Re: Turns 5-6
Turn 5
There is much rejoicing in the village today. Ubwa, destined to be the Prophet of the Most High Cirin, has arrived. All other activities are put aside: Cirin himself marches home with his army (what didn't run away from the fight). The sorcerers (black and not-black) put their researches on hold to prepare the traditional prophet's raiment of a black steel breastplate and a raw hide shield. And Shujaa runs off to invite the militia, longbowmen, and knights from the southwest to the big party. As part of the ceremony, Ubwa will give up his birth name and will now be known simply as "Most Holy". The people are especially pleased to learn that once Most Holy takes up his prophetic office, they will no longer be taxed at 140%.
Meanwhile, one of the commanders who so rudely rejected Shujaa back on turn 1 is found dead in his bed. Doctors, seeing the massive chest wound, diagnose hepatitis. Mtoto is ordered to continue his mission of subtle diplomacy. In the meantime, the newly-founded University of Vateskogg (motto: "We no longer feast on the flesh of humans") seeks to attract its first resident scholar, and the Black Hunter's Academy, done mourning its lost alumnus, resumes its training program. I alchemize two of my remaining earth gems to hire a Sorceress, thus bringing a token female character into this story.
Provinces 2
Income 373 (upkeep 76)
Research 0
Gems: F 5 (+1) E 1 (+2) N 5 (+2)
End turn. Host.
Turn 6
As the ceremonies are held for Most Holy's ascension to the Prophethood, word comes in that Mtoto the Bane Spider was found dead next to the body of the second commander. The envoy from Midkrona was most unpleasant about how he returned the body, and suggested that Machakan diplomacy left something to be desired. And so it was with mingled joy and sorrow that the Machakan people celebrated their new prophet. Nayla, the token female, was seen to shed a bitter tear at Mtoto's unhappy fate. Cirin nearly set fire to the province when he heard how much it would cost to replace him. ("150 GOLD? 150 of MY gold?") The people are overjoyed to hear that their taxes have been reduced - to 120%. Mjima continues to patrol, on his own, to see that no dissent is raised.
Shujaa was seen off by 8 knights, 3 knight commanders, a priest, 21 longbow, and 45 militia when he arrived. Ta'ar Bal, Full Professor of Necromancy, arrived and commenced his researches. Kimya searched the University grounds for the entrance to the steam tunnels. Shujaa headed towards the U in order to attempt to contact Satina the Sorceress and see if she was interested in teaching a few courses. (While secretly hoping to find out just WHY she was named "Satina".) Nayla and Mtumwa repair to the lab to "continue their researches". A second Sage, a new Bane Spider, and 4 more hoplites are recruited.
And the great Machakan Army, commanded by its God and accompanied by his Prophet, marches north to begin its campaign of conquest.
Provinces 2
Income 325, upkeep 79
Research 19 (5 to Evocation, 14 to Construction)
Gems: F 6 (+1) E 3 (+2) N 7 (+3)
This is turn 6, so I'm going to peek at the score charts. I expect to be down the list on provinces, but not too far down. Indeed. Tien Chi has 4, Jotunheim 3, and Ulm 2 provinces, and Abyssia and Pythium have not yet gotten out of their home provinces. Thanks to my tax and repress policy, I'm number one in income and have been since turn 1. I'm last in dominion, last in research, tied for last in gem income (only Ulm has found any), and fourth in army size. Tien Chi's army grew very suddenly - they must be the early-season mercenary users. I'll check in again in 5 more turns.
End turn. Host.
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