[The Mapplication™ Thread - Join the world of Esferos!]

1 minute ago, Rojo Nico (SMMR) said:

Ok, can you remind me where that is pls?

https://www.westpacific.org/forums/index.php?/topic/3446-hall-of-nations-application/

[The Mapplication™ Thread - Join the world of Esferos!]

Just now, Rojo Nico (SMMR) said:

Hi, I haven't been active for sometime. I need to "correct my status" right? 

That just means you need to reapply for HoN citizenship since you lost it.

[hi]

Welcome! We are glad to have you here! Feel free to ask any questions and apply for HoN citizenship to become more involved with the region!

[The Zoranian Civil War]

May 2, 1420
An Official Letter from the Divine Shaman to the People

To the People of Zoran,

Dear children of the Spirit, these are turbulent times for our people. We have not seen conflict like this since the Great Spirit War when Gawonii the Heretic divided our people, but times have changed much since then. We are no longer individual tribes who were divided over beliefs, rather we are now one state, one tribe, one family. This isn’t conflict between tribes, this is conflict within a family! We must not forget the words of Adanvdo and the teachings of the Spirit during these times.

But as many of you are aware, there are those that claim I should lead our people in a temporal role as well as a religious one. Do not believe these claims, for I wish no such thing. I am simply a spiritual guide, not a head of state. Those who claim such things are fanatics, those who misunderstand the teachings of Adanvdo and the word of the Spirit! All those that are part of these fanatics must realize the error of their ways and lay down their arms to prevent further bloodshed. I condemn these fanatics for their actions and their claims. I do not wish to rule this country, I am only a guide in the ways of the faith. All shamans who are part of these fanatics are to be considered shamans no more unless they repent before me.

May there be peace in the land once more. Let us all pray for those lives who have been lost in the bombing of Zoradia and those who have died in this conflict so far. Let the Spirit guide us all.

-Divine Shaman Oochalata

[Can I quote you]

“One doesn't need to believe in Bigfoot for Bigfoot to believe in them.” -Bran Astor; January 7, 2021

[The Zoranian Civil War]

May 2, 1420
5:00 AM Over Time
National Zoranian Banking Clan Tower; Yemiduga City, Fisheros, Zoran

Kunagadoga Quasena sat at the desk in his office—the same office he had claimed for himself two days ago—smoking a cigar as he watched the desolation of the great city of Zoradia with malevolent glee on the TV.

“Perfect, this is going exactly as planned.” He said to himself as he watched a building collapse.

This plan is going to be so much easier with that incompetent pompus general in my pocket. The best part is that I don’t have to pay him anything, I just have to give him a “good” idea and allow him to take the credit for it. Not only will the GDC be wasting its resources but it made itself look to the international community. But, more importantly, the suffering that was caused by this should be enough to lure Atsil out of hiding, she always had a soft heart.

He takes a drag of his cigar before looking at the latest reports from the field and swiveling his chair so he is facing the window that overlooks the city. He grins as he sees the preparations for the operation to either capture or eliminate Atsil, the sooner she is out of the picture the faster the Monarchists will fall.

“So glad to see you sitting in the chair of another bourgeois prick’s office. What did you have to do to get this one? Hold their family hostage? Threaten to ruin their hedge fund?” said an all too familiar synthesized voice,

“To be honest, you arrived a day later than expected and I am still baffled as to how you got past the security. What do you want CGZ?” said Kunagadoga in a cold and monotone voice,

“Want something? No, if I wanted to take from you rich assholes I would have already taken it. I came to impart some wisdom onto you.”

“Oh? Tell me, what can you possibly teach me that I don’t already know?”

“If you continue to follow down this path of dishonor and hatred, you will only be met with despair. With your current position you may do as you please, but once the foundations start to shake, things will be very different for you. The Daughter of Zoran will rise like the Dawn Bird and the sun in the old tales and with her the vengeance of all those you have harmed in your hunger for wealth and power will come down upon you. For she is your reckoning and she will Kick. Your. Ass.” CGZ said in a serious synthesized tone, “Remember, Kuna, just as Adanvdo once said, greed is a miser’s drunkenness and when the miser is consumed by his avarice, the righteous will come and take what is due.”

Kunagadoga began to chuckle and it grew into full blown laughter as he swiveled his chair around to face the armored king of thieves and tosses the reports he was looking at on his desk,

“When did you become a comedian? By the Spirit that was funny! ‘The Daughter of Zoran,’ HA! You use some colorful language and your performance was remarkable, but let’s be honest, Atsil doesn’t stand a chance.” he stopped laughing and a stern look forms on his face, “I know you came here because she is planning on leaving your mythical and illusive sanctum and you want to scare me into giving up. Let me tell you this, I am not backing down and Atsil will either be brought to me in chains or will be brought to me in a bodybag with a bullet through her skull. Your words mean nothing to me, thief, why? Because I know you will do nothing but sit back and watch this all unfold. You have all this power, all this skill, and who knows how much wealth, but you will never do anything with it. You won’t even do anything to protect that bitch when she leaves.” At this point, Kunagadoga was out of his seat and leaning forward on his desk and the air was tense. CGZ maintained his cool and didn’t let Kuna’s words get to him,

“This isn’t my fight and more importantly I have a dislike for killing. I am only telling you to back down now because if you pursue this path, you are going to be the one who ends up dead. I hope you are pleased with the pain you are inflicting on others Kuna, because all that pain will just be sent back unto you.” The power in the building then went out and smoke filled the room and by the time the power went on a minute or two later, CGZ was gone. Kuna coughed as the smoke cleared only to be left slightly annoyed with CGZ’s disturbance.

“Yeah right, that thief is all talk. Atsil won’t have what it takes to survive through this, the supposed ‘Daughter of Zoran’ as he called her will be nothing more than a lie told by him.”

[The Zoranian Civil War]

May 1, 1420
3:45 PM Over Time

Waholi leaned upon his desk and held the ridge of his nose as he coped with the continued bombing of Zoradia. Five platoons worth of men were lost in the city when the bombing began. He doesn’t know whether the men are MIA or KIA and for now considers them MIA. This is all based on reports he is receiving from various hideouts that are receiving the men that were in the area of the city. The men they received informed them of what occurred and after hours of collecting information they came to the number of men lost to be the equivalent of five platoons.

Waholi took another drink of his Badgerian whisky when a junior officer entered the room,

“Sir, Prince Dominic of Larxia is here to meet with you.” Waholi nodded and turned to face the junior officer,

“Bring him in.” he ordered. The soldier saluted before carrying out his orders. Waholi let out a sigh of exhaustion to get himself ready for the prince’s arrival. A few minutes later, Prince Dominic was escorted into the room with what Waholi assumed to be his assistant of some sort following behind him.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness.” Waholi said with a bow, “Please, take a seat. I am sorry if recent events caused any disruptions in your flight here. Is there anything I can offer you and your assistant?”

“Oh, no thanks. We have come here on urgent business. We would like to see you win the war, then we can sit together for a drink or two. But right now you need something and we’re here to offer it to you,” said Prince Dominic in a serious tone as he took a seat.

“As you wish, your highness. I would like to apologize for my, how should is say, disheveled appearance. The bombing that is going on has had a large impact on me. I’ve been up since midnight getting the troops who were in the city or around it out of the area and getting a total on the number we lost in it.” Waholi said with a heavy heart.

“I’m sorry for the loss. There’s nothing worse than losing your men without a chance to fight back, and we are very invested in your victory, given our friendly history with the Ani’-Wah’s,” Prince Dominic said rather coolly.

“Thank you, now I don’t want to waste anymore of your valuable time. I am assuming you know what we desperately need, yes? 

“Of course. We are willing to offer you any kinds of armaments that you require. We’ll be offering you funds to fight and survive through the war, and I know that you don’t control any launch pads or the planes, we are willing to help you with that if you require. Larxian scientists have almost developed a mobile launch site that you can assemble, launch, and disassemble. It would look like there wasn’t a missile fired from that location. Now of course only if you want it. Though I feel I should tell you that the King has  one stipulation, he wants to strengthen the relations with Zoran in the future, so he would like to sign a trade deal with you post war,” Prince Dominic laid out the terms.

“Thank you for your aid, your highness. We gratefully accept the aid you are giving us, of course we would be willing to establish a trade deal after the war. I hope you have a safe flight home, may the Spirit guide you.”

"Oh I won't be flying back for some time. I need to maintain my cover. If you ever need to talk to me, I'll be staying in the Saint Markan estate around ten miles south of Gosdugadohi. Here's a burner phone, call me before you send anyone. May the Spirit be with you," Prince Dominic said as he took leave of the General. Waholi nodded and turned to another soldier in the room,

“Gather all the generals, it is time for a meeting to discuss our strategy for the war along with other issues. Also, Saint Mark said that their mystics might be able to assist us in locating Atsil, send word to them and say we are interested.” said Waholi to the soldier before they left the room. Waholi returned to his desk and turned his attention from the reports on the casualties from the ongoing bombings to the reports on the potential whereabouts of Atsil, to which he sees is very little.

The whole key to finding her location is finding that mythical and illusive hideout of CGZ. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to occur so I have no choice but to resort to using unreliable superstition. Damn it Apenimon, while you were unable to raise that girl she certainly shares many of your qualities.

Waholi thought to himself before gathering up what he needs for the upcoming meeting with other generals in the faction.

[The Omnipotent Questionnaire Thread - Step Three!]

@Sultan Arif of Arifiyyah You need to make a map claim first

[Weekly Sliming of Dilber]

Dusts off slime machine again and pulls the lever dropping @Dilber into a vat full of slime

I wait for the day to do this regularly again.

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 31, 1420
1:00 AM Over Time
Unknown location

Atsil could not sleep, her mind was racing with concern over the innocent lives at risk from the conflict. She thought of her siblings and her nieces and nephews, worried about how they are handling the situation. CGZ did end up getting her a phone as promised and indeed it was better than her previous one and thankfully none of the things she had saved on her previous phone was lost. In the time since CGZ took her here, her siblings have been asking if she’s safe or if she is actually in league with the monarchists. She has been afraid to respond fearing that she would be putting their lives at risk.

She decided to go and get something to drink from the kitchen and left the room. As she descended down the stairs she heard what sounded like surprised movement in the direction of the living room. As she reached the bottom, she saw CGZ wearing a ski mask and sunglasses, jeans, and a white long sleeve shirt.

“What are you doing up so early in the morning?” he asked,

“What are *yawn* you doing up so early in the morning?” she asked back. He let out a slight chuckle before saying,

“Keeping my eye on the movements of the different factions. For the past hour something terrible has been happening in Zoradia.” These words made Atsil worry,

“What do you mean? What happened?” CGZ sighed before asking,

“Do you really want to know?” As simple as those words were it made Atsil’s hair stand up on the back of her neck. She found herself hesitating before answering,

“Yes, what happened?” CGZ tapped the right side of his sunglasses and said,

“Jeeves, turn on family room TV.” The flat screen TV behind him came to life and showed a horrific scene. Zoranian multirole fighter jets bombing the capital city of Zoradia. Missiles collided into the skyscrapers and the jets fired HEI-T-SD rounds into buildings to slowly bring them crumbling down. Soldiers from different factions were scrambling to get out of the city and she saw some get crushed under a piece of concrete. Atsil stood there silently watching it all unfold with shock. Her skin turned pale and her eyes began to water as her body began to tremble.

How could a government do this! Innocent lives are at risk! This act is unnecessary and a waste of resources! All the people who must be living in fear at what is occurring...it fills my heart with sorrow.

Her legs soon gave out and she began to cry, lamenting the suffering of the people. She didn’t hear CGZ tell Jeeves to turn off the TV or his approaching footsteps. CGZ knelt down and helped Atsil to her feet and walked her over to the couch. He offered her comfort while she lamented over the suffering of the people.

CGZ felt bad for Atsil, she did not ask to be part of any of this. All factions are looking for her all because she is the new head of the Ani’-Wah’ family. Atsil was young and while CGZ wasn’t much older than her, she has been experiencing so much change in such a short amount of time.

I do not envy her, no one should have to deal with all of this. There is so little that I can do to help her, but by providing her refuge she will at le-

“I need to go out there.” she finally said after a few minutes of crying.

“What? Are you insane!?”

“People are suffering, I need to do something to help them!”

“Atsil, you have a large target on your back! The corporates want you dead, the theocrats want you dead, even the GDC wants you dead! By going out there you are going to get killed!”

“Hiding away while people are suffering is dishonorable! I need to go out there and do something to help! Even if it is by leading the monarchist faction, I have to do something for them!”

“You don’t even know if the monarchist leadership is only riding on the popularity of your father! They could seek to use you as a puppet for their goals!”

“Well to me they are the lesser of four evils! If they want to use me as a puppet then it will be their fault for underestimating me! I may not want to be queen but I have to do something to help the country and its people.” CGZ got up from the couch and stormed away into one of the many mysterious rooms in this place. After a few minutes CGZ came back with a thick file in his hand and handed it to Atsil. The folder had the logo of the SIC on it and below it said “Training Manual”.

“Read up on this. You aren’t going to be able to master it today but you may need some skills from this if you want to do what you plan on doing.” Atsil took the file and looked at it with surprise,

“How did you even? Nevermind, I shouldn’t be surprised. But if you are so against me going out there then why give me this?”

“Because if you want to go out there I can’t stop you. If you are going to do this then I don’t want to see you get killed out there. So, to me, the best way to help you is to give you access to the skills created by your family so you have a chance of surviving.” He began walking away when he said, “Let me know when you are ready to leave so I can take you to the monarchist headquarters.” CGZ then left the family room and Atsil was left on the couch with the training manual in her hand.

What an odd man. He went from being frustrated to helpful and reluctantly supportive. Well I don’t intend on looking a gift horse in the mouth so I better get to reading this immediately.

Atsil went to her guest room with the file to begin reading the SIC manual.

Meanwhile, CGZ took the sunglasses and the ski mask off and sat at his desk and looked at the monitors of his computer. He pulled up the information he had on the different factions and their allies.

So let’s see here. Seems the GDC has recognition from Giovanniland and support from the Fujansk, Artzotskia, and Marble Mallorca. For the monarchists it seems that they might have support from Saint Mark and Larxia. It appears that the theocrats might have support from Varanius and the corporates have made it clear that they are doing business with Dalimbar. This is going to be an interesting war.

He then turned his attention to the pile of calling cards on his desk and as he looked at the symbol on it Atsil’s words echoed in his head,

Hiding away while people are suffering is dishonorable!

He recalled his family history, how his ancestors performed daring heists and escapes in the past just for the thrill of the steal. But what always stood out to him was how they gave half of what they stole to the people in need. If it was an item like a crown or a valuable piece of art they would take half the value of that item from their own funds and give it to the people without selling the item. His ancestors never turned away from the people and CGZ began to feel the weight of that legacy because of Atsil’s words. He put his head in his hands and pulled at his hair,

Those were different times! I can’t afford to be as bold as my ancestors! Security has evolved and so has criminal investigation! Hiding in the shadows and remaining in the shadows is the way forward!

He let out a growl in frustration and quickly turned to his computer and pulled up some funny cat videos to distract him from his family’s legacy that weighed down on him.

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420
2:30 PM Overtime
From the perspective of a Zoradian resident

An emergency announcement popped up on my phone and on the television. It was an official announcement from the GDC that was straight and to the point,

“Attention all residents of Zoradia! The GDC is ordering an immediate evacuation of all people from the city. Take only what you need and flee the city. Soldiers will try their best to ensure a safe evacuation of all people. This order also goes for those who remain in embassies in the capital. No one is permitted to prevent people from evacuating the city. People can evacuate via roadways or by sea. Everyone must be out of the city by 23:00 Overtime tonight!”

When the television reverted back to its normal channel and I looked up from my phone, I heard honking and pandemonium from outside my window. The gunshots still exist but they are now drowned out by the sound of honking and panic.

Soldiers were guiding cars and people to the evacuation routes while keeping a lookout for rebels. Who knows if the evacuation will be pulled off in time.

 

April 31, 1420
00:00 Overtime

The once bustling streets of Zoradia are now practically empty. The streets were devoid of life and those that remained were rebels that thought the GDC had abandoned the city. But those that remained did not get the memo of the evacuation. The roaring sound of jets could be heard in the distance when the first explosion occurred, one of the skyscrapers has been hit with a missile. The rebels in the city dove for cover as debris began to rain down from above. But the explosions didn’t stop there. There was soon another explosion and another and then another. Buildings began to crumble and burn.

The fighter jets roared over the city executing the order they have been given—destroy the city and make sure nothing remains except for the Temple and the Mausoleum if possible. While the government may lack bombers the missiles from the jets will complete the job after numerous runs. At the same time, off in the distance, members of the military were firing shells of artillery in hopes of speeding along the process.

It was clear that the bombing was not going to stop for quite some time. But the biggest tragedy of this act is that some people still have yet to evacuate. While the evacuation order was initiated, many elderly people were unable or unwilling to leave their homes. On top of this, those who were in the hospital and other medical facilities were unable to leave because of their condition and this led to many employees in the medical facilities unable to leave the building to care for the patients. This led to the death of innocent civilians when the homes of the elderly and the medical facilities were bombed as well.

Outside the city, people fled to other cities and others set up refugee camps. Those that fled by sea were either taken in by ships sent by the fujansk for humanitarian aid, military vessels, or private ships of the wealthy who were forced to provide aid to their fellow Zoranians by military officers on the scene.

The desolation of Zoradia has begun and with it begun the true suffering of the Zoranian people.

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420
2:27 PM Over Time
Unknown Location

After driving through a battle zone and then three hours of driving through what Atsil can only assume to be underground tunnels, Atsil felt CGZ’s electric car come to a stop.

“At last! We are finally here!” said CGZ, “Oh wait, you still can’t see. Hold on.” The blindfold was then removed from Atsil’s head and she saw the interior of CGZ’s car for the first time. The seats were a black leather that went with the midnight black color of the interior. There were multiple touch screens along the dashboard that detailed underground tunnels, patrol routes, conflict zones, traffic, etc. as well as climate control and things you would expect to find in a regular car. Atsil could only look with awe at the technological look of the interior.

“Impressed? All of this was the design of my father and I before the car industry began designing electric cars. But that doesn’t matter right now, come on I will show you to where you will be staying.” said CGZ in their synthesized voice. He got out of his car and Atsil quickly followed. Upon exiting the car, Atsil stood starstruck when she saw the machinery in what she could only assume to be the garage. She didn’t understand what most of it did but she could only assume it was for inventing new gadgets or for the car. But she stopped looking around when she noticed that CGZ was about to leave the room and so she hurried behind him.

The hallway she followed him into was even more extravagant, but not with machinery. The hallway had Saint Markian doric columns made of white marble all the way down to the end and in between the columns there was a statue of what Atsil could only assume to be CGZ’s of the past. Golden chandeliers lit the hallway and gave a yellowish hue to the stone grey walls and the floor was a checkered black and white with polished marble and black granite. Atsil observed all of this as they walked through the hallway until they reached the end.

“If you think this is impressive, just wait till you see what’s next.” said CGZ as the door opened in front of him to reveal a large room full of bookshelves that are built into the walls and that are lined up in rows in the middle of the room. But the bookshelves only occupied half of the room, which was the side they were on. At the other side of the room there was one large computer monitor with two smaller monitors attached on the either side of it displaying a variety of data or news reports.

“By the Spirit, were you inspired by a certain comic book superhero or something?” asked Atsil,

“I didn’t design this room, the original room was made by the sixth CGZ and was modified, expanded, upgraded, updated, etc. by other generations and my father got the computer all set up before he passed. But he was a bit of a comic nerd so it is quite possible.” He answered as we made our way passed the part of the room occupied by bookshelves and into the area occupied by the computer along with a variety of other things such as what looked to be an armor display case and other things.

“How did your family manage to keep all of this a secret?! Surely the purchase or theft of the things needed to create half of the technology you have would have here would draw a lot of attention!” asked Atsil,

“Can’t tell you or else you might go blab about it to someone after this mess is over. But let’s just say my family were people of many faces.” he said cryptically. They then turned right and went through a door which led to what seemed like a regular living room and kitchen with a mixture of the architecture and design found in the hallway and modern appliances and technology with a large window that overlooked the Zoranian jungle. The furniture was elaborate and had a royal feel to it. Atsil was kind of disappointed at what she saw, something which CGZ could sense from her and let out a chuckle before saying,

“What? Am I not allowed to have some normal comforts in my home?”

“No of course not!” said Atsil, “I am just surprised there wasn’t some advanced machine hidden somewhere.” He just laughed in response and led her up a spiral staircase in the middle of the room and led her to a large double wooden door.

“This will be your room. You should be able to find everything you would need in there including clothes. Also, do you still have your phone on you by any chance?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Give it to me for a second.” He said as he held his hand out for the phone,

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to be tracked. The security measures here that prevent tracking are advanced but I don’t want to take any chances.” Atsil, begrudgingly, gave her phone to CGZ who removed the case from it, took a tool out from his suit, and removed the sim card from it. He then threw it onto the floor as hard as he could and crushed it under his foot.

“Hey! What the f-”

“Language, also don’t worry I will get you a better one of my own design. I still have the sim card so all your data should be safe.” He said as he slid the sim card into a small pouch in his suit and picked up the pieces of the shattered phone from the floor. “I will get the phone to you in about an hour or so. In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay and let me know if you need anything. Also don’t go snooping around, there are a lot of rooms in this place and some of them can be dangerous.”

With that CGZ walked away down the stairs and out of sight. Atsil was still angry about the phone but turned towards the door to her room and pushed it open only to let out a gasp. The room was like she walked into a royal bedchamber, something which seemed ironic to her considering that one faction wants to make her a queen. But considering how old the place is and how wealthy CGZ must be from all that his ancestors stole over the years, the room’s design and style made sense to her.

Does he live here on his own? How does he keep all of these rooms so clean and dust free if he does live on his own? Did his ancestors hire people to build all of this? There are just so many questions to be asked about this place! But most importantly, where exactly am I!?

Atsil sat down on the soft bed, feeling the soft silk sheets with her hand as she thought about all of these questions. However, the thought that weighs heaviest on her mind is how the Zoranian people are living during these times of conflict.

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420
1:30 PM Over Time
Temporary Grand Defense Council Building in Southern Zoran

 

“Ladies and gentlemen in this room, we are the few members of the GDC left. Others have either abandoned their position, been captured by one of the rebel groups, or joined the rebel groups.” said Speaker Quadelo, “This is not our finest hour, our more experienced members of our officer corp have defected to the monarchist rebels and much of the army has either defected or deserted. While we still maintain control of our naval vessels along with our air force, the corporations have taken the missile launch sites and we lack support from the people.  However, we still have some international support whether it be recognition, funding, or by other means. With that I open up the floor to the generals in attendance to give us their plan in regaining control of the country.”

A young general, General Lagodo, stood up and walked to the center of the room, a cocky smile on his face. He believed that he was going to be the general to save Zoran. He lacks experience and the only reason why he holds his rank is because of connections he had in the government that helped him progress his career. He had a plan, a bold plan, and he considers it the best plan.

“Representatives, it is an honor for me to serve this country during these turbulent times. Each of you should have a copy of the operation I have planned underneath your seats.” said General Lagodo as the representatives in the room got the folder out from under their seats. The room was quickly filled with shocked muttering, “The plan I have will ensure that other factions cannot claim to be the legitimate government of the country. An evacuation order will be issued and executed as soon as you all approve of the plan. The actual execution of the order will take place at midnight tonight.”  Representative Tsolaquo shot up out of his seat and slammed his fist on the table,

“Are you insane!? What you’re proposing is a war crime! While it may prevent the rebels from claiming legitimacy there will be serious ramifications as a result of doing this!” Several other representatives nodded in agreement with Tsolaquo’s statement.

“While what you say is true we are in a desperate situation representative, desperate times call for desperate measures.” said General Lagodo,

“But it would be dishonorable to use that as justification for this! I cannot allow this!” exclaimed Representative Tsolaquo,

“Ladies and gentlemen, while I understand your concern about this plan you must realize that we lack authority over our own country! We wouldn’t be able to challenge the rebels should one of them take control over Platypus Island and claim to be the legitimate government! The plan might be morally questionable but it will prevent them from making such a claim, allowing us to have time to gain more international support and to coordinate an offensive against the rebels and retake the country. Most honorable speaker, I would like to request you put the plan up to a vote.” said General Lagodo. Speaker Quadelo nodded and put the plan to a vote. Representative Tsolaquo and a few others voted against the plan but they were unfortunately outvoted by two votes. General Lagodo smiled and said,

“Excellent! I will issue the evacuation order immediately and prepare the air force for the operation!”

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420 AF
12:15 PM Over time
In the catacombs of an ancient Zonethos Temple

Shaman Oconostota Nideloyu was offering up a prayer to the Great Spirit in hopes that his meeting with the Varanian delegation would end with the support he needed. He knew the theocrat faction was the weakest among the four involved in the civil war, he desperately needed support should the Will of the Spirit be fulfilled.

The Spirit has warned us against straying from His Will and the country is now in turmoil because of the previous government straying from His Will. Only the Divine Shaman, the successor of Adanvdo can return the country to glory in the eyes of the Spirit.

He got up from the ground and started making his way down the halls of the catacombs in order to meet with the Varanian delegation. He knew little about the delegation but he knew they were willing to give support to his righteous cause.

As he drew closer to the meeting place within the catacombs, he could see the Varanian general waiting for him. He could tell the general was not comfortable standing in a dimly lit room surrounded by skeletons. He entered the room and held up a hand in greeting,

“It is a pleasure to have you here in general. I apologize for keeping you waiting here for as long as I did. Come, let’s go to some place a bit less...grim.” said Nideloyu.

“The pleasure is mine,” said General Ristovski, “and yes, let’s.”

General Ristovski and Shaman Nideloyu made their way through one of the many tunnels of the catacombs until they reached a staircase that leads into the temple which resides above them. This temple was ancient, abandoned long ago when Adanvdo reformed the faith. The reason it was abandoned was because it was judged to be tainted by a giant symbol of a crab, the sign of Ulagohvsgi, being etched in the middle of the temple floor. But this temple, which has been reclaimed by nature, is now the base of operations for the theocratic faction. They stopped in the most intact room in the temple that had a table and a few chairs in the center of the room.

“Please take a seat general, we have much to discuss.” said Nideloyu as he gestured towards one of the chairs. General Ristovski  nodded in gratitude and sat in the chair while Nideloyu walked over to the other side of the table to sit in the seat opposite of him.

“Ah, thank you.”

“Now might I ask why Varanius is interested in backing our most righteous cause? It seems unusual for a secular state to back a group that wishes to create a theocracy.’
“Yes, it does admittedly seem rather odd. But, we wish the best for the people of Zoran, and we think you have the best chance of making that happen.”

“We thank you for coming so far to meet with us. I would be lying if I said we didn’t need support. What kind of assistance is Varanius willing to give us? Arms? Funds? Legitimacy?”

“Funds mainly, to begin with. Arms and legitimacy may come later, depending on availability.”

“And what would you like in return from us in the future? I can imagine that something trade related is what Varanius is looking at correct?”

“Right to the point I see. Yes, well. We do actually have our eyes on those exotic plants. Things like that have so many uses after all.”

“We can do something with that when we win the war.”

Nideloyu muttered a prayer of thanks to the Great Spirit before extending his hand to General Ristovski and shaking on their deal. The future may not be so dark for the theocrats as people once believed with the support they will receive from the Varanian government.

[Random Poll #12]

On 12/15/2020 at 7:05 PM, Giovanniland said:

Tough choice... but I'll pick brownies. I just love eating them, especially chocolate brownies.

Gio! How could you!
But of course I have to choose cookies, it is part of my whole schtick!

[Zoranian Folklore: Terrors of the mind and spirit]

So you have returned for more bone chilling tales from the mystical land of Zoran? Well this time it is nothing terrifying, but instead a tale that many people in Zoran are familiar with, the tale of Amadahy. 

Back in the days when Saint Mark ruled the land, there was a young woman named Amadahy. Amadahy was an orphan whose mother died in childbirth and whose father died in an attack of her village from Saint Mark colonists. She was raised by her tribe, just as tribal law dictated at the time. The woman taught her household skills and the men taught her how to hunt and use a bow. From the shamans she learned religious beliefs that her parents were supposed to teach her, but when the shaman of the village first saw her he said,

“This girl has the spark inside her. Truly the Spirit has something planned for her.”

Indeed, she did have a spark inside her and the Great Spirit had something grand planned for her. When she came of age, which at the time was sixteen years old, she did not know what she wanted to do with her life. It is tradition that a woman would choose her life path whether that be religious or secular whether as a mother or a member of the tribe’s workforce or sometimes both. Yet she did not know what she wanted to do. When she came to face her father and the red chief, she said that she did not know what life path she wanted to follow. Her father and the red chief were displeased and told her to leave the tribe until she decided what life path she wanted to follow. She was ashamed and walked out of the tribal village in tears going into the wild Zoranian jungle.

She walked deep into the jungle, crying the entire way, until she reached the edge of a waterfall. When she reached the edge she looked down off the edge of the waterfall, debating what she wanted to do with her life. However, shame at her inability to decide took hold over her mind and she decided to jump off the edge of the waterfall to her death. Just as she was about to jump off, she was stopped by a divine light that shone brightly in front of her. A Voraltar named Tanehewe floated in front of her, sent by the Great Spirit to stop her from ending her life.

“Ganesosgv, Amadahy. I am Tanehewe, a voraltar of the Great Spirit, Do not cast your life away to the pits of despair. You have a spark within you, a spark gifted to you by the Spirit Himself.”

Amadahy was in shock and awe at the Voraltar and fell to her knees at the edge of the waterfall before saying,

“A spark? What could I have done to deserve such a gift from the Great Spirit? I am but a simple orphan.”

“The Spirit works in ways that not even I understand. But fear not, I have come to grant you guidance.” they said, “Go to the grave where your father was laid, there you shall find the light to your spark that will help you find the path you will follow.”

Amadahy thanked Tanehewe before getting up and going to the burial ground where her father was laid to rest. Upon her arrival at the burial site, she found a large group of children gathered together with tears rolling down their cheeks. They were thin to the bone and some sat nude but all of them owned anything. They didn’t have money, food, toys, or even a family. Conflict with Saint Markian colonists have been leaving a massive number of orphans and tribes have been struggling to support all of them. These children were among those that were cast out from their tribes because of there being too many mouths to feed and not enough people to work to produce or procure food.

Amadahy was moved by the sight of these children and the spark within her was finally lit. The spark within her is known as the Spark of Giving, and at the sight of these children she felt the need to give them along with other children gifts to raise their spirits, encourage good behavior, or to help them survive. She ran to her village with haste and when she arrived people thought she had chosen her life path. While this is true, it wasn’t a traditional one. She entered the foster home that she was housed in and got to work making a large woven basket out of river cane. The Great Spirit was pleased with her dedication that he blessed the basket so that she can pull out any gift she needs. After she finished weaving her blessed basket, she ran out of the village back to the children at the burial ground and gave them food, clothing, some Zorallas, and some toys for them to play with. The children smiled and thanked her for her kindness and since then she has been giving gifts to children across Zoran for years with the help of the Great Spirit. But she only gives gifts to good boys and girls or orphaned children who are in desperate need to help and she goes from house to house or alleyway to alleyway every night to give out gifts to all children in Zoran.

[Weekly Sliming of Dilber]

*turns on the lights and brushes off some dust*

I'm back! @Dilber, you're going for a little swim!

 

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Zoranian Times Live!

"Helloooooo Zoran! The finals have come and gone and we have emerged victorious! Against all odds our team managed to beat the blue shirts of Dalimbar! This is not just a victory for our nation but for all of Aura! Our team beat Dalimbar 6 to 10 in a match that can only be described as phenomenal! The Dalimbari used their infamous landmine tactic on the field but our coach had prepared for this...that is why the GDC sent some tanks with mine ploughs and mine flails to burst through the stadium wall and clear the field of landmines! This occurred mere minutes before the match started but this wasn't the only thing that led our team to victory. The Zoranian refugees, yes the same refugees that interfered with other matches, were furious at the Dalimbari for supplying landmines to the Corporate faction in the civil war and lashed out against the Dalimbari players, attacking a few Dalimbari players throughout the game! This caused some Dalimbari players to be injured during the match and it provided enough of a distraction for our team to score us a few points to take the victory in the match! We here at Zoranian Times hope this victory brings some joy to our fellow countrymen back home who are having to endure a most dreadful civil war. I am Quiyakaso and I am getting out of here before my bad luck takes effect!"
The camera then shows Quiyakaso running away towards a hotel but not before being tackled by Winotlisa Austenaco, who is still wearing a orange prison jumpsuit.

"I am the true reporter of Zoranian Times Live! Not you!" yelled Wintolisa. The two began fighting on the ground but none of the crew did anything and kept reporting the fight. Quiyakaso bit Wintolisa's hand but Wintolisa punched Quiyakaso in the face. They then rolled around on the ground for a bit and to be honest it isn't as interesting as you may think. But the fight ended when the security guards who were chasing Winotlisa for the entirety of the World Cup caught up and tackled Wintolisa onto the ground and off of Quiyakaso.

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Zoranian Times Live!

"Hello Zoran! Quiyakaso here refreshed and ready for anything today! It has been a few days since I was on air but that was because I wanted to stay in my cheap hotel bed and cry for a while! Anyways these past few days have been a wild one! Last night our team beat the very skilled Fujansk team in the quarterfinal by three points! At the very beginning of the game, the Zoranian Olympic judo team ran onto the field and knocked out the referee and the two assistant referees! However, despite these actions, the Fujansk were able to get an early lead on our team and close to the middle of the game the Zoranian team were losing hope. But then the Zoranian refugees began holding onto the legs of the Fujanks players, begging them for alms. This prevented the Fujansk team from scoring or well moving much, allowing out team to catch up and win the game in the last few seconds of the game! Our team will be going up against the Kurabi rugby team tonight folks! All of Aura is cheering for us! Well probably with the exception of Dilber who is claiming their team won! Regardless, let's bring home the gold!"

Right as Quiyakaso thought he had a successful broadcast at full energy without interruption, a swarm of Dilberian seagulls that have been injected with a variety of drugs by BetterBy Pharma start attacking him and on the screen you see Quiyakaso yelling and running through the streets of Dilber City trying in vain to escape the seagulls!

"BY THE SPIRIT! WHY! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE A SEAGULL ATTACK!" screams Quiyakaso before the NACZ logo appears.

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Zoranian Times Live!

*Zoranian times live into plays to reveal a very tired looking Quiyakaso who looks like he does not want to be reporting right now*

"Yeah, hello Zoran. So our team won our games against Recuecen and Badgeria the past few days. It was a great event yada yada yada. The Zoranian refugees flooded the field and prevented Recuecen's players from playing properly. They kept clinging onto their legs or kept bothering them about asking where they were in the Zoranian language, a language the Recuecen players did not know. So our team was able to push forward in winning us eight points. For the Badgeria game it was a normal one, the Zoranian refugees didn't really bother the Badgerian players and the game was fairly normal with our players able to score some points against them. Our next match is against the notorious Hertforidan rugby team, let's hope that our players can pull through this one folks and I have complete faith in our team who has been training using video recordings of their national team's rugby practices and matches to be able to counter them effectively. That is all from me today now please let me sleep after struggling to get the drugged up police officers of Dilber to find the things that was stolen from me." The camera kept recording and he just looked at the camera in confusion,

"What are you doing? Stop recording."

"We are waiting for something funny or random to happen." yelled someone from behind the camera,

"No! This is probably the most normal broadcast my entire career so far! Don't jinx it!"

"No...the people love seeing you miserable. You are a meme in Zoran for crying out loud! Just find some random Dilberian that would be willing to mug you or something." Quiyakaso just sighs, drops the microphone, and walks off camera,

"I am going to bed, goodnight."

"NOOOOOO! THE VIE-"

The screen then transitions back to the news studio leaving the divided country of Zoran with a very bland update on the rugby game.

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

28 November, 1420; 5:40 PM AMT

Zoranian Times Live!

Zoranian Times live intro plays and reveals a unawares Quiyakaso who is currently picking his nose until he realizes he is live on air.

"Oh! Hello people of Zoran! I am Quiyakaso Gohalitsve and we are reporting live in the streets of the capital of Dilber awaiting the celebratory parade that the NACZ planned for our rugby players! But while we wait, I want to say that the team uniforms of the other teams look absolutely marvelous, very fashio-"

A red haired five year old, dilberian chique who is dressed like a homeless person, aggressively stops into view of the camera before saying, 

"You really think you know what fashion is!?" said the girl. Quiyakaso pinches the ridge of his nose before sighing

"And who might you be little girl?" the girl had abnormally large muscles for someone her age before she said loudly,

"Who am I!? Are you stupid or something!? I am the best fashion designer in all of Dilber! And I tell you that these jerseys are not fashionable at all! What I am wearing is the peak of fashion!" Quiyakaso began to laugh and the girl only grew angrier,

"Okay okay little girl, look here have some money and buy yourself a chocolate bar or something."  he pulls out some Dilberian currency he got when he arrived her and handed it two the girl. The girl took it but quickly ate it and let out a battle cry. She punched Quiyakaso in the balls with all her might. Quiyakaso clutched his crotch as he let out a squeak that showed that this girl was not any normal girl, she was a Dilberian girl on steroids. Quiyakaso collapsed onto the side walk and the camera man backed up as a swarm of homeless people and the girl quickly descended upon him, stealing everything he had on him except for his microphone. When the swarm dispersed, Quiyakaso was left curled up on the ground in his white boxers and his microphone as he clutched his groin in agony. He didn't roll over to face the camera but you could see him shakily raise the microphone to his face and you heard him squeak out,

"You *groan* heard it here *sob* first folks. *sobs* Jerseys are not fashionable. *groans* Now let-argh-view the parade. *sobs* Why did I keep this job?"

"Because it pays really well and you didn't think things could get worse from what occurred at the Olympics." said the camera man. Quiyakaso began to silently cry in pain in the street as the NACZ logo fades into view on the screen before changing to another camera that showed the NACZ parade which shows floats with a giant logo of the NACZ made out of roses and the rugby team standing on the first float. But on the next float there are three people in the Olympic judo team outfit, in fact they are the three Zoranian finalists in the Judo event from the Olympics, if Quiyakaso wasn't incapacitated he would be asking what they are doing here but he can't! Following their float there is a giant platypus mascot with a few cheerleaders who are bringing the hype. Then a few other floats pass that aren't very important but behind the float you think you see a person in a prison jumpsuit with a shaved head running from some security guards yelling that he will run till the ends of the planet.

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

28 November, 1420; 7:00 AM AMT

Zoranian Times Live!

Location: Dilber, Dilber International Airport

Zoranian Times live intro plays and on the screen you see Winolisa Austenaco from the beginning of the Saint-Josalyn Olympics. He now has a shaved head and is wearing a filthy and wet orange prison jumpsuit.

“Good Morning Zoran! My name is Winotlisa Austenaco! A-”

“Hey! I thought you were fired! In fact, aren’t you supposed to be in prison in Saint-Josalyn!? How did you even get here!? Security!” interrupted someone from off screen. Winolisa frowned, dropped the microphone and yelled,

“No! I am not going back there! You will never take me alive!” Winolisa starts running and two security guards follow behind him in pursuit.

“Now where is Quiyakaso Gohalitsve?” asked someone offscreen. The sound of muffled yelling can be heard off screen and the cameraman turns around with the camera to show a hogtied Quiyakaso with duct tape over his mouth moving like a caterpillar out of the news van.

“By the Spi-”

28 November, 1420; 7:05 AM AMT

Zoranian Times live intro plays again and this time the proper reporter, Quiyakaso Gohalitsve, is on camera.

“We apologize for all that folks! Good morning Zoran! My name is Quiyakaso Gohalitsve and we are here live at the Dilber International Airport to show our national Rugby team arrive for the second annual Rugby tournament! We were not present in the first tournament but this time we are able to participate! After our team’s victory at the Olympics against the incredibly talented Fujansk team, our team has been practicing a lot to improve to ensure our victory in this event! Despite the turmoil in our country, we here at the Zoranian Times hope we can all come to cheer our team to victory in the Rugby World Cup.”

Sound of a plane landing heard in the background

“Oh! It seems our team’s plane has landed now, let’s go see them exit the plane!” Quiyakaso and the cameraman walk over to the team’s plane and watch the plane door open and the steps lower to the ground. The team is seen in their black, purple, and red jerseys walking down the steps of the plane carrying their carryon bags.

 

“There they are folks! Our skilled rugby players are ready to head out and play in the World Cup! Th-” He was interrupted when the cargo hold door popped open and Zoranian refugees began pouring out of the cargo hold. Quiyakaso just stood there watching with his mouth agape. After all the refugees are out of the cargo hold, you could see that there were approximately 1,000 refugees that were in the cargo hold.

“Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Well it appears that are approximately a thousand-wait how is that even possible? How did a thousand refugees fit in the cargo hold and how did the plane manage to make the journey with all that extra weight!? In fact, how did they get into the cargo hold undetected!? How are all those refugees still alive!?”

“Stay on topic Quiyakaso!” yelled someone off screen. Quiyakaso facepalmed and sighed before continuing,

“Right, well there are approximately 1,000 refugees that fled the turmoil in Zoran by stowing away in the cargo hold of our national rugby team's plane. We will see you at the parade that the NACZ had arranged later today before the games begin today. I am Quiyakaso Gohalitsve, why do weird things like this keep happening to me whenever I report, and I will see you all later today!”

[2nd TWP Rugby World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Zoranian Rugby Team:

Team Info:

• Style mod: +2
• Manager: Adanvtelidohi Wadoyaholi
• Coaches: Ahneewakee Adasegogisdi, Euna Dinanelohvsgi

Players:

Name	Age	Position
Amo-Adawehi Tsasima	25	Loosehead Prop
Attakullakulla Quegadu	21	Hooker
Salonitah Gelusva	22	Tighthead Prop
Twah'kohi Agasgani	20	Second Row (L)
Atsadi Hna'hido	28	Second Row (R)
Enoli Digewi	30	Blindside Flaker
Dlasimahe Asduidv	26	Openside Flanker
Sesdi Tsunela	23	Number 8
Ganiyegi Atsidanelv	19	Scrum-half
Ganohilvsv Ayeliiyv	33	Fly-half
Wohali Goyadv	24	Left Wing
Hawinaditlv Ayeli	34	Inside Centre
Doyaditlv Ayeli	30	Outside Centre
Duyugodv Goyadv	28	Right Wing
Kali Gasohi	18	Full Back

 

Spoiler

Injure my players: Yes
Assign my players yellow cards: yes
Assign my players red cards: no
Godmod injuries: Yes
Godmod scoring: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

 

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420
12:30 PM Over Time
National Zoranian Banking Clan Tower; Yemiduga City, Fisheros, Zoran

In a meeting room at the top floor of the National Zoranian Banking Clan tower, hundreds of executives and CEOs from corporations across Zoran have gathered to discuss their plans in the war. All of them sat in a large round table in dim lighting. Everyone had a binder with information on the current status of the war. Everything from expenditures, number of arms and ammunition, to missiles and missile launching sites, to even expenditures and their combined income. Every person in that room had put an investment in the future of the country and hoped to make massive profits if they succeeded in taking control and the mastermind behind it all was the head of one of the oldest industries in Zoran, Quasena Basket Weaving Enterprises. The current head of the Quasena family that runs the business is none other than Kunagadoga Quasena, who sits in the most elaborate chair with the window of the room behind him.

“Glad to see all of you could make it today. We have much to discuss in terms of our push to take the country. Open your binders to page two titled, the Dalimbari Arms Agreement or the DAA.” Everyone in the room did as he instructed all at one, everyone knew better than to challenge his authority. The page was a detailed copy of the contract signed between the Corporatocracy of Zoran and the Free State of Dalimbar which went over the agreed price settled on for arms and the promise for Dalimbar to be the Union’s main supplier of arms during the conflict.

“As Dalimbar as our main supplier of arms we will have access to a large amount of supplies and weapons from them to support the private military companies we have hired to do our dirty work. They were not cheap but they ensured quality arms for our cause, especially their world renowned landmines. I propose that we send a representative over to Dalimbar to keep them posted on current events of the war and to negotiate more deals with the Dalimbari junta.” said Kunagadoga as dryly before taking a sip of his glass of water, “Does anyone in the room oppose this proposition?” No one in the room said a single word in response to his question, “All in support raise their hand.” He said as he raised his own. Everyone’s hand in the room raised with him, something which pleased the leader of the Union.

“Very good. Now with that out of the way, we must turn to a more pressing issue, Adsila Ani’-Wah’. Everyone please look at the screen on the wall opposite of my seat.” He said as he turned on the screen with a control panel on the table. Everyone turned their swivel chairs to face the screen in unison as the screen showed video camera footage of CGZ escorting a blindfolded Adsila from her apartment building to an alleyway on the opposite side of the street. After the pair was out of view on the camera, the screen switched to a side by side report of Adsila and CGZ with their records, police reports, bio, and picture. CGZ’s was quite empty compared to Adsila’s but CGZ’s criminal record was full compared to Adsila’s empty criminal record.

“Ladies and gentleman, two of our biggest pains in the asses are in hiding together. CGZ has long been a thorn in the side of all wealthy people whether they are in business or governance for centuries. Illusive, untraceable, intelligent, skilled, and dangerous. The fact that he has become part of our hunt for Adsila makes things a lot more difficult.” said Kunagadoga without hiding the annoyance in his voice.

“Adsila on the other hand is a more reluctant annoyance. For a long time the Ani’-Wah’ clan has rivaled my family in wealth for many years. But it was never a feud in fact I am sure all of us have had lovely relations with the heads of the Ani’-Wah’ family. But our biggest threat in this war is the monarchist faction, who intend on having Adsila as the monarch of Zoran. So we must have her eliminated if we wish to disorganize and crush our biggest rival for the control of Zoran. But with CGZ protecting her, locating her will practically be impossible.” he said grimly. Everyone in the room began to whisper amongst themselves, most of the men and women in the room knew the impossibility of tracking down CGZ. Kunagadoga raised his hand and the whispers ceased,

“Thank you. But I have two potential solutions. One is we commit an act or provoke an act by one of the factions that will cause Adsila to want to leave the protection of CGZ to help end the war. This one I believe has the most potential as Adsila is known for having a compassionate heart and being strong willed, just like her father. Thus if we push her to the point where she can’t stand to sit back and watch any longer then we might be able to track her down.” The others in the room began to nod and whisper in agreement amongst themselves, “The other option is one that I believe will be less likely to occur but could lead to great results, we contact the Cambrians and try and enlist the help of their Inquisitors to potentially locate CGZ. However, like I said this would be unlikely to occur due to our agreement with Dalimbar and thus they probably do not think highly of us currently. It would also risk ruining our good relations with Dalimbar by turning to their enemy for support. Personally, I prefer the former option but of course I will put this up to a vote. All in favor of option one raise your hand.” A good majority of the table raised their hands in support of drawing Adsila out, some agreed out of fear of Kunagadoga and others genuinely believed for option one to be the best course of action.

“All in support of the idea of reaching out to the Cambrians, raise your hand.” Those that did not raise their hand before raised their hands now potentially believing that despite the unlikely nature of getting support from T&C that it could prove to have more results. Kunagadoga smiled at this,

“Great, option one it is then. But this meeting has gone on for quite a while now, let’s all take a quick thirty minute break and gather around the water cooler and talk about our money shall we?” Everyone in the room smiled and began talking in agreement as they all stood up and left the room. However, one executive walked up to Kunagadoga and whispered,

“Kuna my old friend. Are you sure your personal grudge against Adsila didn’t influence the making of this plan? You still aren’t miffed about the fact that she rejected you back in secondary school are you?” The smile on Kunagadoga’s face faded quickly at the executive’s words,

“Detsinulahungu my old friend, not another word out of you unless you want to end up as a woven basket that is gifted to the Dalimbari.” Kunagadoga said coldly. Detsinulahungu’s eyes widened and he slowly backed away from Kunagadoga.

I will never forget the day that she broke my heart.

Kunagadoga thought to himself before leaving the room to go to the water cooler as he had said.

[The Zoranian Civil War]

April 30, 1420
12:30 PM Over Time

Waholi stopped as he reached the large wooden door that led to the meeting room. The importance of this meeting weighed down on him. He knew very well that without support from Saint Mark they would be forced to surrender in three months as they drew closer to running low on ammunition and supplies. He took a deep breath and exhaled before pushing open the heavy door.

Before him stood a tall and slender man, with a tanned complexion, black hair and mustache, and brown eyes. Waholi knew that this man was Lord Maxwell, cousin to the Prince of Saint Mark. He closed the gap between him and Lord Maxwell with a smiled and bowed in front of him before speaking,

“It is an honor to have you here Lord Maxwell. Thank you for coming so quickly, I hope you didn’t have too much trouble getting here.”

“It's a pleasure meeting you General. My trip wasn't too difficult. Thank you for asking. My family has a hunting lodge near here, so it appears that I was simply spending some time there in the country, while I slipped away to your fortress here undetected.”

“It pleases me to hear that, I worried that with all the turmoil in the country you would have experienced some troubling issues. But come take a seat, would you like anything to drink? We don’t have much but it would be rude not to offer anything.”

“A bourbon and water would be appreciated, if you have it. Thank you.”

Waholi called in a soldier over his walkie talkie to bring Maxwell’s refreshments and in a few seconds a soldier came in with a tray that had a bottle of brandy and a pitcher of water along with two classes for each on it. The soldier set it down on the table and poured it out for their guest. The soldier then stood at attention until Waholi dismissed him,

“Now let’s get to the business side of things.” said Waholi as he sat down at the table, “I am going to be honest with you, we are desperate for aid from Saint Mark. While we have popular support amongst the people, our supplies are limited. I estimate that at the current rate without support we would last about three months until we run out of ammunition and other supplies. As I mentioned to one of your intelligence agents, we are in need of arms, supplies, and funds. In exchange, when we win the war I will convince Adsila to maintain the Saint Markian-Zoranian trade agreement and defense agreements as well as repay Saint Mark the amount of money you loan us during the war.” Maxwell took a sip of his glass of Bourbon before saying,

“The House of Halohin, as well as the Houses of many of our Electors, have a long and friendly history with the Ani’-Wah’ family. For the sake of these ties, and to promote the greatest chance for stability and prosperity in Zoran, we are ready to support you with all of the funds and non-martial supplies you require.” said Lord Maxwell. General Waholi thanked the Spirit in his head but stopped as the lord continued,

“Just as a cautionary measure, we would rather not send you munitions directly, but we will be happy to send more than enough in the way of funds to be able to purchase whatever you need. If however, you run into problems finding a source for the munitions, we will help you there as well. Saint Mark is committed to your success.”

“Your reasoning is understandable and we have no problems with Saint Mark’s precautionary measure. It brings me joy to know that Saint Mark is backing our cause, we will send someone to your capital to keep you informed on the situation.” 

“Best of luck and may God's Will be aligned with your cause.” said Maxwell before he finished up his glass of water.

“Thank you, may the Spirit help us all.”

The two shook hands, smiling as they secured a deal that could change the course of the war.
 

April 31, 1420
12:00 AM Over Time

A monarchist soldier runs into Waholi’s room holding a modified zPad(to prevent the corporations from listening in as well as preventing them from tracking them down), Startled by the sudden entry of the soldier, Waholi jumped out of bed and drew the pistol he hides under his pillow, aiming at the soldier.

“Sir! Sorry to wake you but there has been a major development. You are going to want to see this.” Waholi exhaled and put the gun on the bed before walking up to the soldier and taking the zPad from his hand. His eyes widened in shock, disgust, and sorrow. His palms shook and tears welled up in his eyes,

“By the Spirit...how could this happen? I didn't expected for something like this to occur.” He whipped the tears from his eyes and shoved the tablet back to the soldier,

“Send a message to all men that are still over there, tell them to return to the nearest base they can get to immediately!”

The soldier nodded and ran out to do such a task. When the soldier was far enough away, Waholi fell to his knees and began to weep. He did not weep because what had occurred impacted him personally, but he wept for the innocent lives that were lost and ruined by what had occurred.

How could they do this? Centuries of history and development, gone! Has the GDC gone mad!?