Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Hi folks,

Just to let you know I have been following progress. I won't award points for turn 6 until the absence of Mark, Sheap & Jarenko has been resolved (they return, get replaced or go AI).

I'll be away for the next two weeks and probably won't get to an internet cafe, so I'll catch up when I bet back.

All the best,

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Jarenko for Atlantis has been replaced; I am currently advertising for Machaka, and likely for R'lyeh as well (I sent two PMs to Mark, but did not get an answer, even if he has posted to the forum since then, and played in other games).

If no replacing player steps in, I will be running the turn with basic turn orders for the missing players. The turn will run either this evening (GMT), if we find at least one of the players, or Monday in the evening otherwise.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

I'm playing Atlantis http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Cal

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ermor: Turn 7

I reread the scouts' battlereports with something approaching indifference. Two battles initiated, two battles won. Though one with an unexpected loss.

A miscalculation of the opposing strength and speed caused the heavy cavalry of the provincal defense to smash into Arnaud's archers before my troops could reach them, causing heavy losses and the subsequent death of the mercenary captain, who charged the oncoming knights only backed up by a few skeletons in an undoubtedly valiant yet foolish attempt to save his men's life. The bards of old might have made a song out of his heroism, yet I have no time to waste for this. It was only for the fear-inspiring presence of Simith, first of my Elders, that turned the tide.

Angmar, Caractor and the Sonnenkinder however managed to defeat their opposition with few losses, as expected. I see that the Sonnenkinder's treaty will run out next season, and since their use for them for me has nearly expired, intend to use the troops as cannonfodder for the next battle.

My wealth is growing, and apparently so is my reputation, for another mercenary band has decided to join my growing armies. Grom Bravebreaker and his men are now at my disposal, and as such, I will use them. There is a province filled with longbowmen near me which acts as a thorn in my side for some seasons now, and I will see if the Bravebreakers' shields are capable of protecting their owners long enough to close into the archers.

The ritual declaring Knucklebones my prophet had the desired effect. The creature is entirely under my command, and I order it to reanimate a large army for my uses.

Myself, I decide to call another Dusk Elder to assist me in my studies. Simith, first of Elders, finally heads towards the library I uncovered Last season, to construct a place for researching there.

In the Achaku Plains, my taxcollectors did excellent work, returning with more gold than I expected. Well, it was the peasants' decision to spite me, after all.

I am satisfied how my plans are working out, and I eagerly await meeting a more formidable foe than those provincial guards to test the battleskills of my generals against.

For I am Noth, who is both Lover and Prince of War.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 7 ----

All good things must come to an end.

I've enjoyed having Thymbre back. Her presence brings so much warmth, and so many memories of home. She is taciturn about her trip though, saying that she is not yet ready to talk about everything she saw.

In this quiet time we took many walks late at night. Somewhere in the space between the grass and the stars, she tried to introduce me to her world of priestesses, oracles, and signs of nature. For a moment, looking into her eyes, I could almost believe that the gods were real.

We've been training hard. Several Silver Shields have made it to our lowly village, and placed themselves under my command. Although they too have suffered great attrition since being abandoned at the Hydaspes River, those who lost their heart companion have re-partnered, and their prowess has lifted the morale of all my troops.

Thymbre has been using her healing skill on some local hero who now claims to have been the one who convinced Bolfar to join forces with us. His name in Limmy, and he's a bit of a pompous jerk, but one must forgive a man some of the things he says as he stands at death's door, and from the blue tinge of this man's skin it is clear he may not be with us long. The locals bring him gifts of butter, which is generous of them, but unlikely to speed the healing process.

But now we march north, into the mountains. Rumors (as always) tell of strange creatures in the hills, and there will probably be barbarian tribes to pacify along the way. My phalanx is at nearly full strength, and Thymbre will be accompanying us to tend to Limmy, who is coming along at the insistence of the locals, but against my better judgment.

If we are still in the mountains when winter comes, he will certainly finish his slow process of turning blue and freezing to death. I hope the rest of us may escape his fate.

---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Man, turn 7.

“And so it ends.” Ilneoa chuckled. Squire Ligriot did not seem to share her amusement; it might be because of these bonds which held him prisoner. “What happened to your talkative ways? You were renowned for your sarcastic wit at court after all; I certainly hope the taste of defeat has not diminished your love of mockery.”

Ilneoa's troops had taken the city of Merleister the day before, without meeting any determined resistance. A few commoners and Ligriot's personal guard did threaten the Avalonian army, but they ran away once the first deadly arrows fell within their ranks. A craven lot, Ilneoa thought, well matched with their master. And so another county came under her rule, with barely a casualty among her own soldiers.

The soft fool posing as Lord Protector of Merleister, that Ligriot, was the only warrior taken alive during the skirmish. An odd notion of chivalry prevented him from running like the winds, as so many of his men-at-arms did. And here he was, a captive of Avalon, though what use this lordling would have for the Kingdom was anyone's guess.

“I will not repeat myself again” , Ilneoa informed him, all traces of gaiety gone from her voice. “What do you know about the moves of the rebel Earl, that Valogda spawn, and his ilk?” The idea that the rebel Valogda, a seasoned warlord, would have a youngster courtier as commander was laughable; yet, they were too close to the rebel Earldom for Ligriot not to have any involvement within the revolt. When you stood by the shore, you could not expect the tide to avoid you.

Yet, Ligriot denied having any connection with the rebels, his proximity with their holdings notwithstanding. Such stubbornness tried Ilneoa's patience, but the worst came when Ligriot burst out laughing. ”Magnificent Virtue of the Isle, my pitiful self holds nothing of value for you. Why waste your time?” Ligriot had recovered some of his lost bravado, but none of his wits. To mock Ilneoa thus, in front of half her army, was more than foolish.

Ilneoa made a wry face, and ordered her troops to move along. A public display of her wrath would cause unrest among the local populace, and so she would have to be content with a more discrete... handling of the matter. The army would hear of this incident, and there was no mistaking her look of fury; her soldiers would think twice before crossing her. And so the commoners of Man say Ligriot is still alive, locked in some forgotten cell.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 8 will be running this evening (GMT). Neither Machaka nor R'lyeh have been replaced, and I am considering turning them AI.

The biggest problem with setting them AI is that it may help their neighbours (Atlantis for R'lyeh, and myself for Machaka, which is quite close to Man). Because of this, a replacment player would be best, but it seems like none can be found.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

I'd like to take over R'lyeh. I've already e-mailed Alneyan. If you can wait for me to play this turn it would be much appreciated.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 7, R'lyeh

Now that's annoying. There I was, settling in for my afternoon lurk in this nice, cozy cave I had found, all full of beautiful little tentacled things, brightly colored fish with lots of eyes, and the cutest little sea horse civilization I've ever seen. They were having some kind of group meeting that seemed to involve choosing who was going to be their leader for that week, and they just got the nicest looks of pain and shock on their face when I ate them all. And, mmmmm, were they tasty... well, anyhow, there was no call for them to also be mildly poisonous. I mean really... what were they thinking, mutating into existence this close to *my* crater, and then going and giving me indigestion?

But the next thing I know, I'm waking up with a splitting headache, and several months have passed, and my minions haven't even succeeded in enslaving one little province for me. Not one. They'll have to go. All of them.

I was about to get to devouring them (got to have standards), when I saw my old friend Cthugul! I haven't seen him in, well, aeons. And here he is, trying to summon up dark and forboding creatures to spread the word about my return. I was so touched that I forgot about slaughtering everyone, and instead sent them off to conquer new lands. I mean, it's a bit of a waste, letting other critters eat them, but you should've seen the look of relief on their faces when I told them I was merely sending them out to the sharks.

Besides, I'm still a bit full.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 8 ----

I would feel a lot better about continuing on into the mountains if Thymbre were coming with. She can be so stubborn sometimes.

Fortunately, nothing is wrong - quite the contrary. Though we were outnumbered nearly two to one, and under substantial archer fire, not a man faltered, and we quickly routed them. Thymbre stood right in the center of the phalanx, besides me, shouting words of courage to all, and causing all who could here her to smile and redouble their efforts. The only thing to mar my satisfaction that day was Limmy, of course. For most of the battle, he sensibly stayed at the rear, muttering useless charms and incantations against harm, but then he got it in his head to charge the retreating archers. If he had not been followed by my hoplites and Silver Shields, I am certain he would've been badly hurt, or perhaps killed. (Not that I care; but Thymbre seems to think well of him...)

I told him as much afterwards, but he laughed it off. "You are worried, Pandokos, that I -- I -- could have been hurt, by mere archers?" he scoffed, when were sitting in a tavern in the town of Braegen, as Thymbre tended to his badly infected eye and other wounds left over from the Last time he thought to kick around a few archers. He looked, if anything, even more sickly blue than before. "You worry too much. I could have defeated ten times the number of men we faced today, for I am Limmy, He Who is at the Center..."

It's useless to try to talk to him when he starts spouting off like that. It depresses me how many of my soldiers, even men who travelled all the way from Hellas with me, looked admiringly at him. Nobody seemed to notice (or care) that while he was talking he was also quietly taking food off the plates of everyone around him; his arms just seemed to be everywhere. I nearly lost a piece of buttered bread to his wandering hands.

We stayed in the town, a large village perched between wide open plains and towering mountains, for a fortnight. Unfortunately, the day before we were to head off into the mountains for the next province we had been ordered to liberate, Thymbre found It.

"Oh Pandokos, there's no need for me to come with," she said.

"But think of how the morale of the soldiers will suffer," I protested. "Think of my morale."

She laughed, but was not about to give in. "But Pandokos, really. It's a library." And she got that look in her eyes... I really had no chance of convincing her. She claims she will try to catch up with us.

---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 8, R'lyeh

Oh, the power! The infinite power! I reach out my hand and take. My tentacle moves and the world dies into chaos.

Go forth my starchildren: slaughter the human heroes and fry the fish fools. Let the world shake. Release the Otherness and bring darkness to the sunlit lands! Drive the slaves before you like chattel, heedless as they scream, fall upon the poisoned spears, and tumble into the abyss. Turn teeth upon shark hide, rip and tear- with my power behind you these ancient lords are mere playthings. This is my divine will and the deep places of the world shall run red!

Wha...? Where was I? Ah, now I remember... studying the ancient text, learning how to slip into the unreal void between the hard places of this world. The scout reports have been all good news; my empire added two new provinces, a much welcome addition of gold, and in one, the locals promised to provide us with shark warriors in return for their pitiful lives. This is excellent news, since shark fin soup is so hard to come by in the void.

Already I see signs of mighty deeds on the shore: heat, and eternal night. My time of peace under the waves may be near an end... the fuzzy pufferfish... the crunchy dolphin. It has been so long since land animals entered my maw. Now I sleep again, and let my assassins work their will upon an unsuspecting world. Cut of their leader's heads, and they will all run away. It is a subtle strategy, and Cthulu does not normally resort to such things, but... my main army continues into an aptly named, and weakly defended province.

Mr Flibble is very cross. They shouldn't have run away from Mr. Flibble, should they? What are we going to do with them?

No, we can't possibly do that. Who would clean up the mess?

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ermor: Turn 8

If there is one thing I despise about mortality, it is their unpredictability on the field of battle. The mercenaries under Gynter Blukraft - which I sent into the midst of an enemy garrison consisting of barbarians and archers to be slaughtered since they ran out of use for me - showed unprecedented valor, and though taking heavy losses in the process, managed to rout the enemy army.
On the other hand, Grom Bravebreaker's fresh troops fled for their lives when a single knight charged them.

I feel something like relief that those of my subjects who follow my path and guidance to ultimate enlightenment show no such fickleness. They do what they are ordered to, or are destroyed in the attempt. It makes life after death so much simpler.

The summoning of another Elder was a success. Gravechill followed my calling, and he comes brings with him some interesting powers I will certainly make use of.

Simith, first of my Elders, will finally build that laboratory to bait some sages out of that library my troops found earlier.

Another mercenary has decided to follow his greed, a renegade atlantian consort named Y'gologna. This is a welcome addition to my troops, for an army of treacherous R'lyeh was seen at the shores. I am not afraid of it, for my scouts report that it consists mainly of neglible cannon fodder my undead legions should have no true problems defeating.

My scouts also report sightings of Lillith, the infamous vampire queen of Abysia. An undead being not on my side. And likely helpless against my hordes of the dead, and yet, as long as she is in her own dominion, the battle I long for will be meaningless in result, no matter the outcome.

However, a small part of me wishes they would recklessly attack. That would be the simplest way of converting them to my cause.

For I am Noth, and I will tolerate no opposition.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Abysia turn 7:

Well it seems that perhaps I have been remiss in keeping my journal in its proper state of upkeep, but if any excuse is warranted then let it be that I have been rather busy. I continue to fly forth from my domicile to bring new lands under my sway and to scout out the inhabitants of these lands to see how suitable they are for my ...needs. The Vampire Count Frithigern was torn to pieces upon my claws and I took nourishement from his throat. I did not quite completely kill him, to do that I would have to burn him entirely and spread his ashes far into my domain, instead I chose to have one of my apprentices weave his spine and nervous system into the rug oppositte my doorway. I'm not sure quite how much he is aware of, but it is a source of much amusement on my part regardless, its been ages since i've been this well entertained.

-exerp from the diary of The Queen-

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Abysia turn 8:

Royal Historians notes, page 1.

Today marked the first day in which chained slaves were brought to our dungeons like so much cattle. The Queen declared their blood to be of the most delictable type and declared where they must be stored and in what manner, leaving much of the court in confusion as to what they are for, perhaps She is planning a large banquet for herself, who knows, She is the Queen.

The Queen also brought back reports of the sightings of enemy forces from Her recent foray to Locmar, evidently the lands across the small waterway are populated by the massed hordes of undead. Far from being pleased by this sighting of fellow undead the Queen was quite upset (nt: 3 guards, 2 maids palace replacement). She declared the lands to the south to be populated by unforgivably unimaginative and brainless undead who's worst crime was completely lacking the forsight to keep any livestock alive. Fortunately our scouts report the lands to our north to be quite rich in farmland and peasants, so She set off immediately to further enlarge our kingdom.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

I did not get your turn file Cheezeninja: is it the Mail Fairy again? (Where mails are received one, two or three days later) Or did you simply not send the turn in yet?

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 9, R'lyeh

I believe I've come up with a winning business plan:

Step 1: Prophet
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Rule the world

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 9 ----

The first snows of winter cover the graves of the fallen— men who have traipsed half-way across the world to die alone and be buried without honor. Still we head further into the mountains. Limmy seems, if possible, to be weaker every day. In the battle yesterday, when we were ambushed by nearly three score of bandits, he merely ran around behind the troops, bumping into them occasionally. Only after the bandits had fled did Limmy do anything, chasing after and slaying the fleeing foe with disturbing enthusiasm. Tonight, he sits by himself by the campfire, perhaps regretting the innocent blood he has spilled, or perhaps continuing to obsess about the name of mountain range we are in. The local expression roughly translates to "God's grave", and this bothers a superstitious man such as Limmy.

A scout has returned, bringing wild tales of a powerful kingdom on the other side of these mountains: a giant astride a many-legged horse, fantastical warriors with powerful magic preventing you from seeing them directly, and others who can control the winds. It's clear that this poor individual has been out in the wilds by himself for too long, but our need for information is keen, so as soon as he stopped gibbering over Limmy I sent him back out into the night.

The campfire tonight and scant (I suppose I can call it) food, is courtesy of the locals who greeted us as liberators from the bandits. A handful of young men have volunteered to come with us, and I welcome their aid. It is a long way home now, and we lose men in every battle. Those who survive are slowly accumulating wounds. We need Thymbre's gentle healing hands.

Limmy has stirred himself at Last. I heard him tell the sentry that he is going to search for sites of mystical power. The man is insane, and will probably be killed by a wolf before daybreak, but I haven't the energy to stop him.

I suppose, while he is gone, no-one will notice if I help myself to his stash of butter. It'll make this burnt vermin carcass a little less dry and pungent.

---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Heh, that's supposed to be a yarn? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ermor: Turn 9

There was a witch in Astara which cursed a few of my undead troops when they acquired a few of her gems as taxes. I give orders for her to be killed.

The aquarian mercenaries who joined me previous season have proven their worth already. It is important to secure an underwater foothold as early as possible. This was successfully accomplished, but I have new orders for Y'gologna - there is more to conquer, more to bring under my guiding.

Unfortunately, neither the aquatian race in front of my coast nor the Vampire on the other side of the sea decided to show aggression towards the lands under my control. Well, that gives me the time to use my armies elsewhere.

I am finally able to lure wise men to me with the promise of gold. Apparently, gold is a much more useful tool than faith in securing the worship of living followers. I shall see to aquire more from newly conquered provinces.


For I am Noth, the tempter of men.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Yellow Cactus has withdrawn from the game, leaving Mictlan waiting for a replacing player. I will play them for the next few turns; if nobody steps in, they will go AI.

Curious Cat has joined as Machaka. Welcome aboard!

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

A reminder and announcement for new players:

Please take a screenshot of your empire during turn 10, or save the turn file itself. After the game is over, I'll come back and edit this post to include a composite map of everyone's positions at turn 10. This should increase the enjoyment of this thread as a story for future readers not involved in the game.

Finally, a big welcome/thank-you to all the replacement players. It's good to have you with us, allowing this game to continue.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

I am saving all turn files for reference purposes, but may forget to do so for one turn. Still, if you need other turns, and/or have players forgetting to save their Empire states, these archives will be available for you to take screenshots.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ermor: Turn 10

A rather cryptic message from the starspawns of R'lyeh was brought to me. Upon some studying, it appears to be an ancient cipher of some sort, in the form of an archaic rhyme once named Haiku. The meaning of the message was not yet deciphered, however I will ponder it some more.

Another sage recruited to fill my researching ranks, another battle won by my proclaimed general. However, the jade amazon tribe of Ordu has successfully repelled my attack there, slaughtering the remaining mercenaries under my command and destroying a few undeads sent their way. I will meet them in greater force next time.

Valgömu, second priest of newly risen Ermor, will stay at the recent battlefield, trying to get a use out of the fallen soldiers while Caractor and [/i]Angmar[/i] are ordered to plunder the pitiful remains of the once vast farmlands.

For I am Noth, and this money will fuel the warmachine needed to liberate this land from its shackles of life.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Hmm, can someone post the latest point total, or is there no one doing any judging?

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Magnate is currently away, but should get back soon (by the end of the week I guess).

One day, I will write my own yarns. Hopefully.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

The game is currently on hold while attempting to solve a problem with one player file (the problem is likely either my fault or a technical glitch). Once this matter has been resolved, next turn will run.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Hi folks - I'm back. I'll award points for turns 7 & 8 tomorrow, and give you all a point total.

Hope you're all well. I got food poisoning on holiday! Yuck.

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Machaka Turn 10

---------------

Slowly awareness returned. It was as if a mist was slowly receding from his mind. Since his mind basically was mist, Cetawayo found the sensation more than a bit disturbing. As he became aware of his surroundings he grew even more disturbed. He was standing in the middle of his tent, the one that he used when traveling into the countryside. This would be fairly inconsequential, if he could remember getting into the tent, if he could remember leaving Balakavo. He also felt somehow different...

At that moment, a young man Cetawayo didn't recognize entered the tent. He was attired as an acolyte of the order of the Voice. Cetawayo was shocked that such a junior priest would enter his presence with such... confidence? As Cetawayo started to ask this brash young man to explain himself, the acolyte gasped and quickly assumed the proper attitude of obeisance.

"My Lord, I await your pleasure." the priest said with more fervor than Cetawayo would have expected. Cetawayo began to analyze the situation. Something was very wrong, but it was something that he would defeat. Confidence began to return, he had bested death after all. He would defeat this, whatever it was. The first step was to figure out what had happened. This would be quickly followed by who or what had caused it. However, he had to tread lightly. He was a god to be, more powerful than most any other being in the land. He could still sense others much like himself in power, those who would steal his destiny - if they could. Could one of them have done this? What of the priesthood? They were powerful men and like most powerful men, many wanted more power. If they could rule in his stead, some would take any chance... Could they possibly have managed such a feat?

But first, more information. "What is the state of the land?" he asked the priest.

"My Lord, little has changed." answered the priest.

Cetawayo was impressed by this careful answer. Now to see how much this man could be trusted. Cetawayo focused his power, his presence on the priest. "Look at me." he commanded. It was a calculated risk. To experience such full force of divinity could leave the victim a feebleminded wretch. Of course, that generally happened to those who were strong willed and attempted to resist and to hide their true nature. That would not happen here. He could sense that this one was a true believer, completely devoted, and could be relied upon. Such were rare and to be highly valued. "Why are you in attendance upon me?" he queried.

"Master, when you... went away... the ranking priests returned to Balakavo in order to manage the empire. I volunteered to stay here and attend you." replied the priest. "I knew that you would return to us!" he joyfully exclaimed.

"How long was I... gone?" asked Cetawayo.

"Three months." replied the priest tremulously.

Three months had passed! This was unwelcome news. There was indeed much work to do. Now that he was assured of the young man's devotion he quickly gathered the details of his... illness. He also learned a bit more about the political situation among his priesthood. Impressed with the young man's knowledge and insight as well as his devotion, he quickly summoned the scribes and messengers that his one loyal priest had retained. His will would flow! He quickly ordered an increase in the levies in the capital. He also ordered the young priest to help him perform the rituals that would allow them to sense if any sources of magical power were located here on the plains.

Things were moving forward once more. He was recruiting an army and would soon, with any luck, find a additional sources of magic for his land. All that remained was a leader for the armies and perhaps a prophet. He also needed to put the priesthood back into their proper place. "Hmm... perhaps two birds with one stone." he pondered.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ok, I've caught up. Congratulations to Arco and Ermor for submitting yarns consistently. Just to remind everyone, the scores after turn 5 were as follows:

Abysia 9
Arco 10
Atlantis 2
Caelum 4
Ermor 10
Machaka 10
Man 6
Mictlan 5
R'lyeh 4
Vanheim 4

Here are some points for turns 6-8:

Turn 6 - Abysia 2, Arco 2, Ermor 2, Man 2, Mictlan 1

Turn 7 - Abysia 1, Arco 2, Ermor 2, Man 2, R'lyeh 2

Turn 8 - Abysia 2, Arco 2, Ermor 2, R'lyeh 2

Which leaves the scores after turn 8 looking like this:

Abysia 14
Arco 16
Atlantis 2 (presumably dead or AI now?)
Caelum 4 (ditto?)
Ermor 16
Machaka 10
Man 10
Mictlan 6
R'lyeh 8
Vanheim 4 (also dead?)

I can see some turn 10 reports already, so I'll award points for turn 9 yarns tomorrow (Last call!). After that I'll revert to awarding points just as the subsequent turn is run (ie. you have one whole turn to write a piece about the previous turn). Alneyan, are you still hosting 2x per week, Wed and Sat?

Glad you're all still enjoying it,

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

All nations except Mictlan are still alive and kicking. Atlantis has just been taken over fairly recently, and both Vanheim and Caelum lack time to submit yarns.

I will, one of these days, submit my own yarns, but it has been fairly hectic for me as well. The current schedule in on Thursday evening and Monday afternoons, due to a delay during Last turn. I will put notices when a turn runs on this thread for your own convenience (or simply send you a mail).

So turn 11 has been sent one hour ago, and turn 12 will be sent on Monday afternoon.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

It adequately describes what happened during my turn.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 10, R'lyeh.

The funniest thing is they never think they need a bodyguard, until suddenly it's -tht- with the daggers and a look of terminal surprise, and then the province is all ripe for the eating. Sometimes, of course, it's -swish-swish- and there's a startled looking purple cloak lying tattered on the ground, but there's always another one waiting to try their skill with the knife. Pretty much it's just one feast after another.

Stupid fishies, they always run away, and then you have to waste time collecting them, when you could be eating, isn't that the worst? Mr. Flibbles says that's the worst. That, and micrometeorites. I mean, what kind of rock wants to fall to the earth without even a teensy-weensy little crater?

...i was in the caverns the other day and there were all these people and i asked what they were doing and they said we are learning of the past days of glory for our people are so dumb they never say anything to me they just scuttle around like jellyfish no spine no tasty bones to crush although jellyfish are pretty good too give me teeth and jaws and biting and tearing and tentacled death anytime like this story i heard it made me happy so i will tell it to you so you can have happy dreams like the one with the cheese...


There once was a school of pirhannas
Who wanted to eat some sultanas
So they crawled onto land
And were et by a band
Of pescetarian bananas.


I think I'm going to go eat someone.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 10 ----

Last night, Thymbe woke shivering in my arms. In the dull, terrible pre-dawn light, she whispered that she had dreamt of death. I held her, and reassured her that it was just a nightmare, which could never hurt her.

This afternoon she took me aside:

"Pandokos..." she began, "Do you still believe in the old gods back home, now that you've seen this one in the flesh? Are the oracles gifted to see the future? Is Elysium just a foolish hope, or do we just end?"

One thing I've learnt in this country is that it's often best to just smile and continue the conversation as best you can when people start talking crazy. I resorted to Plan B: address a portion of the conversation that makes sense.

"I don't really think the oracles can predict the future," I confided. "I know you're a priestess, and believe in that stuff, but the poems are so cryptic that people just interpret them generously afterward."

I don't think she was really listening to me anyway, and my only reply was a thoughtful hum. She reached into her saddlebag, and pulled out a small, leather-bound book, improbably smelling strongly of butter.

"I found this at the library," she said shyly. "I guess the locals have decided... Pandokos, promise me that you'll live up to their expectations, that you'll set a good example for them. All their past gods have been so cruel to them, and they're such a good-hearted people. Promise me that you'll take care of him. Promise me..."

She was really getting worked up, so I said, "I promise" although it was all non-Greek to me. Silently she handed me the book: "The Collected Sayings of Pandokos the Prophet," with the extremely odd subtitle: "In his first incarnation."

Plan C is to pretend that you're suddenly very busy and exit the conversation with crazy-person as soon as you're sure they aren't going to stab you in the back. Grabbing the proffered book, I muttered some excuse and set about readying my troops to storm Godsgrave mountain.

---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ok, points for turn 9 yarns: Arco 2, Ermor 1, R'lyeh 1

Scores after turn 9:
Abysia 14
Arco 18
Atlantis 2
Caelum 4
Ermor 17
Machaka 10
Man 10
Mictlan 6
R'lyeh 9
Vanheim 4

Glad to hear that people are still playing, even if they aren't writing every turn. Plenty of scope to resume yarns at any point.

Points for turn 10 yarns on Monday.

Best,

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

A not-so great yarn, as I made the mistake of confusing "Save changes" with "Discard changes" when saving the first edition of that yarn.

Man - Turn 10:

“And by the shade of Avalon, I bless these woods, the Grove of Ilneoa.” The voice of Flacal, the Prophetess, had the eerie tone of the ones immersed in the trance. Her mind between the earthly world and these lands of Beyond, the Priestess communed with both her Goddess of the Tempest and the older powers of the Kingdom. The blood of the Fae-touched was still running strong in the veins of many of her Sisters, and traces of their heritage could be seen in the land. A ruined castle wall here, fragments of pottery in a cottage, cumbersome blades made of fabled cold iron; such were the presents of the Old Folk. Only in lore did their name remain, fading away as the ways of Man changed.

“Deep within the Grove are a haven from the outside world, where the peacefulness of the land allows you to reflect upon your own actions. Ilneoa cares little for empty boasts and idle claims; only acts do matter, for they reveal the contents of your hearth. A place to meditate in harmony with Earth; such is the gift of Ilneoa.” Slowly Flacal left the divine world behind her, awakening in the grove she had blessed. It was filled with the typical yew trees of Man, dotted by the Last crimson leaves of autumn. Only the occasional flight of birds and the rustle of wind in the trees disturbed the peacefulness of the woods; a place to meditate away from the world.

Such a bucolic land, so different from the turmoil surrounding Ilneoa. A handful of knights in glittering armour stood before her, the Last defenders of the rebel Earl of Valogda. They were accompanied by their squires and overeager lads, a ill-suited army to stop her advance. Shielded in their pride and honour, they charged against her, lances twinkling in the sun. How graceful they were, until they broke away once her fury was unleashed. Ilneoa herself landed in their midst, her hands spreading thunder to all foolish enough to stand close to her. The few knights not having taken leave of their senses attempted to flee; too late for them. Not one warrior left the battlefield alive.

A satisfactory victory, but the Earl himself was nowhere to be found. Surely one of her soldiers had too free a tongue over a mug of ale, or a merchant's purse had grown fatter overnight. The display of her might should act as a reminder of what happens to rebels and traitors alike; who would dare to challenge such a powerful being as herself? And once the Earl had fallen in her custody, another example would be made, for the common good.

Her Tempest was rising in the east, with both her own arm striking down her foes, and her armies securing the borders of the Realm. The days when Avalon would remain a mere observer of the world were gone; only supremacy will be adequate for her purposes.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Caelum is not dead... It's just that I ran out of time/inspiration. But I
will keep playing.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 11, R'lyeh

At Last a decent meal. As I sucked life from the faces of the hastily gathered militia who had gathered in the fog, I felt my own mind returning. I have wandered, I fear, these past months, through the dark paths of madness and semi-awareness. Now I am well again, and I have a foothold above the waves. I shall fortify one of these sunlit shores, but perhaps not this one. It still reeks of humans.

To my west, there are hordes of undead, waiting to be dead again. They will not provide as full a meal as these militia, but 'tis enough. Perhaps I can find some sites of dark magic power, pitiful in comparison to my own, but still... I will move to take one, and send my lackeys against the other. There, ah, it pains me to think on it, but we were rebuffed by the shuffling hordes in our first attempt, and my warriors fled. They will not fail again.

My scouts wander the waterways throughout the world, bringing me tidings of distant things. Fire and Death cling to my shores, but I have seen the pitiful remnants of the Atlantian empire in the shallow seas. They seek a place for themselves in the world—it is under my thrall.

Far to the east, my scout has chanced upon a strong race of humans who, in their foolishness, appear to worship trees and the air. Perhaps I will sit in this shallow lake and watch their efforts, for they are numerous.

Cthugul sends word that his summoning has been successful again. Monsters, never before seen in this world, will soon be running amok, terrorizing these mortals in broad daylight rather than confined to the world of dreams.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Ermor: Turn 11

The citizens of the haven of Bandar-Kadek apparently are very unruly. A minor uprising has destroyed some valuable equipment and depleted my treasury with repairs. This will not be tolerated. I will increase my efforts to turn them to the blissful oblivion already shared by their brothers, there will be no more dissent.

I assume that the closeness to the fiery wastelands is the reason for their unruliness. On this, I will ponder. First, however, other tasks take priority. I finally have the manpower to allow Simith, first of my Elders, to cease his endless searching through tomes to magically search for sites of power and death. It is about time, the land around my tomb seems to be depleted of magic. This I intend to change.

Angmar's army is ready again. The priest accompanying them has brought true existance to a sufficent number of farmers again, swelling the ranks a hundredfold. He is to move slowly towards a site of immense magical power and securing it. While I do not yet know what the site's power is exactly, I have no doubt that it will be of great use to me.

For I am Noth, and I shall wield the true power.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Okay, I am off for the Spiel 2004 and back next week. Cainehill will take over my turns for me, though I'll catch up with the Yarns when I am back. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif Oh, and a big welcome to the newlings here. Great writing, Sedna!

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 11 ----

I am an image in stone.

There was a storm in the mountains, and we had wandered for several days. I think we were all hoping someone else would suggest we turn around, explain to the village elders back home that we just couldn't find the maurauders, try again next spring? Our orders had been to secure the mountain from a tiny band of masons and a knight-major, or so said the runner who had heard it from another man who had spoken with our scout in these parts, only half a year ago.

"Perhaps they have already frozen to death," I heard one man mutter to another, through chattering lips. But no one breathed a word of returning home.

A nightmare put me here

Thymbre was speaking while gazing on the mountainside with an inscrutable look, and I could barely hear her voice, though the wind had died down. "The rocks the smell of death..." Comprehension dawned on her face, a small flicker of terror rose in her eyes, and set. "You must turn everyone back now." But it was too late. There was a shout from the forward ranks. They had been spotted.

where I am forever, the symbol of eternal remembrance

After that, it is a slow blur. The scout report was wrong. Over a score of horseman ("horsewomen", Thymbre corrected me) bore down on us, and many foot soldiers, and it was clear that we had erred badly. Our new recruits fell, and my hoplites and silver shields fell, and our line broke as we raced madly back toward rough terrain where even their spectrally thin and supernaturally fast horses could not follow us. As we were nearly to safety, Thymbre turned to me. "There are so many stranger beings than these, Pandokos, it will take all your skepticism to keep them all at bay. I think you will soon see them for what they really are. But now I think it is just about time..."

I sensed it, rather than saw it - as if from nowhere it came - and the image of that moment is now etched in blood on my eyelids.

Shine, as long as you live; do not be sad.

I do not know how we carried her body back through the mountains, tired and broken as we were. I do not know where we found the stone to mark her grave, or many other things these past days. I only know that she is gone.

Cause life is surely too short

She knew. She knew, and I thought she was babbling, but she was only trying to tell me, and yet she went anyways, willingly. And of all the things in this world, I will never see her again.

and time demands its toll.


---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Points for turn 10 yarns: Arco 2, Ermor 1, Machaka 2, Man 2, R'lyeh 2. In case anyone is interested in the precision of this extremely blunt scoring instrument, this turn provides two excellent examples of borderline cases, over which I agonised for some minutes. Ermor is *just* shy of the normal 2 points, and R'lyeh is nanometres away from only 1 point. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and if anybody gives a damn, that's it. Still waiting for my first three-pointer ....

Totals after turn 10:
Abysia 14
Arco 20
Atlantis 2
Caelum 4
Ermor 18
Machaka 12
Man 12
Mictlan 6
R'lyeh 11
Vanheim 4

Points for turn 11 yarns on Thursday.

Rgds,

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Not to sound like a freak with nothing better to do, but...

Was there a delay in hosting? I was under the impression that the turn was going to run today.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

There has been an annoying delay (involving my computer and a crash), and so the turn will only be executed in a few minutes.

After that, the next turn will run on Friday evening (and not Thursday evening, due to this delay), GMT. My apologises for this problem.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Abysia has missed the two Last (or possibly three) turns; does anyone know if the player for Abysia is away, or has left the game? (Abysia itself is not doing too badly)

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Machaka: Turn 11

---------------

Cetewayo had many concerns. Primary among these, expanding his territory and with it his power. The recent search for magic in the plains had mixed results. No new source of magic was found. However, a valuable, if mundane, gem mine was found at the edge of the plains. In the short term, this was actually good news. Increased income would quickly result in improved ability to purchase weapons and recruit new units for the army. But would it be enough? During his... illness... squabbling and power plays among the various factions of the Priesthood had resulted in very little progress. The army was too small, there weren't enough people in the research cabals... So many demands.

Well, he was making progress, the army would soon be large enough to consider further territorial expansion. Now, to reassert control WITHIN his empire. This was a thorny problem. He had to assert his power, to seem unassailable. He could not, however, afford to become the rabid lion which would motivate the various factions of the priesthood to unite against him. Especially difficult was the possibility that one or another of these factions was responsible for his "illness". They had a great deal of magical ability and power... but that much? He had to drive home the point that they were HIS priests - that much of their power had its source in HIM. To that end...

At that moment the young priest, Babu, entered. "Master, you summoned me." the priest humbly stated.

Cetewayo smiled and said, "Yes, indeed, I want you to know that I am very pleased and impressed with you." He then hesitated to see what the young man's response would be. To his great pleasure there was no visible response. "Yes, this one would do quite well." he thought to himself. Aloud, he continued, "You are to return to the capital, and be promoted to senior Voice of the Lord."

Shocked, Babu objected, "Master, the leadership will be extremely unhappy - they will not allow me to assume such authority. I am not even a full priest yet. How can I leap from such a low position to one of the highest?"

Cetewayo responded, "You will assume the position on MY authority. The priesthood will be notified of my wishes in their dreams. You will use all of your talents to observe the reactions of your fellow priests. You will find any of your fellows who are... untrustworthy and report them to me."

"Yes, master," Babu tremulously replied. He realized that the next weeks could be the most difficult of his life, as well as possibly his Last. "Master I have further news." Travelers from across the river have arrived in camp. They claim that the ice fairies have come down from their mountains and occupied their homeland."

"They cannot be allowed to cross the river. Babu, after achieving rank, you will assume control of the army and march on the river province west of the capital. I will meet you there. We must cut off the ice fairies approach to the capital." Cetewayo forcefully stated.

After Babu was dismissed Cetewayo again pondered the current state of the world. He was in a deep hole. The presence of Caelum on the border was the worst piece of news he had received since emerging from the crypt. The cold that Caelum brought with them would be very difficult to deal with, and make even a temporary alliance... difficult for both sides. Well, they would have to stay on the other side of the river or they would face the heat of Machaka. On the other front, if Babu survived the dangers of both the capital and the battlefield, he would be a good candidate to become the official Prophet of the Lord. THAT would send a message to the priests. Of course, if he died at the capital Cetewayo would learn a great deal from what happened and from what quarter. Either way, his ends would be served.

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 12, R'lyeh

Undead are so mealy-tasting. Ghouls at least have a little texture, a hint of artificial flavoring. Soulless? Gah! And they never break, so after a while it's just chomp, chomp, chomp. Yet another minion from the beyond the grave, come to devour my brains. As if they could survive that experience. But they never really fill me up, I just get so tired and depressed. God... Yes? Sorry, little joke there.

But, for the greater glory of me, I am called upon to do unpleasant things every once in a while. For next month I've sighted a nice coastal province defended by not-too-crunchy humans. I expect sun-tanned, perfect limbs, with just a hint of salt, and maybe some tropical fruit flavors in there somewhere.

I see so many neighbors now. I'll try to communicate with them, but relying on dolphins to carry Messages has its drawbacks. Our minds have such different ways of handling syntax and meaning. And the brains of the smartest ones are like delicate little flowers of flavor... so I end up sending the dumb ones with Messages.

I really shouldn't carve these ritual history pillars on an empty stomach.

The rest is pretty much just shuffling minions; regrouping my forces to push further onto land into heavily defended provinces, where men dress in giant metal cans and ride tiny little herbivores. It sullies me even to contend with their kind- I've seen worlds snuffed out at a word, C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate...

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 12 ----

Perhaps now I understand.

Whispers come from the furthest corners of this strange country. Men claim that the gods have returned, and flock to their side, forging empires out of what used to be quiet hamlets and backwaters. Thym... Thymbre knew that these madmen with delusions of god-hood had to be put in their place, or the light of human reason would forever be subdued to the darkness of religious slavery. To stop this descent requires a charismatic leader (Limmy), and a base of power, an empire (which is mine to forge).

This month we march south against Golana, the Last province bordering our home village which has not pledged allegiance to us. The locals describe the Golanites with all sorts of vile slurs, most commonly calling them "lizards" in the local dialect. I look forward to bringing these people together, by the sword if need be.

My new weapon is the mighty elephant. These beasts, far larger than any animal native to Greece, make fearsome weapons of war when properly trained by the locals. They have a tendency to startle easily, crushing our own men, but I am sure the valor of a full phalanx of Silver Shields will give all our troops courage.

Spring has come to these lands, and the slow trek up the mountains, and mad retreat back (in which Limmy was my constant, annoying companion) seem like a bad dream. When... I try not dwell on it, and realize what happened there... it is a bad dream from which I know I shall never awake.

If death awaits me in the swamps of Golana, I shall not cheat it again.
---

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Many thanks to Puffyn for proving that it doesn't all have to be about length - I really felt for Pandokos!

Points for turn 11 yarns: Arco 3, Ermor 2, Machaka 2, R'lyeh 2

Totals after turn 11:
Abysia 14
Arco 23
Atlantis 2
Caelum 4
Ermor 20
Machaka 14
Man 12
Mictlan 6
R'lyeh 13
Vanheim 4

Points for turn 12 yarns on .... I dunno - when's turn 13 running? Some time in the next few days, anyway.

Rgds,

CC

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Machaka: Turn 12

Babu entered the capital, Balakayo showing what he hoped was considerably more confidence than he felt. Of course, he knew that his god was with him... in spirit anyway, but it would have been much nicer if Cetewayo was present in the not quite flesh. The minor irony of wishing for the physical presence of a ghost managed to distract him for a moment from the greater concerns of dealing with the established priestly hierarchies and overcoming any obstacles that might be put before him.

He went directly to the high temple and was surprised to find a convocation of senior priests awaiting him there. They were already aware of his mission and of the fact that Cetewayo had given him authority. Babu was pleased that the primary emotions he could sense were relief and gratitude. Of course, those with other feelings would never have achieved this level of influence without considerable talent at choosing what emotions they would display. Babu was happy, nevertheless, that the dreaded confrontation had not occurred. He quickly gathered the local reserves and moved, as ordered, to attack the rich province of Syzran. He decided to take one of the most powerful sorcerers from the capital to ensure victory.

Success. Finally. Cetewayo had observed Babu and his performance on the battlefield, but had not interfered. The priest had led well and had used his powers in battle to maintain the morale of the his troops. Indeed, that was what had won the day. The losses were significant on both sides, however the locals had no higher purpose, no divine inspiration. In the end, they broke and ran. Cetewayo noted that Babu had followed his orders quite precisely. However, he also made note of the addition - Azaan the sorcerer. One decision remained, was Babu's initiative a good thing?

Re: MP Game - Yarnspinners
 

Turn 13, R'lyeh

The sun-kissed residents of my latest conquest were everything I look for in a meal, but I hate it when they run away before I'm done. I cornered the Last one in the deepest stacks of the local library and sucked out his brain (very quietly).

Unfortunately I quarreled with Mr. Flibbles. His reports from the front have become so boring and lifeless that I shouted at him. And now he doesn't hear my voice anymore, and I just don't know where he has gone. Poor Mr. Flibbles... out of the sea...

I guess I didn't expect god-hood to be so much work. As a god, should I concern myself with adjusting tax rates in every province I own, every month? I've mustered my army to help with the whole conquering thing. They're attacking a strong province this month. If they don't all die, I'll hurl them against a city next.

Cthugul hasn't summoned anything cool in ages. I got a new Starspawn, but he really is quite stupid, and doesn't know any of the really nasty spells. My home province was hit by a "bad omen", and now one of my Illithids is cursed for the rest of his life. I mean, "a bad omen"? I can see how the slaves might be a little upset by that, but lifetime trauma? What's next, I get sued for not providing adequate emotional support or something? Gah. It's just too hard to eat everyone who deserves it.

The fire humans have done nothing for many months now. Some leadership crisis perhaps? It would be rather un-sporting to attack them in their current state, but perhaps that is all I need, food with a little more heat. The only other option are the dead lands. Powerful, yes, worthy? unlikely... but ugh. The taste. It makes me shudder.

I have ever been waiting thus. Dreaming...