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Post by Gamemaster on Jan 20, 2008 7:29:15 GMT -5
Glantogran Province Zekresh Empire 36th day, 1st month, 2nd Year of Independence (36/1/41 Cledman VI)
Ulor Esinie soon departs from Kast Gorumyva and travels many miles north along the river without seeing the Aatanian troops that Gesanie said were right behind him. Nonetheless, Esinie does eventually come upon a large force of what appear to be Imperial Army troops heading south.
One of the scouts goes forward, determines that they are likely to be Aatanians and then makes contact with them to confirm this.
A man named Ekanor Falan Ardimuk is in command. He says the units are the 1st and 2nd Kantoro Aatan.
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Esinie
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The master sword
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Post by Esinie on Jan 21, 2008 5:12:12 GMT -5
"Okay good." Esinie said with a nod to Ekanor Falan Ardimuk, "I shall be busy for awhile with matters at helmarie. I am Esinie, and these matters are rather urgent. And might I ask... Where is Wanderjar?" He said remembering having not heard much from Wanderjar as of late.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jan 21, 2008 16:31:53 GMT -5
Ardimuk says, "Ulor Wanderjar has been ill for some time. Ulor Ekanor Jezefar is in control of the government of Aatan. It is Jezefar who has ordered us to march against the Empire. We have heard that your army has captured Kast Gorumyva. This is excellent news. Do you plan to advance further or just hold what you have taken?"
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Esinie
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The master sword
Posts: 78
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Post by Esinie on Jan 24, 2008 4:55:48 GMT -5
"We plan to advance further into the Zekresh lands and communicate with our Tribal allies, I hope that alliance will not fail us now." Esinie said confidently with a touch of concern to Ardimuk.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jan 24, 2008 4:59:44 GMT -5
"Excellent," Ardimuk says, "I'll join up with your army and together we shall drive all our foes before us. We have cast our lot for independence and there is no other path before us but victory or death."
Ardimuk spurs his horse and resumes his position at the head of the column of troops marching south.
Ulor Esinie and his escorts turn north and ride to Herigahaven in Helmarie.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jan 24, 2008 5:05:53 GMT -5
Herigahaven (formerly Kast Foramyva) Free Nation of Helmarie 39th day, 1st month, 2nd Year of Independence (39/1/41 Cledman VI)
Ulor Esinie and his escorts arrive by horse at Herigahaven. The escorts pause for only an hour to feed and water their horses before turning back to rejoin the army at Kast Gorumyva.
As soon as Esinie is back in his palace, Onasie, one of his advisors finds him and says, "Ulor, I'm so glad you're back. The Trond chieftains have all come here in response to your summons and you weren't here. I have tried to assure them that you would arrive, but they demanded to know when and I had no answer. They've been waiting for six days now. They are camped just west of town with several hundred warriors. I suggest we ride there immediately."
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Esinie
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Posts: 78
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Post by Esinie on Jan 24, 2008 5:15:26 GMT -5
"Fine then I shall." Esinie said to Onasie before riding to the camp.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jan 24, 2008 11:02:48 GMT -5
Esinie and Onasie proceed to the camp of the Trond chieftains. It is as Onasie described it. In the woods, more than a hundred Trond warriors have made their camp. Near the center of the camp is a large campfire. Some of the chieftains are already sitting on furs spread out on the ground around the fire. The others are elsewhere in the camp and soon congregate around the fire. The hundred or so Trond warriors also gather around the fire, some sitting behind the chieftains, some standing.
Onasie announces to the group, "This is Ulor Esinie."
One of the chieftains says to Esinie, "We have much to say, but you have called us here. You should speak first."
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Esinie
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Posts: 78
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Post by Esinie on Feb 22, 2008 17:59:09 GMT -5
"As you may know we are at war, and you may or may not know we have crushed all zekresh soldiers in our way. We have already taken over the fort in the glantogran province of the zekresh empire.
And the Aats have sent soldiers to help us, now I request help from you the chieftains. I cannot demand help and I may have caused this war but I know that most if not all of you, hate the zekresh empire with a passion.
Yes I was elected by the Zekresh but by using their power over their own soldiers I managed to make sure that the Zekresh garrisons were filled with fellow Tronds.
I suppose I may seem a traitor in some of your eyes, but by personally going to fight the Zekresh I hope I have redeemed myself somewhat, we are at war and the Zekresh have become weak and with their lesser numbers and horribly trained armies we could crush them.
I know for a fact almost every garrison in the Zekresh army is barely able to fight they have maybe a thousand men per fivethousand they are supposed to have, the Zekresh have their own civil war and the armies in each province are easily defeated, but I-we need you to help us because the Zekresh may have this they still have some armies, if we take the offensive they are weak, if we take the defensive they are strong.
Now I plead of you, though it will make me seem weak... I plead join us in this fight against the rusted rule of the Zekresh."
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Post by Gamemaster on Feb 27, 2008 4:24:49 GMT -5
The chieftains hearing this are all sixteen of the Trond chieftains in Helmarie. They are:
Tribe..........Chieftain
Rambat......Landan Velda.........Gelmanie Naternie.... Rafarie Adelmo...... Jondalin Lisurnie......Telarie Takarna......Devalin Nesnie........Ardnan Odan..........Gimbalie Bolda..........Jandin Iselda.........Elvanie Bodo...........Nasturie Farvin.........Kelvanie Jesin...........Nosanie Zilvo............Arvin Atarna.........Larnie Rokie...........Mondanie
The Chieftains look very surprised as if this is not at all what they were expecting to hear. They talk among themselves. Then, Gelmanie, chieftain of the Velda tribe speaks, "I know that some of this, at least, is true. Members of my tribe who live in Aatan have gone off to fight in Glantogran and many soldiers from the Aatan garrison after them."
Another chieftain named Landan of the Rambat tribe says, "I have already heard the news that the fortress of Kast Gorumyva was overrun by Esinie's men before the soldiers from Aatan even arrived."
Arvin, chieftain of the Zilvo tribe of the distant northeast says, "Let us not forget what we have been discussing. There are important matters that must be decided."
Devalin, chieftain of the Takarna tribe says, "Yes. Esinie, for many long years we have discussed and prepared for this war. Victory may bring us freedom, but it may come at a terrible cost. Defeat will likely be a catastrophe such as our people have never endured before. I say you have offended the honor of all the tribes of Helmarie because you launched this war without so much as consulting us. A decision of this importance should not be made without agreement by all the tribes and a blood oath from every available ally to stand with us to the death. We will need every man!" Devalin starts to show anger, "going to attack the Zekresh like you did was folly and now it cannot be undone. Our only hope is to scramble to bring in our allies, assemble our warriors and fight this war that you have started!"
Several of the chieftains urge Devalin to calm down, but another chieftain who is even more agitated stands up to address the group. His name is Nosanie, chieftain of the Jesin tribe of the North. Nosanie says, "Devalin speaks the truth, but let us also see this clearly. It was folly for Esinie to start the war without us, but as I have said for years, it is also folly for us to discuss it endlessly and never act! Folly or not, the war is upon us now. We can finally put behind us the endless arguing about when would be best and what preparations to make. That is all over with and thanks to the Gods for that I say! Let us not argue. Let us not make an enemy of Esinie. He has an army of Tronds and he has used it to good effect. He has won a victory we never expected that we could win in all our talking and planning. He has actually done it. Kast Gorumyva is taken from the Empire! As if that is not enough, the Aats march to battle before we do. No more need we worry whether they will support us or whether they will betray our intentions to the enemy if we ask them to support us or whether they will fight against us as they have in the past. This, too, Esinie has already done. I don't want to see Helmarie ruled by an Ulor any more than any of you, but let us speak to Esinie as a friend and a brother Trond. More than that, as a hero. He has won a great victory against the Empire. That is no small thing."
Several chieftains and their men begin talking at once, but soon this settles down and the younger chieftains defer to Gelmanie of the Velda tribe who is elderly. Gelmanie says, "Warriors of the Velda tribe from Aatan are already at Kast Gorumyva with Esinie's men. I call upon the other tribes to join the fight."
Next, Rafarie of the Naternie tribe says, "The Naternie tribe will be with you."
Arvin, chieftain of the Zilvo tribe says, "Before we all pledge to go to war, let us not forget what we discussed before. Esinie is not a chieftain. He is an Ulor. What is an Ulor, but an officer of the Empire? If we allow ourselves to be ruled by an Ulor, the same Ulor who ruled for the Empire, then even if we win the war, at great cost in blood, what freedom will we have won?"
Next, wise Kelvanie of the Farvin tribe says, "I agree with Arvin. Though the survival of our entire nation may depend upon standing together and having all our allies with us, we must resolve this now. The Farvin tribe looks to me as a grandfather and as a leader. The Farvin tribe will be led by one of its own, but it will not be ruled. Not by an Emperor. Not by an Ulor. Do not ask the Farvin tribe to choose between standing with our brothers in battle and our freedom. There should not have to be such a choice. Together we are stronger than any Ulor could hope to be."
Telarie, chieftain of the Lisurnie tribe says to Esinie, "Esinie, we have had days to discuss this while we awaited your arrival. We are all in agreement that we do not want to be ruled by an Ulor. We are also disturbed that you did not discuss this matter with all of us before starting a war with the empire. I know you did discuss it with some of us including me, but that is not enough and you will recall I counseled you to wait, not to start a war. We are impressed with your victory. We are also impressed with the army you have at your command and with your success in bringing the Aats into the war on our side. We are not in agreement about what to do about the fact that you are still calling yourself Ulor of Helmarie. Before we can march together against our enemy, this must be dealt with. What say you?"
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Esinie
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Posts: 78
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Post by Esinie on Mar 18, 2008 16:20:35 GMT -5
"I suppose my haste was my folley on this matter, and I don't wish to rule Helmarie as an Ulor, I only used this stature to know our enemies, know your enemies better then your enemies know you, and you will be sure to have victory.
I as ulor have learned more about the Empires forces then Trond's as scouts ever could, I hastened the attack because when I decided to fight the empire was fighting itself over who will be the next emperor.
I took initiative, and because of this the armies will be in dissaray.
Think of it like this from the Empires point of view, The Imperialists are murdering each other over power when the Emperor isn't even dead yet, we have rebellion from the north, our armies are devided and may betray each other at any time, and we have rebellion over seas.
As the force currently stands we could defeat any province garrison defended by the weak, underfed, barely armed, soldiers.
They dont even have full garrisons, they send an army after us, and they may defeat us, but the whole empire would collapse and the empire would end with that, and not only this, the empire has no money, The one called Bayla left with all of it, so the Empire can't even pay the already reluctant army.
I am sorry I didn't ask for this meeting sooner, but I did not want to wait, I saw the Empire without it's shell and decided now was the time to strike, and I suppose in my haste I forgot about the council of chieftains.
But if we picked any other time, when they weren't confused and at war with each other we could have been defeated at the gates of that imperial fortress we have taken.
And I would revoke all status as an Ulor if you were to join the war and show the Empire once and for all, we are not to be triffled with, we will have our revenge.
The Aats forces and my forces combine could defeat any province in our way, but if you joined us, we would be unstopable, only the whole empires forces could defeat us, and then they would collapse into rebellion and be lost forever.
And keep in mind our ancient allies along the way seeing our forces mow over any Zekresh in our way would most likely help and aid us in the fight against the empire.
The end of the Empire is near, I just need your help to ensure it." Esinie said ending his speech taking a long deep breath as he kneeled before the council.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jun 15, 2008 2:00:38 GMT -5
Arvin, chieftain of the Zilvo tribe says to Esinie, "You say you will revoke your status as Ulor if we join the war. I accept your offer. We will join the war. Now you must revoke your status as Ulor. Today, before this council ends."
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Esinie
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The master sword
Posts: 78
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Post by Esinie on Jun 18, 2008 2:53:55 GMT -5
"I would gladly revoke my status as Ulor of what was once a pawn of the empire, such a tital only makes me feel a shame to call myself as such." Esinie said calmly to Arvin with a slight bow.
"But I would like to continue the war effort, on the front lines."
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Post by Gamemaster on Jun 19, 2008 12:05:39 GMT -5
Kelvanie of the Farvin tribe says, "There it is done. He is no longer Ulor of anything. We would be fools to let it end there. There is still an army of Tronds fighting the empire. If Esinie does not lead them, who will? Should we remove from command of that army the most successful Trond leader in many generations? What reward is that for his success?"
The other chieftains nod and some speak quietly to each other.
Jondalin of the Adelmo tribe speaks up and says, "I say that we, the chieftains of the Tronds are now the highest power in Helmarie. We should rule and the army should answer to us. If we act wisely now, it will."
Arvin of the Zilvo tribe says, "Do you have any such wisdom to offer?"
"A little," the elderly Jondalin says. "First, we must realize that with Esinie no longer Ulor, the army will answer first to its highest ranking officer. That is Ekanor Falan Andien. If we remove him, the army may answer to another officer or it may disintegrate. The army is our main defense against the empire. It was important to get Esinie to resign as Ulor, but what we must do is not just remove an Ulor, but replace him. There must be someone in command of the army and I think it would be good to have someone with authority over the foreigners in and around Herigahaven."
"That would merely be an Ulor by another name," Arvin objects.
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Post by Gamemaster on Jul 16, 2008 6:57:51 GMT -5
Jondalin says, "No. I have an alternative. Since Herigahaven is located in the territory of my tribe, the Adelmo tribe, it is under my authority. I propose to call up Esinie as a war party leader of the Adelmo and to give him special instructions to lead his army and ensure that there is justice done in the town of Herigahaven."
The other chieftains are surprised by this.
Arvin of the Zilvo tribe says, "This still sounds like an Ulor by another name."
Devalin of the Takarna tribe, rivals of the Adelmo, says, "This would make the Helmarie Army into an Adelmo army. I do not want to see this. The army draws warriors from all over Helmarie. They are not an Adelmo war party that should answer to the Adelmo chief."
Telarie of the Lisurnie tribe says, "Esinie isn't even an Adelmo. He is of the Lisurnie."
Jondalin says, "I know all this. Is it not so that in war, the warriors of one tribe sometimes join the war parties of another? Is it not so that a chieftain may call upon anyone in whom he has confidence as a war party leader? Even someone outside the tribe? Even someone who isn't a Trond?"
Gelmanie of the Velda tribe says, "That is so." Others nod in agreement.
Jondalin says, "Then this is all that I am doing. Esinie would not be Ulor. The Ulors of Helmarie attempted to rule all of Helmarie. I ask him only to mete out justice in part of the Adelmo lands. Only in the city of Herigahaven and the farms around it. I do not say that he shall command an army forever, even in time of peace. I ask him only to command it now, in this war that we must win if we are to survive. When the war is over, the warriors of the army may go back to their tribes. If any other tribe sends war parties, their warriors in the army may leave Esinie's war party and join that of their tribesmen even while the war continues."
Ardnan of the Nesnie tribe says, "Should not Andien be the leader of the army? Isn't he already the army commander?"
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