We're getting ready to kick off the last game of this cycle. I'll be playing LA Abysia and while my opponents haven't 'locked in' yet it's fairly certain that they'll be Agartha, Man, and Midgard. We probably won't be playing turn one until this weekend but here's a place to consider pretender choices and go ahead and claim any desired names in advance.
Late Age Abysia
Just a brief rundown on how the troops and commanders have changed here. I'll do the more flavorful intro to them after the pretender is locked in.
Did you guys enjoy the assassins from last match? Because let me tell you about assassins.
(https://i.imgur.com/YyxNDn3.png)
These are all assassins that we can recruit. Everyone of them is sacred and can be blessed. The first, Slayer Newt, is the Slayer equivalent from the middle age minus the heat aura because this one is human. He's sacred, sneaky, and wield two poison daggers. The second is the Slayer Worm, they still have strong Abysian blood and therefor a heat aura. These guys are also priests with level 1 Holy magic access. Both of these assassins can be recruited in any fort we control.
The next two however are capital only. The Slayer Anathemant has level 1 Fire magic, level 2 Holy, and even odds of getting another point of fire or gaining 1 level of Death magic. I've never used Death before so I'm interested to see what it opens up. The final one is the Slayer Sanguine. Instead of Fire and/or Death magic this one comes straight out of the box with level 2 Holy and level 2 Blood abilities.
Our other commanders don't matter because they aren't assassins. But I suppose they can be of use anyway. Our warlocks and apprentices return as capital only recruitment options. The apprentice is 2 Blood, 1 Astral but the main Warlock has been improved quite a bit. They now come stock with 2 Astral and 3 Blood as well as a chance to gain up to 2 additional points in either as well as a chance to have 1-2 levels of Fire or Earth magic.
Anathemant Dragons and Salamanders also make a return appearance. The Anathemant caste seems to have embraced death magic en mass. The dragons are Fire 2, Death 1 (still Holy 3) mages with a guaranteed chance to have either fire or death increased by one point. The Salamanders are Fire 2, Death 1, Holy 2 but without the extra random bonus point.
The last thing of note is that we have 2 new units from the 'Sanguine' line. The Sanguine Acolyte and the Sanguine Anathemant. Both of these can be recruited in any fort. The acolyte is Blood 1, Holy 1 and the Anathemant is Fire 1, Blood 2, Holy 2. I suspect these guys will be key in our blood hunting.
We also still have commanders though the Abysian Warlords (rip Steve) of the past are no more. Human commanders have taken over the role and wield battleaxes and wear heavy plate armor.
Our sacreds have changed from the Lava Warriors to Guardians of the Pyre. (https://i.imgur.com/AggRC1x.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/rM0Zc7F.png)
Other than that, our troops are mostly halfbreed human/abysian race and range from light infantry to heavy and we have access to throwing axes.
Initial Pretender Thoughts
There's 3 types of pretenders that we likely could go for. Another supercombatant, a rainbow, or scales.
The supercombatant would speed up initial expansion (if taken Awake) and provide a defense against early aggression by the other nations like The Veiled One did in our last game. Abysia shouldn't need the help expanding (I haven't run my test games yet so there's some assumptions here) but it would still be beneficial. Here's a sample pretender that I could run using this type.
(https://i.imgur.com/jgDbLjG.png)
That would give us the shock resistance that looked needed for last game and enough earth access to break some of our warlocks into it (Yep, our warlocks can gain earth magic in late age!). I did a very brief test run with this guy and he clears indy provinces like a madman. Taking out 50-80 strong defenses easily. But being unarmored he gets poked a lot. I think after conquering 7 provinces in 7 turns he had 5 permanent wounds on himself.
I tried to make a usable rainbow for research speed and general magery. If I make one sleeping then I lose out of the significant early game research boost and if I take him awake then I have to tank more than half of my scales to afford him and our units are not cheap! I'll tinker with it some more but at this point I don't think it's a viable way to go.
For scales I'm looking at an imprisoned Divine Glyph, mostly because Abysia gets a national discount on it. Something along these lines:
(https://i.imgur.com/VH0Mp9f.png)
I think either air or earth for shock resistance is going to be mandatory. Both Man and Midgard have strong air magic access. We can get the air resistance from the air magic much more cheaply than doing the same from earth (and earth also requires our pretender to be present in the world). This also gives the option, admittedly late game, to construct both air gear and high level astral gear.
At the moment I'm leaning towards the glyph and may tinker with the exact details of it a bit more but it's not locked in as of yet. Again feel free to go ahead and claim some names if you want! I'll name the pretender but everything else is up for grabs!
Alrighty, scheduling mishaps and waiting on a bugfix patch delayed things but we're finally kicking this thing off.
Meet Sigil the Divine Glyph, God of Abysia,
(https://i.imgur.com/ggKPMhj.png)
Thoughts here were to double down on shock resistance (both Man and Midgard have good air evocation access) and have enough astral for crafting the magic boosters that it allows. Other than those considerations Sigil is focused on having good scales this game.
Our opponents will be The Third Stone of Agartha, Selwyn of Man, and Kyle of Midgard.
Our map:
(https://i.imgur.com/M8dSppM.png)
Victory condition is Ascension. There will be 8 level 1 thrones, 4 level 2 thrones, and a single level 3 throne. 11 Ascension points required to win (57.9% of total). Only real game rule is that all trade agreements are binding. Viewer/reader rule is please don't give spoilers to a player if you're involved in more than one let's play (I believe Man is planning to post his this game as well, if it's not here I'll make sure to provide a link for y'all).
There will be a prophet being declared in turn 1 if anyone wants to jump on naming him. Turn one will likely be played in about 8 hours and posted shortly thereafter.
Here we go, going to try a character reporting style. Not sure if it'll end up feeling any different or if I'll get annoyed with it and change 2 turns in but seems fun anyway!
In the beginning, there was Chaos.
(https://i.imgur.com/LvmW7eq.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z83aghh.png)
Turn 1. Spring in the year 0.
I am Inigo Montoya, elves killed my father. They should prepare to die first Sanguine Acolyte of Sigil, God of Abysia, the Vessel of Might, the Consuming Fire, Lord of Luck, the Most High. The Ascension Wars have begun once again. The ancient powers of Man and Agartha are stirring as well as what has become of the once powerful Vanheim race, now calling themselves Midgard. Our lord Sigil has weakened its bonds enough to make its presence known to the people of Abysia. Perhaps Sigil will be able to restore our fading flame.
The other awakening powers have made themselves known to the world. The nation of Man worships Selwyn, Prince of Fires of the Earth, the Everburning One.
The remnants of Agartha worship Third Stone, Shining Boat of Heaven, Lady of Navigation, Lady of Forgiving. Finally we have the nation of Midgard worshipping Kyle, the Leech, Master of Pain, Tower of Strength.
Our world is finally known to our people as initial explorers have spread throughout it's reaches. Abysia and the Smouldercone lie in a valley between mountain ranges with a variety of terrain nearby.
(https://i.imgur.com/2m09shZ.png)
Many of us have gone before Sigil in prayer these past months. It was there I received my calling to record these times so future generations may learn from our failures or successes. As of yet none have come forth proclaiming themselves Sigil's prophet, though our commander High General Cin is considered by many of the priests among us to have a high likelihood of success and he's currently ensconced in the temple preparing for leading Abysia's first expansion army in this Age.
The Slayer Cult temples are planning to provide a number of their members to our grand expansion as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/EOSzPmh.png)
I am also instructed by Sigil to lead our nation's research teams. Our first goal will be Construction 4 in order to craft Sanguine Dowsing Rods. Our current technology status is:
(https://i.imgur.com/kRmHObH.png)
Reports arrived this month that High General Cin successfully conquered the Evergreen forest with minimal casualties. The resources from the region are already pouring into the forges of Abysia. The report also declared his intention to march into the Gnome Peaks as soon as possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/PKBMSwe.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/UL4h6a0.png)
A second wave of Slayer Worms began traveling to Copper Canyons to see what they can do about the Yakshini located there. We are expecting reports within a few weeks of the actions of those slayers that slipped into Carnag last month.
(https://i.imgur.com/9TGheBF.png)
Turn 6. Early Fall in the year 0.
Midgard proclaimed a prophet of Kyle this season, a Vanjarl named Hrugner. We've had no other news of the other nations and powers that are moving in this age.
Cin reported a successful assault on Ba'an Dagor, a name that is known from our histories and considered to be a good omen! The Throne of Law is located there in this age and the High General has sent his intentions to immediately begin the ritual to claim the powers of this throne for Sigil.
(https://i.imgur.com/SpFNdck.png)
Reports from Speedo indicate that the projected battle prowess of the Warbreds is holding up to expectations. They cleared the defenders out of Trouble Bog without a single injury among them and he's continuing across the river to the nearby wastelands without delay.
(https://i.imgur.com/1nKxTK6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/mE8nd71.png)
Both High General Cin and the Slayer Worm Barbiel entered the Hall of Fame as mighty heroes this season. Stories are spreading of Barbiel's Extraordinary Agility and of the High General's heroic battle prowess. There is only one other still living member in this august society, that being Napa Tua, a Pale One mercenary commander currently in the employ of Selwyn.
Turn 7. Fall in the year 0.
A new message arrived from Midgard recently and the ambassador presenting it seems to be prepared to set up a permanent embassy. They also gave a gift of air gems.
(https://i.imgur.com/vdQghJa.png)
The High General successfully harnassed the power of The Throne of Law and directed it to Sigil. He reports that though his forces are getting low on strength that he believes he can press forward carefully.
(https://i.imgur.com/jSKXPAm.png)
Speedo continues to move east after another harmless conquest in The Obsidian Waste.
(https://i.imgur.com/TSQrSAW.png)
We've had our first scout reports of the claimed lands of Midgard and Man come in. I have attached an overview of the world's status at the end of this entry. Other news of note is that one of the elder Anathemant Dragon's offered her services. Going by Hot Topic Barbie, she's a skilled fire and death mage and a high priest. She has been assigned to site searching duty.
(https://i.imgur.com/XkXtIpa.png)
The palace was in chaos earlier today. Rumors were flying that High General Cin and his army had been wiped out by a horde of barbarians. Thankfully the actual report, while still bad news, was far less dire.
(https://i.imgur.com/NDuAvcy.png)
The army itself was defeated and only a few soldiers remain, but the High General escaped back to Ba'an Dagor unharmed. He sends word that he is marching back to Abysia with his survivors though it will take him some months to cover such a distance.
(https://i.imgur.com/HQsm8Hz.png)
Speedo's report from Vath was much better news. The dozen Warbreds he led defeated 2 score enemies including crossbowmen and heavy cavalry. The crossbows in particular took a toll on them but as if Sigil himself was watching to reward us, Speedo found a Staff of Flame Focus on one of the enemy commanders. Such an item is beyond our mage's understanding to craft but it's ability to extend the range of fire spells and rituals could prove very useful. I wrote orders to Speedo this evening to continue his conquest and hand in the staff at the first lab he reaches.
(https://i.imgur.com/Gor7ryX.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/uwIk5AD.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/8Bu9Y6H.png)
The Slayer cult reported that the Earthshell Mountains were now securely under Abysian rule and that they were moving their operations there into Witch Haven and also provided a warning that their resources were being stretched thin and that they may not be successful there.
(https://i.imgur.com/oXC0ozY.png)
A few other points of record this season, Sheddan set off with another dozen Warbred to clear out the Windswept Desert and Rimmire and we fought some well forged blacksteel armor hidden in a Griffon's Nest in the Black Peaks.
(https://i.imgur.com/bCxSWN1.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z5uO0Hz.png)
A fairly brief description of this season, much of my time has been unfortunately taken up by my foreign relations duties.
The provinces of Cottoqar and Spires of Ascension have been brought into the fold by the Slayers, while Speedo conquered Chiilad. Of particular interest is the Throne of Zeal located in Cottoqar, the High General will have to be sent there when he is not needed elsewhere.
Agarthan infantry and crossbows have been spotted by Speedo's forces to the east om Dardania and Man has been using mercenaries to firmly establish himself in the sea. Meanwhile we are nearing Midgard lands both to our north and south. Some border agreement must be reached soon to avoid hostilities there.
(https://i.imgur.com/ImFR4no.png)
As Winter reaches its peak the Slayers report the successful acquisition of Witch Haven. This province is bordering lands claimed by Kyle of Midgard. We've pressed close enough to their capital in both the north and south that the opinion of the Abysian High Council is that we should focus further expansion efforts elsewhere as to not provoke them unduly. (notes on initial border negotiations follow near the end of this entry) As this will mark a key border for Abysia, construction of both a Temple and some Palisades has begun.
(https://i.imgur.com/lFJJVpr.png)
Both Warbred parties reported complete success and continue to march ceaselessly through the snows to bring more lands under our banner.
(https://i.imgur.com/tzQdi6W.png)
Speedo has gained a worldwide reputation for his Iron Will. Well deserved in my humble opinion has he marches through snow covered forests to bring more lands under the flag of Abysia and Sigil.
The High General arrived back in Abysia and took command of the 28 Warbred awaiting action. There was considerable discussion about trying to capture the throne in Copper Canyons immediately, but in the end it was decided that the general should march south and west to some other unclaimed lands and the Copper Canyons can wait until we have more massed forces to ensure a victory.
(https://i.imgur.com/LskNhCo.png)
Negotiations with Midgard on initial borders.
(https://i.imgur.com/2kbjToS.png)
Northria was converted by slayer cult agents just before the weather turned warm again and Speedo conquered the Griffon Spires around the same time. It'll be quite the march for the latter to be able to return to central Abysia.
(https://i.imgur.com/v3yeXsJ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/IvdEYtd.png)
Palisades have begun going up in Cottoqar and soon in Ba'an Dagor as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/LfQ6DVk.png)
I am traveling out of the capital myself now for the first time. Not a terribly long trip, just to spend a few months in Cottoqar to establish a lab and temple to Sigil in that location. Of other note, Ba'al Kar the warlock is beginning the first mass blood hunting down in the Evergreen Forest. Preliminary plans are to establish a research center in Cottoqar (hence my being sent there) and a blood hunting center in Ba'an Dagor. There's a strong possibility that I'll be traveling southward after finishing my work in Cottoqar.
(https://i.imgur.com/m09wU1n.png)
I've arrived in Cottoqar. Traveling with such haste I fear I didn't record as much the previous month as I should have, in spite of the regular messages being passed to me along my way. I've decide to begin construction of the temple first, to better honor Sigil and spread It's word.
Palisades have been completed in Witch Haven this month and between the military and slayer operatives a few more provinces now fly our banner. Borders have been settled with Selwyn of Man and he has also provided us with information regarding the blessing of Kyle.
(https://i.imgur.com/kj0cI3i.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/vYf2wPu.png)
Speedo is doing some cleanup work in the south before making his way back to Abysia and Cin is on our western border trying to snatch up land before the Agarthan's do. Sheddan is also leading some warbreds south to help close that border up. The general plan is to grab as much territory as they can then all 3 units to converge on the Copper Canyons to claim them.
Turn 15. Early Summer in the year 1.
Not much to record this season. The temple to Sigil is now up and running here! I'm beginning to draw up plans for a lab now and Wather reports that the palisades should be completed around the same time.
Sheddan and Speedo are beginning their march back home, with a brief stop planned in Deep Wagor along the way.
[img]http://[https://i.imgur.com/3wuZvYD.png/img]
High General Cin successfully conquered Cliffport, bringing in some farmland that will undoubtedly help with our income and population growth. There was debate on making an attempt at the nearby throne in Giant's Spine as well but he instead is returning to Abysia and letting the slayer cult have it's attempt on this throne.
(https://i.imgur.com/6bvWTar.png)
Current overview of the Abysian nation:
(https://i.imgur.com/WLw0ICm.png)
The only true things of note to happen this season were the completion of Palisades in Cottoqar and a Fortress in Witch Haven. I've completed my tasks in Cottoqar as well and am to return to Abysia. Thankfully other plans have been made for the infrastructure in the south and I will not be required to begin that 4 month long journey.
The people living in Black Peaks have been found to produce decent crossbowmen and efforts have begun to pursue continuous recruitment.
(https://i.imgur.com/HElFVJ9.png)
Thankfully Sigil takes care of keeping things warm within Its dominion but I do miss the comforts of home!
Turn 18 & 19. Early Fall in the year 1.
This season our research teams discovered the process of making Sanguine Dowsing Rods at Construction 4. Setting up of a lab in Ba'an Dagor is expected to be completed by Ba'al Kar by the beginning of winter and more sanguine acolytes will be trained there to bring in blood slaves to our nation.
High General Cin took overall command of the largest force of Warbred we've yet fielded to conquer the Copper Canyons alongside Commander Wather and succeeded with amazing success, only losing a few of our warbred. He immediately began the ritual to claim the Throne of Fire for Sigil. Fitting that this throne was found on the very border of Abysia itself.
(https://i.imgur.com/l115n07.png)
One of the ancient Demonbred Slayers, the oldest one in existence announced himself to our cause on the Autumn Equinox. He will be remaining in Abysia on patrol until such time as his special talents may be called for.
(https://i.imgur.com/jzM0Gzr.png)
My research teams made a several key breakthroughs in Blood magic.
(https://i.imgur.com/qXxLyOJ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/qsbFSDn.png)
Infernal Breeding may be particularly useful for building up patrol forces for our borders and blood hunting regions.
High General Cin claimed the Throne of Fire for Sigil, but Hrugner the Vanjarl claimed the Throne of the First Age for Kyle, and Beorthelm the Lord Warden claimed the Throne of the Second Age for Selwyn within the same time frame. A Moonvine Bracelet and a Skull Mentor were found in a raided wizards lab in the last weeks of Fall.
(https://i.imgur.com/Fs65r9D.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fgv0oFW.png)
In the first days of Winter Ba'an Rachis offered his services to Sigil. As the leader of the murder cult of slayers his services will be invaluable.
(https://i.imgur.com/i6TEgu7.png)
Turn 22. Winter in the year 1.
Not much to report on this time of the year. The council was amused at reports of Midgard losing a province to what seemed to be nothing more than a pack of wild animals though!
(https://i.imgur.com/pMafMwB.png)
The council is also becoming more concerned with our lack of expansion opportunities. We have little information on Agartha but they seem to hold a small footprint of land, Midgard is well scouted and contains currently 3 fortresses, and Man only appears to have 2, making them a tempting target. However we also believe that they may have a large force of crossbowmen and warbreds don't carry shields.
Chuzrael the demonbred assassin himself was pulled off patrol duty and is currently scouting out man's lands and the military is moving more forces towards that border. If it does scout as being as weak as we suspect then there may be strong support for a fast action against them. The other school of thought is supporting an attack on Midgard. They have the largest amount of land in the world and a total of 5 thrones in their domain (compared to man's 1 or 2). If some of those thrones are of the more powerful variety that could be enough to grant Sigil ascension on it's on.
Current orders are to continue building up the various armies and Wather will be leading a force to capture the throne in Giant's Spine. An agarthan army is also nearby so this seems to be a race.
(https://i.imgur.com/3cPb4mN.png)
The first news these months was Selwyn himself claiming the Throne of Ice. This is the first confirmation that Selwyn is free and walking the world.
In the beginning of Spring our researchers made further breakthroughs in Blood Magic.
(https://i.imgur.com/mmTzUkO.png)
More bad news was Wather's defeat in his attempt to capture the throne in Giant's Spine. The enemy heavy cavalry defeated most of the warbred whilst a horde of summoned skeletons held off the remaining ones. Wather escaped with half a dozen troops back to Cliffport. With Agartha still having an army in the area it is likely that we will not be gaining control of this throne.
(https://i.imgur.com/yBViPsG.png)
As spring comes into full it's been decided by the council. Abysia is going to march against Man. Sheddan will strike for their capital with his force while High General Cin takes a larger force along with a couple of blood mages to hit their southern border. Speedo and Wather will continue collecting forces and be ready to act as a second wave or defense. The plan is to attack them at the beginning of Summer.
Turn 25. Spring in the year 2.
News came through the priesthood this month that Third Stone has claimed the Crystal Throne. Our failures to capture it left it nearly defenseless when the Agarthans arrived.
The first of our mass Infernal Breeding rituals completed. The end result is just under 40 Hellspawn, have of which wield whips of pure flame and the other half strike with venomous claws and barbed tails.
(https://i.imgur.com/b8iMTPC.png)
Ba'al Chozron the Anathemant Warlock offered his services. He's been the master of demonbreds for some time and is both an accomplished warlock and an anathemant.
(https://i.imgur.com/ImOoDi5.png)
A communique was sent to Selwyn from the high council declaring war against him and his people. The council decided that to maintain future relationships if the worst should happen that Man should be given notice before any attacks. Our intent is to strike with the turning of the season. We are negotiating with a group of mercenaries known as the Ship Wreckers. If they accept and join us in Jerib they will be put to use in the sea. Some research has been moved to basic conjuration now as well to give our non-blood mages some combat support and initial talks with Midgard for water breathing items is underway.
Turn 26. Late Spring in the year 2.
Conjuration research had results from our researchers. Our non-blood mages can use the elementals in battle and with our limited death gem income some of the anathemant's can summon our revered dead back to fight once more.
(https://i.imgur.com/2rzVkR2.png)
Attack orders against Man have begun.
(https://i.imgur.com/4yd8jGk.png)
The Shipwrecker mercenaries and Sheddan's troops will be hitting Man on his northern and southernmost reachable provinces this upcoming month. The High General and Wather are advancing directly to the west to given targets next month. Chuzrael the demonbred assassin reports no defenses at all in Bhamot and has been given instructions to attack it.
(https://i.imgur.com/QCIvpZ2.png)
Abysia is now at war with both Man and Agartha. Without even waiting for our first aggression against Man, Third Stone invaded Cliffport with an army of significant size.
(https://i.imgur.com/ivmy72v.png)(https://i.imgur.com/m42lD4I.png)
The Might Pillars and Good Water were taken without resistance as well as Bhamot, location of the Throne of Ice. Bhamot is too far to defend at any rate and Chuzreal has been ordered to proceed to the Agarthan capital to possible wreck havoc among their researchers.
(https://i.imgur.com/9pMtYYF.png)
Sheddan is taking his troops west towards Selwyn's capital. High General Cin is moving into Northria to reinforce Wather and the fortress there while Speedo is still moving his troops towards the front lines. In the water our mercenaries are severely outnumbered by Man's aquatic forces but they are to cause as much damage as possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/6VMffHS.png)
The council also mobilized one force on our southern border to advance on Agartha. This force is mostly made up of crossbowmen with a few infantry throne in.
(https://i.imgur.com/IwcHA5s.png)(https://i.imgur.com/qDY1qK3.png)
Multiple battle reports came in from engagements with Man. Our mercenaries were wiped out to the last and killed half of Selwyn's forces before they were defeated. More amphibious troops landed and retook Bhamot, not unexpected since it was left far away and defenseless.
The only real defeat was Sheddan's army. He took his cavalry and warbred units up against Selwyn himself in the Steppe of Wild Horses. Overwhelming crossbow fire and the overpowering presence of a pretender god were too much.
(https://i.imgur.com/yqcWzT2.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/YR2rNfq.png)
Reports indicate that Agartha pulled back after taking that single province. The council believes they may have only been interested in a token effort on our western front. We are still ordering the army to mobilize on the eastern against them. Cin and Wather are moving into Selwyn's lands as I write and the slayer cult is positioning agent's as rapidly as they can.
(https://i.imgur.com/mZoT767.png)