In My Time of Troubles

by Crossposted

Crossposting of the TheIrishDreamer’s FanFiction on SpaceBattles all credit goes to the original author.

42. Entry 42

[Missasri 33]

[Central Market, Village Area, Stronghold of Sparta]

"But we just moved the all the tomes he sent back into the Tower!" Missasri muttered, largely to herself, as she was told they were told of their moving to the city of Luskan. It'd been a bit of effort, especially with her little Siggy needing attention all the time, getting it organised to her liking, and now all of that effort seemed to have been pointless as it all had to come back out unto the wagons. Not immediately as those wagons were only now being unloaded for the markets, but over the next ten-day they would be seemingly departing what had started to feel like her home.

"Karg, what you expect..." Ghorza answered her not question with a snort of amusement as she stood towering over Missasri, her hand resting on her sword hilt while the other gestured at the wagons to get into place "...but the glory! To take and hold such a place! Heh! Can live with his silliness"

Missari smiled a little at that "I suppose, it will just be strange to leave"

"Hmm, more the effort of leaving here that I care for, Hreshgk is good choice..." Ghorza replied in a rumbling tone "...Taugh and Halnguk too, well the acolyte for Zybelin's Drift, and I will choose loyal warriors to stay here while we travel and encamp in our new den for the winter. The whelps will be the hardest you know?"

She winced at that "I know, I don't really want to have Siegfried move now...but better now than when the snows fall and the passes become death-traps"

"Aye, they will, and we've plenty warriors to bring with, it's who is to stay behind is the harder part, so just keep the whelps warm in furs and fed and they'll be fine..." her Karg's second, and Missari's senior, wife waved off before scratching at the side of her helmet "...Ogrash will decide that, but I will make sure the wagons are protected and warriors ready. You, Missy, are to make sure none of Karg's strange things are forgotten, as he's mad enough waste riders coming back for his trinkets"

Missasri nodded "Understood Mistress, I'll make sure it is done as you say...and Tsuruhoki?"

Ghorza hummed in thought, then shrugged "Eh, she be fine, she can almost wear light silks now, and we give her a nice covered wagon, maybe with her beloved scribblings. Karg should be happy how well you and Mara have trained her in"

"Hopefully" she replied smiling, but feeling a little conflicted by the fact she had done an excellent job in turning strange foreign girl, the eager to please suffering and homeless scholar, into a body slave in all but name. The fact the girl had seemed to be happier with her status as her language skills improved, despite being trapped within the tower since her rescue from the teleporting demon's larder, didn't make it any stranger feeling. It was one of the many strange things she'd experienced in her life since things had gone so wrong and that stupid, stupid, 'mission' of theirs.

"Yes, now I must talk to Breyza..." Ghorza muttered as they both watched the arrival of the Chief's first wife from the stronghold with her two human slave-girls flanking her, and guards around them "...as she's about to get the news and better I talk now than waste time later, I will talk to you later"

Missasri bowed her head slightly, showing respect to the senior female as she'd learned "Of course Ghorza, thank you"

Half the guards left with Ghorza, the rest staying with Missasri as she simply watched the bustling market begin as the wagons were unloaded, the returning soldiers seeking out loved ones or simply getting food and water after the long journey here. Already she could see the scaly little trader Menkin, wearing his funny little hat with Fueryon in tow, coming out of his tavern with his staff and moving quickly towards the wagons despite his small stature. She shook her head as she saw the alchemist Petra come out seconds later, dashing after the pair while holding her the hem of her robes.

Petra, since she'd lost her fiancée, all her coin, and only narrowly avoided a worse fate, had grown dependent on the little kobold. His obedient minion in all but name, and it seemed he was also thinking of moving these past ten-days should word come, as it had, of a great victory over Luskan. Truth be told Missasri wouldn't mind that as, slave and loyal minion to the kobold that she was, Fueryon was good company to have, and eager to learn in her own way. Missasri had careful cultivated her, Vol, and a few others, who like the arcane and could give her information when needed...so having some come to Luskan with her might not be a bad idea...

'Think upon it later Missasri, enjoy your last moments of free time before the work takes over first' she reminded herself, shaking her head and then striding towards to wagons to see if anything interesting had been returned. They'd arrived at a good time, it'd be high-sun soon, and the stronghold would begin to come truly awake as the day moved away from its warmest part. Thankfully it was a beautiful sunny autumn day, a nice change as the weather had been strange these past two ten-days, including a small storm that'd rolled in out of nowhere and damaged some buildings.

Food was in abundance too, the harvests having been drawn in well before that despite so many of the men-folk drawn away from the village. Missasri knew Wifne likely wouldn't be overly happy that many of said men-folk had chosen to linger in Luskan for the winter according to Captain Krowluc; many of them the young and unmarried ones. Missasri guessed they'd return in a few seasons, or years, with wives and children, as the lure of adventure, war, and loot had drawn them away from their dull farming lives here in the valley. Or, those that survived anyway, as there had been losses, and those would be harder felt she knew even if how many were lost she didn't know as yet.

'Okay, this is too busy' she decided after a few minutes as the marketplace began to fill as orc females and others began to converge on the market area to great the wagons. Deciding it was better to come back in a little bit she instead gestured to her two orc guards that she was going to the Adventurers Guild...braining catching up with her as she near 'Oh...who to put in charge if I'm gone and Lua isn't returning?'

She'd have bet coin Karg had overlooked that little thing in his great plans, and both Guild Girls would need guidance, and a kind owner, to keep the thing functioning out here like she figured her husband probably wanted. Wanted, but probably forgot about she thought with a sigh as she stepped through the double doors into the Common Room, the largely empty Common Room, save for the youngest of the Guild slave-girls, the teenage Penny, who beamed a happy smile at Missasri as she entered "Milady Missasri, Greetings. How can I serve you this day?"

Missasri smiled back, giving a friendly wave as the girl clasped her hands together near her waist and bowed in her direction. She'd put both Penny and Alyssa into respectable and colourfully tunic and shirts, the Sigil of the Guild on one side of the tunic, and Orc clan's on the other, along with gold-flecked thick leather collars confirming ownership. It had helped, and she'd pushed for both to act like the best traders they could, they were selling a service after all "Hello Penny, gone busy outside with the wagons, so thought it best see how things are here?"

There were a few contracts hung up on the board behind Penny, who'd come out of her bow, as usual, but most seemed the usual hunting/find herbs/kill rats thing "All is well Milady, there is one group using the practice yard out back, and Alyssa is preparing food for later, but everyone else is one a job, or has simply left to take part in the usual returning caravan festivities"

Missasri chuckled at "Of course they are, the place will be drunk tonight, but the wagon caravan brings news I'm afraid"

"Milady?"

She sighed hearing the curious, but not worried tone from the younger girl "Sadly I am to leave, as is Lua and the others to join my husband Karguk in the conquered city of Luskan"

Penny's eyes widened, her face going pale "Mi...Mistress? What...what...will..."

"Penny, calm down, please..." Missasri replied holding up her hands and smiling "...that's why I came here, to talk to you and Alyssa and make sure your both kept safe and secure by putting someone trustworthy in charge while we are away for a few seasons. You both have done such great work, and we want to keep it that way like myself, Karg, and Lua planned"

The slave-girl let out a breath, bowing again "Apologies Milady, I live to serve"

"It will be okay Penny, now go see if Alyssa is free and I'll listen to what you think on the potential candidates we can put in charge of the Guild here while we're away..." since she guessed Karg would setup a bigger one in Luskan "...and how things will run going forward and for sending messages to us"

--

[Karguk 84]

{Formerly} Red Dragon Trading Post, Northern Section, City of Illusk

"Well, it's still intact as you can see, and we've cleared it for traps..." I told Shrouda as my escort waited back a little distance as we wandered into the large empty trading post "...though, well, it's been gutted during the Sack, so it'll have to be restocked, and some minor damage needing to be fixed up"

"Hmm, yes, no fire-damage either, a pleasant surprise"

I shrugged "Storm helped with that, even if it did major to damage in of itself. I've tried keep drunken idiots and fire separated as best I can, till things truly settle down, and we've only lost a few houses so far. Big building like this? Clan chiefs had their own interest in taking it intact"

'Mostly so they could loot it mostly, or shack up here with booze and women either' I didn't say as Shrouda Stargleam nodded, seemingly glad to play an actually useful role as Ambassador at large from Mirabar rather than seemly hovering nearby to annoy me. Oh, she'd probably phrase it as doing many useful things, but I had my own opinions on the matter and those had been coloured by other things taking up my schedule. Now that things had, mostly, started to settle down we could move unto other, less immediate, matters such as trade.

"I expect so..." she agreed touching the wooden frame of the doorway ahead of us, some dried bloodstains visible not far away "...and what became of the Red Dragon's original staff?"

"Those that stayed fought it out, tough bunch as I understand it, and those that didn't had long since left before the siege got going in it its fullest. Lucky for us really, as it's quite the defensible spot and we had to fight hard for a few of those" I answered, though it had been a combination of violently overrunning such holdouts, or simply negotiating with groups willing to accept the new order and had been strong enough resist the initial day or two of the city's fall. Honestly it was a question that could be answered with 'they dead' or 'they slaves/fled if alive' like the majority of the city's former defenders and those in positions like this.

"Well, that should have been obvious to me know shouldn't it?" Shrouda chuckled shaking her head, then turn back towards me "You offer no objection to reopening this place?"

"Heh...Shrouda, that was the whole point of bring you out here after all, so, No, I shan't be causing any problems to re-establishing something here..." I replied with an amused snort "...though the how of such an arrangement needs to be agreed upon"

"Karguk...well, I the offer agreeable..." she replied with a nod, then a shrug "...though it is passing strange your desired trading position, I'd blame your Neverwinter wife, but I doubt she'd argue so"

"Well, one shall find out soon enough on that point" I muttered, mostly to myself, folding my arms across my chest and shaking my head "But, we're orcs, and most of my lot are barbarians, and not the ideal to run a trading company amongst so-called civilized races. Still, we run the city now, so equal shares all around for what we all contribute"

Shrouda nodded, a serious look upon her face "That I understand, if it were just we of Mirabar, and you as ruler of Lus...Illusk. What is passing strange is to offer others a share...the Harpells for one"

"And Doctor Ned the other..." I agreed with a nod "...but there are reasons, mostly Neds...friendship...with certain pirates, and the Harpells..." I shrugged "...call it a peace offering to Neverwinter through indirect means, consider who the Harpells are friends with. Split four ways equally, and if you provide the mithral, I'll provide the guards, others coins, then eventually ship. If can find another agreeable, I may add a fifth to that, with your agreement when the time comes"

'Menkin and his kobolds possibly, just use the word Dragon in the trade name' I thought to myself, as it'd be after winter before any potential Trading Company truly got formalised. After all as much as Shrouda seem okay with it...the fact remained that it had to be agreed by the Council of Sparkling Stones, grumpy dwarves and wary humans. I doubted they'd reject it, as it was vastly superior to the Luskan tactic of owning their group outright, and then placing tariffs on everything; of course the Luskans had a fleet of loosely controlled ships, so they could more easily afford to be that aggressive.

The simple truth was; in their eyes we were filthy orc savages, and they did not want to trade with us beyond the fact they had they had too. Not that we were ideal trade partners, but were on the river, at the end of it, and the Mirar offered so many opportunities if it could just be guarded and the seaport nature of the city made use of to its full potential. The Host Tower had preferred to use the Pirate City approach as it hampered their enemies, gave them a military force, and they'd been a Arcane Brotherhood more than a true organisation dedicated to trade.

Even down to the fact the city wasn't truly set up to receive barges down a river largely ideal for barges and small hauliers outside of winter months. Unlike other orcs I did have the advantage of actual knowledge of trade, and economics, and logistics, and dipping into the Tome of Wiki had helped formulate some mercantile policies for the city. Finance too, but these were crude, primitive things, and would need grabbing as many scribes as possible to make it work; but trade meant coin, and coin helped power the sinews of war, from better arms, to paying mercenaries.

"Of course, of course..." she agreed "...though the Harpells are..."

"Eccentric?"

"Insane"

I shrugged "A little, and I'm a crazy orc according to many, so that says a bit. Still, they run the Long Road, so your lot should be happy as it ensures we all have an interest in keeping the contents of your mines flowing outwards into the world. And, of course, for you to help fund our war against our northern kin that will start when we stop them raiding all those caravans and..."

"Papa" a feminine voice behind me, and I turned my head towards to Rose with a smile as she came towards me, cloak shifting as she brushed damp off it.

"Rose, raining is it?"

"Only lightly, started a little while ago..." my adopted daughter replied "...and it's still bright, anyway Papa, aren't we supposed to be putting up wards against rats and insects later?"

I frowned, then sighed "Yeah, I was I wasn't I? Thank you for reminding me Rose, was there any trouble coming here?"

She shook her head "Nothing much Papa, I was careful and we watched for trouble crossing the bridges, but there was a few deaths up near the markets. It's why I said I'd come get you, we might want to go talk to Auxlia as it was between them and some mercenaries, some clan-orcs got involved too in the brawl, but I don't know what clans"

"Ugh...another day..."

"Another brawl..." she finished for me with an irritated huff. I agreed, glancing at Shrouda as she came forward, nodding her head to Rose politely as she did "...but it's lessening at least, I think"

"It is, patrols and sending home others, but never your guard down either. So, we'll add your escort to mine, then head over there..." I paused stroking my recently trimmed beard "...hmm, you've any your acolytes with you?"

She nodded "Bara and Millicent, why do you ask?"

"Well, it'll be training thing for them, and I think the human auxlia are more inclined to better answers to pretty girls than scary orcs..." then I gave a shrug "...annddd...probably healing too. There's healing needed and few extra healers won't hurt as I've only got two in escort today, and apparently I've anti-vermin ward to put in place as well"

I turned slightly "Do you wish to come Shrouda? I don't think you've visited that part of the as yet, and as I said a friendly face can calm down certain idiots"

The Mirabaran woman rolled her eyes "My pretty face or my magic I wonder?"

"Well, make use of both mayhap..." I replied in a humorous tone "...it also saves me leaving more guards here to escort you back. I can come back tomorrow with workers and have them begin cleaning it up to your desires"

"Assuming I agree to this offer?"

"Is there any doubt? It would be your project to work through with limited input from me..." I replied to her with a bemused look "...which is what you said you wanted after all, now is it not?"

Shrouda sighed wearily, shaking her head, an exasperated look upon it as she did so "It is good that I have gone used to you, though it seems you know too well also. Yes, yes, your are correct, it would be a worthy task for one of my stature during a time you are not available to discuss other matters"

"Good, you can make a list of what's needed and I'll arrange supplies..."

--

When: 30th Day of Eleint 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

The Harpells are departing in the next few days, or at least the senior ones are; Bella and Harkle Harpell are remaining, which is a positive sign. Not surprising, we're at the end of Eleint, into the middle of autumn, and the snows are expected to fall early this year according to several shamans and seers. Even if it doesn't Uktar is bad month at the end of autumn as its either wintery, or muddy due to the heavy rains, and we're now on the coast so that doesn't help according to those familiar with the city.

We've a few weeks, or ten-days as it is, the roads will be less than passable, and now the task is done, I can understand why people want to get on the move to get back home. In all fairness it's why I summoned my family from the Crags along with all the others, as the longer you leave it the greater the chance of getting caught in bad weather. Not as big a problem for an army, generally, but they're a fair small escort and I half expect magical teleportation somewhere along the way anyway.

One of big shifts on logistics that is caused by magic I expect, and then they can spread the word amongst the Harpers network of contacts. Or he's already done hat already, I don't know, but they'll be gone and it's one less immediate headache to worry about; along with one less useful player to have for dealing with Neverwinter. Pros and Cons of the situation I suppose.No matter; we've largely secured the city, and our glorious councils of Shamans and Chieftains has been busy allocating the various 'territories' out amongst allies as we speak.

With significant room being made for useful trades such as armourers, blacksmiths, brewers, and a number of other important craftsmen; ie things we Orcs normally don't do very well. After all we've already divided up the contents of the City Armoury and whatever the various Captain's had assembled, so ensuring we've a steady supply of weapons, armour, and other such things is the next step. See, all these simple things come from a fairly complex web of various materials and people; from mines, to farms, to fishermen.

A web that we disrupted by the fact of being an orc horde, and then enslaving the majority of the surviving city's populace after we stormed and took the place by blood and steel. It's why I'm trying get something setup with Mirabar before the snows fall, as while it likely won't have any effect till next year at the earliest, it's something. Largely because for now we can fall back on the reserves accumulated within, and nearby, the city but once they run out we need to have ensured that the supply will continue – no point having forges if nothing to forge now is there?

Anyway, unto more immediate news;

I've started getting this place organised as I'd like, a few extra wooden walls outside and two mansions become one large compound by the side of the bridge crossing. It's only temporary though as I intend to move into the larger complex overlooked by the Host Tower itself once we've secured the Tower fully. Now between the Harpells and Doctor Ned this seemingly done, but I'm still doing the slow and cautious, methodical if you will, approach to the place. Once we hit the height of winter we'll have a mass ritual and I'm truly consecrating this ground.

For the moment though I've improved the defences here, begun setting up rooms for the family, as well as helping Zah with his over in his mansion off the marketplace, and even established a study and work area as well. Ink, quills, paper, and the usual stationary needs have so far been met by the simple fact of grabbing everything I need as quickly as I could with my minions before it all got destroyed. Honestly I've a hoard of such things compared to my scant supplies back home, so I'm rather happy about that whole situation let me tell you.

Well, gotta go it seems, work to be done I've been told, and Six Gods-slaves need their meditation practice

--

When: 3rd Day of Marpenoth 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

Heavens above a ship actually docked!

Completely by mistake I suspect, as they were very much not expecting orcs to be by the docks to greet them and probably would have tried to flee baring the difficulty of that, and threats of arrows and magic. Once they were certain we weren't going to storm the ship, kill them all, and then seize it they seemed more open to their original plan of selling cargo holds full of salted food and weapons to us. It's off by Whitesails, and we've given them much gold and shiny things in exchange for their trade goods; weapons, food and booze always go over well with orcs after all!

After much polite enquiry, and their fear of us shifted into more wary greed, they did bring news of the rest of the world. Or at least part of it anyway, confirming what we knew about Neverwinter; the city is in a bad state, heavily damaged, but this King of Shadows has finally been defeated, even if it supposedly wrecked the Neverwinter Guard and badly hurt the Graycloaks. Good news for us in some ways, as they'll be less inclined to try get after us here with such problems facing the city. At least one would hope so, but I'll be encouraging defences being improved just in case that feeling is wrong.

There's also word that the Blackstaff either used, or shattered, some magical artefact and freed Laerel Silverhand from something. All very rumour-based, but it does confirm some things from the Tome of Wiki as being in line with should have been. Beyond that the seas have somewhat calmed, in terms of pirates I mean, as a number of big names who had been raiding the coast till lately have been drawn away by better plunder further south, or off towards the Moonsea, as wars break out there. Apparently with Luskan under siege by orcs, demons invading dragonspear, and Neverwinter fighting undead horrors – well, smart pirates figured there was coin to be made somewhere not here.

One of those odd things; they clearly expected us to fail in taking Luskan, and word hasn't gotten around as swiftly in a world without regular long distance communications. Sure a number of mages can communicate instantly, but they guard that jealously, and most folk actually have to settle for the roaming peddler, or by ship's captain bringing news like here and now to us. Kurnak's happy, especially since we managed to get more useful things, and move out tiny 'Navy' of three damaged ships into the harbour as well, and it's a proof in concept to Veladorn and the departing Harpell's we can act semi-civilized if we have too. That, and it isn't as if Orcs haven't traded with pirates, bandits, and other scum in the past, so we can manage with so called civilized folk as well.

So, I may go, religious duties to fulfil.

--

When: 6th Day of Marpenoth 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

Major fire broke out in the older 'slum' areas of the city, got it under control, but an area over Dragon Beach, what a few called Rat Alley, is going to have to be rebuilt. Took a bit effort get the fire put before it spread any further, and myself and Emperor Kurnak have both agreed that, yes, clearing it out and doing that rebuilding is the way to go. Truthfully I'd almost being wait for this to happen, orcs, goblins, and associated tended to be bad around lanterns and the natural fire hazards that are the poorest areas of a medieval city. Probably because we've had a few dry days now, and the immediate urgency of such things have faded as something of a routine returns to the city.

Sadly no Fire Brigade to control such as yet, though I am working towards ensuring my patrols watch for it till we get something to that effect setup. Again, like so many things, it requires a mixture of experience and resources to establish and run, and those are limited, and therefore precious, resources that one has to spend wisely. Such as maintain control of my little fiefdom alongside Zah, prevent the horrors that come with orc slavery as best I can, and establishing things that allow dealing with the constant threats like bandits and such like an Adventurers Guild, and a standing army.

On that note our great Councils, of Chiefs, Shamans, and Warriors have agreed somewhat to the forming of said unified 'Legion' in preparation for the wars to come. Not the totality of everyone's forces, but all the clans providing some clusters, along with the crowds of youths seeking loot and adventure, will give us a starting force along with the Auxlia. My lot can provide the Officer Corps let's say, Kurnak gets his best mercenary army turned into a full time professional military if I have anything to say about it. Everything is a negotiation right now, he's the strongest, but we all have our powerbases to work around.

--

[Missasri 34]

[Southern Bank of the Mirar, East of Luskan, North of Neverwinter Woods]

The misty rain was falling again, slowing their wagon train as it moved west across the plain, and Missasri hugged the cloak around her with a tired yawn. It was draining travelling down from the mountains, but another good day's travel and they'd arrive in Luskan, or Ilusk as Karguk was now calling it in his letter. Thankfully though the children were sleeping, so she was going to stay up a little while longer, even if just to rest about the campfire and have a little to eat. It was still daylight, but the heavy clouds and drizzle gave a dark gloom that contented the orcs of the caravan at the very least as they encamped around an abandoned farmstead.

She personally still preferred a nice sunny day, but it was safer in many ways as they established the usual laager formation, with the children and others resting in the inner ring where the campfires were lit. There were the usual bandits lurking about, and monsters out on the hunt too, so you couldn't be too careful Missasri found as she moved over to sit down on the damp stone wall beside Ogrash and Ghorza. And the guards too, though they were a little distance way, as the Chieftess Breyza and her coterie sat nearby and the dreary evening filled with the noise of life.

"Missy, the whelps sleep?"

"Yes Mistress Ogrash..." Missasri murmured back sitting nearby the fire as it resisted the light rain with its basic covering and the stones around "...Mara cares for them while Kethri dozes, Tsuruhoki I think is asleep in the wagon with the tomes"

"Good, best to escape them while you can..." Ghorza chuckled "...they can't sleep with all the moving of the wagons"

"That is true" Missasri agreed with a groan of agreement. It was nearly impossible to keep the little ones sleeping with the wagons bumping around over the muddy and stony ground as they descended down from the mountain valleys. They'd taken turns watching the children, and Missasri discovered she hated breast-feeding during that time as well, but it was still tiring, and hard to find time to study her tomes in the brief respites during these breaks. So she smiled softly as she accepted the wooden bowl of heated oats mixed with fruits and berries handed to her.

"Gods yes, noisy things whelps..." Ghorza replied drinking from a horn "...but what you expect this terrain, and how slow we've been moving"

"Oh quite your whining Ghorza, your warriors have had their fun our looking for game and bandits, and that's slowed us down as much as the muck..." Ogrash rumbled back as Missasri ate at the warm gruel and Ghorza gave a toothy, terrifying, grin back to the First Wife "...if not for the idiots killing each other to get at each other's loot I'd be annoyed"

Most bands orcs or otherwise who'd helped siege Luskan had returned to their homes without much problem, but there always a few groups filled with idiots Missasri had discovered. Idiots who'd either gotten killed by being greedy by attacking other groups, or in the aftermath getting hunted down as Ghorza had sent Krowluc to do when a few of said idiots wandered to close. Eager young idiots on their side being busy idiots Missasri thought, but it did help screen the caravan and she was happy with when she had her child was here with her to protect alongside the other children.

"Yes, but they are wandering about, along with plenty of game...of the interesting kind"

"Interesting in...things that want to eat you?" Missasri murmured, earning a chuckle from Ghorza.

"Uh-huh, thins out the weak from the herd for the Gods..." the orc warrior-priestess pronounced almost solemnly, though it probably was as Ghorza would believe "...and brings out the greatest potential in a hunter, and in a warrior"

Ogrash sighed, waving it away with a hand gesture "Yes, yes, but I'm just glad it keeps those animals away and gets their meat to eat when their caught. It is the last time many of them, beast and orc alike, will have before the winter sets in"

"Hmm...truth Mistress Ogrash, but there isn't much to gather after armies fighting here..." Missasri thought feeling a bit warmer between the nearby crackling flames and the warm food "...any without shelter will struggle another year if it's a harsh winter"

"The stronghold has plenty of stores, and Karg is Karg, so I expect sufficient assembled to the see out the snows in our new den..." Ogrash replied staring off into the fire "...as there will be little to gather as you say Missy, but they will drive any smaller warbands to our cause, or to death, if the Gods grant us their blessings"

Missasri could agree with that, especially with Rose with her husband, as the young priestess of Chauntea was always one to think on the next crop harvest, or upon grabbing the abundance of nature. It was strange to think she would be in a city again, and the one of the vile, and now fallen, Luskans at that. But even a stormed and sacked city might offer things, alchemical reagents and general ingredients, which could not be gotten hold of easily in the wild and savage mountains that were the Crags.

Not only that...the tomes and scrolls that she could study! Access to the Host-tower itself! Why that was a reward in of itself, as well as a danger!

That and it would be good to see the sea again, even the sea when facing the harsh gales of winter. She had a son to raise, and...she wasn't sure if it was better or worse to try raise him in a city rather than the savage stronghold up in the mountains There would be more politics in Luskan, even if orc politics, and amongst many clans and warriors who owed no loyalty to them unlike in the valley where that wasn't as big a concern. It was something to think on she found, eating her porridge while staring into the crackling flames and smoke as the drizzle seemed to fade away at last.

Once night fell they'd be on the move again, the last leg of the journey hopefully, as riders had already come and gone from the city to let them know they were on the way. The wagons of tomes and females were slowing them, along with many walking a foot, and the need to keep everyone together near the foot infantry. Of course Missasri was glad of those wagons of tomes and scrolls too, the knowledge she'd only barely managed to peak at before they'd immediately had to be loaded back unto the wagons they'd arrived on. Something she took a momentary advantage of now as the dryness persisted a bit long, and she pulled out one of those books and began to read near the campfire...

--

[Karguk 85]

Court of the Emperor Kurnak, formerly the Captain's Court, City of Illusk

It was always the usual preparations before attending the Emperor's Court; prepare the needed spells, ensure the guards were ready, and see if any rumours had come up before departing. Zah agreed with me on that, properly paranoid perhaps, as one never knew when you could be drawn into a fight for your life. On the bright side the walk here had been pleasant enough, much of the strife having died down as something of a routine had started to settle unto the city. Largely as those that remain prepared for winter, or, like myself and many others, awaited the arrival of their families; which were only a short distance away in my regards, but it'd be a time before I could go to meet them.

Now though I was walking through the, very much redecorated, building that served as the Palace of sorts to our nascent Empire hand resting idly on my sword hilt so it didn't bounce about. Kurnak certainly had the barbarian splendour down as the old decor was long gone now, replaced by banners, some bloodstained, and various captured items ranging from enemies armour and weapons to intricate artworks and jewellery. Oh, and the servants too; a mixture of attractive young orc females and human females acting as servers as they moved about in gold and jewels, with sheer silk outfits to draw the eyes. Some were hostages, some were slaves, and some were just desperate enough to serve willingly so as not to starve judging by one we passed by.

Guards too of course, and like my own and Zah's had taken advantage of our recent conquests, and looting of the Uthgart looting of Mirabar, had them in the best armour out here in the not-yet-frozen North. These ones, the Imperial ones, stepped aside to let me and Zah pass, though my escort had to wait just beyond the main room as we strode into the noisy and energetic throne-room itself. Thankfully through it as warriors caroused and drank, dancers danced to bards, well orcish versions, sang out war-chants and such as I was guided passed the debauchery to the large room behind the throne with the big map of the territories around Luskan doubled as massive oak table.

"My Emperor..." I greeted, bowing faintly, as did Zah, after entering past the two plate armoured warriors standing guard at the doorway to where Kurnak awaited alongside the already arrived Chieftain of the Moonblades "...blessings of the Gods upon you this night"

"High Shaman Karguk, Chieft Zahgorim..." the new ruler of Illusk greeted with a nod "...greetings, the blessings of the Gods are always welcome. Now, let us get to the task, I am eager to secure these lands before the snows and storms come"

"Aye, rains certainly come haven't they?" Zah muttered as we came forward to the table, and I nodded in agreement as the downpour earlier had been annoying, andnow the miserable weather was rolling in, and looked like it was set to stay "...so, what you need done help secure the lands, we seem be doin' a task of it already"

Kurnak nodded rubbing at his crowned head "Oh, the city is, but there's word of animals, ran off cattle, dogs, the likes, off on the edges of the southern forests, so want to try get'em if we can"

I nodded grasping at the situation "But we'll need put warriors, a few warbands least, stick with any hunters or foragers we send that far away from the city?"

"Yes Shaman, many human bandits, and damned elves, are probably there, many have fled before us and now attempt to raid, along with some fools amongst our ranks too greedy to be let live"

Jernak of the Moonblade nodded, coming over to stand beside myself and Zah just as Obould entered along with his shaman "Yes, the Emperor speaks true, the caravan of my kin was attack by such, and likely yours too?"

I sighed "Yes, though nothing big, just some idiots shooting arrows and running when they realised what they tried to attack. Or tried running apparently, since they got hunted down by our cavalry...same as yours I hear tell?"

The younger chieftain grinned, matching Zah's, back in return "Aye, like running down sheep it were"

The Emperor snorted at that, resting hands on the table "Don't get too fond of that warriors, its the warbands coming down from the Spine that'll be the wolves to those sheep"

"Many have come?" Obould queried striding over towards us, and I nodded in greeting to the powerfully build warlord of the former Sky Pony Uthgardt tribe. Kurnak shook his head faintly, looking up at Obould, then back at the map-table.

"No, not great numbers Chief Obould, but as some come to join us, others come to challenge us..." he rumbled back tapping the map-table with his fist "...and these villages we have conquered would be easy prey, more after the snows than during them, but raids could come easily and be hard to deal with. We need to get more warriors to establish dens out at the fords of the river before those snows fall, and ensure they have stores for the winter...they shall act as shields, and less mouths to feed here"

'And get potential disloyal, troublemakers, or mere rivals, away from the city to do something useful' I thought but did not mention as I nodded "We've already got many to do so, and we could...send some warriors to those villages, create a militia in them if you wish it Emperor? We did it in the valley, and it at least controls who carries arms amongst the villagers"

Kurnak nodded, half-grunted "Aye, mayhap, not the best, but a few be tolerable I guess, gather in hostages keep'em in line"

Zah shrugged "Eh, don't call'em that, say yer gonna teach'em whelps be proper and strong instead, an' send'em back in the plantin' and harvesting seasons. S'Not like these villages are all that all that far away from this here stronghold Emperor"

Obould nodded "Hmm...hmmm, not a bad idea"

I nodded, looking over the map and gesturing "Well, I can try and see which of their priests we can risk sending out to those villages..." shrugging at one or glances "...a healer or two won't hurt come the harsh winter, and best we know their potential clerics than hidden ones lurking about raising trouble. Just give me some time, I'm still sorting through those have captured and seeing which'll serve and which ones need to go"

Kurnak held up his hand at me "That is your sphere First Shaman, and will not challenge on it, but I would ask you bring the Drow before me to see what skills they can serve with, things they can build"

"Breweries be great.." Jernak muttered, to which Kurnak gave a bark of laughter at as I nodded as I acquiesced, and made a mental note to ensure all stayed well during another of those meetings "...always good have more booze"

"Hah! Ye don't know how many of my warriors or chiefs have said just that Chief Jernak! Part of why I want send foragers, animals aside, is gather in whatever fruits not rotted, or wild growth, for to be brewed, now we found a few, as did the rest of ye"

All the clans had someone who'd try their hand at it, though mine was a greedy little kobold who wanted to be a dragon that was coming here, and one of the older orcs, formerly a Fingercutter, who could actually brew cider worth a damn. Thankfully though many of the city's *actual* brewers and apothecaries had survived the Sack, so there should hopefully be enough to slake bored and thirsty orcs over the coming months. We'd filled the city's granaries, with effort, and even if the lands around Illusk were in utter chaos the city was secure, as was our territory in the Crags according to those arriving back.

Kurnak had then started up a gladiatorial 'arena' up across the bridge in the north-eastern area of the city, which had been badly damaged, and I was working towards clearing out the burnout Rat Alley area with Obould and Jernak to setup a training area. Once I got Shrouda fully established in her new Embassy/Trading Post I'd get around to helping get the Illuskan Adventurers Guild up and running in a large building just off the main market area. It'd certainly help with the Aurilite priestess and the two giants that had lingered around the city with her zealots for our coin; best put them, and all the others, to work in my opinion.

For now I listened as Kurnak sketched out his desired plan, he'd been talking to either his enslaved concubines or some prisoners judging by his knowledge of certain things, and I had little to disagree with. He wanted his army ready for the battles after spring came, I wanted to be ready for the time when Gods descended and I'd lose much strength potentially, and everyone else had their own little ambitions as we divided up the lands around the city. The hours slipped by, a messanger telling me my family and the caravan had arrived, and I gladly welcomed the end of the meeting a time later and the chance to relax hopefully a short time...

--

[Excerpt from:- The Upheavals Series; The Strange Rise of the Kingdom of Uniki'el'Mir during the Time of Troubles]

[Authored by Raedra Arvenator, Scholar, Cleric of Oghma, Proud Daughter of Suzail, fairest of the cities of Corymr in the Year 1443, Cormyr Reckoning]

...the Rashemi would barely turn back a large invasion of undead created by the Red Wizards of Thay. This victory, while greeted with great jubilation by the populace, over the Red Wizards was merely a brief respite from the other dangers besieging both nations. Indeed the successes in the two battles may have contributed to a level of overconfidence when facing the ever growing threat from the east; namely the Grand Army of the Tuigan, and Horde of the Snow Wolf.

Indeed, if looked at from the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that the Rashemi, both the Iron Lord and the witches Wychlaran, had somewhat disregarded the immediacy of these threats in leiu of the traditional dangers of the Red Wizards to the south, and the barbarians of dark Nar to its north. One would speculate that they expected the uneasy peace, alliance perhaps, between the respective Orc and Tuigan hordes to collapse, as it would have historically and that Rashemen could weather the raids as it had before. Unfortunately for the Rashemi this was to prove untrue, and the raids begin in the early months of 1331 CR would only intensify as the months passed and hordes began to grow in strength.

Perhaps in a strange irony the growing raids, leading to eventual invasion in early 1333 CR, shortly before the Time of Troubles or the Godswar, were actively driven by that uneasy nature of the peace between the barbarian armies. As one savage horde struck and returned with spoils of captives or looted goods and livestock, the other would attempt to surpass such feats with the next raid. Thay of course also received similar attention, though by the time of the Godswar had largely dealt with the threat by means of bribing the invaders to focus on Rashemen by large tributes. So when the winter snows still fell the Tuigan descended upon the Golden Way trade route and caught the defenders of Citedal Rashemar by surprise, then falling upon the unsuspecting lands beyond, intending to advance towards Thesk.

Following this move by the Tuigan the great Orc Horde to the north began its assault from the Hordelands as spring began, and shortly after the Rashemi suffered a crushing defeat south of Lake Tirulag at the hands of Yamun Khahan. While some would claim the Horde of the Snow Wolf was largely unopposed in its initial advances due to this, the truth lies more in the fact of the sheer speed of the orcs advance catching the Rashemi completely by surprise. Many villages were sacked before word had even arrived to summon levies or to prepare defences, and within the month the capital of Immilmar was besieged by the orcs, and Mulsantir in the south raided by the Tuigan.

Despite this Immilmar would survive the siege intact as, faced with the threat of destruction or paying tribute, they would do as the Thayans had done and paid off the invaders. As such, unlike Mulsantir which fought, and then burned, the capital avoided serious damage, though it had swelled with refugees just as the spring planting was delayed at best, stopped at worst. For Rashemen was but a means to an end for the barbarians hordes, whose well known stories of destruction were to follow; fuelled by their great takings in these initial raids and campaigns.

As such what was to follow in the battered and chaotic nation is often overlooked in the tidal wave of upheavals and deeds as the Gods fell to mortal planes, and great warlords emerged to create kingdoms, slay gods, and give us long winded tales to listen to as children. For Rasheman was thrown into chaos, two Iron Lords slain within months of each other, and the witches of Rashemen diminished with many senior witches slain as the secretive group known as the Durthan re-emerged and attempted to overthrow the old order. As best this scholar can tell they success in several areas in fact, though as a whole their efforts failed in the short term and, as with the Wychlaran and old order they tried to overthrew, there was no long term for them.

For as the Gods walked the lands those of the goblins cast envious eyes upon those weakened lands; in this case the deities Bargrivyek the Peacekeeper and Khurgorbaeyag the Overseer. Why this was so is still unknown to mages, scholars and priests, though folktales from amongst goblins claim as knowledge stolen, or traded, from hated enemies amongst the Orc Pantheon. Whatever the reason in the wake of barbarian invasions a new threat would emerge from the north and the south for them to face. One in part formed from here in Cormyr it was learned in later years as the elf-dragon wizard Nalavara, long banished to the demi-plane of shadow, was summoned, and slain, by these deities. Slain, and her goblin servants, the Grodd goblins as they called themselves, the Shadow Goblins to many adventurers, recruited into unified goblin tribes.

By the summer then of 1333 CR, as better known events took place elsewhere, a large goblin invasion came down from the frozen north lead by the Oppressors of Khurgorbaeyag, and from the south by the Unifiers of Bargrivyek. In the wake of the destruction mere months earlier, the ongoing power struggle amongst the survivors, and growing problems with hunger as the planting was disrupted and clerics lost access to their powers, it placed the Rashemi in a perilous situation. A situation made worse as the spirits and magic of the lands were in flux due to the Godswar and the surprising number of Nilbog Goblins amongst the invaders, along with other threats such as resurgent undead, and the great orc rebellion in Thay.

Mulsantir, already sacked and its defenders slain, fell with little effort to the first waves of the invasion by all accounts and soon the growing horde burned its way northwards towards Immrilmar. Despite records of the time indicate some of degree of confidence amongst the defenders, their enemies being 'only goblins after all' according to some letters, and the destruction had proved a crippling blow to the Durthan witches. It was perceived as a matter of seeing off the invasion as many such before, then moving to restore order in the period after by dealing with 'more dangerous' threats such as the undead, and the likely to return Orc and Tuigan barbarians.

Unfortunately for the defenders of the city they were sadly mistaken, as not only were the goblins an organised threat under their deities, the diminutive invaders were already within the city. With their god nearby, though where is still unknown to this day, Oppressors of Khurgorbaeyag had mentally enthralled a small number of captured Durthan and Wychlaran witches and had gained access to the city prior to arrive of the Great Host of Peace and Prosperity as the horde was ironically called, much like the future kingdom. So, their eyes fixed upon the threat before them the defenders would realise the actual threat too late as sleeping witches were Dominated by the goblin deity's, or his clerics, powers and their own magic turned upon those defending the walls.

To many this marks the end of the story; the capital falls, the Rashemi were slain, conquered, or fled, and the world's first large goblin 'kingdom' came into existence. Indeed the nightmarish experience is commemorated by the large wave of refugees fleeing Rashemen in the wave of the city's fall, though many more had fled in the wave of the earlier barbarian invasions. Unlike the myth created the rest of the lands would be a chaotic patchwork of war and struggle for almost two decades after Immrilmar, now The City of Goblin Earthly Peace and Prosperity, or Gob'Mir'el'tabir to the goblins, or Gobmir to everyone else, had fallen.

Initially the area controlled by the divinely led army was focused around the area stretching from the two fallen cities, and the following months spent in the securing of these lands and the enslaving of the surviving human population. Once the Godswar had ended, and the deities returned to their natural realms of rule, there would follow a further period of consolidation and power struggle till the emergence of King Bar'grob'nar'shorob, Chosen of Khurgorbaeyag and Bargrivyek, founder of the Shorob Dynasty, a year later in 1334 CR. In fact the new goblin kingdom would do very little expansion, or even hostility, towards the lands outside their immediate conquests due to these internal issues.

As such the rest of the lands of Rashemen remained 'free' in the years following the Fall, though no unifying faction or individual would arise in the aftermath as these lands were beset by undead, spirits, barbarian raids, and general in-fighting between surviving Duthan and Wychlaran. In fact with the fall of nearby Damara to the orcish conquest, and the great raid of 1338 by the Nar, efforts to assemble large-scale forces often met with disaster as the 'free lands' almost serving as a protective armour for the goblin kingdom despite, or perhaps because of, occasional successes. Despite this raids into what was now called the Kingdom of Uniki'el'Mir by the goblins occurred, to either try free enslaved compatriots, or more commonly for simple revenge or attempt rally others to the cause of retaking the fallen lands.

This would all come to an end a decade or so after the fall of Immrilmar in 1344 CR with the ascension of Grob'zuk'nar'shorob, son of Bar'grob'nar'shorob to the 'throne' of Uniki'el'Mir. The half-breed son of an enslaved Halfling concubine Grob'zuk'nar'shorob was both ambitious and surprisingly intelligent having learned some magic from enslaved Wychlaran witches. Using a large raid by the Rashemi as a sign the Gods demanded revenge a decade or longer conquest of the remaining lands of Rashemen began the following year with the fall of Mulptan, and the conquest of the Lake Tirulag settlements the year after. These victories brought in great amounts of looted goods and slaves, that further drew ambitious goblins to his banner; each conquest fuelling the next, albeit on a village by village basis.

Areas of the strongest resistance were simply bypassed during this time, a number of castles and fortified villages surviving untouched for another two or three decades in isolation, or simply be forced into a tributary status to hand over a tithe of slaves and goods every few years. This is not to say the resisting Rashemi did not score victories or successes, indeed there were several, it was just by this stage goblin immigration had begun to swamp them despite loses. Further the arrival of Blood Guard, a former Illuskan Auxlia, then mercenary, unit would create the first truly disciplined field army of the...

--

[Nedorious Illian Kline 15]

Host Tower of the Arcane, Host-Tower Island, City of Illusk

"Oh, Sydney dear, you look stunningly terrifying..." Nedorious told his apprentice, slave...minion, as she fussed about with her robes "...black and skulls are so cliché I find. Blood red robes suits you I find..."

He paused, making a dramatic gesture with his hand "We shall call you Sydney...the Crimson Sorceress!"

"Please, please don't, Master" she replied plaintively, giving him a pitiable look as she tugged the broach of the hooded cloak closed beneath her golden slave collar around her neck. Now that they'd done what she'd thought impossible, defeating, killing, or driving off the mages of the Host Tower his merry little minion had calmed down greatly. Of course now she was being all determined to play the part of his apprentice, down to a very long and extended game of dress up before appearing before the new 'initiates' of the Host Tower.

Dearest Crue thought it was all very funny of course, but that was Cruenditha being Cruenditha, and her 'helpful advice' largely ignored by Sydney. Etlin at least was actually helpfully as he came up behind Sydney and helped adjusting the cape of the cloak so it wasn't catching on Sydney's pouch belt. Something his apprentice-slave appreciated, genuinely at that it seemed as Nedorious had gotten pretty good and sort out the fake efforts from the true ones. Really the girl still needed plenty of education in things like common sense, and the long-term benefits of not being stupidly greedy and evil, but she was starting to get there.

"Yeah, I gotta agree with Syds on this Boss..." his second bodyguard replied, as his two girlfriends chuckled softly as they watched him help Sydney fuss about while they guarded the door. Both were a combination of delighted and nervous now the city they'd once served had fallen to the orcish horde, and people they knew were killed or enslaved before them ten-days ago "...aren't you trying to calm the enslaved ones down, not rile'em up"

"Hmm...hmm...you do have a point there my boy, but it would be rather good for spreading awareness of our new position"

"How about the Slutty Scarlet Sorceress?" Crue grinned out less than helpfully to which Sydney glared back, and actually retorting now she was allowed. Nedorious merely sighed, rubbing at his nose as the duo returned to their back and forth as ever, then raising his arms and taking a commanding tone. Etlin, wisely, stayed silent and merely continued helping Sydney by handing her spellbook to put into the strap with pouches across her chest to carry the tome under her cloak.

"Ladies, Ladies, we're on work hours if you please..." he instructed shaking his head in exasperation "...now Sydney, you look ravishing, and more importantly like proper little apprentice for your former colleagues, who'll be in their slave chains and rags most likely"

He turned his attention towards Etlin next "Now, since we're all her, Etlin, considering our new status, we do need to discuss, expanding the numbers of security for little old me. Isn't that right Crue dear?"

"Uh-huh, Cap'n Magic here gonna need a bigger bodyguard since...ya'know...the orcs took over d'city, and we're sittin' here in the former home of our enemies"

Nedorious grinned at that, sitting back in the chair "Aye, isn't it grand? Nothing better than to punish an evil skeleton wizard by taking his house, sleeping in his bed, drinkin' his fine wine, and shittin' in his privy...cuz as a lich he couldn't do that anyway! Hah!"

Cruenditha let out a groaning sigh "Ye mentioned Boss, few times since comin' ere' I'd remind ye. Now will ye nay shut yer gob and let me explain like ye wanted to do?"

"Hmph! Fine then, speak oh wise one!"

"Hrrnnnn..." Cruenditha muttered as Nedorious cheerfully replied and gestured at her to speak "Right, this includes ye too Giggles and Dopey..."

Etlin sighed "Please stop calling them..."

"I'll call'em whatever ah' damn well please when dey act little dimwhits..." he watched Crue reply back with a snot as she motioned her battleaxe at the two former Luskan Guards who'd shrugged at each other at the comment "...an' they gonna say boo, so just cuz ye sheath yer sword in'em don't mean you should put up with'em slackin' off. Now, AS I WERE SAYIN...we be gonna be need finding a few more bodies to hold swords in hands, and ah healer of our own on call"

Nedorious nodded "Crue dear speaks the truth, bit of an expansion is in order, what with elevation to a Master of the Tower as well as being the first, and currently greatest, Orcish archmage"

"You're currently human Boss"

He sighed sadly "Taking a break from the gloriousness that is Orc Ned, but never fear, Orc Mage shall return before the stunned eyes of our future coworkers! Why I think the chance to work under our guidance, rather than dying horribly at the hands of orcs, will encourage a fantastic work ethic in them all! Now, suggestions Etlin, and you too Sydey..."

Young Karguk had useful plans after all, and Nedorious could make plans of his own based on those, especially since the orc shaman had seized control of the relevant areas such as the Host Tower islands. All for expanding upon what he'd already been paying Nedorious for: training up orc magic-users, and now he himself had access to so many useful things. Why this was the best revenge, justice even, for what that vile old skeleton had done to Nedorious's Captain...one he was still surprised they'd managed to pull off.

'Whatever, one of life's little adventures' he thought to himself resting listening to his slave-apprentice and his second bodyguard. There were surviving apprentices of the Tower all rounded up, and that would make teaching these future orc wizards, with a positive impression of good ole' Doctor Ned, somewhat easier the captured apprentices serving as teachers aides...or more practical demonstrations if they proved recalcitrant. Practical lessons were just as important as the theoretical ones, and Nedorious Illian Kline THE THIRD, would prove to the world what a fantastic teacher he could be!

After all it was going to be a wild and dangerous place, one with lots of potential, in the years to come as the orcs took over the lands around Luskan. Not only that but staying here allowed him to maintain links with the Harpells, without having to go their dangerous mad-house, and perhaps more importantly to build up some with the lovely Qilue Veladorn and her acolytes now they'd encamped across the river. Young Harkle Harpell's drow girlfriend Narcella had been an excellent source of information drow magics for instance, and she was also very useful for making Sydney work harder due to jealousy.

"...and will Shaman Karguk be providing any help for this idea...or showing up for the introductions?" Sydney asked after few minutes and he nodded. His apprentice quite liked associating with young Karguk because he let her study, mild jealousy that he was well ahead of her in his studies aside, and would allow her make read some of his less magical tomes when she asked nicely. With the Harpells refusing to associate with her, most orcs being too savage, and her general work schedule it was a rare pleasure for her to enjoy sitting down and talking arcane studies with a relative peer.

"No my fair Sydney he shan't be attending our little meeting our apprentices today, family orc and all that, and his lovely wives have returned, along with their entourages, so he's rather busy doing family things. You know, talking, bedding, getting nagged, all that stuff I've been told married folk do..." he answered cheerfully "...but in regards the rest, well our go friend shall help equip us, at us paying cost of course, from some of the stores of weapons and armour he has assembled"

"So don't be goin' out in the city till he and his lot are back on patrol either Etlin..." Crue interjected "...and don't be botherin our patron while yon orc is havin' his way with his wives. Theys a scary lot as ye well know Sydney, Etlin, so we dinna went either ya eating a lightning bolt or an axe to de face cause you interrupted them makin' more wee orcs"

"Oh Crue, don't be so crude..." he reminded her with an amused snort "...but yes, don't bother him and his harem of murderously magical ladies till I say so. We will be meeting with our scaly little friend Menkin..."

"Ughhhh...do we have too?" Cruenditha groaned "...and why is the damned menace here an' not off back in th mountains far sane folks?"

"Opening a new tavern apparently"

Etlin grinned at Crueditha at the Nedorious's words "See, not all bad now is it Boss? Little bastard sells good ale I find"

"I'm not sure what you're complaining about Crue dear, as Etlin says, the friendly fellow has many positives, though I'm more interested in the trading opportunities..." Nedorious replied, nodding at Cruenditha before glancing at Sydney "...though I expect his assistant Fueryon having some training will come as part and package of any deal we make. Good for you Sydney, more time to lay out and talk magic with Karguk and Shrouda, Missy perhaps too, or that Shandy orc girl, as Fueryon's teacher, so good news for you yes?"

"Yes Master, thank you for the kindness..." she replied politely curtsying to him, hands gripping either side of her cloak "...now, are we going, it'll be sun down soon, and you wished to meet them as darkness fell"

Nedorious Illine Kline THE THIRD nodded, rising up out of his seat and taking his staff into hand "Indeed I did Sydney, now let us attempt to business..."

--

[Missasri 35]

Karguk's Mansion, Host Tower Islands, City of Illusk

"Don't wake him when he's sleeping Karg!" Ogrash was telling their husband moments after they'd arrived at the mansion, the mansion near the Host Tower as Missasri stared up at his imposing stature "...you held him already! Stopping waking the whelps jus' cuz you want hold'em again..."

Missasri tuned out the next bit a little, staring up at the part-dream, part-nightmare, a time before sighing and getting a hug from Lua "Missy! Long time no see!"

"And you too Lua...Hey! Stop that!" she started to say before, well, the inevitable really, as the drow's hands slide down from Missasri's waist and grabbed her buttocks. Missasri swatted her away, thought more in amused irritation than anger, all the while the drow grinned her ever grin, cheerfully teasing.

"Oh, has someone been living easy hmmm? Not letting the brave warrior say hello in a proper way either! Boo hoo hoo!"

"Hmph,...hmph, if you say so Lua..." Missasri huffed back, then smiled folding her arms across her robe covered chest "...but it is good to see you again. I hope all has been well in our absence?"

Following up with "Tris!" as the half-elf appeared through the door ahead, waving and then giving Missasri a hug as Lua answered her half-question "Oh, it's been AWESOME, we've had such adventures, we killed a big demon, and there was a storm, and Karg killed some monsters and got all glowy, and her holiness summoned the Goddes, and I found more pretty jalil for my...our, harem! Rivvil and even a darthirii, our funny little Eleanora, even if Tessa and Julee are, a little older looking, yeah, but Julee has nice big..."

Missasri ignored the rest as she gave Tris a quick hug before separating "Good to hear you've done well Lua, Tris, and an actual estate"

Lua grinned "Oh, the Towers...sort of...ours too, but this is ours, all nice and shiny. Plenty of rooms, and we've got plenty of food stocked too, and getting new walls up in case trouble comes our way. Looks like room we'll need seeing all those dusty old tomes of yours and Kargs!"

Missasri gave a huff of indignation "Knowledge Lua, knowledge, and after all the time moving them back and forth from those wagons, and caring for my little Siggy, I shall endeavour to read them during the cold harsh winter that is to come. Tsuruhoki will support me in this, and her Common tongue has improved you'll be glad to hear, so we can have an actual conversation with her now, and she has so many stories to tell. Oh, and you will be happy to know I've made sure the Adventurers Guild will continue to run with you go, and now my departure from the valley"

"Heh, heh...yeah..." Lua chuckled awkwardly "...Seri mentioned such when our jaluk spoke of it, sorry, mine thoughts never went that far when we left upon our grand adventure...one could only assume that one as fair, and beautiful, and wise as you Missy"

"Oh, do not think thy silver tongue will work to convince me Lua such..." Missasri replied rolling her eyes, but smiling "...but we can communicate with the valley by messengers or birds once the snows have come and gone to do our best see to the safety of the guild girls there as best we can. I had hoped to perhaps use Menkin the kobold influence such, but he has travelled with us with Fueryon to take possession of a new tavern, so the best I could do is speak to Halnguk and those others Karg and Chief Zahgorim left in charge prior to departing home"

It was strange to say that Missasri found, but it had felt nerve-racking yet somehow sad to leave the stronghold in the mountain valley with her son in hand. Or that she would be rejected, they would be rejected, but instead it had felt warm, and good, and right, to be reunited with the rest of her dangerous new family once again. To apparently stand triumphant before the dark forces of Luskan, and now moving to live within a city once again rather than up in the mountains.

That was good, if she could guide Karg, and Ogrash, and Ghorza, even a little, as now she could educate her child, and the other children in her family; to make them as wise and powerful as should make them. She had liked...certain parts of...the wilds, and living in the Shaman's Tower of the stronghold, but she'd been born and raised in a city, and bad as they were the smell of the sea. Oh, how she'd missed the smell of the sea breeze over the docks, the seemingly forgotten smell and even stink of stone and wooden streets filled with bustling life, and shouts of anger or joy.

'Of course Neverwinter had far few orcs, goblins, and kobolds running about, but I can live with that when I've Rose and the others around' Missasri thought to herself smiling at Lua's winking and salacious response about her supposed silver tongue. The more things change, the more they stay the same there it seemed with the Drow and her fighting heroically according to many. It was good in a way, as she could cooperate with Lua to keep the new additions to the household in-line, ones she took note of standing nervously against the wall Missasri saw as Lua led her inside.

They were a mixed group; six humans, and one very fearful elf, standing naked against the wall, eyes darting over to watch her and the others come through. With some reason of course, though Lua being in charge...well, she herself wouldn't like that. Missasri sympathised of course, it hadn't been so long ago since she'd been in such a position as Mistresses Ogrash and Ghorza stomped in through doorway, little Kargash dashing in behind them. Over to her Missasri saw smiling and bending down to catch the excited older half-sister of her son in her arms, spinning her around in the air a little.

"Hey there little my little warrior-sorceress! Liking your new home?"

"Iz big Mommy Missy! So big! And Papa given me shiny thing, is pretty! All for me!"

Missasri grinned back at the recently awoken girl after she'd dashed back to show her the small amulet now around her young neck "Isn't that so pretty indeed Kargash, Papa showing he loves you and is proud of you"

"Yes, he is..." Karg's voice came from behind her, big bulky arm could around her shoulders to bring both of them into a half-hug as Ogrash came over to inspect the new slave-women with Mara and Kethri on either side of her "...so big and beautiful already. Even able to read a little, just like Papa was at your age"

"Don't be encouraging her!" Mistress Ogrash shouted back with amusement clearly having heard the words herself "The world can't handle too many such as you Karg!"

"Nyeh, Nyeh, Nyeh..." Karg muttered back childishly leaning in to Missasri, her face against his, around pressing at her back, with Kargash giggling at her father as his poked at her head "...and I'll encourage you all I want, yes I will me little princess. Papa fought a lot of people for those books, so we're going to get every benefit we can from them. Also magic..."

Missasri sighed, shaking her head as Karg summoned some dancing lights in his hand to the clapping giggles of the little orc girl "Ta-da!"

"Oh Gods, you are such a show off"

He grinned back "Hey, you left me with Doctor Ned, Nimmil, and Sydney, what'd you think I'd pick up"

She rolled her eyes, letting down Kargash as she wanted to run over to Rose, the adopted human girl coming down the stairs in a light gambeson. Missasri hugged her husband back once she'd done that, something she hadn't had a chance to properly do when they'd arrived "No, I think that's all you Karg, and Mistress Ogrash is right, let Siegfried sleep while he's asleep, he's a loud one"

"Right, right...hmmmm, okay"

Missasri closed eyes a moment, resting her head into his chest "I'm glad you came through safe"

"Oh, I'm glad I came through safe as well..." he murmured back causing her to snort in amusement "...and see you all again. So much work to be done, and the winter snows a coming, and beyond that the storm"

"Hmm...not sure about storms, but the winters are as harsh here at times as in the Crags..." she agreed relaxing a moment, but mind focusing on other things "...and what of the Tower, is it safe?"

"Safe, no, secured yes" he replied "I've Doctor Ned setting up shop there, and Veladorn visits to aid in the clearing the horrors of the upper levels...so yes, you'll be able to explore shortly"

"I never thought I would see such a day"

"Neither did I, but we pulled it off, for now at least..." he agreed "...and your trip was truly safe?"

Missasri gave a tired yawn, the tiredness starting to creep up upon her "Yes, minor trouble only really, bandits, animals, and the like. The lands are wild Karg with all the war, and will only worsen in the months ahead outside of these lands, but nothing that would trouble so large a band. Watching the little ones for sniffles and trying to make them sleep was the harder task I found"

"Yeah, don't I know it, now let's try have some family time before we get all caught up in work I'm trying to take a break from all that right you know and enjoy all your company with wine and feasting you know..."

--

When: 19th Day of Marpenoth , 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

City's a flurry of activity, caravans are arriving with the women and children of the various clans, my own included. So I've been distracted the past few days since they've arrived obviously, playing with children, Kargash is a little magical terror with a minor colour change cantrip for one, and my son Korugal is just as energetic. Oh and 'plotting' with war-council of Oggy, Ghorza, and Missy, whether in bed or in the kitchen, over how the expanded household is to be run, as that's at the forefront of my lovely Oggy's mind; because of course it is. See that's how it works after the initial family time, and truthfully it was good even with that as I could relax a time.

That and setting up my new library and workshop by moving all the rewards, books, alchemical tools, and various other similar equipment that we'd taken as rewards from Mirabar. For the area it's a fairly impressive collection I like to think, as it's filled up two large rooms here in the mansion;- one being the library, the other linked on the alchemical and arcane workshop. Missy's helped a lot, partly as it hers too of course, along with Tsuruhoki, and the two new helpers Tezza and Julee, so it's been going faster than I thought it would be even if it'll take a good time before it's all catalogued and organised as I like.

Tsuruhoki actually can speak now, and she's, well, fantasy medieval Japanese as best I can tell, and intelligent and educated as well. A scholar, though she's still learning our languages and written word, and her skin has healed up enough that she can tolerate the fact her hair has re-grown to shoulder-length, and wearing something resembling clothes. Well, not really, as their basically golden chains, a golden collar, and gauzy silk strips that leaves little to the imagination, but it's better than the nightmare she had to go through of even trying to sleep on a mattress causing her agony those first few days after rescue. She's happy, and somehow it's become the 'uniform' of my *librarian-alchemists* as now Tezza and Julee are in them thanks to Missy. Not that they complained, actually being rather content at the 'upgrade' in status apparently.

There's lock boxes too, and I've enchanted them along with Missy to make them secure along with keeping the keys on me. Honestly Missy has been amusing as she seems to alternate between being a doting mother to my littlest son, Siegfried, and dropping the child on Mara so Missy can indulge in her learning again. Oggy thinks that's the right thing of course, as does Ghorza. But that's just the way they are, as our paladin Bronwyn has found being 'trained' by Ghorza, with Oggy helping in her own way. I've got the girl helping in the Library as well, and I'll have to do something about keep up her wizard training as well in future days. Shandril, or Shandy, is basically my apprentice, so may that way, or with Sydney?

Not sure, whatever the case, one of many things to organise in coming months I imagine. Keeping my children safe is first priority, along with the rest of the family, especially with Hreshgk and several of my bodyguards returned to the valley. Tanalasta, or Alusair, is one of my senior Red Branch Knights now alongside Darnak and Jhyurt, and their capable – the main issue lies in expanding my retinue with trustworthy sorts rather than just glory-hounds or potential traitors. Screening takes times, but has to be done, just like the fortification of the islands to my liking and the turning of the fancy gardens of the mansion into more useful herb and reagent flower ones. All under the guidance of my dear Rose of course, though the time of year mean it's just digging and such rather than planting.

Actually I think Rose was getting a bit lonely being away from home so long, and the children's arriving seems to have really cheered her up. I'm glad, though I'm going to have to get back to work shortly as more wagon trains are arriving, and that can disrupt things as orcish ladies want their houses and slaves from the new stronghold. For pragmatic reasons at times, as we're coming to the end of Marpenoth, and the weather is turning wet and cold, the ground further out turning to mud and the river rising. There's also the showing off nature of the situation as well, but if it moves towards creating a functioning economy I won't complain overly much.

Honestly, as much as I'd like to say otherwise, myself and Zah have kept close watch on other clans and factions within the city despite family time. There's been murders as families arrive and falling outs happen, but nothing dramatic and things have remained relatively stable, improving in certain regards as hangers-on arrive and take up positions. Menkin that kobold from the valley for one, taking over one of the larger taverns in the market area under our control, and there's plenty of other clan's versions of him about. The Frost Giants may have left for home, but the Aurilte priestess stayed behind to build a Temple to her Goddess here, and other, similar, establishments.

For now though I must go, religious duties to attend too, order to be maintained, etc, etc.

Slán.

--

When: 23rd Day of Marpenoth , 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

Some disputes over territory, but we calmed it down short of outright inter-clan fighting. Not ours, but amongst the minor clans and ownership of one of the larger houses over by the southern wall. Myself and Obould calmed it, and the 'losers' of the argument have gotten a large plot outside the city to set up shop at in exchange. Now that's lands they'll have to defend, but solves several problems at once between garrisoning and ending city based disputes. Numbers are growing in the city, women and children, and heavens above is it a uphill battle keeping things organised.

It's going to be quite a winter as a lot of clans have offloaded their second or third unmarried daughters in search of an adequate mate, or simply those younger females showing their own initiative. I won't say the population has doubled, as lots of the previous residences died in the sack, but we're definitely between ten and twenty thousand people within the city environs. Maybe more, it's not like I can do a census, but the city feels bustling day or night, and it's certainly an eclectic mix with auxiliaries like goblins and kobolds wandering about with orcs. Oh and humans too, there's a sort-of caste system there I've noted, maybe, between the various auxlia and the former populace. The nature of things I suppose, but what can you expect, as bad as orcs.

In other news; met Qilue Veladorn today, got told there'll be a ship full of drow coming in the springtime, and maybe a few overland, but I'm to ensure she sees them first. Same as me she doesn't want to risk crazy dangerous bdsm fetish servants of spider-bitch getting into the city, so I happily agreed. In all fairness she and her small band have done an impressive job in their small district of the northern part of the city, even starting to paint artwork on their new homes. Fortified new homes, but that's understandable, and I saw them making up mortar or plaster to go over these wooden additions along with paint. Fair dues, it's a bit of colour in the city I suppose.

Certainly different than the old Illusk Ruins; because of course young brave idiots are trying to clear the undead haunted area out for trophies. It's not a major problem, useful in its own way, as it's allowing us a training of sorts within the city for clerics and warriors, while also working to reduce a potential threat. Our Emperor Kurnak finds it useful as its entertainment for the masses, along with the gladiatorial games in the *under-construction* fighting pits nearby. Something of joint effort between the Red Axes and Obould's soon to be renamed Sky Ponies, though all of the rest of us are chipping in too; I'm happy as it'll centralise an already existing thing in the city. It'd be useful to handle the honour duels there as well.

Anyway, must go, I'm some talks to go through with our new students for the Host Tower. I've selected a good number of prospects, and I just want talk to Doctor Ned about what basics to cover. Missy has ideas, as does Shrouda Stargleam, so I'm still open to input before we get serious about it all.

--

When: 26th Day of Marpenoth , 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

Storm just rolled in from the sea, pretty bad one, so I'm hunkered down for the day looks like. Probably my fault as the weather's been wild since the capture of the city due us screwing with the weather, and raining holy water thing. Time to get back to organising my library with my team of skilled librarians and alchemists, and Shrouda too, though she's just sitting reading some of said books instead of helping. Missy's sleeping, as is Oggy and both slave-sisters Mara and Kethri, as the children did not like the storm rolling in and only dozed off a while ago. I was out getting things secured, so I missed that, though I did get soaked and had to change into the warm robe I'm now wearing.

Also; Magic Light for the Win!

Yeah, best have the fires out as that wind is shrieking, and rattling things badly along with the rumble of rain, but the room here is nice and gloomy-lit. Yes, yes, I needed to use a lantern and a blue-white gem to manage the effect, and yes it's inefficient, but its working and I can write in peace, along with arranging my book collection as I desire without blundering about in the dark. Lara's here too, helping, mostly as Lua got drunk and is sleeping that off right now along with Tris and Ghorza, and surprisingly Bronwyn. Letting Ghorza know about that wine stash was a mistake.

I've brought the Six Sisters, otherwise known as the Gods-slaves, into the mansion which creeps out my new household members as usual I find. It's a chance for them to learn, read in this case, and I want to use their powers to help boost my wards when I cast later today. I'd planned on letting the other new slaves rest, but Oggy has put Mara and Kethri to training them instead, and well, turns out our little Mara is quite the taskmistress for them. Both are happy to be the 'senior' house-slave apparently, though I've excluded Arleigh from their little training so that priestess can perform her daily prayers, and then later discuss some theology with me. So, going to go now, some tomes I want to read.

Slán go foill.

--

When: 28th Day of Marpenoth, 1357 Reckoning

Where: Mansion House, First Island, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

Weather's certainly been horrible, storm eased off yesterday and just came rolling back in a few hours ago with a shrieking fury. One our precious ships just got slammed up against the docks and heavily damaged, and there's little we can do to secure the blasted thing. Well, that and nobody wants to try secure it, including me, in the middle of a storm as roof-tiles and thatch of houses get blown off houses into the streets. Practice for our healing clerics maybe, but it's basically driven everyone but the guards inside, and I pity any caravans still outside the city for it.

It's screwing up our efforts, surprisingly our Emperor's, plans to keep the sewers functioning right, but we're managing and the slave situation, and new arrivals, has stabilised somewhat. Even with the bad weather rolling in the city is starting to function like a city, and we've got work-crews clearing out the damage from the Sack, and likely this storm as well. Now, I'll admit our clan's control is basically the Host Tower islands, the Market district and area around it, and by dint of ally with the Drow the old Mirabar District. Which, of course, leads into Whitesails Harbour; the former main trade harbour, though Obould's lot control Dragon Beach, so there's that too.

Something that Oggy has noticed in that he seems determined to breed up a clan of half-orcs. Now, that's not exactly how she put it about the conquered Uthgardt clan he rules with his shaman, but she did notice certain things at rituals yesterday. Notably that the women, Uthgardt, women and girls he brought with are very often pregnant, with a number of Luthican priestesses visiting, ala Oggy yesterday, to help that along. Oh, and the pairing up of the surviving Uthgardt boys and warriors with orc girls too. In a generation it'll be a clan of half-orcs, which to us orcs means a clan of orcs basically.

Now it's not total, as best I can tell he's not breaking up existing marriages and such, but he seems to have actively encouraged the situation more than I'd suspected. It's not like I didn't notice it at time, but it's been on the backburner with all the others things happening. Not a major concern right now, as we've had our own glut of births within the clan, and plenty of children arrived, but it does show he's serious about building his powerbase. Likely to challenge his father in decade or so, though he's brought in plenty of young orcs by absorbing a few minor warbands and shattered clans to bring up his numbers.

Though we've been doing the same, so I can't really complain now can I?

Basically like all the clans he's consolidating his part of the city, and we're all absorbing minor bands and all the younger females wandering in with the caravans seeking mates and wealth. Sorry, I'm rambling, but it's been a topic of conversation at the table while we all hang about inside today, even if I've moved into the Library with Missy to do some study for now. Working on my 'more advanced' spells so to speak, likely Lightning which my dear third wife loves so very much as a spell. I'm nowhere near her level of course, but the golden scroll in my soul helps with learning I find.

With the bad weather life's giving me lemons, so I'm making magical lemonade and cataloguing with my sudden bout of free time. Alchemy and magical study are the order of the day, along with this writing, while my fair minions move about organising the place around me. I'm not making any major discoveries, but Missy's help and my background knowledge of various sciences, via the Tome of Wiki, I'm learning and therefore ensuring I've powers in the months to come. So, back to that, busy, busy, busy as they say.

--

When: 9th Day of Uktar, 1357DR

Where: Illuskan Adventurers Guild, a little off the Market District, City of Illusk

Been busy of late, no time to write till now, and even that's down to wanting to clear my thoughts and out magic pen to paper so to speak. Storms did a fair a bit of damage, and there were the usual fights, and deaths, as idiots, confined spaces, and tempers all mixed up together. Boss above I had to spend days sorting that mess out alongside Oggy, Mirronock, and the other clerics, while our Emperor Kurnak and the Chiefs, Zah for instance, went about having army training to focus minds. That and clear out the wreckage outside the city and convert it into a cleared up area with tents and areas to live. Also into a racetrack apparently, and my only input there is ensuring we get a small cut of the profits.

Now I've a variety of projects to work through, so writing them down might help me organise my thoughts a bit on them. So, the following are on my to-do list;-

- Getting the Adventurers Guild up and running has been a focus, in part because we've a rat problem, along with a need to handle energetic people that we answered in the valley with the Guild. So we've a mansion and warehouse converted, the support of Jernak's Moonblades, Obould's Sky Ponies, and Mirrinock's Nighttombs, and brought in trainers. Veladorn's supportive, as are the Harpells, so I need to work from there and linking into my Arcane Academy.

- Which brings us unto the second item; getting the Host Tower up and running...is happening. Grabbed a whole bunch of surviving Arcane Brotherhood and alchemists, and I've got a class of students willing to learn to be battle-mages. Though that's just orcs lads, our females tend to be the more full time specialist mages based on the valley, but I need to sit down with Doctor Ned and expand things a bit more. Oh, and link it into the Adventurers Guild, and Veladorn's lot.

- A linked in thing is getting two allied taverns up and running, one run by an orc, another by that mad little kobold, though Menkin's is the better bet. Kashjat really just wants run a seedy place, and I'd like the larger one to link in with the whole market place and adventurers thing. Taverns and Inns help keep things functioning and people happy after all. So I'm going to visit the little scaly menace next, as I've other things needing doing.

- Such as Potions:- Remember to Make Potions Karg, Time of Troubles. Menkin, and Petra who came as well, can help deliver on that requirement. I need to be ready when the magic cuts out for healers, and needs manufacturers, which means a supply, along with technical experts. See? It's a supply chain you need to setup Karg me boyo, and that means groundwork on several things. Tower, Taverns, Alchemists, Brewers, and Adventurers to go off and get ingredients the famers and foragers can't get. Fun, Fun, Fun, alright.

So, I need to start delegating before the snows come in;

- Missy's in the Host Tower with Doctor Ned, I'll be there too alongside my duties as High Priest. Clerics and Mages, and jobs to give'em.

- I've good Shrouda and her Embassy/Trading Company setup in the former Red Dragon Trading Company building. Not much we can do now, but it's a start.

- Lua and Ghorza are now with the Adventurers Guild, and I'm going to try organise links with Veladorn, the Harpells, and Shrouda's lot alongside my usual clans.

- Send out patrols into the 'markets' and get them open. Deal with Menkin and the others, get them up and running ASAP. Even if just for the side bonus of having eyes and ears on the ground.

Right;- time to go, work to do.

--

When: 14th Day of Uktar, 1357 Dale Reckoning

Where: Host-Tower of the Arcane, Host-tower Islands, City of Illusk

More rain, miserable weather as ever here, though its meant we've certainly got plenty of stores of water to make use of I guess. Anyway, progress within the Tower is going, relatively, well and we've only had two deaths in the past three ten-days due to tripping of left behind spell effects. Still, we've put up scry and teleport wards, so it's now a matter of clearing out areas outside the main areas rather than a constant battle to secure apprentice rooms and teaching areas. I've expanded housing outside the Tower and converted the various former apprentice areas into teaching areas for the moment; combat learning here is priority, I'm on a time-scale after all.

Kurnak's also moving, building up his army as me and Zah are ours, and things are settling down as we all start knowing our levels of authority and influence. Settling down, but getting into the nitty-gritty of a city coming in winter and the initial bump of victory being over, and loot already divided up. I can't stand the orc, but he's a canny bastard, and we all have a commonality of interest in keeping this 'Kingdom' together to face the challenges of others come the spring. Of course there's more beyond that, but the desire to expand and fight off the orcs from the Spine, and other enemies, keeps things usefully focused I find. All hanging together and all that - even if we're all scheming in our own way if we're all being honest.

On a finally note; we're minting our own coins. Yes, I know, we were already doing that, but our dear Emperor likes the idea and I've taken charge of minting them. Nothing much changed, symbols of the Gods, though with Kurnak's face on one side of the gold coins. Something I'm perfectly fine with, as I'm still going to low level enchant all other coins. My strategy is the officer corps, support, and trade control to some degree, as we need something to support that army we'll need to fight off our enemies. Anyway, gotta go.

Slán go foill.

--