Another strange omen of events to come, or just the luck of a reading?
  

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RELATIONS

AEN: 

 

 
H̶̢͕̤̲̫͓̗̦̊̉ͅỦ̶̢̪̩̏͗͌̉̌̃͘͝N̶̢̫͈͎͉̠͙̹̹̿̈́̑̆̽̓͊̌̕ͅT̶̘̝̬̺̀̅̽͝E̷̥̠̱̣̖̞̣͊́̎̈́D̸̤͗̆͊̉̃͊̃̚

 

THE WORLD:


Ĉ̸̢̛͇̼̝͈͙̒͑̿̊̐̽͜Ą̵̠̲̥̬̪̞͓͒̂̂̕̚͝P̵̧̙̤͙̲̥̠͗̆̎͝T̵̢̺͕͋̎̐̍͑́̚͝I̴̯͋̒̅̂V̷̪̯͇̹͑̈́́̇̾͊͛̄͜Ẻ̶̖̳̭̥̯̟̟͍͎̒͗͑̀̀̅̿̏ ̵̥̟̺̟̮͕̯̅̏͛̌̈́̿À̶̢̩̣̦̞̙̪͕͈̔͋̑̉̍͗̀̕͘U̴̡̝̐̐̉̎̌́̆͝D̸̮̗͆̆̀͝Ȉ̸͖̝̓́̈́̀̀̄͠ͅE̷̛͍̯̙̹̥̦̯̦̋́̐̉̕͝N̸̖̓C̵̢̨̢̭̪̺̅̎̚͜͜É̷̛̛͔̫͖̈̿̽͝

[Penguin]

2051 AC

"Change is the only constant in life, just as even the seemingly unmovable sands of time will eventually shift and transform."

After decades of stillness, the desert city has awoken. Final Frontier stands strong upon the shifting sands. Through the constant expansion and advances achieved at the Desert Facility, they have unlocked a promising future full of opportunity and progress.


✲ With the departure of the former director, Lycoris Aubreen, Eleos has stepped forward to lead the Proto-Institute. They encorage all artificers, alchemists, and scientists to reach out to them. 

✲ Following successful negotiations with Jokul, leader of the giants, Vdalion has begun patrolling the desert and its surrounding areas. This resolution not only ensures the safety of the city but also represents a significant milestone in strengthening the alliance between the two settlements

✲ The Animunculi are on the move, their metallic forms glinting in the sun as they scurry about the city. Whispers of preparations and rumors abound, and some say that a grand festival is in the works.  Maybe something else is brewing in the city.

✲ The city of progress is abuzz with activity as numerous projects are underway. Eleos is encouraging anyone in need of support or funding to come to town, where they might connect with like-minded individuals and find the resources they need to bring their own projects to life.

✲ Amidst the mountains of the desert, a towering structure now stands, its glow visible both day and night.  The Ascended Sanctuary, a beacon of hope in these trying times. Within its walls lies the Sainted Enclave of The Expanse, those curious to learn more about them are encouraged to seek out Alhena Avincus.

 

---

 

Relations:

Delphina: Allied

Vdalion: Allied

Nyt'Hjem: Friendly

Stone Folk: Allied

Aen: Neutral

Undervein: Neutral

Kingdom of Fortune: Neutral

Croí-Uaimhe: Neutral

Aphros: Peace

[Epoch]

2051 AC

The legendary War Horn of Vdalion sounds three times, heard across the lands. After the third, it is said Dal'thala was taken in a single night... but that is only what the history books will show. 

In truth, Dal'thala mounted a brave defense. In what is deemed a betrayal by Queen Yvelle Vacerayne, the Vdalion forces, aided by many prominent magi, gained ground and broke the diarchy by show of force. Yvelle named sole ruler of the Delphina Kingdom with Vdalion's support. In exchange, the banners of the Empire fly and Dauntless can be seen patrolling the grounds. While vassalized, the territory remains Delphina. Perhaps susceptible to be regained by those refuges of old. The refuges that fled alongside Raenesa Vanya.

As Vdalion's sphere of influence grows, they intend to return the lands to the ways of yore when giants ruled. Its council becomes dissolved somewhat, with new faces replacing the old, one amongst them Hela Vorraog. The title of Jarl no longer so important. The demonic hoard marches and Vdalion prepares to defend.

---

• The Temple of Ymir holds a special artifact for those under the Empire's banner to use. The faith renamed and redefined under Hofgothi Hulda, referred to as the Shattered Flock or Ymir's Flock.
  
  
• Following a public ritual, the spirit of the Third Grimnir made their presence upon the sacred moot grounds. The past of Vdalion illuminated. Grimnir not a person but Vdalion's old title in place of Emperor. Several other secrets revealed, with the original myth of Grimnir rumored to be folk lore.
  
  
• A dragon soon born..
  
  
• Kazras Folhammar named Forgeseer of the Folhammar Clan, inheriting the Folhammar.
  
  
• Hela Vorraog acts as the ears of the Emperor due to his odd, multi-day disappearances. While she holds no exact title, she is a prominent, trusted voice within the city, especially as its most powerful spiritmancer.
  
  
• Dauntless are encouraged to be more proactive by the Grimnir. 3000 coin given for the maiming of an enemy and 5000 for alive captives. Proof to be brought to Thane, Kazras.
  

"We have seen that many move about the shadows and observe from a distance, kraven and so swift to hide their visage. To mine Dauntless who call for glory- move forth in pairs and bring honor unto your name. Now, more than ever, we cannot afford to be passive. Bring unto me proof of leaving the foul beings of the Damned and Profane maimed or even bring them to pay for their crimes against Amier's Garden. Doing so will see you rewarded."
- Kazras Folhammar

---

From public rumors and recent actions, the following can be theorized:
It is wise to not put too much stock into these rumors, given the erratic behavior of Vdalion's leader.

• Wonderland - War.
  
• Abendrot Ebonhold The Deep Hold - War.
  
• Dwarves of Galnur / Fortune Kingdom / Gutter / Final Frontier / Delphina - Under Banner.
  
• Aphros - Peace.
  
• Nyt'hjem/Croi-Uaimhe - Friendly.
  

[Snickers]

The waves on the coast gently touch the rocky cliffside that holds the newly established port town. Once a pipedream, years of business and mountains of coin investment later, welcomes all to a budding and ever changing environment.

Within the expanded port-town, Zemheri and Kostus stand at its head to guide it towards an ambitious future. A father and son duo.

• The Golden Guardians, the guards of Audhild go through shifting rankings. Announcing Galland Silvanas as the commanding officer of all their forces. Along with Xena, as one of their standing captains. A barracks will be in construction as well as a tower for the city states protection.

• The newfound expansion brings with it a new marketplace, Kostus encourages those looking to finance their wallets to seek permits to sell their wares.New facilities are in the works, and are being tested behind the scenes for their potential successes. One being potentially a legal gambling site, and a mestran temple.

• Both Branches of Audhild are currently seeking out workers for multiple jobs. Including Artificers, Writers, Chefs, Researchers, and reagent suppliers.

• With the new expansion, Edhell provides Audhild with a  newly decorated and operational library. Anyone that is interested in books should reach out to the head librarian Nefeli Lorillis For registration to the library, or to publish one's own works.

• The Rose of Audhild, advertises itself as an open door public Tavern for any and all welcome to enjoy.For those wanting a relaxing atmosphere, and to take a step away from the stresses of life. At it’s head, Siwan.The public food tasting ‘Experience Gustavave’ applications are now closed.

• With its new expansion, follows up with another. Construction in the works for a Housing District dubbed, ‘Langley’ where all general housing resides.
  

Meranthe: Neutral.

Deephold: Unwelcome.

[Didos]

2051 AC
 

Amidst the edges of the Shadowlands the turmoil caused by the presence of the Demonic Horde and Legions of the Undead continues as usual. A lot has been happening, from expansions, to even prevented raids..

 
And certainly, much more is to come.

 

---

  
◈ After the incursion led by Aen forces failed to siege the Deep Hold, expansions occur and the city grows. The presence of more buildings and walls is notable.
 
◈ After the changes wrought by Sak'noth took place, the fabric of reality seems more tenuous - an appropriate time for practitioners of Riftmancy to step in, and more of these have been emerging.
 
◈ Demonic forces, as well as undead - are seen advancing towards the mountain where the Giants live. Their final objective is uncertain, but notably a siege is coming.
 
◈ Necromancy lessons are being provided through Deep Hold for the Horde members, as well riftmancy in some moments.. Surely it is a moment of learning.
 
◈ An expedition into the depths of the Shadowlands has happened and apparently, the expeditionary force recovered something from the interior of this place forgotten by the gods.. That may change everything.
 
◈ Rumors indicate that the Lord of Change will offer great rewards to those who bring him any Nephilim, the reason for this is unclear.. But large amounts of coins, as well as resources and knowledge - are among the things offered.
 

---

 

Relations:

 

Meranthe - Prey

[Metrice]

2053 AC

Many a happening had befallen the lands of Fortune. After their recent Name Day Celebration talk of a potential recurring festival has gone about its people. Many feel an annual recurrence was in order, but some feel it’d be easier to manage every few years given Fortune's size. Once this is resolved, the whole of Meranthe could expect a celebration of liquor, meats, and a grand tournament unlike any other.

☠

Fortune has continued to grow. Its lands spread with every waning moon, and now with the fall of Lyonesse? Its people having abandoned those once glorious lands, made in the light of her ‘Majesties’ country. It was all for naught; they would see the place torn down brick by brick; board by board. Lyonesse was no more, the settlement well and truly gone. But this left a void within the southern seas, one that Fortune would be filling. One that they had been longing for, eyeing for so long. Yet now, the island had been dubbed by a new name, the Sapphire Bay was born. A new glorious capital to the nation of Fortune.

☠

The tri-headed council of Fortune has come together. Firstly, after the christening of the Sapphire Bay settling Fortune’s borders was important. Making sure the seas were clear for safe travel, making sure the lands of Meranthe saw them in a brighter light. But most of all, making sure that their nation would prosper for years to come. The Sapphire Bay not only serving as a focal point of the nation but also, a colossal trading hub across all of the southern seas.

⎈ In the advent of their celebration, Fortune has begun fully settling the Sapphire Bay. Erecting many a home, a stall, and a shop. Allowing for greater prosperity than they’d managed before. Especially with the travel between Port Fortune, and Nilhirra no longer barred by Aenite waters.

⎈ Fortune’s growth continues to rise, with every passing day more come to the jewel of the Southern Ocean. And its capital the Sapphire Bay provides a mercantile opportunity they’d not had in the past.  It was an epicenter of trade in Aen’s day, now Fortune would take a piece of that success.

⎈ The island chain now boasts a collective population of over two thousand. Fortune’s citizenry remains thriving under their banner of freedom. That, and the banner of Vdalion’s empire flown in unison.

⎈ There is rumors going about, that the tournament held during the Name Day Celebration may become an annual activity. But this is still being deliberated by Fortune's leadership. There has also been talk of a sentencing, that a thief would be handled accordingly. Rumor has it that the Ookami known as Rasalas Thatcher will be offered up for a specialized trial. If word holds true? It'll be a spectacle for the ages...

Vdalion: Under Banner
Aphros: Neutral
Dal'Thala: Allied
Deephold: Not Good
Wonderland: Not Good
Undervein: Allied
Nyt’Hjem: Neutral
Frontier: Neutral
Audhild: Neutral

[B0b_J3ffers0n]

2055 AC

For the past few years, The Gutter has been relatively quiet- with only the Queen of The Gutter being an openly active member of the faction. However, over time, even she has grown silent... Until recently. With the passing of the crown onto the new Queen, The Gutter appears to have picked up in activity again, with a particular pink haired Rat scurrying about from place to place.

One thing is for certain, something has changed within The Gutter.

---

• Rumor has it that Fist the former Queen of The Gutter stepped down- with Estelle Guldskratt being rumored to be her successor.
  
  
• With the new Queen comes a new tide of information- with the Queen being rumored to have immense ties to Fortune Telling. 
  
  
• The Gutter, once again, keeps it's former ties with Vdallion- the new Queen not seeing a reason to change such.
  
  
• Rumor has it that the new Queen is far more apprehensive about the use of foul arts within the fortress.
  
  
• Noteably: The new Queen appears to frequently move from place to place- supposedly on the lookout for fellow Razuka. What for? Only time would tell.
  
  

---

Relations:

Vdalion: Under Banner.

Aphros: Neutral.

Dal'Thala: Neutral.

Deephold: Unfriendly.

Wonderland: Who?

Undervein: Neutral.

Nyt’Hjem: Neutral.

Frontier: Allied.

Audhild: Neutral.

Fortune: Neutral.

[Oicha]

[Progress, Tradition, Vengeance]

2055 AC - New Moon

It is through death, that we see the culmination of all great deeds. The reflection of a man's life is the period where he can be most understood. His fleeting existence given it's full purpose by his finality. There is no true experience of life without the threat of death.

What happened to us ten years ago was senseless. A reflection of the state of the surface world. Untamed and unchecked chaos that had spread to our peaceful lives. The time for the simple lives of our ancestors is long gone, and only in it's finality can we reflect, and gain new purpose.

I am your Moonseer, the one who guides your fury. Directs the gaze of my hunters, as Lord Captricon does. Brings glorious end to our lives, filled with swelling purpose. We will not do as the surface dwellers did, we will not kneel and wait for our demise. We will have our vengeance, our great hunt. Nothing will stand in the way of that goal.

Til flagermuskongen.
(Malvesta)

☪ Malvesta, the Moonseer of Nyt'hjem, has taken a much more active role in the leadership of the people of Nyt'hjem.  While she has not taken the role of Moon Chosen for herself, Inigo seems to have taken a step away from the spotlight. Perhaps some grand goal or plan is in mind?

☪ The city of Nyt'hjem was completed after years of digging and construction by the Batkin. And now serves as the holy city for the Moon Carvers, welcoming those who would learn more about the Pantheon of Death. Many have been seen flocking to the city, magi and non-magi alike. Whether removed from previous homes with the turmoil of the surface, or simply a fervent belief in the message of vengeance they preach.

---

☪ The Batkin have taken a formal alliance with the city of Giants. Joining the grand coalition of warriors gathered to topple the demons. Though many have heard the Moonseer's loud proclamations that the Na'hrem would never kneel to surface dwellers. An alliance in every sense of the word, not to be mistaken with vassalization.

☪ With the absence of Faune Luminita, the council of leadership in Nyt'hjem has been reduced to three. The leader of War, Giovanni, The leader of Knowledge and Medicine, Malvesta, and the Moon Chosen Inigo Na'hrem. However, a replacement for Faune's position will still be sought, and given to an appropriate person.

☪ Dull thrums and the whirs of steam engines can often be heard coming from deep within the city of the Na'hrem. Large quantities of metal and crystals being imported from across the continent. One can only speculate as to the designs of the Na'hrem. But one thing is for certain, whatever they are doing, is producing a large quantity of aetherical energy.

Relations:
Vdalion and her Vassals - Grand Alliance.
Demons, Witches and Dark Practicioners - Prey.
Those not of the Alliance - Beneath Notice.

[Epoch]

2055 AC

DeepHold gains ground upon Mount Grimhjall. It would take time to prepare the following siege using the narrow bridge path that connects the two cities. The Empire uses this slim opportunity to make a single strike at Aphros, with several prominent leaders captured before the battle begins.

Again, armies clash. As sunsets Jack Equisol runs sword through heart in his duel with Lirael Equisol. With this death, Logan Ackers says a prayer. The city is bathed in light and shadow, becoming a ward against deception and witchcraft, a beacon of Athelios' presence or so the civilians say. A sign of hope even as things look bleak. The strength of the growing Empire is obvious. Aphros surrenders. The city taken, banners fly. 

Aphros is reinforced into a pseudo-military state, Sabriel Equisol set as Commander of the Bastion. Logan Ackers as Warden of Athelios' blessing on the land. The city is fortified with military encampments and citizens evacuated to allow armies to march through their streets. Lirael Equisol remains trusted, sole Oracle.

Delphina's leadership sits in contention after Aemiliya's claim but the city of Dal'thala slowly becomes more of a spiritual hotspot. 


...Emperor Jokul's conquest of Meranthe ends as it began, in blood. With the main kingdoms and cities of worth under banner, the towns and growing settlements on the fringes of the Empire are seemingly forgotten. With lands united for the first time in millennium, attention set on a far more important task.

The Great War Council of 2055AC concludes with no disruption. The message of the leaders conveyed to their people simple: politics later, a singular focus on the ongoing war with the Deep now.

All that remained was the day of the battle...

---

• The words and whispers of revolt from the Vassals is met with a single wordless message by the Giant Emperor. He can be seen lingering alone within the capitals of the conquered. Daring people to try and take his head. Showing them that a single misstep could mean their doom. Notably he appears far older than he was prior.
  
  
• The traitor Osian Caewynn is killed and returned to Pavonis ground, with a ritual dedicated to Nemea held somewhere during this time period. The exact details obscure.
  
  
• A memorial for the fallen will be held. The different priests and priestess' of the Empire are expected to attend, to honor sacrifice and confirm unity.
  
  
• Those that need equipment; armored gear or potions for the upcoming battles are to reach out to leaders of their own or neighboring vassal states.
  
  
• Whispers speak that the Djinn had advised the Emperor of Meranthe. Honor Duels made into a special rite, only able to be approved by the Emperor and overseen by them. No longer misused for petty bloodshed.
  
  
• Several magi are exiled, especially after the death of Yvelle Vacerayne. Rumors that witches were involved in her assassination. Details are however murky due to the timing and chaos the Empire's new war provides. For now, all that is known is that those associated or suspected association with her death are to be captured on sight.
  

---

From the flowing banners to the armies that move in collaboration, the following is made obvious:

• The Lands of Meranthe - UNDER EMPIRE.
  
• Underground (Nyt'hjem) - Alliance.
  
• ANYONE ELSE - If you're not with Vdalion, you're against it.
  

[Epoch]

2056 AC

The World Ends.

The sky above Grimhjall is black and red. Unified armies fight until the last man, until undead and demons are vanquished from their grounds. Though they face defeat, they show bravery and strength that the Lands of Amier had not witnessed in centuries. The Emperor urges his people to Delphina, for therein lied the next steps and for the armies to return to their city states. Djinn Dyaus offers a faster mode of travel, to transport hundreds of magi and citizens over, and so in a flash of verdant green, they are taken.

A feather of Chireus is said to have fallen mid-travel and after it had, Jokul was nowhere to be seen. Whereas there are rumors he appeared in Delphina, it is likely an illusion wrought from Nemea. The last use of his powers to ensure he could not be followed.

The True Giant took an early exit to Vdalion, to Grimhjall, to his home and there, beneath the Runeoak tree planted only weeks earlier, does he rest. Civilians evacuating swear he was burned up in the great fire and smoke. Some rumors say that giants buried him underneath old Moot Grounds, in front of Shaggard's Cove, then they succumbed to the black smog that lay in the air. In truth, the answer is probably the most likely, he faded to glimmers of aether as godhood claims cost. Perhaps he simply was not real at all, only a myth.

And so the story of Surtyr and Kane Follhammar's son ends as it had begun; not noteworthy and ultimately all alone.


...


With the death of not one but two Imperfect Demons, and their remains destroyed, it seemed as if all of Meranthe would be subsumed by the rule of the Empire. Yet, fate has a strange way of unfolding. The Empire is without its Capital and its Leader. The days leading up to the climax were bloody, with the people of Vdalion enforcing their might, wisdom and leadership over each of their city-states. Numerous deaths occurred: Monica Moore, Carnation Aubreen, Stede Vane. While reasons granted, people were rightfully mad. Whispers of revolts, of independence. It would be difficult to keep this Empire together but perhaps.

There are people of promise, Thane Kazras Folhammar, DragonKing Orphee Dawnseeker, Spiritmancer Hela Vorraog, Oracle Lirael Equisol, Nephilim Lila Woodes. Even the new Queen of Delphina, Aemiliya Alinteau, bathed in Nemea's faith and blessing as she was crowned, shows signs of leadership.

Whatever the case may be, the story of Meranthe is not yet wholly told, only time will tell what comes from this.

---

• UNCERTAIN. GRIMHJALL DESTROYED. VOLCANO ERUPTED.