State of Meranthe

[Sachiko]

2056 A.C

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"Name one hero that was happy..." - ???

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 The Beginning
     
The sky is shrouded in darkness, Helheim's fires rage on, and Meranthe is haunted by the stench of ashes and death itself... What was once an Empire is now nothing, demonic hordes pave what remains of the streets, eldritch tendrils wither through the fabrics of life, blood is splattered throughout tainting the soils, a battle that felt like a lifetime, one that would rage on through the merciless night, an end for some but only the beginning for others.

    
There has been an upsurge in the population of demons and skeletons throughout the north, and there are rumors of The Deep continuing their march, The Monarch in the middle of it all, and a red moon eclipse on the horizon. More witches and warlocks are being spotted publicly practicing sabbaths, while others have migrated to the open regions to preach The Deep One's path.
    
Even while one thing is claimed to be sure...

     

Helheim's flames will bring about Change.

     

No candle is lit, no sword is carried aloft in memory of those who have perished; instead, a mountain of corpses is offered in name, blazing in flames from the unfathomable pits of the abyss.

       

...

    

Following The Imperfects' assassination, little time is spent in filling the ranks, and the Demonic Dragon of Meranthe Grisha is now dubbed The Wyrm; Mariona, Queen of the Undead, is now Lady Pandaemonium, restoring order once again, The Trifecta of darkness.

   

"I knew all the possible outcomes, I seen the world crippled and crumbling. I felt the pain before it passed, yet the burden of such causalities strikes deeper than observable. For Helheim's Champion alongside the Lord of Change cannot be forgotten as the ripples will persist for centuries to come.

       

Ebbing through the world like a twisting vine is the alteration their ambitions swept across Meranthe, I feel it, I see it growing like a grand plague. And I see the finish line, I see the real change that is coming. And none of you can possibly be prepared for it.

     

Time is the only factor remaining, such will see the work complete. I have seen the end."

(Lord of Time - Xarxes)

   
     

• The Empire has fallen, the siege a success, Vdalion is only ashes, and there has been a considerable rise in the number of demons and dreadful creatures spanning from The Deep Hold up to the very mountains where their presence is felt.
  

       

• Even with the Lord of Change gone, whispers continue to permeate Meranthe. The Monarch will grant large prizes to those who bring him any Nephilim, but the reason for this remains unknown... However, vast sums of currency, as well as resources and knowledge, are still available.
  

• Deep Hold continues to provide Necromancy courses to Horde members, and word has it that something new is in the pipeline for those looking to advance.
  

• According to recent occurrences, The Deep Hold rumbles with life, something enigmatic and menacing reeks from beneath the forts, and change was on the way...
  

       

• With The Monarch in command, a new Prophet raises a new hand of The Deep One's fury, driven by His anger, to disseminate his message. Xananxa The Whispers of Obliteration.
  

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Relations:
    
Meranthe: Prey

[Metrice]

Year: 2056

_________________________≼≽_________________________

So much has changed in these few short years, with the grand war of the Empire coming to a close. The world had changed, shifted, power intertwined throughout the many nations yet none to head it. With the loss of Emperor Jokul, the empire had been left devoid of structure. Time would be testament to how long it would last. Fortune would hold steadfast regardless, her people, her soul resolute despite the calamity that had befallen the lands. A crimson haze, an ebony sky, the seas blanketed under the fallout of the cataclysmic eruption. Despite it all, Fortune would open their borders. To all the downtrodden, all the misplaced, the swath of refugees scattered about the continent had a place upon the southern shores.

⤄

More change was to come, with the Sovereignty having shifted to another. No longer would the Cambion King hold the position over the seas of Fortune, but the once Chamberlain would find themselves gifted the opportunity to lead. Fabbondel Ethrian, the new Sovereign left to oversee the entirety of the archipelago. To see her people, thrive. To see her blessings many, her woes few. In times of such grievous uncertainty, what more could be asked of the Sovereign? With the ushering of change came others, the Captain of Arms would be revised in unison with the Chamberlain. Both stripped of some powers, and the former would be newly dubbed as the High Commander. What was more, with the funeral pyre of Stede Vane set to be on the coming year. The people needed stability, structure, and the promise of a better tomorrow; a memorial in the old Captain’s honor would be erected upon the shores of Port Fortuna.

⤄

There was much talk among the people, the Percipience had been seen working on a grand project. The newly appointed Sovereign would undersee it personally, in hopes to bring about a grandiose shift within the southern seas. Chatter of advancements in sea travel were underway, in addition to this; rumors spread of automatons being of great importance to the research commission. Any and all that would be willing to aid in such an endeavor were welcome, the call of the Percipient had yet to be quelled.

⤄

Lastly, word spread quickly about the islands of a vacancy. With Delsar heading the position of High Commander there were two vacancies within Fortune’s council. One, of the Chamberlain and the other of the Cobalt Division Captain. If souls willing and capable of the position would prove themselves worthy? In time these hopefuls may yet find themselves a place within the vacant hierarchy of the archipelago.

______________________≼≽______________________

⁜ With many a vacancy to fill in Fortune’s hierarchy, the people were urged to apply themselves within both the ranks of the Driftwood Battalion. And the studious gaze of the Percipience, selections of only the most capable individuals would be made. For both the Cobalt Division Captain, and the Chamberlain.

⁜ Housing a plenty was available upon the southern shores. Both in Nilhirra, and Port Fortuna would one find themselves capable of a proper dwelling. In times such as these, when the world had been left with such uncertainty. A stable haven away under the vigilent gaze of the Driftwood Battalion would do nicely for Magi and Non-Magus alike.

⁜ With the rumors of Emperor Jokul’s passing there was much chatter about the isles. What would become of the Empire, would Fortune recede from their ranks? Time would tell, but for now relations were held tenuously with the council of Meranthe’s Empire.

⁜ Fortune’s people would be left to mourn the passing of their beloved, those who had fallen in addition to the once Captain of Arms Stede Vane. Many a ship would be set to sea, their light fading, flickering out into nonexistence. Left to be washed away with the wind, returned to the sea. Their part in this mortal coil was done, now they’d be left to rest forevermore.

Vdalion: Obliterated

Aphros: Neutral

Dal'Thala: Allied

Deephold: Not Good

Wonderland: Not Good

Undervein: Allied

Nyt’Hjem: Neutral

Frontier: Neutral

Audhild: Neutral

[caeso]

A STORM OF SAND & ASH
2057 AC

The impact of Grimhjal's eruption has stirred something in Meranthe's western reaches. As clouds of black ash usher in a year of night, formerly scattered & disenfranchised tribes of the Desert begin to gather. There is a talk of prophecy regarding the long night that comes before the Dunedrake: the end of an era, and the coming of the spirits to punish the folly of civilized man. Gatherings have began around a central plateau, and tents and caravans from scattered groupings deep in the belly of the Expanse begin to break the clay.

 

There are a handful of scattered tribes among them, from the territories of Meranthe and beyond. Children of the Winter Wolf from the frozen Northern reaches: tribes of Magyar who call themselves the children of the Dunedrake, and more lost and disenfranchised souls gathering by the day at the call of the Spirits and tribal horns that blare with increasing frequency. Scouting parties and small groups of Nomads move deeper inland from the golden sands then they ever have since the Cataclysm.

 

Something has inspired these typically nomadic people to break ground and begin embarking upon an ancestral gathering ground.

As if they're waiting for something.

⁜  The fate of these strange tribes & their ruler seems uncertain. There is talk of a dying Khan & a ritual to be held: in which those blessed with the blood of the Dunedrake or chosen by the Spirits as their Shamans will be set to select the next Khan to walk the golden dunes of the Silent Expanse. Chatter follows about a quest that must be taken into the harsh deserts to prove the worthiness of a successor.

⁜ Discontent mutterings flow like a river, speaking of some tribal conflict between the Batkin & the leaderless Tribes. Bad blood is publicly known, owing to intruders upon their land and attacks upon juveniles and children who had yet to make their rites. As of yet, there seems to simultaneously be little action: the Tribes seem to still be gathering around their ancestral grounds, awaiting whatever events are to follow from that place.

⁜ There is muttering of a Djinn who has become a patron and mentor of the Tribe's shamans: some speak of escaped slaves, and citing of old laws and spirit-binding. Whatever caused this to transpire, the results have not yet become apparent.


RELATIONS:

The Entire Civilized World: Unwelcome.

Final Frontier: Especially unwelcome?

Dragonseekers: Cautiously tolerated.

Sainted Enclave: Cautiously tolerated?

[Nitsah]

2057 AC
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Within the green forests of Delphina, the city of Dal'Thala stands proud and true. Promised a golden age, the city has seen progress and revitalization as the Spring Queen takes the throne, immediately setting out on enacting her grand promises.

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"Though Meranthe's march upon the vile forces of the Deephold left them headless, the body of the serpent yet writhes. In time, new heads may form- but for now, they lick their wounds. We, too, have suffered: we knew that the battle would not be easy, yet did our parts all the same. We who yet live now look to the future, hands outstretched to welcome new and returning faces alike.

Together, we will blossom and flourish."

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ʚїɞ In the year of 2055, the assassination of the Winter Queen, Yvelle Vacerayne brings with it the crowning of the Spring Queen, Aemiliya Alinteau.

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ʚїɞ Grand promises are made for the future of the realm, promising regrowth, repairs and restorations. (See separate announcement here for details. Click me!)

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ʚїɞ The clinic of Dal'Thala has been restored to functionality, once more offering medical treatment under the guidance of Doctor Natalie Melodia.

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ʚїɞ Following the death of Osian Caewynn, a grand ritual is carried out within the forests surrounding Mount Pavonis. Its precise details are sparse, but with the aid of Vdalion, Nemea's Sacred Forests have been purified and reborn at last, a joyous cause for celebration!

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ʚїɞ Following the tragic destruction of Vdalion, the Spring Queen reaches her hands out to the survivors. Already a vassal state of the empire, many have settled in as housing has been made available.

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ʚїɞ A duel for the crown was held between Raenesa Vanya and the reigning Queen, Aemiliya Alinteau. Following the death of the former, the Spring Queen's reign continues. In her dying breaths, Raenesa baptised the Queen in the last of her own lifeblood: a ceremony of forgiveness and acceptance before she was returned to Mother Nemea's side. Following it, the Queen has been seen making more and more visits to the shrine of Nemea, some even claiming she'd been seen using Holy Magic.

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ʚїɞ The Religious District and the Amaryllis District it sits within both languish, the temples to Jiuweihu, Mestra, and all others steadily seeing less and less traffic from faiths that are not Nemea's own. Only rarely are the Kitsunes of the Hino family still seen within the city. The renovations for the Grand Nemean Temple continue, a priest or priestess to oversee it still hotly sought after.
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The Realm of Delphina, at long last, shows true signs of life once more. A special section of the State of Meranthe is dedicated to announcing a public council meeting to be held on Saturday the 20th at 3PM EST within the town square, at the suggestion of Ariedine Al'britu.

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There's word of restoring the council of prior years, finding a new Commander of the Elzara, members for it, gauging interest in the reformation of the Lightgarde, and the formation of an official Research and Exploratory division, the Arboreal Quiver, so named in honour of Aurona Caewynn's sect of Nemean worship. Geared to motivate and organize a dedicated arm of research, industry, and invention, it underlines the Queen's vows to support those seeking exotic materials and inventions, be it from expeditions or crafting.

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Aphros, Vdalion: United in purpose. Friendly.

Deephold, Demons, Witches, Necromancers: Hostile

Kingdom of Fortune: Neutral, though the queen speaks highly of their honour.

Nyt'Hjem: Friendly

The Golden Horde: Guarded

[Shelpies]

2058 AC

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The Grand Guignol's main stronghold has been established in the Isle of Aetius, an aptly named fortress called the Gluttony's Maw. The fortress appears to be consuming the immediate world around it, supping from the mana and the living presence within and without the stronghold itself. No doubt, it is a foreboding herald to the worst to come as Gluttony's influence continues to deepen and consume the world as a whole. This is surely a sign that the fortress' continued existence will pose as a threat in the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, the fortress appears to be the main foothold that the Grand Guignol possesses to levy their attack upon the Realm Seven, something that has garnered the attention of many a warrior that seeks to protect the Echo of Amier.

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• Word speaks of how Gluttony and his people appear to be climbing the Tower of Aetius with purpose, taking advantage of their current location to continuously head out on expeditions for it.
  
  
• Scouts and passers-by will easily indicate just how lifeless and silent the Gluttony's Maw appears to be. Those allied, and even those who are not, with the Grand Guignol will be able to tell that it is only the Lord of Sin that exists and dwells within. No doubt attributed to the Gluttony's Maw's consumption of all life.
  
  
• Interestingly, sabbaths lead by Grand Guignol appear to be exclusively held within Gluttony's Maw now, no doubt to take advantage of the fortress' peculiar trait in consumption.
  
  
• Allies and otherwise are invited to visit the Gluttony's Maw, it'd seem that the Lord of Sin would entertain visitors and questions to quell his boredom. Though they are heavily advised not to engage in combat should they do so. Additionally, it is advised to take a two day break from visits after heading to the fortress, if only to give the body plenty of time to recover.
  
  
• Those who have seen the Gluttony's Maw can tell that the throne room bears semblance to the Sea of Swords in Realm Six, no doubt a homage paid to the Lord of Sin's father. Peculiarly, a perfect replica of Jokul's swords can be seen directly next to the throne.
  

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RELATIONS
Deep Hold: Allied
Meranthe: Meal

[B0b_J3ffers0n]

2058 AC - A New Era.

A couple years has passed since the eruption of the volcano that Vdallion once stood upon- with little seemingly changing with The Gutter, until... very recently.

With blood caking her form, and an expression that can only be described as hollow, The Queen of The Gutter makes a public statement.

"My old mentor- the former Queen Fist has been murdered - by my own flesh and blood no less... Lila Woodes."
"This marks a new age for The Gutter. With her demise marks the end of inaction for my people."
"Her misery shall be repayed in full."

What this could mean is relatively unclear- however, it could be noted that there was now a large amount of hustle and bustle amidst the fortress.
... Needless to say, The Queen is angry.

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• Rumor has it that The Queen was seen wandering within the gutter caked from head to toe in blood soon after her speech, perhaps having made good on her word.
  
  
• Scouts and various passer-bys will note that The Gutter is unusually active.
  
  
• Following Fist's demise- The Queen has ceased all contact with outside cities, bar a select few.
  
  
• Rumor has it that The Queen's stance on the Occult has marginably shifted- with The Gutter remaining as the home for those without a home as it once was.
  

Relations:

The Expanse: Family.

Fortune, Nyt'hjem, Aphros: Neutral.

Delphina, Vdalion: Unfriendly.

Guignol, Deephold: Cautious.

[BrolyRules]

2056 AC

It hadn't been long before yet more changes were made within the Gutter. Rumors of a demon over the year being part of the nation under the guidance of both Fist and Estelle. Yet even with the demon being within the Gutter, it still seemed to be growing. Merchants traveling to and from the Gutter more often, various people from other nations too coming to visit.

---

• With Estelle not being seen much as of late, as well has her recent statement for blood, those of the Gutter have began to assume the worst in the Razuka's fate.
  
  
  
• Lok, the demon that the area had become so used to has risen to the seat of Queen of the Gutter by her own claims, she is willing to relinquish said title.
  
  
  
• Multiple demon spawn have been seen running around the confines of the Gutter's fortress, yet rarely had they been out within the streets.
  
  
  
• A meeting between various allies of Lok and the Gutter is to be held in the near future.
  
  

"The time for insecurity is not upon us. We have much to do, a future to prepare for."

"The new age that Estelle began upon, is something I will carry upon my shoulders."

---

Relations:

The Expanse: Family.

Fortune: Peaceful.

Melodians: Allied.

Nyt'hjem, Aphros: Neutral.

Delphina, Vdalion: Neutral.

Golden Hoard: Declining Neutrality

Guignol, Deephold: Unfriendly.

(My first State of Meranthe.Hope it's alright. F my HTML)

[Shelpies]

2059 AC

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With the presumed death and consumption of the Echo of Amier, the forces of Grand Guignol seem to have drawn back to their stronghold or, in particular, its surrounding area. Lyseroth of Gluttony was last seen partially disintegrating and turning to dust from the altercation that transpired, requiring a moment of dormancy to rest and recover from the battle wrought. The ominous silence from the fortress appears to bear ill tidings.

For now, the area surrounding the Tower of Aetius appears largely observed by the forces of Grand Guignol but entry to the Tower in hopes of climbing it appears to be otherwise unimpeded still.

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• Rumors speak that the Lord of Sin may very well be focused on upholding his current, existing deals. Rather than any larger moves for the rest of the year.
  
  
• Grand Guignol's stronghold, the Gluttony's Maw, appears to be emitting a fierce stream of aether. No doubt, upgrades were soon to be done to the fortified ramparts.
  
  
• A sabbath to commemorate their success in felling the nascent Primordial, Echo of Amier, appears to have been planned and scheduled. Witches are invited through dreams, while those interested in joining the Coven of Misfortune are drawn just as well.
  
  
• Those seeking to strike deals and bargains are yet again invited to the Gluttony's Maw. A tacit whisper is that it is not only one's soul that will be asked for in return.
  
  
• As ever, the living stronghold appears to be glutting upon the surrounding life around it and within it. And though no permanent damage has been wrought yet, perhaps its continued consumption may bear portents of a harsher omen in the future.
  

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RELATIONS
Deep Hold: Allied
Meranthe: Meal

[caeso]

A SCOURGE UPON THE GOLDEN SANDS

2060 AC

War has never been a kind mistress. In the wake of battle, civilians and soldiers are ridden down under hooves and skewered on long spears. Homes are put to the torch with residents still inside. There is no measured attempt at Humanity; only wanton conquest. In the wake of it, the Horde's encirclement around Audhild resumes, with campfires burning bright in the night sky, and the scent of cooked meat and the howl of distant screams on the evening breeze. With the fall of Audhild's governor and the burning of Langley, the final words of the Khan of the Horde are the only answer offered to outsiders or any who question them.

"Your Dauntless cannot protect you.
Kneel and pay fealty to the Horde.
I alone can keep your homes standing, and safeguard you."

Soldiers still prowl the burnt out battlefield, taking away survivors for their own purposes.
The sandstorm that followed them does not seem so quick to diminish. This siege seems as if it shall last quite some time by all outsider measurements, with the Horde firmly entrenched in their positions and fat off the successes of their feasts.. Oftentimes, soldiers from either side may report seeing strange things in the fugue of smoke and sand: the watchful, hungry eyes of Spirits that have been drawn closer to the living world by the abundance of offered sacrifice. 

 

• In the wake of their victory, there is an open invitation for foreign dignitaries to approach and be offered the chance to talk under the protection of the Khan. This offer has been extended to whatever remains of Audhild's leadership and any foreign factions who have not yet brought themselves to journey west underneath the harsh sun of the Silent Expanse, and is barred to none. Safety is offered under observation of the Spirits, and sworn on the ink of the Khan's contract.  THOSE WHO SEEK AUDIENCE OR TO SPEAK ARE OFFERED PROTECTION.
   
  
• Conscription still readily comes. Captives and any stray Tribals who cross their path will be offered the opportunity to serve. The example of Darius is touted as a success: an opportunity for peace for the Batkin who have engaged in a blood feud. Any of the former scattered kind of Nyth'hjem are invited to speak with said Darius, and safeguard themselves from retribution. This is touted as an act of endless mercy for the hostility that once brewed between the Batkin and the Horde, though the truth is clear: any who take it will find themselves working for once forsworn enemies.
  
  
• Belatedly: word spreads of the selection of their Khan, who had been seen at the forefront of the battlefield - one Arpad Hunyati. One assumes that any interested in broaching the mass of tribals would be best off appearing before him or sending correspondence if there is something to be said. 
  

DISPOSITION

 
MERANTHE: TRIBUTE OR CONQUEST

[Shelpies]

2060 AC

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As the year passed, an ominous rumbling within the Gluttony's Maw insinuated at the changes within. No doubt, wonders and several projects were being conducted within its ramparts. Every now and then, a monstrous howl can be heard stemming from the fortress, reverberating outwards into the world with a faint ripple of energy. Whatever may have been constructed within the keep cannot be good, no doubt heralding a calamity in itself.

All the same, forces are gradually being rallied under Grand Guignol. And though their territory remain rather concentrated within the castle, it is clear that the fortifications are being improved on with greater focus rather than expanding outwards.

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• An intense concentration of energies can be felt gathering within the Gluttony's Maw. Something is brewing within the Gluttony's Maw, with energies being absorbed and siphoned from the surrounding vicinity. This bears portents of ill tidings, as the clock ticks.
  
  
• A sacrifice is rumored to have been dedicated to the Gluttony's Maw, hastening the clock's ticks as indicated above.
  
  
• Announced in the previous sabbath was Lyseroth's focus on his projects, inclusive of one veiled in mystery. This bears credence in the castle's lord being otherwise unseen in numerous frontlines, no longer as prevalent in wars and battles as he once was.
  
  
• In spite of this, another sabbath is rumored to have been planned within the Gluttony's Maw anew, yet no clear date has been specified as of yet.
  
  
• As wars brew, the forces of Grand Guignol appear to rally under two prominent figures within the coven, Ustrea, the Champion of Mortyl, and Anubis, the Hound of Gluttony. They are stated to be the current faces of the group and serve to lead their forces in combat: both in war and otherwise.
  
  
• True to the previous rumor, it seems that the Grand Guignol and its allies are yet again gearing to continue their ascent up the Tower to take advantage of their positioning. Be that as it may, the rest of the world appear largely unimpeded in their entry to the Tower -- barring trips to Realm Six.
  
  
• Interested individuals are still invited to come and partake in the revelry should they wish. With the sabbaths, and even the castle itself, open to any visitors -- enemy or otherwise. Of course, hostility will be responded to in kind.
  

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RELATIONS
Deep Hold: Allied
Meranthe: Meal