Just when it seemed he had managed to claim Byzantium and have an entire empire at his fingertips, he died. So much lost potential. I wonder who the next subject will be.
Far(?) from Enlightenment - a dual CK II/Stellaris AAR
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Let's see if he can accomplish what he wants this time.
Abba just wasn't meant for it
. I would have loved two strong Israelite empires, one of which I didn't even have to switch culture for myself.Alone? Or with some intervention...
VII. Karnata
Destruction. Still connected to the post's network, he can pick who might be suited fairly well for it – and chooses the Rashtrakuta Maharaja, Mushkara; a man who has all his sons sent into hiding. At the same time, the kingdom reigns fairly supreme and unchallenged since the begin of the observations; the dynasty's reign never faltering, three kingdoms splitting on one ruler's death to be united again before breaking apart once more. Perfect place to break the ever-advancing hold of the Rashtrakuta.
First things first. There is an ongoing rebellion, with the aim of splitting the Rashtrakuta kingdoms again. There is also an easy solution to this conflict present. Why not take it? The pretender is the Thakur of Manyaketa, Mushkara's nephew, within the realm, plotting some other man's death. And a corpse can't rule. I send guards to come knocking, drag him outside, and have him trampled by an elephant. End of the revolt. The invading adventurer with the long name faces a similar end, although in battle. Allied to the Pratihara, with the end of their revolt, the realm is at peace.
Peace is great. I'm sure this is how history books will say it: Peace is so great, it truly inspires Mushkara, who embraces the religion that stands for pacifism like no other in this world: Jainism. The vassals demand more crown authority? Of course. Why shed unnecessary blood? Perhaps because of a slight change of character. The Maharaja is no longer charitable, but instead develops a cruel ambition: What if everyone of his neighbours would learn of the peace-loving way of being a Jain? By force. They won't change if I just ask nicely after all. OK, if I do it, they would. But not if Mushkara does.
The councillors just don't see how beneficial this peace would be. Well, who needs them? My word decides of war and peace. They may grumble in their corner and plot the monarch's downfall, but the armies won't care. Troops are set in motion upon the Maharaja's decision. Mushkara promptly declares war against every single one of his neighbours he isn't allied to simultaneously. That should keep him busy for a while. A final destruction before I get away – she will soon be ready if I dedicate more time to her.
In the south, the targets have other problems. In the west, the Chawda, other Jains, invade. But in the east, the new enemies are overrun, Mushkara's good leadership and his allies proving too strong, even when the hired mercenaries turn against him.
As Karnata's armies march south, it gets dangerous for the monarch. Just as he closed his eyes, it might have been for good. A serpent had appeared, ready to strike the Maharaja. His reflexes were good, and he avoided an untimely death. Perhaps an act of revenge? Symbolically to be carried out by an animal, just as he had tortured prisoners with rats before? He would not know who was responsible.
The Vengi Chalukya had to surrender soon after, and Mushkara then faces the Pandya, having hired the Followers of Arjuna. Their grandmaster is captured, and victory seems inevitable. One side has lost its leader, but the other side too. Mushkara is not captured, but has fallen on the battlefield. The kingdoms split up, Somesvara inheriting Karnata.
Not even this worked out as planned. All neighbours together, unable to stop the attacks. Why does everything have to go wrong? No, it won't. This has to work! I left the realm to be destroyed, and all that happened is that the ruler dies! You want it that way, Kongath, cited so often as Light of Fate? Then I'll act in the dark. Dark... a good transition, isn't it? Somesvara, the new Maharaja, has lived most of his life in it. In hiding. Smart, but also a man with many enemies. I can prepare my next step with ease, he'll be taken care of without my intervention. Four months after his father's death, Somesvara goes KABOOM after the visit of an inn.
Mushkara II is a weak child. And with the death of his claimant, the war against the Pandya ends as well. What better moment than now to unleash chaos? I think you just toyed with me, Kongath. Or did my repairs truly leave me in the dark?Promises of great wealth. They move so much, always have, and this can be no different. Men without any moral qualms, just taking what they need, are perfect for my purpose. A vague promise of payment – didn't the mercenaries fight in Mushkara's war? And even if not, the wealth is there, defenceless. Just a little convincing...
Ripe for the taking. Nothing more. I do remember that the coffers can't pay any mercenaries, and well, sell-swords sell their swords. If the buyer can't pay, he is made to pay. And all that land in the hands of a weak child and a squabbling council – no. It is just fair that the seller takes over then. Exactly what happens here as well. Pillaging mercenaries, establishing their own rule in the vacuum left behind by the successive deaths.
Maybe I should have joined the pirates these years ago. I seem to be destined for lawless rule. You wanted that, Kongath. That is why I don't have a place under the Beacons? Or is this some – test? It is the Lights that made all this possible, after all. And just as I have her in her full splendour again, ready to leave. Post should have gotten enough to think now. My vengeance – not over, but here, it is. Time to leave, my love.
Destruction. Still connected to the post's network, he can pick who might be suited fairly well for it – and chooses the Rashtrakuta Maharaja, Mushkara; a man who has all his sons sent into hiding. At the same time, the kingdom reigns fairly supreme and unchallenged since the begin of the observations; the dynasty's reign never faltering, three kingdoms splitting on one ruler's death to be united again before breaking apart once more. Perfect place to break the ever-advancing hold of the Rashtrakuta.
First things first. There is an ongoing rebellion, with the aim of splitting the Rashtrakuta kingdoms again. There is also an easy solution to this conflict present. Why not take it? The pretender is the Thakur of Manyaketa, Mushkara's nephew, within the realm, plotting some other man's death. And a corpse can't rule. I send guards to come knocking, drag him outside, and have him trampled by an elephant. End of the revolt. The invading adventurer with the long name faces a similar end, although in battle. Allied to the Pratihara, with the end of their revolt, the realm is at peace.
Peace is great. I'm sure this is how history books will say it: Peace is so great, it truly inspires Mushkara, who embraces the religion that stands for pacifism like no other in this world: Jainism. The vassals demand more crown authority? Of course. Why shed unnecessary blood? Perhaps because of a slight change of character. The Maharaja is no longer charitable, but instead develops a cruel ambition: What if everyone of his neighbours would learn of the peace-loving way of being a Jain? By force. They won't change if I just ask nicely after all. OK, if I do it, they would. But not if Mushkara does.
The councillors just don't see how beneficial this peace would be. Well, who needs them? My word decides of war and peace. They may grumble in their corner and plot the monarch's downfall, but the armies won't care. Troops are set in motion upon the Maharaja's decision. Mushkara promptly declares war against every single one of his neighbours he isn't allied to simultaneously. That should keep him busy for a while. A final destruction before I get away – she will soon be ready if I dedicate more time to her.
In the south, the targets have other problems. In the west, the Chawda, other Jains, invade. But in the east, the new enemies are overrun, Mushkara's good leadership and his allies proving too strong, even when the hired mercenaries turn against him.
As Karnata's armies march south, it gets dangerous for the monarch. Just as he closed his eyes, it might have been for good. A serpent had appeared, ready to strike the Maharaja. His reflexes were good, and he avoided an untimely death. Perhaps an act of revenge? Symbolically to be carried out by an animal, just as he had tortured prisoners with rats before? He would not know who was responsible.
The Vengi Chalukya had to surrender soon after, and Mushkara then faces the Pandya, having hired the Followers of Arjuna. Their grandmaster is captured, and victory seems inevitable. One side has lost its leader, but the other side too. Mushkara is not captured, but has fallen on the battlefield. The kingdoms split up, Somesvara inheriting Karnata.
Not even this worked out as planned. All neighbours together, unable to stop the attacks. Why does everything have to go wrong? No, it won't. This has to work! I left the realm to be destroyed, and all that happened is that the ruler dies! You want it that way, Kongath, cited so often as Light of Fate? Then I'll act in the dark. Dark... a good transition, isn't it? Somesvara, the new Maharaja, has lived most of his life in it. In hiding. Smart, but also a man with many enemies. I can prepare my next step with ease, he'll be taken care of without my intervention. Four months after his father's death, Somesvara goes KABOOM after the visit of an inn.
Mushkara II is a weak child. And with the death of his claimant, the war against the Pandya ends as well. What better moment than now to unleash chaos? I think you just toyed with me, Kongath. Or did my repairs truly leave me in the dark?Promises of great wealth. They move so much, always have, and this can be no different. Men without any moral qualms, just taking what they need, are perfect for my purpose. A vague promise of payment – didn't the mercenaries fight in Mushkara's war? And even if not, the wealth is there, defenceless. Just a little convincing...
Ripe for the taking. Nothing more. I do remember that the coffers can't pay any mercenaries, and well, sell-swords sell their swords. If the buyer can't pay, he is made to pay. And all that land in the hands of a weak child and a squabbling council – no. It is just fair that the seller takes over then. Exactly what happens here as well. Pillaging mercenaries, establishing their own rule in the vacuum left behind by the successive deaths.
Maybe I should have joined the pirates these years ago. I seem to be destined for lawless rule. You wanted that, Kongath. That is why I don't have a place under the Beacons? Or is this some – test? It is the Lights that made all this possible, after all. And just as I have her in her full splendour again, ready to leave. Post should have gotten enough to think now. My vengeance – not over, but here, it is. Time to leave, my love.
- 1
India will surely be feeling that for some time to come. The moral of the story is to always pay your mercenaries.
True.
India will surely be feeling that for some time to come. The moral of the story is to always pay your mercenaries.
And to avoid an alien's wrath, even if you had no hand in causing it.
VIII. Þordr Drake, 1
My task was clear. Take this man, Þordr Drake, and train my abilities. Major Fular advised me to take it further than the minimum. Start slowly, then be more ambitious. Which is what I wanted to do. Additionally, I had to keep the small population of this island far away from its heart, where we were erecting a military base, new location of Ruchba-II, psionic centre named after the shrine that allowed this discovery.
Luckily, the few settlements would not adventure anywhere inland soon, so I could venture to the main one, relying for now on the cover-technology, refined specially not to be detected by Finu-sensors as well as visible light. The chief was easy to find, a young man like many before him. Following the major's advice, I began small, and tried to eradicate his fear. The training paid off, and I was able to turn Þordr into a fearless berserker. He embarked with his men on raid after raid, and the island was deserted at times.
Hysing was totally shaken by the chief's sudden transformation. He may be right, but I will not complain. So much plunder I have rarely seen in my life. More men have come, to follow the leadership of the great Þordr – who would have thought that months ago? And with winter being our ally, nobody expects our raids most of the time. May the good times go on.
Two earthen years after the start of the mission, I had trained my abilities enough to meet the chief in person. As good as it was possible, that is. In a suit to resist the cold, fully concentrated and always wary that our pioneer work in influencing the sensors could still fail. For Þordr, I appeared as a bearded, one-eyed elderly human. For him, his most important deity. I confirmed his path. A path Fular insisted I shall take an active role in.
The main reason for our stationing here on Earth was one I could train with a few peasants. Or so I thought, my orders were clearly different after all. It was not enough to drain the will of the troops. Army and Beacons clearly had something else in mind as well, for influencing a primitive ruler could likely lead to influencing a modern ruler too. I both had some shepherds break into a wild panic when facing their herd as well as the sheep trying to kill him, only intervening in the last moment. It worked, just as what I had to do for Þordr – have him raid the Mediterranean to eat oranges and cure his scurvy.
The experiments proved encouraging enough, and the entire post had always been oblivious to our presence. The base was ready as well when we had to leave for the war, around the same time the Jihad failed, as well as the Zunist Great Holy War for Poland. That one was some anomaly for the researchers, but they haven't been able to trace Tixkir's influence behind it, luckily. I can only retrace Þordr's next steps from the post's records, what I had to do to be able to continue upon my return, what the major insisted on.
Þordr ended the recently created peasant realm of Connacht to establish a base for his raids in Ireland after inheriting Austisland from his uncle. Thus strengthened and still devoid of fear, he declared his independence, one the Icelandic Jarl had to accept quick. Norge's newly Christian king had overexerted his realm as he attacked the Picts, and as he broke completely under attacks from most of his neighbours, Þordr declared his independence from the king as well. Only that he didn't give in.
They are nobodies, these men far away. Their audacity to call themselves overlords of our great chief! No longer, Þordr has declared: For a weak man cannot command a strong bear. And Tyke's death had him unite Island, yet another man called himself Jarl – Folki. Absent while we seized Connacht, yet still clinging on to his fancy title. How I would have loved to split his skull with my axe. Yet the chief left him alive. Odin might not have wanted his death, but certainly the false cross-worshipper's! 'King' of Noregr – what gall that queer weakling had to call himself like that. Beset by his many enemies, we may send him to his god soon enough.
Olafr never knows when it is time to surrender. I can't count the amount of times our brave men, who had come to show that fool of an Earl who is the victim here, burnt down the surrounding lands. We just need to step over the border, and immediately any Irish who sees us tries to leave the island. Þordr's name is worth more than any other viking's, and he'll be among the legendary raiders soon, his place in Valhalla assured.
The men are growing restless, as the fool still hasn't surrendered. The Jomsvikings have formed, and I considered joining them if not for Þordr's promises, promises he made based on the words of Odin himself! So I was a part of the men landing in Noregr to finally 'convince' Olafr. Others found 'Greenland', yet we have found more. Independence. And land ripe for the taking.
That's a lot of wars at once. Nothing a Viking can't handle with a little outside help from "Odin".
I liked "Odin's" intervention as well in human matters! I was also amazed how strong the independence movement was (925,5 % of power! ).
Looking forward how this Norse Age will continue, with or without alien help
Looking forward how this Norse Age will continue, with or without alien help
The few legendary vikings, but else just the usual raiders I fear. Þordr tries to claim his place in legend.
Olafr might have overestimated his abilities. Such a Christian fool doesn't deserve to rule over a mighty Viking favoured by the gods!That's a lot of wars at once. Nothing a Viking can't handle with a little outside help from "Odin".
And yet Olafr still chose to fight. I know that I hated ticking warscore in independence revolts too because sometimes the rebels had won before you could even siege down one holding, but that he didn't just give in cost me seven years. On the other hand, it was useful... ask the IrishI liked "Odin's" intervention as well in human matters! I was also amazed how strong the independence movement was (925,5 % of power! ).
Looking forward how this Norse Age will continue, with or without alien help
.The Norse Age has some surprises left to offer
.
IX. Þordr Drake, Part 2
Upon my return, he had finally broken Olafr's resistance and burned down the surrounding Irish landscape multiple times. New Jarl of Island, he held a blot, one during which I made another appearance to him, sharing an advanced stratagem. Burnt down to the ground before the attack, the enemy wouldn't be able to resist, and by quickly chaining up the conquests, the warriors would have no time to return to their farms. One after the other, the Irish Earls fell to the Icelandic armies that way, only Mumu able to put up some resistance.
This is what a viking is all about. More loot than we can carry. Terror in the eyes of everyone standing in our way. Burn. Pillage. Conquer. The number of disillusioned Norsemen joining us from the slowly cross-worshipping Scandinavia increases by the day. A place where loot and blood flow. Never have I met anyone I was willing to follow as much, never a warrior so strong as Þordr Drake.
I had learned enough to know when to set the man's sight on a bigger target: Pictland. With the Germanic faith slowly nearing extinction, a great invasion could be just what was needed. Assembling a great host heeding the call of his prestigious name, the new king of Irland invaded Pictland, just barely containing his berserker rage before heading into war. I thought I might have done a bit too much concerning that, and was ready to guard him from death in battle would it be necessary.
Ever since Þordr announced our imminent invasion of Pictland, our numbers grew by the day, as did our anxiety. Yet if we thought we were anxious to launch ourselves into battle... we weren't prepared for Þordr. Meeting with one of his son-in-laws, a former mercenary praying to the sun, he almost cut him into pieces. The Picts will soon be like that table, by Tyr.
That Saxon, Ludolf, just brought more sheep to the slaughter. Taking Rome right under the nose of the believers of the dead god just brought out their zeal! May these knights prove worthy adversaries. Our 13000 men face the entire British isles and these Christians – we will colour the earth red with their blood, and feast in Valhalla.
I recalled many moments of the Ik-Nur-Val war in this conflict. The intensity of the battles, the fearless charges of Þordr's hordes, the Christians focusing on the poorly defended Irish lands before shattering against his united host. The full extent of a war of this level of civilization. I didn't intervene. Which makes some events even stranger. The dancing plague sweeping through Ireland – and Þordr agreeing to start a council vote by returning a favour to his one-legged daughter, just dancing to her death. Was there something else, more powerful at work?
If there was or there wasn't, Pictland fell after more than three years of endless bloodshed, when Þordr's vikings had crushed all enemy armies and assaulted a few settlements. The likely last act of the terrifying Germanic raiders, the Great Heathen Army that ravaged Northern Britain from 939-942.
As it has somehow made sense to invite a man of Ituk's former mercenary band over, the only Zunist to consider moving to his court, with some minor, unimportant people. But from there to landing him after the successful invasion, and then more! Officially infatuated with the exotic woman that accompanied him, the King pays her more than a count's ransom to be able to make her a concubine. And if a Christian concubine can persuade a ruler to adopt his religion, than a follower of the Lights as far more than just able to do so as well.
With the return of the plundering hordes to their previous lives, or settling down in the conquered, pillaged land, it was just natural that some Christian rulers tried to reconquer their land. But with news of his conversion, the Knights of the Sun had come as well. The wars were over before they had really begun, and in a great festival, I made Þordr convert most of his men to this right religion, the one to keep them safe, to bring them greatness.
Not the only declaration to be made at the festival – the Skottish realm would no longer be ruled by a king, but by a few merchant dynasties, headed by a Prince Mayor. Just as his poetic runestone, these decisions will give the scholars a hard time figuring out the reasons behind them.
Major Fular congratulated me personally for this well-executed scheme, and laughed as the post was left absolutely baffled by Þordr's life. I was to make sure that there would be no return to the old ways, and rarely left the base to ensure it in the next years. My training was complete, and in the terran year 951, I was part of Dream's next assignment, never to return on Earth again.
(Glorious tribal armies! And for Zun, there was only one Zunist willing to join my court (Ituk had died), who I could invite and land. Then he didn't want to give me the concubine, so I had to pay her 20 gold to be able to pay 80 gold for a favour to get her to join my court. Then some console magic - one should be able to switch to reformed paganism through concubines anyway IMHO.)
Upon my return, he had finally broken Olafr's resistance and burned down the surrounding Irish landscape multiple times. New Jarl of Island, he held a blot, one during which I made another appearance to him, sharing an advanced stratagem. Burnt down to the ground before the attack, the enemy wouldn't be able to resist, and by quickly chaining up the conquests, the warriors would have no time to return to their farms. One after the other, the Irish Earls fell to the Icelandic armies that way, only Mumu able to put up some resistance.
This is what a viking is all about. More loot than we can carry. Terror in the eyes of everyone standing in our way. Burn. Pillage. Conquer. The number of disillusioned Norsemen joining us from the slowly cross-worshipping Scandinavia increases by the day. A place where loot and blood flow. Never have I met anyone I was willing to follow as much, never a warrior so strong as Þordr Drake.
I had learned enough to know when to set the man's sight on a bigger target: Pictland. With the Germanic faith slowly nearing extinction, a great invasion could be just what was needed. Assembling a great host heeding the call of his prestigious name, the new king of Irland invaded Pictland, just barely containing his berserker rage before heading into war. I thought I might have done a bit too much concerning that, and was ready to guard him from death in battle would it be necessary.
Ever since Þordr announced our imminent invasion of Pictland, our numbers grew by the day, as did our anxiety. Yet if we thought we were anxious to launch ourselves into battle... we weren't prepared for Þordr. Meeting with one of his son-in-laws, a former mercenary praying to the sun, he almost cut him into pieces. The Picts will soon be like that table, by Tyr.
That Saxon, Ludolf, just brought more sheep to the slaughter. Taking Rome right under the nose of the believers of the dead god just brought out their zeal! May these knights prove worthy adversaries. Our 13000 men face the entire British isles and these Christians – we will colour the earth red with their blood, and feast in Valhalla.
I recalled many moments of the Ik-Nur-Val war in this conflict. The intensity of the battles, the fearless charges of Þordr's hordes, the Christians focusing on the poorly defended Irish lands before shattering against his united host. The full extent of a war of this level of civilization. I didn't intervene. Which makes some events even stranger. The dancing plague sweeping through Ireland – and Þordr agreeing to start a council vote by returning a favour to his one-legged daughter, just dancing to her death. Was there something else, more powerful at work?
If there was or there wasn't, Pictland fell after more than three years of endless bloodshed, when Þordr's vikings had crushed all enemy armies and assaulted a few settlements. The likely last act of the terrifying Germanic raiders, the Great Heathen Army that ravaged Northern Britain from 939-942.
As it has somehow made sense to invite a man of Ituk's former mercenary band over, the only Zunist to consider moving to his court, with some minor, unimportant people. But from there to landing him after the successful invasion, and then more! Officially infatuated with the exotic woman that accompanied him, the King pays her more than a count's ransom to be able to make her a concubine. And if a Christian concubine can persuade a ruler to adopt his religion, than a follower of the Lights as far more than just able to do so as well.
With the return of the plundering hordes to their previous lives, or settling down in the conquered, pillaged land, it was just natural that some Christian rulers tried to reconquer their land. But with news of his conversion, the Knights of the Sun had come as well. The wars were over before they had really begun, and in a great festival, I made Þordr convert most of his men to this right religion, the one to keep them safe, to bring them greatness.
Not the only declaration to be made at the festival – the Skottish realm would no longer be ruled by a king, but by a few merchant dynasties, headed by a Prince Mayor. Just as his poetic runestone, these decisions will give the scholars a hard time figuring out the reasons behind them.
Major Fular congratulated me personally for this well-executed scheme, and laughed as the post was left absolutely baffled by Þordr's life. I was to make sure that there would be no return to the old ways, and rarely left the base to ensure it in the next years. My training was complete, and in the terran year 951, I was part of Dream's next assignment, never to return on Earth again.
(Glorious tribal armies! And for Zun, there was only one Zunist willing to join my court (Ituk had died), who I could invite and land. Then he didn't want to give me the concubine, so I had to pay her 20 gold to be able to pay 80 gold for a favour to get her to join my court. Then some console magic - one should be able to switch to reformed paganism through concubines anyway IMHO.)
Even with all these crazy things going on, the AI does its best to keep up. Nothing like seeing a one-eye pope driven from Rome.
A Zunist Prince Mayor of Scotland? I can safely say I've never seen anything like that before.
A Zunist Prince Mayor of Scotland? I can safely say I've never seen anything like that before.
One saving grace: Earth is too useful a training ground to allow the manipulations to result in gigadeaths.
Hopefully.
Hopefully.
Well, this is certainly a rather different spin on things. I'm rather enjoying the idea of two separate narrative threads intertwining like this.
Þordr's rise to power was certainly fascinating to watch. Even if the narrative ends up focusing elsewhere for the next few chapters, I certainly hope we get to revisit Ireland from time to time just to check up on how things are going with him and his descendants.
Þordr's rise to power was certainly fascinating to watch. Even if the narrative ends up focusing elsewhere for the next few chapters, I certainly hope we get to revisit Ireland from time to time just to check up on how things are going with him and his descendants.
From a Norse berserker who chews tables out of rage and commands the Great Heathen Army to a peace-loving poet of the beauty of the cosmos and a Prince- Mayor (and Zunist). If this is not the work of aliens, what is it then?
I wonder if this seed of Zun will find its way and survive in the cold climate of Scotland
I wonder if this seed of Zun will find its way and survive in the cold climate of Scotland
This Pope certainly has an intriguing background.Even with all these crazy things going on, the AI does its best to keep up. Nothing like seeing a one-eye pope driven from Rome.
A Zunist Prince Mayor of Scotland? I can safely say I've never seen anything like that before.
As for the Zunists, they usually don't survive, far less thrive in the AI's capable hands.What would gigadeaths be on some small insignificant planet in the greater scheme of things? There must be another reason.
They will merge a bit more in the next chapters as I'm still trying to figure out the way I want to do that intertwining
.The Drakes certainly not said their last word nor made their last appearance.
From a Norse berserker who chews tables out of rage and commands the Great Heathen Army to a peace-loving poet of the beauty of the cosmos and a Prince- Mayor (and Zunist). If this is not the work of aliens, what is it then?
I wonder if this seed of Zun will find its way and survive in the cold climate of Scotland
His character did change - but who knows how he does his business as Prince Mayor? Might just be a less bloody version of before
.
X. Osweald of Aquitaine (Construction)
The order did come as a surprise. But whatever the reason, here he is now. Not the babysitter of the Tuxkan Chief Executive any more. But on the observation post. As one of the senior Dream operatives, it is now his task to watch the watchers. For Sferiz, this couldn't be a good sign. He has to make sure that nobody notices the increased activity on Iceland. There has never been as much traffic in Earth's space before, not even when Ruchba-II was first built. From what he had been told, the base is being changed into a full military base. Heavy defences are installed, the personnel armed, the entire complex loses its free, psionic character. The only place better defended than Ruchba-II in the entire Hamrax realm would be the city of the Beacons – or is it?
The Beacon of Vestallus himself would have come to clean up the mess. And what a great mess, if it could be believed. Major Fular, without his left eye, found unconscious in the kitchens. Five corpses lying on the ground, killed by some primitive slashing weapon. This meant that the base is vulnerable, and for the centre of such delicate operations, this could not do. This is why Dream would have to be rebuilt, improved. Both Zeraxim and Xidlor are on the way to Earth, the Hamraxes most blessed by Mindara, to discover what exactly happened and how to prevent it as quickly as possible. For Dream to return to its purpose.
As work on the base begins, the cover is perfectly upheld on the observation post. Sferiz has no reason to intervene, and the days go by just as he expects it. The growing power of the Zunists causes a lot of discussion, with their success in the Great Holy War against Mesopotamia, while Sferiz somehow mourns Þordr's death in Scotland. The man has been more than just the subject to refine his powers, develop his potential, as Fular wanted. Some day, he would probably have to explain it. Hopefully this day would be far away and the task easy.
Osweald could truly prove to be one of the greatest Wuffing kings of our lands since we have come to call these Anglo-Saxons our kings. He seeks to unify the lands of Pepin the Short once again, and thinks even further. His son and heir married to a Byzantine princess, the mightiest realms of Christendom might find themselves united in a future alliance. His brother in Germany is old and without a male heir, the Burgundians will soon bow to him, shall the war run its course as expected. Truly he is wise and will return us to our rightful status, foreigner or not! The previous years forged his character, laid the foundations he now decides to build upon.
That snake Offa will need to pay for it some day. Abducting the king! Scandalous! And after half a year in his prison, Osweald gaining the crown of Germany in the dungeon, he pays his own ransom, then keeps the man as his spymaster! I've heard that in the North, such treatment of the abductor might have happened sometimes, but I trust that the wise monarch has something else in mind. Already his men are lurking in each shadow, and it seems he is willing to learn from Offa's underhanded methods. May this prove to be the right decision, God willing.
With the manpower of his new lands, the Jomsvikings driven out of Brandenburg in the inherited war, Burgundy could no longer resist. With Osweald crowned king of Austrasia as well, only Eadwig's title as king of Jerusalem prevented the reunification of Karl's crowns. And with the blessing of his Holiness, he is ready to take the next step – Lombardy.
Alas, it will likely not be. Osweald is no longer the same man. I rarely see him ever since he drunk that metallic potion. Æthelburg claims it is Rabies. Terrible if true. But then again, he contracted it over two months ago. That can't be normal, can it? Does the Lord protect the pious man? His love for his only son Hereweald? He spends most of his time around the boy. The last time, he had perfectly ended all formalities for the soon-to-come succession, but something felt wrong. I don't know how to describe it, just... wrong. Was it one of the Wuffings, or merely the dense fog around the castle on this day? I don't know.
Sferiz has to report it. The post is in uproar, and rightfully so. This can't be. Just as it was back then. Or not. There are differences in the detail, but it is the same overall. Most sectors are abandoned for Three. All kinds of different scientists are debating all kinds of theories as if there's no tomorrow. The Finu on board are accused of malfunctioning sensors, perhaps even the sensors causing the anomaly themselves. King Hereweald of Aquitaine ascends the throne of the Wuffing kingdoms not praying to God, but to the Lights.
The order did come as a surprise. But whatever the reason, here he is now. Not the babysitter of the Tuxkan Chief Executive any more. But on the observation post. As one of the senior Dream operatives, it is now his task to watch the watchers. For Sferiz, this couldn't be a good sign. He has to make sure that nobody notices the increased activity on Iceland. There has never been as much traffic in Earth's space before, not even when Ruchba-II was first built. From what he had been told, the base is being changed into a full military base. Heavy defences are installed, the personnel armed, the entire complex loses its free, psionic character. The only place better defended than Ruchba-II in the entire Hamrax realm would be the city of the Beacons – or is it?
The Beacon of Vestallus himself would have come to clean up the mess. And what a great mess, if it could be believed. Major Fular, without his left eye, found unconscious in the kitchens. Five corpses lying on the ground, killed by some primitive slashing weapon. This meant that the base is vulnerable, and for the centre of such delicate operations, this could not do. This is why Dream would have to be rebuilt, improved. Both Zeraxim and Xidlor are on the way to Earth, the Hamraxes most blessed by Mindara, to discover what exactly happened and how to prevent it as quickly as possible. For Dream to return to its purpose.
As work on the base begins, the cover is perfectly upheld on the observation post. Sferiz has no reason to intervene, and the days go by just as he expects it. The growing power of the Zunists causes a lot of discussion, with their success in the Great Holy War against Mesopotamia, while Sferiz somehow mourns Þordr's death in Scotland. The man has been more than just the subject to refine his powers, develop his potential, as Fular wanted. Some day, he would probably have to explain it. Hopefully this day would be far away and the task easy.
Osweald could truly prove to be one of the greatest Wuffing kings of our lands since we have come to call these Anglo-Saxons our kings. He seeks to unify the lands of Pepin the Short once again, and thinks even further. His son and heir married to a Byzantine princess, the mightiest realms of Christendom might find themselves united in a future alliance. His brother in Germany is old and without a male heir, the Burgundians will soon bow to him, shall the war run its course as expected. Truly he is wise and will return us to our rightful status, foreigner or not! The previous years forged his character, laid the foundations he now decides to build upon.
That snake Offa will need to pay for it some day. Abducting the king! Scandalous! And after half a year in his prison, Osweald gaining the crown of Germany in the dungeon, he pays his own ransom, then keeps the man as his spymaster! I've heard that in the North, such treatment of the abductor might have happened sometimes, but I trust that the wise monarch has something else in mind. Already his men are lurking in each shadow, and it seems he is willing to learn from Offa's underhanded methods. May this prove to be the right decision, God willing.
With the manpower of his new lands, the Jomsvikings driven out of Brandenburg in the inherited war, Burgundy could no longer resist. With Osweald crowned king of Austrasia as well, only Eadwig's title as king of Jerusalem prevented the reunification of Karl's crowns. And with the blessing of his Holiness, he is ready to take the next step – Lombardy.
Alas, it will likely not be. Osweald is no longer the same man. I rarely see him ever since he drunk that metallic potion. Æthelburg claims it is Rabies. Terrible if true. But then again, he contracted it over two months ago. That can't be normal, can it? Does the Lord protect the pious man? His love for his only son Hereweald? He spends most of his time around the boy. The last time, he had perfectly ended all formalities for the soon-to-come succession, but something felt wrong. I don't know how to describe it, just... wrong. Was it one of the Wuffings, or merely the dense fog around the castle on this day? I don't know.
Sferiz has to report it. The post is in uproar, and rightfully so. This can't be. Just as it was back then. Or not. There are differences in the detail, but it is the same overall. Most sectors are abandoned for Three. All kinds of different scientists are debating all kinds of theories as if there's no tomorrow. The Finu on board are accused of malfunctioning sensors, perhaps even the sensors causing the anomaly themselves. King Hereweald of Aquitaine ascends the throne of the Wuffing kingdoms not praying to God, but to the Lights.
Clearly the new king's devotion to the Lights just shows that they are the true faith. Definitely nothing going on behind the scenes here.
Clearly there is importance attached to the planet, since the base is being so heavily upgraded.
Consolidation seems to be the way on the surface.
Consolidation seems to be the way on the surface.