Prelude
Prelude: The Heart of Darkness
Rumoured to be ancient servants of the Old Ones, descendants of fierce Norse warrior women and more, the mighty Amazons live in scattered tribes across the jungle continent of Lustria. As warlike as the tales would have it, they live to make war and sacrifice their enemies to Rigg, their berserker goddess of war.
Foreign invaders speak of a people where there are no men. This is not surprising, as they invariably only meet the Amazons on the battlefield. In fact, Amazons are born into both sexes just like in the Old World. However, no self-respecting Amazon Matriarch would drag her weak males into combat. Instead, the menfolk are kept safe and secure under the watchful guard of the shieldmaidens. There they engage in menial tasks more suited to their constitution and intellect. And, of course, they may aspire to the greatest honour a man can earn: participating in the Serena Ritual, the great feast to the goddess of fertility – the one time of the year Amazon women are permitted to lay with their menfolk.
Unknown to most outsiders, the Queen of the Amazons rules from the ancient city of Genaina. This Old One ruin lies on Amazon Island at the mouth of the mighty Amaxon River and ought to be the beating heart of their civilization. However, as darkness encroaches upon Lustria, the tribes drift apart and villages lose contact with each other, leaving them open to predation by lizardmen, Miyan and... external evils.
Amazon Island with the capital city of Ganaina, in white
In 1997, by the Imperial Reckoning, centuries of Old World encroachment come to a head when Tilean adventurers invade and enslave dozens of villages around the mouth of the Amaxon and the outlying islands. With no time to raise her armies, the Amazon Queen Thalestris engages the invaders accompanied by no more than her small bodyguard. They manage to drive the interlopers away, but the queen pays for it with her life. Satisfied with their bounty, the Tileans happily return with their slaves to the Old World.
Those of weak will proclaim that The End is here. The Throne of Rigg will surely crumble before the great goddess can return to reclaim it. However, where some see doom, others see opportunity. One of these is a proud Amazon noblewoman: Lyssa of the Anakonda clan. Ostensibly to save her people, the young woman embarks upon a quest to unite the Amazon tribes.
Nearly three years after she set out on her mission, Lyssa is crowned Queen of the Amazons at the Temple of Karra in Ganaina, in the year 2000. Over the next decade, through inspiring words, cunning and boldness she unites the Amazon villages of Amaxon Bay under her rule. However, this is but a sliver of the mighty jungles of Lustria...
Northern Lustria in 2010, with Amazonia in green on the northern coast. At the northern edge of the map is Ulthuan, ancestral home of the elves. Across the Great Ocean to the east lies the Old World of vile and greedy men
By the year 2010, the Amazons of the Tarantula Coast to the east still have not heeded Queen Lyssa's call. Other independent tribes are scattered along the length of the Amaxon River and elsewhere: The Jaguar clan of Tunsuca, halfway up the Amaxon – who worship Serena, the serpent goddess of fertility, above other gods. The Amazons of the Qurveza river, far to the south – who command strong magic and rule over diminutive Miyan in harmony.
Deeper in the jungle, inscrutable lizardmen cling to their ancient cities. Along the northern coast and elsewhere, Miyan halflings hold no love for the Amazons and dedicate themselves to their ravenous and bloodthirsty deity.
More disconcerting, foreigners have taken control of the islands off the coast of Lyssa's new realm. Tilean pirates roam free from their ports on Xocbiki, Tabazco and the Island of Sacrifices – known as the Triad; Kavana in the Amazon tongue. On the island of Tecnotica – the one which ignorant Old Worlders call 'Columbo's Island' – a foul undead beast holds sway. Already 30 years old, the queen's work has only just begun... will she be up to the task?
Queen Lyssa, ten years after her coronation. She is more of a lover than a fighter...
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Encyclopedia Amazonia
A brief overview of places and characters in this AAR. The cast list has been arranged by year, so you can avoid spoilers. Click the Spoiler buttons below to view.
Lustria
The southern continent in the New World. A near-impenetrable jungle whose fabled lost cities have lured many an adventurer to their doom. Here the Lizardmen live in the shadows of the Old Ones' crumbling temple-cities, defending them against anyone who dare trespass. Scattered tribes of warlike Amazons and cannibalistic Miyan halflings also worship the Old Ones in their own ways. Large rivers like the Amaxon and Qurveza rivers cut through the jungle, but the fickle currents and dangerous beasts that dwell in them can make these expressways just as deadly as the jungle.
Ulthuan
Lying midway between the Old and New world, the island of Ulthuan is home to the High Elf Kingdom. They mostly stay aloof to the affairs of lesser races.
Naggaroth
An icy wasteland in the northern part of the New World, ruled over by the exiled Dark Elves and their Witch King while they plot to conquer Ulthuan once and for all.
The Old World
A strange land far to the east of Lustria, where men rule as kings and emperors (so so many emperors!)
Temple-Cities
Lustria is home to the wondrous cities of the Old Ones. Most of them have been destroyed, but the lizardmen still live in their shadows. Those that remain intact, deep within the jungle, are independent realms in their own right. In addition to mighty cities like Itza and Tlaxtlan, many lesser lizardman domains exists as well. The lizardmen and their slann masters might all serve the Old Ones, but they often disagree, creating a patchwork of rival states.
Amazonia
Centred around Amazon Island and the capital of Genaina (Ganaina in this mod and AAR), the Amazon realm is a loose collection of tribes ruled by matriarchs who in turn swear fealty to the Queen of Amazonia. She rules from Ganaina as custodian of Rigg's throne, waiting for the day when the great goddess will return and lead the Amazons to glory.
Ganaina
The capital of Amazonia and home to the royal palace and the grand temple that holds Rigg's Shrine. Once an Old Ones city, it is by far the largest settlement in the realm.
Nalixo
Traditionally ruled by the Anakonda clan, the Nalixo domain commands the right bank of the Amaxon. This and its proximity to Ganaina makes it one of the most influential realms.
Tetla and Cuauhlotl
Ruled by the Xenara and Pythona clans respectively, these domains accepted Lyssa as their ruler even before she was crowned queen. They are more remote than the other domains but produces many hardy warriors.
Mamazo
Traditionally ruled by the illustrious Pantheros clan. Like Nalixo it is close to Ganaina which has made its rulers influential in the capital.
Quetzlpan
A name for all the outlying islands that surround Amaxon Bay, this domain has little prestige compared to the others. United by the Toucana clan into one domain, its warriors have gained great renown for their bravery and skill with the war canoe.
Kavana
Variously known as the Three Spirits, Triad Islands, Three Islands, this domain was depopulated by slavers and taken over by pirates led by Pirate Queen Elena Marle. What few Amazons remain have fled into the deepest jungles.
Tecnotica
Known as Colombo's Island to the invaders from the Old World, the Amazons here have been enslaved by a vile vampire.
The southern continent in the New World. A near-impenetrable jungle whose fabled lost cities have lured many an adventurer to their doom. Here the Lizardmen live in the shadows of the Old Ones' crumbling temple-cities, defending them against anyone who dare trespass. Scattered tribes of warlike Amazons and cannibalistic Miyan halflings also worship the Old Ones in their own ways. Large rivers like the Amaxon and Qurveza rivers cut through the jungle, but the fickle currents and dangerous beasts that dwell in them can make these expressways just as deadly as the jungle.
Ulthuan
Lying midway between the Old and New world, the island of Ulthuan is home to the High Elf Kingdom. They mostly stay aloof to the affairs of lesser races.
Naggaroth
An icy wasteland in the northern part of the New World, ruled over by the exiled Dark Elves and their Witch King while they plot to conquer Ulthuan once and for all.
The Old World
A strange land far to the east of Lustria, where men rule as kings and emperors (so so many emperors!)
Temple-Cities
Lustria is home to the wondrous cities of the Old Ones. Most of them have been destroyed, but the lizardmen still live in their shadows. Those that remain intact, deep within the jungle, are independent realms in their own right. In addition to mighty cities like Itza and Tlaxtlan, many lesser lizardman domains exists as well. The lizardmen and their slann masters might all serve the Old Ones, but they often disagree, creating a patchwork of rival states.
Amazonia
Centred around Amazon Island and the capital of Genaina (Ganaina in this mod and AAR), the Amazon realm is a loose collection of tribes ruled by matriarchs who in turn swear fealty to the Queen of Amazonia. She rules from Ganaina as custodian of Rigg's throne, waiting for the day when the great goddess will return and lead the Amazons to glory.
Ganaina
The capital of Amazonia and home to the royal palace and the grand temple that holds Rigg's Shrine. Once an Old Ones city, it is by far the largest settlement in the realm.
Nalixo
Traditionally ruled by the Anakonda clan, the Nalixo domain commands the right bank of the Amaxon. This and its proximity to Ganaina makes it one of the most influential realms.
Tetla and Cuauhlotl
Ruled by the Xenara and Pythona clans respectively, these domains accepted Lyssa as their ruler even before she was crowned queen. They are more remote than the other domains but produces many hardy warriors.
Mamazo
Traditionally ruled by the illustrious Pantheros clan. Like Nalixo it is close to Ganaina which has made its rulers influential in the capital.
Quetzlpan
A name for all the outlying islands that surround Amaxon Bay, this domain has little prestige compared to the others. United by the Toucana clan into one domain, its warriors have gained great renown for their bravery and skill with the war canoe.
Kavana
Variously known as the Three Spirits, Triad Islands, Three Islands, this domain was depopulated by slavers and taken over by pirates led by Pirate Queen Elena Marle. What few Amazons remain have fled into the deepest jungles.
Tecnotica
Known as Colombo's Island to the invaders from the Old World, the Amazons here have been enslaved by a vile vampire.
Starting cast
Lyssa Anakonda - Queen of the Amazons. Rose to power during the interregnum following the death of Queen Thalestris in the Great Raid.
Maya Anakonda - Lyssa's oldest daughter. Spoiled and self-indulgent, she is not like most Amazons.
Inanna Anakonda - Quick to anger and slow to think, Inanna's only passion is hitting things in the head with a big club.
Phaedra Anakonda - As the youngest of the three royal siblings, Phaedra has a strong desire to prove herself.
Calypso Toucana - The Matriarch of the Quetzlpan archipelago. Called the "Jaguar of the Sea" she is a formidable warrior.
Belyse Pantheros - Matriarch of Mamazo. Loves drinking even more than she does grabbing wealth and power for herself.
Tisiphone Xenara - Matriarch of Tetla. One of the first to swear fealty to Queen Lyssa, Tisiphone has become disillusioned with her rule.
Concordia Pythona - Matriarch of Cuauhlotl. She believes Amazons should be temperate and avoid excess. Thus she not a fan of Lyssa.
Harmothoe - Chief Priestess of Rigg's Shrine and therefore head of the Amazon Sisterhood. A warmonger first, holy woman second.
Louis - The ancient vampire lord of Technotica. Driven away, but an evil presence lingers on the island still...
Elena Marles - Pirate Queen of Tresislas, three holy islands conquered from the Amazons after the Great Raid.
Charles LeChuck - "Vampire King" of the sunken city of Zarmuda, known to Old Worlders as Monkeigh Island. Defeated by Elena Marles, but managed to escape, no doubt plotting his revenge.
New faces (2010-2029)
Quiauhxochuatzin - "Quihuatzin" for short. At first glance merely a humble halfling slave, captured when the Amazons conquered her home. Ambition and intelligence burn brightly in her eyes, however.
Fak Anakonda - Smart, beautiful and strong... but unfortunately a male and thus simply a great disappointment to Lyssa, his mother.
Azu (the Elder) - Once steward to Concordia, Azu switched allegiance to queen Lyssa when her mistress became ill and died.
Azu (the Younger) - Even more talented than her mother Azu the Elder, she becomes an important part of Lyssa's ruling council.
Kriemhild - A promising member of Lyssa's bodyguard who has a lot more tactical acumen than she first lets on.
Cassiopeia - An intensely suspicious and perpetually worried woman, she takes over as the queen's spymaster.
New horizons (2030-2039)
Tanya - Succeeds Harmothoe as Chief Priestess and is infinitely more cooperative. She is also one of the wisest women in the Sisterhood.
Anumeha - An Amazon noblewoman who gets a bit too honest when she drinks. It takes a decade or so for Lyssa to forget her insults.
Valli - Becomes spymaster after Cassiopeia is murdered when she discovers a plot orchestrated by Louis of Technotica. Not very noteworthy, Lyssa can barely remember her name...
Calypso II Toucana - Becomes Matriarch of Quetzlpan when her mother is killed in battle. A woman of great battle prowess and great appetites like her mother.
Kåre Anakonda - Inanna's first child and a crushing disappointment what with the pressure Lyssa is putting on her to sire an heir. He is quickly sacrificed to the gods.
Ixchel - A member of Inanna's bodyguard who consoles her mistress after Lyssa disappears. The two become lovers.
Parthenia the Wicked - Independent matriarch of Teuninochacal. She fights a merciless war against Lyssa, one that costs Calypso Toucana her life.
New generations (2040-2050)
Olariche - Becomes spymaster during the regency. Rewarded with Fort Xocibiki, she becomes a close ally of Azu and Azu.
Valesca - Captain of the queen's bodyguard.
Andre - Leader of a cult of Amazon males revering the cruel god of the deep: Stromfels. He lead a massive uprising of the male population of Kavana.
Tiziana - An aspiring pirate who had the misfortune of arriving in Lustria just before Lyssa expelled the pirates from Kavana. Enslaved she was put to use as an interpreter and later became involved in trade between Amazons and foreigners.
Melandra Pantheros - Matriarch of Mamazo. Oldest daughter of Belyse Pantheros. Inherited her mother's realm, hedonism and desire to get a fancier title.
Tisiphone II Xenara - Matriarch of Tetla. Just a child when her mother dies, but still continues the Xenara tradition of scheming against Queen Lyssa.
Pragya - Chosen to administrate one of the Kavana islands, she desires to become a matriarch but is too timid to openly challenge the queen.
Coatopoxt - Being from a noble family counts for little when you're a halfling in Amazonia. However, Azu the Younger recognized her intelligence and managed to get her inducted into the Amazon Sisterhood.
Lyssa Anakonda - Queen of the Amazons. Rose to power during the interregnum following the death of Queen Thalestris in the Great Raid.
Maya Anakonda - Lyssa's oldest daughter. Spoiled and self-indulgent, she is not like most Amazons.
Inanna Anakonda - Quick to anger and slow to think, Inanna's only passion is hitting things in the head with a big club.
Phaedra Anakonda - As the youngest of the three royal siblings, Phaedra has a strong desire to prove herself.
Calypso Toucana - The Matriarch of the Quetzlpan archipelago. Called the "Jaguar of the Sea" she is a formidable warrior.
Belyse Pantheros - Matriarch of Mamazo. Loves drinking even more than she does grabbing wealth and power for herself.
Tisiphone Xenara - Matriarch of Tetla. One of the first to swear fealty to Queen Lyssa, Tisiphone has become disillusioned with her rule.
Concordia Pythona - Matriarch of Cuauhlotl. She believes Amazons should be temperate and avoid excess. Thus she not a fan of Lyssa.
Harmothoe - Chief Priestess of Rigg's Shrine and therefore head of the Amazon Sisterhood. A warmonger first, holy woman second.
Louis - The ancient vampire lord of Technotica. Driven away, but an evil presence lingers on the island still...
Elena Marles - Pirate Queen of Tresislas, three holy islands conquered from the Amazons after the Great Raid.
Charles LeChuck - "Vampire King" of the sunken city of Zarmuda, known to Old Worlders as Monkeigh Island. Defeated by Elena Marles, but managed to escape, no doubt plotting his revenge.
New faces (2010-2029)
Quiauhxochuatzin - "Quihuatzin" for short. At first glance merely a humble halfling slave, captured when the Amazons conquered her home. Ambition and intelligence burn brightly in her eyes, however.
Fak Anakonda - Smart, beautiful and strong... but unfortunately a male and thus simply a great disappointment to Lyssa, his mother.
Azu (the Elder) - Once steward to Concordia, Azu switched allegiance to queen Lyssa when her mistress became ill and died.
Azu (the Younger) - Even more talented than her mother Azu the Elder, she becomes an important part of Lyssa's ruling council.
Kriemhild - A promising member of Lyssa's bodyguard who has a lot more tactical acumen than she first lets on.
Cassiopeia - An intensely suspicious and perpetually worried woman, she takes over as the queen's spymaster.
New horizons (2030-2039)
Tanya - Succeeds Harmothoe as Chief Priestess and is infinitely more cooperative. She is also one of the wisest women in the Sisterhood.
Anumeha - An Amazon noblewoman who gets a bit too honest when she drinks. It takes a decade or so for Lyssa to forget her insults.
Valli - Becomes spymaster after Cassiopeia is murdered when she discovers a plot orchestrated by Louis of Technotica. Not very noteworthy, Lyssa can barely remember her name...
Calypso II Toucana - Becomes Matriarch of Quetzlpan when her mother is killed in battle. A woman of great battle prowess and great appetites like her mother.
Kåre Anakonda - Inanna's first child and a crushing disappointment what with the pressure Lyssa is putting on her to sire an heir. He is quickly sacrificed to the gods.
Ixchel - A member of Inanna's bodyguard who consoles her mistress after Lyssa disappears. The two become lovers.
Parthenia the Wicked - Independent matriarch of Teuninochacal. She fights a merciless war against Lyssa, one that costs Calypso Toucana her life.
New generations (2040-2050)
Olariche - Becomes spymaster during the regency. Rewarded with Fort Xocibiki, she becomes a close ally of Azu and Azu.
Valesca - Captain of the queen's bodyguard.
Andre - Leader of a cult of Amazon males revering the cruel god of the deep: Stromfels. He lead a massive uprising of the male population of Kavana.
Tiziana - An aspiring pirate who had the misfortune of arriving in Lustria just before Lyssa expelled the pirates from Kavana. Enslaved she was put to use as an interpreter and later became involved in trade between Amazons and foreigners.
Melandra Pantheros - Matriarch of Mamazo. Oldest daughter of Belyse Pantheros. Inherited her mother's realm, hedonism and desire to get a fancier title.
Tisiphone II Xenara - Matriarch of Tetla. Just a child when her mother dies, but still continues the Xenara tradition of scheming against Queen Lyssa.
Pragya - Chosen to administrate one of the Kavana islands, she desires to become a matriarch but is too timid to openly challenge the queen.
Coatopoxt - Being from a noble family counts for little when you're a halfling in Amazonia. However, Azu the Younger recognized her intelligence and managed to get her inducted into the Amazon Sisterhood.
Table of Contents
Introduction (OOC and gameplay info)
Chapter 1: The Jaguar of the Sea (2013)
Chapter 2: For the Glory of Rigg (2014)
Chapter 3: Roused to Greatness (2015)
Chapter 4: Unity by the Grace of Rigg (2015)
Chapter 5: Rite of Passage (2016)
Chapter 6: Decadence and Dynasty (2017-2018)
Chapter 7: Tapestry of Treason (2018-2019)
Chapter 8: The Queen's Trial (2019)
Chapter 9: Prosperity through Procrastination (2019-2021)
Chapter 10: The Drowned (2021)
Chapter 11: A Taste for Conquest (2021-2022)
Chapter 12: Rigg Wills It (2022)
Chapter 13: Revere the Queen, Expel the Pirates (2023)
Chapter 14: Closing the Circle (2023-2024)
Chapter 15: Root and Branch (2025)
Chapter 16: The Circle of Death (2025)
Chapter 17: One's Due (2026)
Chapter 18: A Whole Wide World (2026)
Chapter 19: Anchor (2026)
Chapter 20: Fire and Ice (2026-2027)
Chapter 21: Foreign Bounty (2027-2028)
Chapter 22: An Unexpected Welcome (2029)
Chapter 23: Forgotten No More (2029)
Chapter 24: An Abundant Display (2029-2030)
Chapter 25: A Worthy Foe? (2030)
Chapter 26: The Wind of Righteousness (2030-2031)
Chapter 27: The City of Ghosts (2032)
Chapter 28: Brought to a Close (2033)
Chapter 29: Torpor (2033-2034)
Chapter 30: The Empty Throne (2034-2036)
Chapter 31: Upheaval (2036-2039)
Chapter 32: A Confluence of Conspiracy (2039)
Chapter 33: The Mighty Amaxon Provides (2039)
Chapter 34: Legacy of the Old Ones (2039)
Chapter 35: The Apple (2039)
Chapter 36: In Deep (2040)
Chapter 37: Treading Familiar Ground (2040-2041)
Chapter 38: The City of Echoes (2041)
Chapter 39: Put Down (2041-2042)
Chapter 40: Mother of the Realm (2042)
Chapter 41: Blood on the Water (2042)
Chapter 42: Rigg's Mercy (2042)
Chapter 43: Pleasures of Persuasion (2042-2043)
Chapter 44: On Oppressive Ground (2043)
Chapter 45: The Next Generation (2044)
Chapter 46: Due Consideration (2044)
Chapter 47: Internal Conflict (2044)
Chapter 48: Defiance (2044)
Chapter 49: Blessing of the Old Ones (2044)
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