Deep beneath the stone skies, a soft stillness began to creep throughout the caverns and crevasses. For several moments, even the hymns of the vigorous stones ceased their low rumble, and true silence filled the earth. A deep breath before some unknowable future begins, the last age quietly, unperceptively, fading away to a future yet to be discovered. This fact was not lost on many of the wiser creatures that inhabit this land, though, many a man and beast alike could feel the tension of this unexpected quiet. One can't help but feel like prey in those moments, staring down a tunnel and wondering if this is not but the gullet of the earth, slowly swallowing all that remains of a world thought dead. Yet, that fear adds to the quiet, and all which fear what lurks out in the dark, or around the corner, they hold their breath and listen. It is at that moment, that despite not understanding it, many heard the beginning of a new age.
Among those, the Six Sunken Kings, the chieftains of the fleshmancers. Quietly, and with intent, they awaited the opportunity of a new era. Some had hopes of conquest, others of enlightenment, others simply sought survival. The Six Sunken Kings had gathered together for the annual Summit of the Sunken Kings. The auspicious timing of the turn of the age was not lost upon those gathered here. From left to right they sat in a circle: Jaheq, Kalamos, Lingka, Ta Zie, Chirrupchirp, and Baltais Karalis. As with every turning of the seasons, the birth of a new year, they had gathered to hear the report of their loose federation.
The report was aloud read by a capable steward of clan Brakbar:
With the extinction of Clan Aresgeta, despite tradition, this Summit is held outside the domain of any of the Kings. However, it is tradition that one king hosts the summit upon the New Turn of this world. Though we must return to the issue, we must select the next King to host the summit upon next year's turn.
Now to begin the report proper.
General stores are low, with little food stockpiled outside the domain of Clan Aresgeta, who were primarily focused on agriculture. Much of their clan was killed in an earthquake no more than one month prior. With Aresgeta exporting some quantities of food to other nations, most if not all nations will need to increase food production in order to account for this loss.
This also leaves the question of remaining survivors. While some small parts of their territory were not destroyed, many survivors are left without house or home. Several refugee groups have sought safe haven with the Court of the Six Sunken Kings.
Next, to the east, closest to the lands of Jaheq, Kalamos, and Lingka, large groups of the fishlike humanoids, Kroatoa, have been spotted. While they are a disorganized group, their numbers pose a risk to innocent civilians if they attempted to overwhelm the forces of Jaheq, Kalamos, and Lingka. Though it would be a hard fought battle, it is unlikely none would make it through our position. Whats more, Kroatoa are rarely seen in this region, while their appearance is unusual, the size of their forces is not unheard of in lands to the south, near elven domains. At this time, only a few small skirmishes have broken out with hunting parties, so no large battles have yet to occur.
In other news, a migration of giant cave sloths will pass through the kingdoms of Ta Zie and Baltais Karalis. While they are peaceful beings, their large claws and tendency to move in large groups, makes them rather difficult prey. As are the predators which follow their herd, seeking to pick off those who are weak, or straggle too far behind the pack. This is not an unusual occurrence, and occurs every several years.
In the mushroom forests closest to Lingka, Ta Zie, Chirrupchirp, there is word that a deposit of aldranite has been discovered. While it's exact location is unclear, villagers in the area have found small chunks of the rare mineral in the region. While rare, aldranite is a very useful metal, which has a low melting point, but good strength. It is not only useful in the creation of simple metal objects, but is a valuable trade good among civilizations that do not have advanced metalurgy.
Finally we return to the matter of the next host. While hosting the Summit does place a burden on the nation in which it takes place, the accompanying festival, and prevalence traders, goods, and entertainment, brings additional prosperity to clans which have interesting festivals.
This concludes the reports.
Now that the national report has been read, the chieftains of the clans were free to discuss, act, or do as they liked. While some may stay and discuss, others may act as swiftly as they please. Though, some may find they can ask questions of their stewards, if they need an update on information about their nation, the world, or have other questions.
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Topic: Fleshmancy Demi-Gods (IC) (Read 1179 times)