Mistresses of the Jungle – Amazonia AAR (Warhammer: Geheimnisnacht)
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Let's hope Lyssa doesn't end up turning those tables upside down!
Lyssa is good at finishing what's on her plate. Let's see if she can do it with a figurative plate as well
Now that Concordia is dead, it's good to see someone else take on the paranoia mantle
Pleasantly surprised, hopefully
Chapter 10
Chapter 10: The Drowned
Crumbling spires and empty temples are all that remain of the once mighty temple city of Zarmuda. The rest has disappeared beneath the waves millennia ago. Over time, even the immense structures breaking the surface began to falter. Some toppled buildings have smashed together, creating broken bridges of land and shallow lagoons between the pyramids. In turn, the labyrinthine ghost city has trapped sediment and eroded masonry, making it appear as an island at first glance. Small pools of rainwater nourish hardy plants and omnipresent vines, further obscuring the ruins and confounding attempts to navigate it. A myriad of nooks and crannies connected by webs of rope bridges and ladders provide excellent hiding places for pirates and... other things...
“My Lady, Marshal Khadij was killed when her party stumbled upon a nest of undead.” A sour-faced Amazon delivers the bad news inside the gloomy chamber of a long-abandoned shrine. Several warrior women are packed in there, among broken walls, caved-in ceiling tiles and toppled columns. Occasionally, temple shakes and resounds as the distant sound of cannon fire is followed by the cracking and breaking of masonry.
Princess Calypso clutches her side and groans. It's not just from the news. A bullet from a pirate's fire-rod buried itself inside her flesh two days ago. There has been no time to look after it: There are dozens of Amazons who require the care of the priestesses and healers more than her. Fortunately her generously padded waist kept the projectile from striking organs, instead grazing her abdomen before embedding itself in her side.
The Matriarch shakes her head. Their position is untenable, but making a counter-attack now would be fatal. The pirate scum would gun them down as soon as they show themselves. There is only one thing to do.
“Everyone, prepare to move out.” Calypso turns back to the bearer of bad news: “Tina, get word out to everyone else. Come nightfall everyone is to leave their positions.”
“We will fall upon them with the fury of Rigg!” Tina assures her, anticipating that the Jaguar of the Sea will inspire everyone with her famous bravery.
Taking her hand off her wound for a moment, Calypso looks deep into the blood covering it and shakes her head: “No. We will pull back. Further into this accursed city...”
Princess Calypso clutches her side and groans. It's not just from the news. A bullet from a pirate's fire-rod buried itself inside her flesh two days ago. There has been no time to look after it: There are dozens of Amazons who require the care of the priestesses and healers more than her. Fortunately her generously padded waist kept the projectile from striking organs, instead grazing her abdomen before embedding itself in her side.
The Matriarch shakes her head. Their position is untenable, but making a counter-attack now would be fatal. The pirate scum would gun them down as soon as they show themselves. There is only one thing to do.
“Everyone, prepare to move out.” Calypso turns back to the bearer of bad news: “Tina, get word out to everyone else. Come nightfall everyone is to leave their positions.”
“We will fall upon them with the fury of Rigg!” Tina assures her, anticipating that the Jaguar of the Sea will inspire everyone with her famous bravery.
Taking her hand off her wound for a moment, Calypso looks deep into the blood covering it and shakes her head: “No. We will pull back. Further into this accursed city...”
* * *
Standing at the prow of a sleek war canoe, Queen Lyssa squints as she sees angular cliffs rise out of the otherwise unbroken sea before her. The familiar Old One architecture grows clearer as they approach, made bizarre if only by the ruins appearing here in the middle of the ocean.
“The big pirate canoes are nowhere to be seen, Your Highness,” Tatiana observes, standing just behind the queen.
Lyssa acknowledges her with a small nod. She does not appear surprised or worried. Instead she tilts her head, listening to the waves crashing against the boat's hull.
“Uhm... Your Highness, should we lower the sails?”
Lyssa rewards her inquiry with silence. After a while a small smile appears on her lips: “No...” she says inscrutably. “Full speed ahead! And prepare for battle!”
The Amazon fleet charges into the shallow lagoon formed between the tops of two gigantic, shattered temples. Bewildered pirate sentries take pot shots at them, but the wild warrior women are not frightened by their crackling fire rods. Seeing their enemy as stand-ins for all the Easterners that have wronged their people of the centuries, the Amazons are all too eager to take the fight to them. Furthermore, they are not out here in the middle of the ocean just out of revenge for past slights. They are here to save their sisters.
Having been allowed free passage to the artificial island from the lack of a blockade, the Amazons are able to establish a beachhead and regroup. It turns out their enemy have moved inland, into the labyrinth of toppled buildings, crude pirate shelters and seemingly random bridges and passageways.
“Think of it as a jungle in the sea,” Lyssa says as she sends out Tatiana and her huntresses ahead of the main force as scouts. Using body paint and camouflage, the Amazons dart through the ruins undetected, catching their enemies by surprise.
Undisciplined and disorganized, the pirates have settled in whatever sheltered nook they could find rather than establish any kind of coherent defence. When the Amazons fall upon them, they are scattered on the slopes of lurching ziggurats overlooking a gap in the ruins, wide enough to form a river of salt water, debris and flotsam.
The battle is hard fought as small groups of bewildered pirates spring up in the middle of the Amazon forces. Even as it might seem like the warrior women are carrying the day, another ragged band appear out of nowhere.
“Your Highness!” a young redhead in the queen's bodyguard calls out. “We have lost contact with the scouts. You are too exposed here; should we fall back?”
The queen gasps for breath from the unfamiliar exertion of battle, leaning on her bloodied spear. “No!” she pants, scanning the battlefield – such as it is among vine-covered steps and toppled masonry. “Keep herding them towards the channel!”
“The big pirate canoes are nowhere to be seen, Your Highness,” Tatiana observes, standing just behind the queen.
Lyssa acknowledges her with a small nod. She does not appear surprised or worried. Instead she tilts her head, listening to the waves crashing against the boat's hull.
“Uhm... Your Highness, should we lower the sails?”
Lyssa rewards her inquiry with silence. After a while a small smile appears on her lips: “No...” she says inscrutably. “Full speed ahead! And prepare for battle!”
The Amazon fleet charges into the shallow lagoon formed between the tops of two gigantic, shattered temples. Bewildered pirate sentries take pot shots at them, but the wild warrior women are not frightened by their crackling fire rods. Seeing their enemy as stand-ins for all the Easterners that have wronged their people of the centuries, the Amazons are all too eager to take the fight to them. Furthermore, they are not out here in the middle of the ocean just out of revenge for past slights. They are here to save their sisters.
Having been allowed free passage to the artificial island from the lack of a blockade, the Amazons are able to establish a beachhead and regroup. It turns out their enemy have moved inland, into the labyrinth of toppled buildings, crude pirate shelters and seemingly random bridges and passageways.
“Think of it as a jungle in the sea,” Lyssa says as she sends out Tatiana and her huntresses ahead of the main force as scouts. Using body paint and camouflage, the Amazons dart through the ruins undetected, catching their enemies by surprise.
Undisciplined and disorganized, the pirates have settled in whatever sheltered nook they could find rather than establish any kind of coherent defence. When the Amazons fall upon them, they are scattered on the slopes of lurching ziggurats overlooking a gap in the ruins, wide enough to form a river of salt water, debris and flotsam.
The battle is hard fought as small groups of bewildered pirates spring up in the middle of the Amazon forces. Even as it might seem like the warrior women are carrying the day, another ragged band appear out of nowhere.
“Your Highness!” a young redhead in the queen's bodyguard calls out. “We have lost contact with the scouts. You are too exposed here; should we fall back?”
The queen gasps for breath from the unfamiliar exertion of battle, leaning on her bloodied spear. “No!” she pants, scanning the battlefield – such as it is among vine-covered steps and toppled masonry. “Keep herding them towards the channel!”
Brought out of her battle focus, Lyssa is left looking at the fighting from high up on the slope of one of the fallen temples. Her eyes sweep the melee, over the languid “river” and up the many-tiered balconies on the opposite side. It is as if several villages crashed on top of each other, creating deep and twisting streets through the wreckage. Her eyes linger as if looking for something. Then, in the corner of her eye... The queen shifts her attention. A dishevelled pirate stumbles out of one of the dark fissures in the collapsed warren. Then another. Suddenly, dozens of enemies are pouring forth. It is as if the city echoes with a vengeful cry as it disgorges the interlopers.
“More of the vengeful dead?” one of the queen's bodyguards says wearily.
The queen's brow furrows, then almost slumps to the ground with relief as Zarmuda's voice becomes clearer – and something altogether more familiar.
“RIIIGG AND GLORY!!” The clarion call precedes the vengeful furies that follow their fleeing enemies. Wounded and battered, Amazons chase the pirates into the water on the opposite bank from Lyssa's force. Bogged down by seaweed and debris, the scoundrels wade into the channel only to be skewered from behind by unforgiving spears.
“Princess Calypso! It is Calypso's army!” Lyssa's warriors call out happily as the unexpected reinforcements pelt their enemy with arrows and stones.
Lyssa herself looks worried, however. Intently scanning the opposite bank, she notices the absence of one of Calypso's warriors in particular: The Jaguar herself. The queen finds herself forgetting the battle completely as unbidden thoughts race in her mind. Conflicting thoughts.
What does it mean for Amazonia to lose another Matriarch so soon after the last. The strongest of them no less. In fact, the only who could hope to rival the queen in power and influence...
Lyssa isn't sure what to think of the answers her mind is about to offer up. And then, staggering out of the shadows, the Jaguar of the Sea makes her appearance. Emerging to see her warriors secure victory, the Matriarch does not seem to savour it. She tries to hide it, but to someone who knows her like Lyssa does there seems to be something missing. Far from revelling in it, the fiery lust for battle seems to have been put out in Calypso Toucana's heart.
“More of the vengeful dead?” one of the queen's bodyguards says wearily.
The queen's brow furrows, then almost slumps to the ground with relief as Zarmuda's voice becomes clearer – and something altogether more familiar.
“RIIIGG AND GLORY!!” The clarion call precedes the vengeful furies that follow their fleeing enemies. Wounded and battered, Amazons chase the pirates into the water on the opposite bank from Lyssa's force. Bogged down by seaweed and debris, the scoundrels wade into the channel only to be skewered from behind by unforgiving spears.
“Princess Calypso! It is Calypso's army!” Lyssa's warriors call out happily as the unexpected reinforcements pelt their enemy with arrows and stones.
Lyssa herself looks worried, however. Intently scanning the opposite bank, she notices the absence of one of Calypso's warriors in particular: The Jaguar herself. The queen finds herself forgetting the battle completely as unbidden thoughts race in her mind. Conflicting thoughts.
What does it mean for Amazonia to lose another Matriarch so soon after the last. The strongest of them no less. In fact, the only who could hope to rival the queen in power and influence...
Lyssa isn't sure what to think of the answers her mind is about to offer up. And then, staggering out of the shadows, the Jaguar of the Sea makes her appearance. Emerging to see her warriors secure victory, the Matriarch does not seem to savour it. She tries to hide it, but to someone who knows her like Lyssa does there seems to be something missing. Far from revelling in it, the fiery lust for battle seems to have been put out in Calypso Toucana's heart.
* * *
While the second battle for Zarmuda was no pushover, some Amazons wonder how they were able to occupy the sunken city as easily as they did. The Queen of the Pirates is rumoured to be a genius: how could she allow her forces to be caught out like this. The Queen of the Amazons knows the answer: The shrewd Elana Marle had already left.
Unsurprisingly, over two thousand pirates were in no mood to be stuffed together in claustrophobic ruins with all manners of slimy dead things just to wait out a few deranged women playing hide and seek. Instead, a few hundred were left behind while the rest sailed off to plunder greener pastures: Amazonia itself. Trusting in her new fortifications, Lyssa took advantage of this to ignore the raiders and sail straight for Zarmuda. Being informed that the pirates were attacking Belyse's lands rather than her own probably helped her make this decision.
Rather than face the combined Amazon army when it returns, the pirates bug out and return to their hideouts in the Triad Islands. In fact, they seem content to just let the Amazons have Zarmuda. Perhaps a flooded city full of zombies isn't that great of a prize...
* * *
05.06.2021
Followed by two bodyguards, Lyssa strides into the dimly lit temple hall – or what is left of it. Once a massive complex, the remnants are spacious enough to have served as the Amazon headquarters as they bring Zarmuda properly under control.
A few prominent commanders have assembled for a quick meeting. The queen doesn't bat an eyelash at interrupting whatever they are discussing, speaking up as she comes up to them: “How is the wound?” she asks Calypso matter-of-factly.
“It's just going to leave a scar,” the Matriarch replies, trying to downplay it. A permanent reminder of her foolhardiness for going off to war by herself. Lyssa would have rebuked her for her actions, but over the weeks they've spent pacifying the ruin-island it has become apparent that the experience has humbled the Jaguar more than Lyssa's words ever could.
“Are you well enough to sail out of here?” she asks instead.
“Sail?” the Matriarch blurts out.
A woman in Calypso's entourage counters: “There could still be pirates hiding in places we have not found yet. Not to mention the dead that still roam the sunken bowels of the city.”
A shiver goes through the usually resolute Tatiana. She had survived her party being ambushed by a horde of shambling corpses. Many of her fellow huntresses had been torn apart and devoured alive before her eyes, but the spymaster herself had survived with a rough gash across her face. She did not speak much of what happened, but Lyssa had heard her muttering about “The eyes! The green eyes that burn!” in her sleep.
“We have wasted enough time here,” Lyssa counters. “Calypso, Zarmuda is yours to govern on my behalf. Leave as many shieldmaidens as you deem necessary. The rest... we're leaving now.”
Having hopefully placated Calypso with this 'gift', Lyssa anticipates protests as usual from Tatiana. Instead, the muscle-bound woman just looks up slowly and meets the queen's eyes with a sullen look. “Let's go,” she says mechanically.
Lyssa steps over and puts a hand on the spymaster's shoulder. Looking into her eyes, the queen says firmly: “Hang in there, girl. We're not going home just yet.”
Followed by two bodyguards, Lyssa strides into the dimly lit temple hall – or what is left of it. Once a massive complex, the remnants are spacious enough to have served as the Amazon headquarters as they bring Zarmuda properly under control.
A few prominent commanders have assembled for a quick meeting. The queen doesn't bat an eyelash at interrupting whatever they are discussing, speaking up as she comes up to them: “How is the wound?” she asks Calypso matter-of-factly.
“It's just going to leave a scar,” the Matriarch replies, trying to downplay it. A permanent reminder of her foolhardiness for going off to war by herself. Lyssa would have rebuked her for her actions, but over the weeks they've spent pacifying the ruin-island it has become apparent that the experience has humbled the Jaguar more than Lyssa's words ever could.
“Are you well enough to sail out of here?” she asks instead.
“Sail?” the Matriarch blurts out.
A woman in Calypso's entourage counters: “There could still be pirates hiding in places we have not found yet. Not to mention the dead that still roam the sunken bowels of the city.”
A shiver goes through the usually resolute Tatiana. She had survived her party being ambushed by a horde of shambling corpses. Many of her fellow huntresses had been torn apart and devoured alive before her eyes, but the spymaster herself had survived with a rough gash across her face. She did not speak much of what happened, but Lyssa had heard her muttering about “The eyes! The green eyes that burn!” in her sleep.
“We have wasted enough time here,” Lyssa counters. “Calypso, Zarmuda is yours to govern on my behalf. Leave as many shieldmaidens as you deem necessary. The rest... we're leaving now.”
Having hopefully placated Calypso with this 'gift', Lyssa anticipates protests as usual from Tatiana. Instead, the muscle-bound woman just looks up slowly and meets the queen's eyes with a sullen look. “Let's go,” she says mechanically.
Lyssa steps over and puts a hand on the spymaster's shoulder. Looking into her eyes, the queen says firmly: “Hang in there, girl. We're not going home just yet.”
- 1
The way to Amazon's affection is through conquest it seems!
A very evocative setting.
A very evocative setting.
Zarmuda has all the makings of a veritable rat warren (and it would surprise me not one bit to find actual skaven skulking the lowest levels, yes-yes). Better to leave the place to its fate, and find greener pastures to plunder.
Thank you! This entry was a bit different -- and a bit tricky -- so I'm glad it worked out
Nah, it's not poisoned... it just happens to have a few dead corpses floating in it! Also, the corpses are reanimated abominations...
Yep. Worst of all, the only booze you can get there is pirate grog -- run away, Lyssa!
Chapter 11
Chapter 11: A Taste for Conquest
12.06.2021
Lying down, Queen Lyssa throws her arm over eyes against the light. Blocking everything out except the annoying sound of sea birds. The large canoe rocking in the waves, reminding her that she is still not home. The camp bedding wedged in the aft of the boat was hardly the kind of mattress she was used to, but it had to suffice. Months on the campaign trail has left her exhausted. Though perhaps she is more tired of roughing it, rather than too much physical exertion.
“Your Highness...” A tentative voice calls out softly.
Lyssa grumbles to herself, even if she does appreciate the interloper's understanding. She opens her eyes to see the redhead in her bodyguard sitting at her feet, leaning slightly forward.
“We are almost to Mamazo,” the young woman explains, speaking of the domain of Matriarch Belyse. Lyssa did not care much for what happened to the disobedient drunkard or her wealth, but as queen she could not allow her realm to be raided by filthy pirates. “Although... we have word the pirates have fled, going back to Kavana.” She cannot hide her disappointment.
“I guess they heard I was coming,” Lyssa smirks sluggishly.
“Undoubtedly.” While as bold as Tatiana and Calypso, this red-haired girl was much more willing to swallow such baseless boasting than them.
Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Lyssa tries to refocus her mind around this bit of news. She doesn't know the exact number of warriors she has with her right now. However if the plan is to chase the pirates back to their strongholds, the answer is no doubt “not enough”. And if they are half as weary of being out at sea as she is, those warriors are in no shape to charge cannons and stone forts.
Crawling to sit almost upright, Lyssa looks at the young Amazon in front of her. A fire burns in her eyes, every bit as vibrant as her deep red hair. This one did not sail all this way just to go back to Ganaina. A small part of Lyssa has to agree... she has endured all these hardships and what does she have to show for it? A ruin in the middle of the ocean.
“Send a bird to Ganaina,” the queen tells her bodyguard firmly. “Get a message to Azu telling her to rustle up whatever reinforcements she can and meet us in Catlmox.”
The pirates may have slipped away, but there is no reason they can't go look for an easier fight. Besides, there will be a few weeks before Azu can catch up to them, which means time for some rest and recreation. Surely there must be one or two talented males in Catlmox – and failing that, there is always Miyan cuisine.
Lying down, Queen Lyssa throws her arm over eyes against the light. Blocking everything out except the annoying sound of sea birds. The large canoe rocking in the waves, reminding her that she is still not home. The camp bedding wedged in the aft of the boat was hardly the kind of mattress she was used to, but it had to suffice. Months on the campaign trail has left her exhausted. Though perhaps she is more tired of roughing it, rather than too much physical exertion.
“Your Highness...” A tentative voice calls out softly.
Lyssa grumbles to herself, even if she does appreciate the interloper's understanding. She opens her eyes to see the redhead in her bodyguard sitting at her feet, leaning slightly forward.
“We are almost to Mamazo,” the young woman explains, speaking of the domain of Matriarch Belyse. Lyssa did not care much for what happened to the disobedient drunkard or her wealth, but as queen she could not allow her realm to be raided by filthy pirates. “Although... we have word the pirates have fled, going back to Kavana.” She cannot hide her disappointment.
“I guess they heard I was coming,” Lyssa smirks sluggishly.
“Undoubtedly.” While as bold as Tatiana and Calypso, this red-haired girl was much more willing to swallow such baseless boasting than them.
Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Lyssa tries to refocus her mind around this bit of news. She doesn't know the exact number of warriors she has with her right now. However if the plan is to chase the pirates back to their strongholds, the answer is no doubt “not enough”. And if they are half as weary of being out at sea as she is, those warriors are in no shape to charge cannons and stone forts.
Crawling to sit almost upright, Lyssa looks at the young Amazon in front of her. A fire burns in her eyes, every bit as vibrant as her deep red hair. This one did not sail all this way just to go back to Ganaina. A small part of Lyssa has to agree... she has endured all these hardships and what does she have to show for it? A ruin in the middle of the ocean.
“Send a bird to Ganaina,” the queen tells her bodyguard firmly. “Get a message to Azu telling her to rustle up whatever reinforcements she can and meet us in Catlmox.”
The pirates may have slipped away, but there is no reason they can't go look for an easier fight. Besides, there will be a few weeks before Azu can catch up to them, which means time for some rest and recreation. Surely there must be one or two talented males in Catlmox – and failing that, there is always Miyan cuisine.
* * *
Catlmox is the westernmost part of Queen Lyssa's realm. This peninsula controls the sea routes along the Scorpion Coast and was once the seat of the large Miyan domain of Amocan. Not only had Lyssa taken the halfling chief Ikengrim's capital, the war six years ago had shattered his power completely.
Since then, the once-mighty Amocan has split into three. Jumped-up peasants have wrested control of most of the former domain, while the small territory in the west Ikengrim still controls is now under siege by Lizardmen forces.
Amocan, to the west of Amazonia, now split into three after Lyssa took Catlmox
Rather than take her diminished forces on a risky invasion of the Triad Islands, Lyssa has decided to take advantage of this chaos. Not only are the coastal plains a tempting target, Amocan is also home to a few small Amazon tribes. In fact, the western half of the domain, all the way to Jamarco, used to be ruled by Amazon chiefs. That is, until the last of them ran afoul Chief Ikengrim in the wake of Amocan's defeat at the hands of Lyssa and Calypso.
The weeks spent waiting for reinforcements offer a welcome opportunity for the Amazons to recuperate with minimal risk of finding zombies under their beds. Even so, it is clear this is still a frontier province. A significant part of the original population has been enslaved to work on Queen Lyssa's construction projects and not enough Amazons have migrated to entirely replace them yet.
Eventually, Azu arrives with reinforcements from Ganaina, accompanied by Lyssa's daughter Inanna. They number barely a hundred, but against the foe Lyssa envisions this will suffice. More importantly, the bulk of her army has had time to rest.
Leaving the boats behind this time, Lyssa's army marches west. Two months after leaving Zarmuda, they arrive in Tlachcoatl. None of its fractured neighbours come to its aid. Despite this, the halflings are not about to give up the freedom they finally achieved just one year prior. They are brave, but hopelessly outnumbered: Fresh and with the eager Inanna as one of its commanders, the Amazon army crushes the Miyan with barely any casualties.
04.10.2021
Lounging in a makeshift throne, Queen Lyssa covers her mouth to stifle a yawn. It might not be very dignified, but she's way beyond caring. Her forces have chased halfling guerilla fighters for the last few months and she is sick and tired of this whole campaign. She could have ordered all the half-people slaughtered one by one, but that would have left the area as empty a prize as Zarmuda. Someone had to work the fields and her Amazons had better things to do. Like fighting and hunting.
Lyssa licks her lips, her mind drifting to the many, delicious ways Quihuatzin, her Miyan servant, could prepare a capybara. Eventually, she manages to banish the tasty thoughts from her mind: There is no time for day dreaming. She will be back in Ganaina soon enough.
A relatively tall Miyan is brought before her. He looks exhausted, torn and battered – but not beaten. Lyssa betrays no emotion as he is pushed to his knees before her. Inside she is delighted: The leader of the Tlachcoatl Miyan, surrendered to her at last. Merely a commoner, but able to avoid capture for so long.
“I throw me on the mercy of yours,” the halfling says in broken Amazonian. “Please be to spare the people of mine.”
The queen taps her lips, considering his petition. After all, Rigg smiles upon those that slay their enemies... but on the other hand, the Miyan of Amocan do worship the Old Ones as the Amazons do.
“Of course,” Lyssa says in what she assumes is a kind tone. To everyone else she sounds more snappy and impatient. “Assuming 'the people of yours' all swear eternal loyalty to me.” She pauses to gauge the Miyan chief's reaction before adding helpfully: “The same goes for you as well.”
“I...” Beads of sweat appear on the halfling's brow. “We have much of the honour to have big queen as protector. Much praise for Old Ones for the kindness”
Lyssa steels herself as she looks from the little Miyan to the inner circle of dignitaries accompanying her. This is the most expedient way to end this conflict, but no doubt there are murmurs of discontent at such “kindness”. Azu returns the queen's gaze with a subtle nod and a small smile. Azu always knows how to respond properly. More curiously, Calypso looks not at all offended at the prospect of peace – and she is not a woman to keep her opinions to herself. Tatiana just stares glumly into her lap, offering none of the anticipated fiery objections. And finally, Lyssa's daughter Inanna just looks mildly confused as to what is going on.
“As your Queen, I swear to never let the tyrant Ikengrim harm your people ever again,” Lyssa says, hoping she sounds inspirational. She leaves out the fact that a few days ago she got word that Lizardmen had finally taken Ikengrim's last stronghold, ending any threat he might pose. “Now, for your oath...”
Lounging in a makeshift throne, Queen Lyssa covers her mouth to stifle a yawn. It might not be very dignified, but she's way beyond caring. Her forces have chased halfling guerilla fighters for the last few months and she is sick and tired of this whole campaign. She could have ordered all the half-people slaughtered one by one, but that would have left the area as empty a prize as Zarmuda. Someone had to work the fields and her Amazons had better things to do. Like fighting and hunting.
Lyssa licks her lips, her mind drifting to the many, delicious ways Quihuatzin, her Miyan servant, could prepare a capybara. Eventually, she manages to banish the tasty thoughts from her mind: There is no time for day dreaming. She will be back in Ganaina soon enough.
A relatively tall Miyan is brought before her. He looks exhausted, torn and battered – but not beaten. Lyssa betrays no emotion as he is pushed to his knees before her. Inside she is delighted: The leader of the Tlachcoatl Miyan, surrendered to her at last. Merely a commoner, but able to avoid capture for so long.
“I throw me on the mercy of yours,” the halfling says in broken Amazonian. “Please be to spare the people of mine.”
The queen taps her lips, considering his petition. After all, Rigg smiles upon those that slay their enemies... but on the other hand, the Miyan of Amocan do worship the Old Ones as the Amazons do.
“Of course,” Lyssa says in what she assumes is a kind tone. To everyone else she sounds more snappy and impatient. “Assuming 'the people of yours' all swear eternal loyalty to me.” She pauses to gauge the Miyan chief's reaction before adding helpfully: “The same goes for you as well.”
“I...” Beads of sweat appear on the halfling's brow. “We have much of the honour to have big queen as protector. Much praise for Old Ones for the kindness”
Lyssa steels herself as she looks from the little Miyan to the inner circle of dignitaries accompanying her. This is the most expedient way to end this conflict, but no doubt there are murmurs of discontent at such “kindness”. Azu returns the queen's gaze with a subtle nod and a small smile. Azu always knows how to respond properly. More curiously, Calypso looks not at all offended at the prospect of peace – and she is not a woman to keep her opinions to herself. Tatiana just stares glumly into her lap, offering none of the anticipated fiery objections. And finally, Lyssa's daughter Inanna just looks mildly confused as to what is going on.
“As your Queen, I swear to never let the tyrant Ikengrim harm your people ever again,” Lyssa says, hoping she sounds inspirational. She leaves out the fact that a few days ago she got word that Lizardmen had finally taken Ikengrim's last stronghold, ending any threat he might pose. “Now, for your oath...”
* * *
Curious as it may seem to let Tlachcoatl remain in Miyan hands, it means Lyssa wastes no more time pacifying the province like she did Zarmuda. Furthermore, with the great domain of Amocan finally ended with Ikengrim's fall in Jamarco, the western border of her realm is fairly secure. With this in mind, as the year comes to an end, Lyssa disbands her army. They are ordered to rest and recover – and be ready for the new year.
Back in Ganaina, Lyssa does not simply slip into torpor. While she very much enjoys the comforts of home after several months away, there are things that require her attention. It soon becomes apparent that Tatiana is not going to recover from her horrifying encounter with the undead of Zarmuda. Whether it is guilt over the deaths of her fellow huntresses or sudden cowardice, Lyssa does not particularly care either way. Fallen deep into depression, the young woman is no longer fit to be spymaster. Fortunately, an older Amazon by the name of Cassiopeia has caught the queen's attention. Much more subdued than Tatiana, she is also much more subtle.
The fact that she seems to mistrust everyone and everything is probably also a boon to a spymaster.
Buoyed by her relatively easy conquests, Lyssa is starting to get a proper taste for war. However, while her previous reluctance has lessened, she is still not about to go in unprepared. So far she has fought cowardly pirates and half-people. Her next target could prove more of a challenge.
Getting her army back in fighting shape is one thing. Lyssa finds more concern in its leadership. With Tatiana out of the game, the queen realizes she is completely reliant on Calypso, her daughter and the treacherous Tisiphone. She figures the Jaguar of the Sea deserves some time off after her ordeal on Zarmuda and Inanna is... Lyssa loves her second daughter very much and she is a brave and fearsome warrior, but she can also be a bit... dim.
During the battle for Zarmuda, a young redhead in her bodyguard had acquitted herself very well, showing both bravery and a flair for tactics. The fact that she isn't one to call attention to herself like the flashy Calypso and self-obsessed Tisiphone also helps, but Lyssa is not about to admit to that. Instead she quickly promotes this humble commoner and even bothers to learn her name at last. The young Kriemhild, with hair as red as Rigg herself, certainly shows promise.
However, between the untested Kriemhild and potentially unreliable Amazons like Tisiphone and Harmothoe, Chief Priestess of Rigg's Shrine, Lyssa also feels she needs commanders she can trust. And just as importantly: trust not to steal fame and attention away from herself. Her choice is as perfect as it is unconventional.
22.02.2022
“Oh what is this now?” Delight singing in her voice, Lyssa cheers up as she sees the evening feast. Roasted banana provides a bed for spicy sausages glistening with grease. Elegantly adorned with grilled fruit slices, the dish is accompanied by an array of tantalizing side dishes, from sweet root pancakes to fluffy buns.
“It is the nice meal for leave tomorrow,” Quihuatzin explains as she pours the queen a cup of chicha. The halfling servant then takes a step back, observing quietly as Lyssa takes a sip.
“Right, of course... I guess I shouldn't be surprised you know about that.” Scooping up a dollop of mashed banana, Lyssa looks thoughtful as she chews.
“Interest in the fighting is mine, after all,” the Miyan reminds her.
Lyssa chuckles before continuing to wolf down her meal. After a while, immensely pleased with food and drink, she muses: “We haven't really had time to... meet up since I came back, have we...” she says, referring to their secret sparring sessions.
“Big queen was busy?” Quihuatzin suggests, refilling said queen's cup.
“Mmmh...” Lyssa says into her chicha. Skewering a thick sausage, she nibbles on it thoughtfully. “You know, there was one thing I meant to give you before I leave again. I suppose you can think of it as a reward if you'd like.”
The halfling's eyes narrow slightly, uncertain where the queen is going with this.
“Here, before I forget.” Leaning over the side of her throne, Lyssa picks up a feathered headdress with a grunt. She pauses to wipe a bit of creamy sauce from her chin before handing it to the confused servant.
“But... is the hat for the boss lady, no?”
Lyssa nods matter-of-factly: “Yeah, now take it. I've barely gotten to touch my food,” she exaggerates.
“Is for the dressing up?” The look on Lyssa's face suggests otherwise. “Wait... Your Bigness is really meaning this?”
“You said you were good at fighting, right? Here's your chance to prove it.” Having finally handed over the commander's headdress, Lyssa returns to her feasting. “You're coming with me tomorrow – and you won't just be in charge of provisions.”
“Oh what is this now?” Delight singing in her voice, Lyssa cheers up as she sees the evening feast. Roasted banana provides a bed for spicy sausages glistening with grease. Elegantly adorned with grilled fruit slices, the dish is accompanied by an array of tantalizing side dishes, from sweet root pancakes to fluffy buns.
“It is the nice meal for leave tomorrow,” Quihuatzin explains as she pours the queen a cup of chicha. The halfling servant then takes a step back, observing quietly as Lyssa takes a sip.
“Right, of course... I guess I shouldn't be surprised you know about that.” Scooping up a dollop of mashed banana, Lyssa looks thoughtful as she chews.
“Interest in the fighting is mine, after all,” the Miyan reminds her.
Lyssa chuckles before continuing to wolf down her meal. After a while, immensely pleased with food and drink, she muses: “We haven't really had time to... meet up since I came back, have we...” she says, referring to their secret sparring sessions.
“Big queen was busy?” Quihuatzin suggests, refilling said queen's cup.
“Mmmh...” Lyssa says into her chicha. Skewering a thick sausage, she nibbles on it thoughtfully. “You know, there was one thing I meant to give you before I leave again. I suppose you can think of it as a reward if you'd like.”
The halfling's eyes narrow slightly, uncertain where the queen is going with this.
“Here, before I forget.” Leaning over the side of her throne, Lyssa picks up a feathered headdress with a grunt. She pauses to wipe a bit of creamy sauce from her chin before handing it to the confused servant.
“But... is the hat for the boss lady, no?”
Lyssa nods matter-of-factly: “Yeah, now take it. I've barely gotten to touch my food,” she exaggerates.
“Is for the dressing up?” The look on Lyssa's face suggests otherwise. “Wait... Your Bigness is really meaning this?”
“You said you were good at fighting, right? Here's your chance to prove it.” Having finally handed over the commander's headdress, Lyssa returns to her feasting. “You're coming with me tomorrow – and you won't just be in charge of provisions.”
Unfortunately, Quihuatzin cannot be made a “Court Dwarf”. Presumably it is her lack of a beard and grudges.
With her newly minted army leaders in tow, Lyssa sets sail with her army. This time she is heading east. In Cuauhlotl she meets up with the tribeswomen defending the eastern border of her realm... and marches straight across it and into the lands of the Tarantula Coast Amazons. Following up on years of propaganda, she is there to liberate these estranged sisters from their tyrannical chief, Parthenia.
The Amazonian army lays siege to Parthenia's main seat in Teuinoch. Convinced by Tisiphone's diplomatic efforts, the tribes around the stronghold do not come to their mistress's aid. Thus unable to break the siege, Parthenia is forced to slip away after a few weeks, leaving Teuinoch in Lyssa's hands.
Parthenia is not one to give up easily however. Escaping eastward, she raises her remaining bannerwomen. Rather than wait for her, Lyssa marches her forces to meet the Tarantula Amazons in open battle. The fighting is fierce, but the right flank led by Kriemhild manages to push through and start encircling the enemy force. A terrifying hammer blow of a charge from Inanna's heavy infantry seals their fate.
Soundly beaten and chased to the ends of her domain, a fuming Parthenia is forced to give Lyssa the richest and most populated half of it. The victorious queen tours the area, allowing her new subjects to welcome her as their new ruler.
Amazonia after Lyssa's most recent conquests, with Zarmuda to the far north.
Lyssa finishes her tour in Parthenia's old capital where the army settles in to celebrate the Ritual of Serena in honour of Lyssa's victory. As part of the ceremony, the queen's youngest daughter Phaedra performs her rite of passage. Brought along on campaign, the battle against Parthenia is deemed to have been her trial. While not as well-spoken as Maya or skilled in battle as Inanna, the young girl is competent at both diplomacy and warfare. Will this ambitious girl be content to live in the shadow of her older sisters?
She completed her rite of passage, which to be fair already makes her way better than Maya
With the weeks of revelry at an end, Lyssa finally rouses herself to take her army back to Ganaina. Instead of returning the way she came, the queen decides to take advantage of yet another civil war in the Lizardman domain of Xahutec. Marching straight through the deep jungle, the Amazons raid the rebellious province of Sopa. They march straight through it, plundering as they go, but before they reach Tetla they run into trouble. The army of Xahutec has arrived to punish the rebels – and deal with pesky invaders.
Her army much reduced by months of fighting against Parthenia and the subsequent trek through the hostile jungles around Xahutec, Lyssa is nevertheless forced to fight. Slightly outnumbered, the Amazons nevertheless manage to hold their ground, even when the Lizardmen bring two mighty Stegadons to bear. Aided by the massive war beasts, the lizards push back the Amazon flanks. Suddenly, Queen Lyssa finds herself exposed at the head of the army – and facing the enemy general.
Riding a massive Cold One, the skink utters a hissing challenge. Tightening her grip on her spear, Lyssa grits her teeth. Her eyes flit from the expectant faces around her to the slavering jaws of her opponent's steed. Not waiting for an answer, the Lizardman commander lowers its spear, preparing to charge...
- 1
Well now surely not everyone is going to be pleased at having a halfling commander - and a male at that?
Darn I should've been clearer. The new commander is her servant from before, who is of the female persuasion. However, the guy in charge of the halfling province Lyssa conquered is indeed a male. I bet neither move is well-received in certain quarters. Lyssa doesn't believe in making things easy for herself it seems.
Success for this Amazon domain, and a promising daughter in Phaedra. I doubt she would be content to let her older sisters sit unopposed.
Things are certainly looking up(ish). As for Phaedra, she doesn't seem to have a talent for intrigue... but then a particularly cunning rock is probably able to outwit Inanna.
Chapter 12
Chapter 12: Rigg Wills It
02.09.2022
Opposite Queen Lyssa on the field of battle, the enemy general kicks its steed into action. The mighty Cold One roars and dashes forward. Lyssa's mind races with possibilities, none of them reassuring. She can think of a few techniques to bring to bear, but all alone she does not fancy her chances with any of them.
Lyssa's grip tightens so much it threatens to break and she lets out a frustrated growl. Around her, embattled Amazons are looking to her for inspiration. The whole battle might hinge on this moment. There is only one choice. The Queen of Amazonia lifts her weapon to the sky and bellows:
“Regroup on me! Shield wall!”
The order catches her bodyguards by surprise and they take a moment to form up. That's fine, because Lyssa has already turned and retreated. It buys her enough time from the snapping jaws behind her to slip behind her warriors. This queen is not going to end up losing her life for nothing like the ill-fated Thalestris before her.
Faced with a wall of spears, the Lizardman commander tugs the reins of its warbeast and turns back. The queen is safe, but at what cost...
Opposite Queen Lyssa on the field of battle, the enemy general kicks its steed into action. The mighty Cold One roars and dashes forward. Lyssa's mind races with possibilities, none of them reassuring. She can think of a few techniques to bring to bear, but all alone she does not fancy her chances with any of them.
Lyssa's grip tightens so much it threatens to break and she lets out a frustrated growl. Around her, embattled Amazons are looking to her for inspiration. The whole battle might hinge on this moment. There is only one choice. The Queen of Amazonia lifts her weapon to the sky and bellows:
“Regroup on me! Shield wall!”
The order catches her bodyguards by surprise and they take a moment to form up. That's fine, because Lyssa has already turned and retreated. It buys her enough time from the snapping jaws behind her to slip behind her warriors. This queen is not going to end up losing her life for nothing like the ill-fated Thalestris before her.
Faced with a wall of spears, the Lizardman commander tugs the reins of its warbeast and turns back. The queen is safe, but at what cost...
I actually didn't get a choice
Already losing ground, seeing their queen turn tail like this even further demoralizes the Amazons. As they are steadily beaten back, Lyssa commands a retreat. There is nothing she can do but save as many of her warriors as she can – and make sure her two daughters are okay.
With the way to Tetla blocked, the retreating Amazons are forced to forge their way through the thick jungles to the north. The Lizardmen are dissuaded from pursuit by a spirited rear guard action by Kriemhild. Instead they turn their attention to crushing their own rebels, allowing the remaining Amazons to escape.
Back in Amazon territory there awaits a small break for the beaten Amazons: The boats they sailed east on are still moored in Cuauhlotl. No one complains when the order is given to board and return home.
Then, upon arriving in Ganaina, Lyssa promptly disbands her forces again and disappears into her palace. Practically locking herself up in there, the queen refuses to see anyone but the women closest to her. In fact she seems to be distracting herself – and distancing herself – with extravagant banquets over the next days.
07.10.2022
Queen Lyssa takes a sip from her cup, only to find it empty. Her eyes scan the table, only to find no drinks within easy reach. “More wine!” she yells to anyone who might be listening.
One who indeed is listening is her steward Azu. The spindly woman comes up to the queen with an apologetic look: “I am afraid we are out of the Easterner wine, Your Highness.”
Slamming down her cup with a silent curse, Lyssa studies the woman beside her. She expected Quihuatzin, her halfling servant. The steward's presence does raise the annoying spectre of reality in the back of her mind. Lyssa tries to recall the last few days, but it is all a blur to her.
“That's too bad,” the queen grumbles. “We won't be raiding for more any time soon.”
Azu offers her a kind smile: “You did the right thing, Your Highness. Falling back was the only option.”
Picking up her cup again, Lyssa stares into it: “You're right. I'm not – ah... we're not in a position to throw away Amazon lives. Even in glorious combat.”
The queen sighs. This short conversation has been enough to break the spell and she is out of the comfortable denial she had eaten and drunk herself into. No matter the amount of foreign vintage and grilled meat; the battle against the Lizardmen would still be a loss. She had let her warriors' disappointment get to her, but the truth is it is not her job to casually throw her life away. She is the queen and her job is to rule. And through her rule, Amazonia will be strengthened and able to take on any enemy.
For a moment, Lyssa considers asking Azu just what wise governing she has been displaying the last few days but decides against it. She will have plenty of chances to prove her greatness soon enough. Instead she gets right to business:
“Even so, we need even more warriors. Send a message to Quetzlpan and tell Calypso that her vacation is over. I need her to get back to recruiting and training shieldmaidens.”
“Our domain has welcomed quite a few more tribes with your most recent conquests,” Azu observes with a dash of flattery. She looks at her queen expectantly to see if she takes the hint.
“No,” Lyssa tells her firmly. “We are not distributing any land or handing it to new Matriarchs.” She had just gotten rid of one troublesome Matriarch with Azu's former mistress – she is not about to diminish her power any time soon. “You know Cuauhlotl better than anyone, Azu. It has done perfectly fine under my rule, without any Matriarch, right?”
“Ah, you wish to rule the newly conquered lands directly, Your Highness.”
Lyssa nods: “We just have to make sure everything runs smoothly. It would not do to miss out on timber from Zalli, maize from Amocan, honey from Cuauhlotl, spices from...” Realizing her mouth is watering, she stops and clears her throat: “Ahem... what I mean is, all this stuff needs to be managed properly.”
“Of course Your Highness. It's just that, this isn't usually done...” Azu ventures meekly.
“That's another reason Calypso needs to get her fat ass down here. I'm calling a council of dignitaries to settle this issue.” The queen's tone leaves no doubt that there will be very little discussion and a lot of dictating at this meeting. “I assume I can leave the details to you, my steward?” she finishes with a wink.
“Of course, Your Highness. I will take care of everything.” It is obvious Azu's mind is racing behind her reassuring eyes.
“Speaking of which...” Lyssa looks thoughtful as she picks up a piece of corn pie, considering its taste as she chews. “I need you to go to Catlmox.”
Azu blinks in surprise: “Excuse me... Your Highness?”
Remembering how depopulated the province was last time she marched through it with her army, the queen elaborates: “We need some of our new sisters of the realm to move there to keep the locals under control. Farming output has been dropping.”
“I... see...” Azu nods slowly, not sure whether to be most surprised by the sudden order or the fact that the queen seems to have a better grasp of this situation than she does.
“But first of all,” Lyssa grins and leans back contently in her seat, “let's get that council over with.”
Queen Lyssa takes a sip from her cup, only to find it empty. Her eyes scan the table, only to find no drinks within easy reach. “More wine!” she yells to anyone who might be listening.
One who indeed is listening is her steward Azu. The spindly woman comes up to the queen with an apologetic look: “I am afraid we are out of the Easterner wine, Your Highness.”
Slamming down her cup with a silent curse, Lyssa studies the woman beside her. She expected Quihuatzin, her halfling servant. The steward's presence does raise the annoying spectre of reality in the back of her mind. Lyssa tries to recall the last few days, but it is all a blur to her.
“That's too bad,” the queen grumbles. “We won't be raiding for more any time soon.”
Azu offers her a kind smile: “You did the right thing, Your Highness. Falling back was the only option.”
Picking up her cup again, Lyssa stares into it: “You're right. I'm not – ah... we're not in a position to throw away Amazon lives. Even in glorious combat.”
The queen sighs. This short conversation has been enough to break the spell and she is out of the comfortable denial she had eaten and drunk herself into. No matter the amount of foreign vintage and grilled meat; the battle against the Lizardmen would still be a loss. She had let her warriors' disappointment get to her, but the truth is it is not her job to casually throw her life away. She is the queen and her job is to rule. And through her rule, Amazonia will be strengthened and able to take on any enemy.
For a moment, Lyssa considers asking Azu just what wise governing she has been displaying the last few days but decides against it. She will have plenty of chances to prove her greatness soon enough. Instead she gets right to business:
“Even so, we need even more warriors. Send a message to Quetzlpan and tell Calypso that her vacation is over. I need her to get back to recruiting and training shieldmaidens.”
“Our domain has welcomed quite a few more tribes with your most recent conquests,” Azu observes with a dash of flattery. She looks at her queen expectantly to see if she takes the hint.
“No,” Lyssa tells her firmly. “We are not distributing any land or handing it to new Matriarchs.” She had just gotten rid of one troublesome Matriarch with Azu's former mistress – she is not about to diminish her power any time soon. “You know Cuauhlotl better than anyone, Azu. It has done perfectly fine under my rule, without any Matriarch, right?”
“Ah, you wish to rule the newly conquered lands directly, Your Highness.”
Lyssa nods: “We just have to make sure everything runs smoothly. It would not do to miss out on timber from Zalli, maize from Amocan, honey from Cuauhlotl, spices from...” Realizing her mouth is watering, she stops and clears her throat: “Ahem... what I mean is, all this stuff needs to be managed properly.”
“Of course Your Highness. It's just that, this isn't usually done...” Azu ventures meekly.
“That's another reason Calypso needs to get her fat ass down here. I'm calling a council of dignitaries to settle this issue.” The queen's tone leaves no doubt that there will be very little discussion and a lot of dictating at this meeting. “I assume I can leave the details to you, my steward?” she finishes with a wink.
“Of course, Your Highness. I will take care of everything.” It is obvious Azu's mind is racing behind her reassuring eyes.
“Speaking of which...” Lyssa looks thoughtful as she picks up a piece of corn pie, considering its taste as she chews. “I need you to go to Catlmox.”
Azu blinks in surprise: “Excuse me... Your Highness?”
Remembering how depopulated the province was last time she marched through it with her army, the queen elaborates: “We need some of our new sisters of the realm to move there to keep the locals under control. Farming output has been dropping.”
“I... see...” Azu nods slowly, not sure whether to be most surprised by the sudden order or the fact that the queen seems to have a better grasp of this situation than she does.
“But first of all,” Lyssa grins and leans back contently in her seat, “let's get that council over with.”
As promised, Azu sets about devising a plan to reorganize the royal administration – such as it is. By the time the councillors and Matriarchs assemble a month later, they just need to give their approval. When Calypso gives the queen her support, the others quickly fall in line. However it does not seem the queen is done with them just yet...
It's all mine! Except Zarmuda, Calypso can still have that shithole
03.11.2022
The foremost women of the realm sit around the long table dominating the throne hall in the queen's palace. The members of the royal council. The three remaining Matriarchs of Amazonia. Some of them look just about ready to get this meeting over with, but Lyssa dashes their hopes by standing up and motioning everyone for their attention. It is curious, seeing as how they were already focused on her, but it does serve to pique their interest.
“What we are doing here today will serve to strengthen our people for centuries to come,” the queen assures them. “This is the unity we require to prosper.”
Lyssa scans the crowd. It doesn't seem like everyone is entirely on board with her message. That is to be expected. Neither Matriarch Tisiphone, nor Harmothoe, chief priestess of Rigg's temple in Ganaina like her very much. Despite some recent victories, neither seems to have warmed up to her. There might not be any hope for Tisiphone, but the chief priestess and the many who undoubtedly think the same way as her...
“Some of you might wonder 'why?' Why is this unification needed?”
Tisiphone cannot help but roll her eyes at the queen's rhetoric. In her mind, increasing her own power is so obviously the only reason Lyssa needs or cares about.
If she notices, Lyssa ignores the gesture and continues in a passionate tone: “Why is the work we are doing now so crucial?” She looks at the gathered women, pausing to let the words sink in. Even some of those who don't really approve of her look at her expectantly, if only because they wonder where she is going with this.
“To find the answer, you barely have to look off the shores of Amazon Island. Like a dagger to our heart,” the queen continues, using one of her favourite metaphors, “the pirate infestation of the Triad Islands penetrates our realm, its point perilously close to Ganaina. Only last year, these vermin cravenly ravaged Mamazo, showing depraved boldness that cannot be tolerated.”
Lyssa studiously avoids mentioning that she had actually turned a blind eye to these raids in order to attack Zarmuda unopposed while the pirates were occupied. Instead she offers Belyse, Matriarch of that region, a sympathetic look.
“Remember Queen Thalestris,” Lyssa warns ominously, allowing her audience to consider the images this evokes in their minds for a few moments. “Her murder was not just a worldly transgression. It was an affront to Rigg and the Old Ones. These Easterner pirates have proven they carry the torch of the Great Raid proudly.” The assembled Amazons are carefully reminded that the pirates are from the same “Old World” as the villains who conducted that great atrocity.
“Rigg's will is clear,” Lyssa states firmly. She turns to Feidlimid, her house priestess: “I trust you will spread the word: This will be no flower war; no border raid.” Her attention returns to the others: “We will take back our sacred lands by divine mandate. For the glory of Rigg, this shall be a holy war!”
The foremost women of the realm sit around the long table dominating the throne hall in the queen's palace. The members of the royal council. The three remaining Matriarchs of Amazonia. Some of them look just about ready to get this meeting over with, but Lyssa dashes their hopes by standing up and motioning everyone for their attention. It is curious, seeing as how they were already focused on her, but it does serve to pique their interest.
“What we are doing here today will serve to strengthen our people for centuries to come,” the queen assures them. “This is the unity we require to prosper.”
Lyssa scans the crowd. It doesn't seem like everyone is entirely on board with her message. That is to be expected. Neither Matriarch Tisiphone, nor Harmothoe, chief priestess of Rigg's temple in Ganaina like her very much. Despite some recent victories, neither seems to have warmed up to her. There might not be any hope for Tisiphone, but the chief priestess and the many who undoubtedly think the same way as her...
“Some of you might wonder 'why?' Why is this unification needed?”
Tisiphone cannot help but roll her eyes at the queen's rhetoric. In her mind, increasing her own power is so obviously the only reason Lyssa needs or cares about.
If she notices, Lyssa ignores the gesture and continues in a passionate tone: “Why is the work we are doing now so crucial?” She looks at the gathered women, pausing to let the words sink in. Even some of those who don't really approve of her look at her expectantly, if only because they wonder where she is going with this.
“To find the answer, you barely have to look off the shores of Amazon Island. Like a dagger to our heart,” the queen continues, using one of her favourite metaphors, “the pirate infestation of the Triad Islands penetrates our realm, its point perilously close to Ganaina. Only last year, these vermin cravenly ravaged Mamazo, showing depraved boldness that cannot be tolerated.”
Lyssa studiously avoids mentioning that she had actually turned a blind eye to these raids in order to attack Zarmuda unopposed while the pirates were occupied. Instead she offers Belyse, Matriarch of that region, a sympathetic look.
“Remember Queen Thalestris,” Lyssa warns ominously, allowing her audience to consider the images this evokes in their minds for a few moments. “Her murder was not just a worldly transgression. It was an affront to Rigg and the Old Ones. These Easterner pirates have proven they carry the torch of the Great Raid proudly.” The assembled Amazons are carefully reminded that the pirates are from the same “Old World” as the villains who conducted that great atrocity.
“Rigg's will is clear,” Lyssa states firmly. She turns to Feidlimid, her house priestess: “I trust you will spread the word: This will be no flower war; no border raid.” Her attention returns to the others: “We will take back our sacred lands by divine mandate. For the glory of Rigg, this shall be a holy war!”
- 1
Well that is one way to deflect from the discretion with the lizardmen - redirect the Amazons to a more ... holy ... goal.
A classic ploy -- distract your unruly subjects' attention from troubles at home by invoking the threat of some Other. Well, it's worked in Lyssa's favor once...
"They have our wine -- I mean 'sacred land'!"
Now it's just a simple matter of beating a bunch of entrenched pirates with guns.
It is the Amazon way
And finally a little public service announcement: This AAR will be on a short hiatus for about a month while I'm abroad and probably won't have a chance to update it. I hope to come back with a riveting new instalment as soon as possible