State of Esshar

[ilio]

The City of Dreams, Osrona

In the year 1732, war with Theria had been postponed in favour of finding another solution. However the peace talks fell through. The crutch being Theria's unwillingness to break their alliance with Illburg.




King Petrakis addresses Osrona:

"I apologize to anyone that wanted peace. Dragonlord Rinn and I could not agree on it. She did not want to break her alliance to Illburg and Illburgs declaration of all-out war against our city and Myllenoris meant we would have to battle Theria anyway. As such, we will be forced into war. I will take this decision on my shoulders. And I will lead you all through it."

More was said in the speech. The takeaways were this.
-Upon recent information, the war against Illburg will no longer be a Holy War from Osrona's perspective. Instead, it will be a war made in defence. If occultic presence is found, Osrona's stance will be reevaluated later.
-There will be a two-staged attack on both Illburg and Theria, with the majority of Osrona's attention on the Free City to make sure they back off. The first attack will be in the coming months.
Siege of the Mountain [Osrona v Theria 6PM EST Sunday]: https://chronicles-of-esshar.com/forum/s...p?tid=2323
-The Celestial Church will help in the first showing against Illburg to help find and locate any occultic presence that may linger.
-The King urged everyone, irregardless of their city that the Mines will not be guaranteed safe for crafters and advised merchants and tradesmen not to travel there.

And finally, and most importantly, a request has been called from the Crown:

Retired Blazing Knight Berrios Falstaff, retired Radiant Robin cos Queen and retired Lightbringer Elijah lux Soleis have been requested to form a war council.

[Glulisine]

1733AC

The small army mustered by Myllenoris has suffered heavy losses at the hands of the warriors of Ilburg. In the aftermath of the battle, many dozens lay injured on sands stained in blood. Dying. A handful of Teraphim among them. The wraiths of war that circled the battle begin to approach, slowly. Their lust for blood, satiated. In the chaos, the High Lady of Myllenoris calls out to her people to retreat back to the woods. The Stellus and his people are routed back in the direction of Osrona. All sides involved have suffered great losses. Many casualties; but Myllenoris seems to have been hurt the most. In their retreat, they lose more to magi from Ilburg blindly firing into their ranks. No key leaders have fallen in battle. Ilburg still has all of its core magi, alive.
As a result of their victory here today, the fame of Ilburg, the desert kingdom, rises. The small encampment enjoys an influx of curious visitors and potential investors in the war, looking towards the new home of the Rhoynish with anticipation.

The future of Ilburg:
The Ilian clan intends to delve into the ruins of Ilburg, believing that it may hold relics of their ancestors, or perhaps information on the Primordial Njorun. During this time, the various tribes, clans, and bandits have been ordered to continue contributing towards the war efforts. Tasked with expansion, tunneling, and head hunting.

The War:
Penelope's demands for Myllenoris are thus. Peace will not be possible with Asta leading their people, and with the lives lost due to her lies, forgiveness will only be earned through death. The people of Myllenoris are being granted a single years grace period to deliver the head of Asta Hargave to Ilburg. Declaring that the war they started will continue with Ilburg's forces at their doorsteps, should the demands fail to be met.

[Theori]

• In the aftermaths of the Siege of Theria and the Battle of the Ilburg Desert, the leaders Kingdoms of Osrona and Myllenoris confer together. Publicised a day later is the official Osronan-Myllenoran Treaty of 1733 AC, which guarantees a closer bond between the two Kingdoms going forwards.
  
• Additionally, plans to build a joint watchtower have been made, the location to be decided in the near future, as well as a series of signal fires that may be lit for one Kingdom to request assistance from the other. 
  
• There are also reports that for at least the near future, the Order of the First Light and the Greycloaks of Myllenoris will be working in concert. A sign of an intended joint military campaign between Myllenoris and Osrona? Time will surely tell.
  

[Nep]

"...Uh, see. Everyone else was asleep when I started writing this. So. Here's a picture of me in my nice, soft throne."

The Dragonlord's only direct, non-paraphrased comment is snide and kind of childish. It's clearly meant to strike nerves.

"So I'd put an iconic sort of quote here, a statement to head decrees and speak to the world at large, but Osrona and Myllenoris don't really tend to listen to what I have to say.

Hi Penelope! Send a letter sometime."

- The Bold Strategy, The Next Move

It isn't kept quiet at all. Dragonlord Rinn has let most of the city, and thus most of those willing to hear rumors beyond it, know that she intends to DESTROY the bridge that so closely connects the base of Theria's mountain to the outskirts of Osrona's walls and road system of old, breaking their means to the mines and cave so close by, well-known to the far swamps, severing that to a quarter of the entire landmass, nearly! Who knows when this attack will take place, but surely it will be sooner than Osrona is allowed to fully recover from their own failed siege, yes...?

She insists. Soon.

What's rumored to follow is construction to reshape the known means to travel the lands in compensation, ease of access for Theria and Ilburg to meet. But the what, and where of that is much more undecided and murmured, with talks of 'bridges' and 'islands' and 'wait until the war is over'...

-  A Grander Place To Worship... or More?

The young Dragonlord also spreads proud rumors of a grand construction to be brought into it's beginning visionary stages, a mass temple, a holy grounds for Garljing and all dragonkind across an untapped expanse far beyond the reach of any other civilization that tucks deep into the frigid expanse of previously uncolonized tundra plateau. But insist, she does, that this is a project once Therian lands are properly secured from expansionist desires.

- The Status Quo of Inevitable Diplomacy

No update needed, insists the Dragonlord, on the relations between Theria and Ilburg. In response to Osrona and Myllenoris' constant need to reaffirm their own alliance every few months, the young Dragonlord insists basically the exact same thing is obligatory, that not only should these two other nations' best interests be mutually inclusive indefinitely, but that Theria will have a larger presence in Ilburg military excursions(if so desired, love u Ilburg) on even the offensive! This discredits the previous statements of intending to keep this agreement solely defensive in the face of The Osro-Mylle concordant. After all, the enemy have clearly drawn their lines in the sand and refused to negotiate, even after tough and bloody losses!

- An Exemplar Recognized

With the recent departure of well-known city mainstay Gwyn, Captain of Knight Templars, the position is taken up by Magne Kriemhild, already shown valorant in defense of the city. Details are scarce as to the reasons for the departure of the former. The Fireblooded burn strong with pride, and worship throughout the city is seeing widespread support, holidays and penta-anual festivals in discussion to be established in commemoration of the freedoms protected in the most recent battle.

- We Will Not Kneel

"That's just a friendly reminder. Thanks for reading."

[Myradin]

1733AC - The Shimmering City, Osrona - The Celestial Church.

“After a meeting within the Celestial Church the Stellus Inante has decided to step down from the role of Speaker of the Stars. I, Pericles Vitalis will be taking up the mantle of Stellus. Do not have fear when it comes to the future of the Faith. We are still a united entity, looking to offer our services to those that wish to be heard.

I sincerely pledge myself to your service, as many of you are pledged to the Faith. Throughout all my life, and with all my heart, I will strive to be worthy of the trust placed upon me. To any who need an ear to listen to their worries, the church’s doors are open to all.

May the stars guide you, may they watch over you.”

“Currently…”

♆  - Inante arl Salis has officially stepped down from his role as Stellus and has returned to their former position of Priest.

♆ - High Keeper Pericles Vitalis has assumed the title of Stellus, Speaker of the Stars.

♆ - Promotions; Del mer Joyau, Romani cos Montclaire and Sparrow cos Queen ascend to the rank of Bishop. Diana, Deixis Hymn, Emil Rousseau to the rank of Deacon. 

 “As we move forward, under the stars...”

• The Essharan Celestial Church will be abstaining from future conflict between Osrona, Theria, Myllenoris and Illburg. The ‘Inquisition’ was a mistake, misguided information leading to such an effort being put forth.
  
  
• Keeper activity has risen after reports of occultic beings threatening the safety of the Faithful outside the walls of Osrona. The northwestern swamp and the outskirts of Osrona visibly had an increase in patrols.
  

[Glulisine]

"Hi Rinn. Like my new throne? We stole it."

1734

"So. Here's tha' deal. Theria kept Osrona outta' their homes. We kept Myllenoris outta' ours. An' now they've a massive wonderland that makes it easier for em' ta' get ta' one another. In reality, a choke point, that makes it easier for em' ta' hinder our movements. But, ain't no big deal.

'cause while Rinn an' her folk are blowin' up that bridge...

We're takin' that damn fort."

The Expansion:
Word is spread about the new rooms within the ruins. Rumor has it that Penelope has been spending a lot of time meeting with various people and smoking a lot of opium inside the new throne room. Rumor, also has it, that once Njorun is appeased and the world blinks, the people of Ilburg will be capable of walking down the ladder that leads to the abyss. Wonder what lies in there....

[ilio]

"Because of the defence and prior events. Peace with Illburg has been achieved. They will stop raiding us and they have called off war declarations against both Osrona and Myllenoris. No longer will you have to worry about random banditry and in return, there will be no attacking Illburg's people. As of today, Myllenoris, Osrona and Illburg have achieved peace."
- King Alexander II Petrakis

• The Defence of Baleford Bridge was a victory. The Shimmering City has reinforced defences there.
  
• Promotions within the Order have occurred due to individuals efforts in the war. Ilsa Ambrose and Kabal Ambrose have been promoted to Radiant. Among these promotions, Garm and Siegfried have been bestowed Knighthood due to their efforts in the war. There are a few other notable individuals who did tremendously during the war effort.
  
• The famous Adelphi's Aegis squad, once headed by Elijah lux Soleis has returned under the new Radiant, Ilsa's lead. There is word more of the Knight Squads will be returning as the Order of the First Light's ranks are reorganised and more Knights join the ranks.
  
• Osrona has ceased war with Illburg and Illburg has done the same. No more banditry or pillaging of Osrona territories will take place and Osrona will no longer be attacking Illburg in response. This leaves Osrona, Myllenoris and Illburg at peace with one another.
  
• Osrona is lending the help of whoever wishes to volunteer to help Illburg with it's Helheim problem.
  

https://chronicles-of-esshar.com/forum/s...p?tid=2492

-

[Laemor]

1735 AC

"There's a new Reaver in town... So here's how things are gonna go down from now on."

"Ight, Esshar. Listen ta fuck'up! I made sure pamphlets were passed out round the settlement. Don't doubt they ain't gonna make their rounds round the island, so know. I'm talk'in not just to illburg, but all of ya. Excuse muh grace, unlike ta Boss. I dun enjoy putt'in up wit bullshit.

So Business, first. Theria... We're fuck'in sorry for the shit ya be'in put through. Honest ta Njorun, the boss never wanted it ta go down ta way it did. Ya'll should've been present for the meet'in. Yeah? Cause see... All Hel's boutta break lose below illburg. This the shit we gotta deal with, whether or not the island's people will'in to pitch in. It's our lands and we'll be damned to see it fall into some dark shit. We all hope for ya safety, but we can't just go ta defend witches an shit, wit our issues at the moment. Hope ya understand, cause ta's just duh reality of it.

Now then... Let's get down to the Nitty gritty with some of ya'll fools.

Cause see, be'in Reaver, Makes me! Second-in-command of this place. I'ma keep this shit short, like half ya lives. Ya? See... The boss's got enough stick's up her arse to light a bone-fire. Quit ya shit wit ask'in for her damned hand. Stop ask'in ta wed her... Ya'll don't know shit. 

About the woman.

Only ta she the strongest lady to fuck'in exist on these crap islands. So I'll be damned to see her suffer from ya'll constantly harass'in her. Remember these words.

Cause I won't repeat them in person.

I'll just crack ya fuck'in skull in.

- Accompanying the Reaver's speech, talk of Basten Enterprises construction soon took life as workers returned back to the city to ensure a proper improvement be made to the Alchemist's hut. Taller and while it looks simple. The insides are currently being dug through to allow for further expansion through layers of the earth.

- As talk of Hel's gate begins spreading far and wide with the speech offered by the King of Osrona. Those who've been looking for the boss as of late? Are only confronted with a mean mugged Rhoynish. Basten, who'll look to PERSONALLY! address, everything and everyone who attempts to approach the boss at the given time. 

- Lastly, there's some talk of bandits and thieves starting to spill into the settlement of illburg as the days go by... Is it because they too want a piece of the action below the city? Or did they come for something else entirely... SPOOKY!!!!

PSA: O...M...G... Did you hear? There were whispers that the Rhoynish lad aimed to make illburg into a kingdom through his own hardwork an coin. Wonder why he's going so far for the city...

[Nep]

1735AC.

...

...

No additional commentary or attached imagery. Much more polite, short and official this time. Apologies are issued for how plain the missive is.

-Firstly, foremost, a near-180 on previously understood circumstances, it seems? Theria has officially outlawed occultism and witchcraft under the growing pressure of external influence and the threat of war, the looming dangers made aware of beneath Ilburg that could threaten the world. The Dragonlord herself was wounded in attempt to apprehend Duana Kurokaiyo for known witchcraft and occultism. She is assumed to have fled out of the city since then. The effort will be ongoing in similar veins with other known offenders refusing to expedite themselves before confrontation. The knowledge is already public of affair and result both within and beyond the city.

-None of the preliminary defensive structures across the mountain's winding paths have been removed, nor any military patrols around claimed territory yet lightened. No reports of new worldscale developments. It appears expected that Osrona and Myllenoris will still attack Theria despite the above.

-The Grand Therian Factory has completed construction, and thus the groundwork for Theria's Crafters' Association laid. So full attention now can finally turn to the deep and heavy excavation process of Garljing's Reliquary. It's expected to take far longer than it's predecessor effort, with no estimated time to completion. This is a grand and complex thing to approach, more than in just in the resources allocated and manpower behind it.

-The Dragonlord makes it clear and obvious that Theria is open to diplomacy. And has always been. Borders aren't closed to you if you are no active participant in the war. Foreign crafters and merchants are not to be accosted for wanting to trade, but are told respectfully not to pilfer the caves and mines along the way up the mountain or they may face confiscations and potential punishment for repeated offense. If war is concluded, these temporary restraints may change.

-Two new claims for warlord arise. Sythaeryn and Yani orn Task. Warlord Yani orn Task's hangs in a curious limbo, while Dragonlord Sythaeryn has been fully endorsed by the residing same-titled.

[Myradin]

 

1735 AC

“Duana Kurokaiyo was recently found within the wilderness of Esshar and engaged, her defeat soon following afterwards which led to her death not too long after. All occultists hidden away are encouraged to come forth and surrender themselves to the Faith, to allow the taint within their magical circuits be exorcised. Sanna Arborea has recently had the curse given to her removed. It is never too late, may the stars watch over you.

Another matter, the Faith will offer our full support to those in Illburg in assisting with the Helheim problem that has been revealed. Resources are already prepared, and personnel ready to move over to assist.

And finally, Theria. If those within the mountain wish for the Faith to assist in removing any remnants of the occultic presence that attempted to take root, holy magi are available to venture up into the city to aid in searching. ”

♆ - Promotions within the Faith. Del mer Joyau and Sparrow cos Queen have been raised to the ranks of Priest within the clergy, the church’s foundations only further grow stronger.

♆ - The witch Duana Kurokaiyo has been put to rest by Stellus Pericles, no longer do innocents need to worry about a member of the Elaide bloodline running rampant throughout Esshar.

♆ - Those who have learnt occult magic underneath the hand of Duana, or those that have stumbled upon the affinity are welcome to come to the Celestial Church within Osrona to be exorcised. 

♆ - Aid towards Illburg will be put underway, the matter of Helheim revealing an increase in activity from the church. Keepers and other clergy members preparing to depart when needed.

♆ - The search for occult magic continues. An offer thrown out towards those within Theria’s walls to have holy magi venture up into the mountain and aid in the search of any remnants that have remained within the safety of the walls.