.------------------------------------------------------------------------------. | RitzMenardi — 09/08/2023 5:45 PM | | Greetings from the wandering courier of Man! May this letter find it's ways | | into the hand of the leader of the land known as Agartha. It is a small | | piece of correspondence seeking the establishment of diplomatic relations | | between our nations. Please forward it to the appropriate readers, as I | | cannot stay - I'm aloft! To visit new lands, wherever my feet will land, | | whether it be on dirt or sand, or... something. Anyway, hey what's up | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | besieging — 09/09/2023 7:35 AM | | As you observe your lands from your castle, the sun setting ensconcing all | | in a golden glow. You notice a glistening trail upon your balcony’s | | banister. You pick up a fat cave slug and find a message tied to it in with | | black and grey ribbon. It reads: | | Man, | | Be in awe of our oracles that see all futures! A small demonstration that we | | sent our courier when your letter was but a thought. | | | | The conclave of Agartha has claimed 124 and 117 is yours. 120 is up for | | debate. The fate of the throne will be decided upon our next conclave. | | Thoughts? | | | | Carve your message upon the nearest stone and we will know your words. | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/09/2023 9:38 AM The reply comes over the course of several days, and it appears to be intentionally worded such that no misunderstanding may come as each word is revealed in sequence. Greetings oh awe inspiring oracles of Agartha! This message should find you in delight, as none of the territories mentioned in your "correspondence" (this word has been erased and re-carved several times) are claimed by the nation of Man. In the words of our royal planning committee, the mountains on the northern border of our frontier (resting just below 124, 117, and 120) are the domain of the "cave people" and anything further north is considered their sovereign territory. Please accept these three provinces as the de-jure borders of our two nations, and we will reward you in kind with hearty meals and cavernous stone rooms should any of you choose to visit our fair land. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/09/2023 12:06 PM A shard guard in glittering gold chain mail armor delivers the following message: The oracles of Agartha appreciate such favorable borders and will return the overtures with an invitation to feast in our most illustrious hall of the oracles. Perhaps over the signing of a NAP3 to solidify the previously described borders? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/09/2023 4:41 PM Additionally, I am unsure as to if you have activity in the east. Particularly we were looking at 107. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/09/2023 5:23 PM Ah, yes, our armies had planned on being in 107 in approximately 3 months. We've laid claim to 99 and need 107 in order to get there. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/11/2023 11:25 PM Greetings, oh noble Agartha. The wandering courier of Man comes to you now bearing a catalogue of magical items, assembled by our witches. It lists "construction level 2" items of nature and air, should you need them, and some standout options include supply items should you need them in the fight against Ermor, ivy acorns to protect against assassins, and bows of war / vine bows for commanders. In addition, robes of missile protection for squishy mages or owl quills for researchers. Should any of these catch your fancy, please let us know at your earliest convenience and we will arrange for a suitable exchange. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 10:41 AM We appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind. Particularly your nature line of items. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 10:41 AM Excellent! Let us know whenever you have need of our artificiers. Say, how fare your relations with your neighbor to the east, Na'Ba? Currently the royal planning committee of Man has set their eyes on the province of Norfangs (119), which currently is occupied by Na'Ba. As it is a mountain province, no doubt the erudite oracles of Agartha can see it's value. Should your relations with them ever turn sour, perchance if thine own eyes fall upon the provinces of Dal Kopor (113) and Spires of Ascension (146), please let us know. We could wage a joint wartime operation for control of these three provinces. As it is now, relations between Na'Ba and Man have proven... Slow... Meaning there is still a chance for a peaceful resolution. We shall see how they respond, but please keep this information in mind when divining the nature of the future, oh most perceptive of oracles. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 12:26 PM A scholarly looking human, unremarkable in appearance beside for the fact that she represents Agartha appears before your court. It confirms the rumors you heard of the diminishing numbers of the pale ones as magic leaves these lands and the increasing role of their human worshipers. She states in the precise words of a diplomat, we may be inclined to reveal some of our plans upon the agreement to the NAP3 we presented months ago. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 12:32 PM A wise castellan named Frithestan hears the words of the diplomat, and strokes his short beard impassively. His brow is furrowed as he ponders for a moment, and responds with a friendly and measured voice. "The news of draining magic is concerning. I make no dealings with the realm of the arcane, so it's good that I was the one to receive you. Should one of the witches have heard this news... Alas, it does not matter. The might of man is known beyond the realm of Man, and I pray it brings you fortune in the future. I, Frithestan, speaking as the representative of the kingdom of Man, do hereby accept your offer of a NAP3. The security of our northern border will bring great relief to the common folk of our realm." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 12:47 PM The diplomat smiles in acknowledgement, and states: Our scholars have combed through the NAP3 treaty signed between Na'ba and Agartha. They found that by reneging on the tribute owed Agartha in return for lands so close to our capital they (perhaps) unwittingly nullified the entire treaty upon which the NAP3 terms were included. A technicality, but an important one. For this, we are legally permitted to invade without a formal declaration which we intend to do in 3 months time. As for intel on Naba's realm, they seem quite weak, primarily utilizing camel riders based on initial scouting. However, their stealthy giant elves may be hiding within their ranks. Our intel will grow more complete as our invasion draws closer. Image Intel on their bless would be helpful if you have knowledge of it -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 12:55 PM Unfortunately we do not have knowledge of their bless. We are in contact with Pythium who may know, but we'll update you once they get back to us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:03 PM Pythium claims to have no knowledge of the Na'Ba bless. They engaged in a skirmish, however Na'Ba brought only non-sacred units to the field and thus the Pythian army was unable to ascertain the Na'Baian bless. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi pinned a message to this channel. See all pinned messages. — 09/12/2023 1:06 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:09 PM May your battles with Na'Ba go fortunately, oh great Agartha. Our intentions for the Norfang mountain range have been made clear, and as long as thine conquest does not advance beyond our desired borders, we shall have no reason to contest any advances that you make. However, the people of Man are stalwart and true, and we feel hesitant toward the idea of a deceptive war, even one fought in our favor. As long as Na'Ba is aware of your intentions and understands that you intend to break the NAP3 you share with them in 3 turns (due to unresolved promises of tribute on their end) then we can feel secure in knowing that our northern neighbors are honorable. Pray tell your intentions, so that we may proceed in a just fashion! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 1:22 PM A copy of our message to NaBa: I regret to inform you that due to your failure to pay the requested income upon which the NAP3 was based we will be breaking our NAP3 with you. Please see the past messages wording. However, in honor of our past agreement, we will stand by the 3 turns of non aggression upon paying double the originally agreed upon sum. As income many months ago is worth significantly more then income now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:24 PM Looks good to me. We shall see how they respond... Under pressure from the both of us, perhaps they will abdicate control of the contested provinces. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 1:26 PM We will see, NaBa seems to be under…disorganized rule 😂 They paid double to someone else accidentally, well that is their mistake I suppose -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:28 PM Yes they seem a little distracted. I didn't want to push them too hard because I still want them to have a good time playing, but also I want that mountain province >: ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 1:29 PM It is dominions… it is 0 sum in the end -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:29 PM That is certainly true. But it might be a little disheartening to be eliminated before the midgame even starts =P In my experience the best games (even outside of Dominions) are ones where there always is at least a faint glimmer of hope, no matter how dire the circumstance. BUT Na'Ba signed a NAP with Ermor, which means they are my enemy (for now) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/12/2023 1:33 PM Damn, he is pulling the family vacation card… I’ll give him a chance but with conditions…it is a newb game. I’ll keep you posted on it 👍 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/12/2023 1:34 PM Okay thanks! He told me he was at the beach all day yesterday, which honestly sounds like a pretty great time. I hope he spends quality time with his family <3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/13/2023 8:58 AM Negotiations have resumed with Na'Ba, and unfortunately they appear to have gone sour. We cannot reach an agreement on the province that is rightfully owned by Man (Norfangs, 119) and therefore war between our two countries seems inevitable. We urge the oracles of Agartha, or whoever this missive may concern, to consider mobilization toward our shared enemy. There is great swathes of territory that await any intrepid warriors that seek to test their blades against the genies, and should we fight side by side the kingdom of Man will be grateful. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/13/2023 10:01 AM A conclave has been called and it has been decided that the wastelands of NaBa will be taken, as well as an incursion into their eastern territories which will likely aid your war efforts by cutting off Naban troop ressupply routes. Their lake fort should be isolated at that point for your forces if you are planning on moving in that direction. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/13/2023 11:59 AM Ah, you are referring to the fort in coast haven, yes? Unfortunately I've promised that land to Pythium, long ago in our expanding phase. I believe it is de jure part of their realm. I suggest you communicate with them and perhaps they will help us against the genies in return for such a valuable province. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 10:53 AM Your tidings of conflict to the South come at a precarious time for your nation it seems; with a siege on NaBa, and border scuffles with Marignon. Know that your borders to the North will remain ever peaceful and your guards may enjoy nothing but sunsets from their watchtowers without fear. It seems as if the oracles of Agartha have had a failure in foresight as we have spent valuable troops on a throne we fear to claim, lest death spread throughout our lands. While we cannot lend direct aid to your problems with Ulm, perhaps we can provide a timely distraction to your NaBan conquests or Marignon border scuffles. Please let us know what would be of greatest value, if either do, it will be factored in to our upcoming plans. We will be in a position to carry out the latter, dependent on our conquest of our next, hopefully more welcoming throne. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/16/2023 11:37 AM Ah, your message comes at a most opportune moment, oh great Agartha! Only those who can see the future could possibly have predicted the most appropriate moment to send it. Truly your foresight is inspiring. While yes, our lands are engaged in two fronts of war, fear not! For the kingdom of Man is strong. We await what days we may face with grace. Fear has no place in our most hallowed of halls, and everywhere there is beauty and laughter. What a storied land is Man! Truly, how wonderful is our kingdom, how resplendent our towering keeps of Avalon. And the forests do sing with the songs of the wind and the trees. We march forward, ever yet onward, stepping to the command of our own god. Where he next leads we shall follow, and indeed in this case it is to Kratas. He seeks sites of nature and earth, and though he may find some there he intends to relinquish that land to Na'Ba approximately 3 turns hence. Should the warriors of Agartha be inspired to claim it, then they may have their way with it. And over on our left, to the rolling farmlands of Marignon! Ulm and they have signed a peace treaty, for what purpose I cannot say. But it came after much deliberation, and indeed it came after our planned declaration, a future crusade against the darkness. Ermor ever looms, and yet Man seeks no foreign boons, for we are stalwart and dedicated to our purpose. Life, and all that comes with it, is our most sacred of duties - Trust that we will fulfill our obligations to the world. And thus, ever forward we go as we must, marching toward our own doom. Pray, tarry not, deliver this missive to thine most appraised of justice, the law of the land is clear - let people live as they will and let pretender gods fight as they might. And yet Ermor has subjected them to plight. What's more, they curse and condemn the shared space we have in our hearts, a blight on the light of this earth! We must face the darkness before it overwhelms us. I pray our human fellows do join us. Image Image -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 1:27 PM The oracles thank you for such a thorough missive and will debate as to the wisest course of action in the coming months, sometimes the future is best observed with the passage of time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 1:38 PM If a continued campaign against NaBa is not likely, we fear our troops will not fair well against fire resistant, glamoured elves. While our shard guards are mighty, their eyesight is poor. As for Marignon’s stance, that is the question. Would you happen to know their bless? I will inform you of tidings to the North, Manchaka has been more or less destroyed by Ashdod and NaBa, both are rich on the spoils of their recent conquest from my limited intelligence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 5:04 PM I also would like to inquire as to your price for owl quills. I am willing to pay in nature gems. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/16/2023 9:10 PM I didn't realize you could click on the candelabra and see the bless, so here's this - sorry : ) Image -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/16/2023 9:38 PM Unfortunately I won't be in the market for owl quills for the next while, but I'll let you know when I can make some for you. I'd love to be paid in nature gems, though. I can send you the score graphs of NaBa, if you'd like. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 11:21 PM Poison resistance, withering weapons, disease resistance, spirit sight, quickness, reinvigorate, blood surge -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/16/2023 11:22 PM I think that's magic weapons, not withering And affliction resist not disease resist - I could be wrong tho Top left picture is blessed, top right is blessed with blood surge active -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — 09/16/2023 11:24 PM Ah ok, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks 🙏 Yes you are in a bit of a tight spot, no worries on the quills, 3 way attack is rough. But I would buy the NaBa graphs, 5 nature gems? Anyways, I’ll handle the rest of this tomorrow. It is late my time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — 09/16/2023 11:25 PM Mmmmm gems are not very useful to us right now as we've no time to spend in labs. Presently all we'd need was gold or the attention of our enemies diverted. Okay sleep well <3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — Yesterday at 7:33 AM Pouring over the maps in the command tents hastily set up at the Man-Agartha border. You see an oracle's ancient eyes look up and bore into your soul. For once it's age truly shows, and you see the weight of the years and the many times it has had to imparts such news. I see no way out for you, three major armies converging on your location, with your own in a distant province. A distraction of one is not enough, unless you have some sort of plan to handle the other two. Agartha cannot be of direct assistance. We will say a major Naban army is currently passing through 165, your primary forces will be caught in between. A possible option would be the purchase of passage through out lands, a small force would trail your own reclaiming the provinces. However, this would be very costly for my nation. out>our* 133 > 140 > 124 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — Yesterday at 7:42 AM Ah, but is the Agarthan domain not as lucky as ours? I am surprised by the lack of faith you have in the powers of chance! We shall ride forth from our location in Kratas (130) to Norfangs (119) this turn, where we hope to do battle with Pythium. Should they decide to press further into our territory, then perhaps we shall sack their capital. There is little risk of their wrath deeper into our home as we have yet more armies yet to be brought to bear. They are... occupied in our wars with Ulm, and presently our newly declared upcoming war with Marignon. How little faith, ye of all stripes! To believe that we cannot defend our lands? It seems that others would rather traipse through our countryside than meet us in battle. How curious. Perhaps they are afeared of our mighty blades and piercing eyes? Alas, we shall see when next we meet whether the march of our boots that echoes off the peaks of Norfangs (119) was enough to draw the serpent from it's cowardly repose. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- besieging — Yesterday at 7:47 AM The oracle nods, the slightest grin peaking through concealment on his face. Humans and their bold words. The grin vanishes just as quickly. We will see if your actions will match. May your armies be as lucky as your domain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RitzMenardi — Yesterday at 7:50 AM The castellan bows, and makes his leave. To where does he wander? Perhaps to the keeps of Avalon, to see once more his home. Or perhaps to the front, where he'll do battle until his end. He glances to either side, catching glimpses of country as he steadies his wayward bones. There's always time for wandering in a land of peace, and having known no other home it is strange to be as such. It is unusual for their kind to be driven toward a goal. Alas, that the warrior may profane! He wanders yet a little bit more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------