Todays story: I have been here at Zuri’s refuge for a couple days now, and with the Nexus, who is currently still in its avatar as many of its pieces are still being transported by Mutey and my old thralls, we have begun to redesign the new city, improving the walls and power, and Hiroaki, alongside Laru, his.. wife? I am unsure of greenladers and their customs still, even after spending years among them, but the two of them have been a great help in keeping me and the Nexus from going wild and making the upgrades from taxing the new kingdoms resources. I have also chosen a spot for the new library to be built inside the town, and I cannot wait for it to be built. Im still designing it, but it will be a glorious replacement. It will also be one of the last buildings built, due to it being its own complex of smaller buildings inside of a wall, much like the one that used to surround Zuri’s refuge. I’m still deciding upon either multiple towers or just one large building surrounded by sheds and maybe a storm house or two. But that is for the future, and right now, I need to be focusing on the meeting I’m in. Hiroaki: “… and we will make sure all is ready for the transition. The hidden sands fortress, while it’s been a long standing position for Joseph, we both have agreed that it has served its purpose. With the additions we have planned for Zuri’s refuge, it will be a better place to house much of the infrastructure that the hidden sands used to support. We hope that it won’t be abandoned completely, instead becoming a military base, perhaps for Mohi and his… warriors.” Me: “I agree, and since I was its commander pretty much since its founding, it will be hard to abandon it. I am in favor of it staying, maybe being redesigned a little to better fit being a single-units military fort, but it is in a good, fortified position and we might end up needing to fall back there again.” Sin, Nibol, and the rest of the council were silent as they digested Hiroaki and I’s recommendations for the base. I hope that they will accept our plan, as Mohi will be, hopefully, a good replacement, reporting to Nibol, as the commander of the military. Sin had told me that he had a position for me in his new government, if I was willing, but I declined. I will stay as an advisor for Sin, but my focus was now the Nexus and the Library. Sin: “Give me and Nibol some time to think. Joseph, Hiroaki, thank you for your input. If I wish for your advice, I shall send for you. I shall need time to decide. You two are dismissed.” We both stood and nodded, and walked out after a quick goodbye. After a couple steps of silence, I looked at Hiroaki. Me: “Eventually I will be building my new library, and it will be a pretty nice complex, I hope, but I wish to employ my own guards. Not that I don’t trust your men, Hiroaki, or the Sandukar, but I don’t wish to tax your treasury with guards who do little more than stand basically at my house. They will be Skeletons, and they will be after my model, as they used to be my Thralls. I only have a few left, and I wish to make use of them as guards now, instead of explores, keeping them close to me.” Hiroaki: “I will think about it. It shouldn’t be a problem, and it will add some more backbone to the defense of Zuri’s refuge, I hope. Especially if they will fight as well as you do.” Me: “They will. They will all be getting an update on combat training through my memory, once they also reconnect with the Nexus. Speaking of which, have you found a good temporary building for its mainframe yet?” Hiroaki, smiling: “Follow me, my friend.” Great episode Pat! This fight was a great one, it’s a shame my character has retired as a fighter, thankfully Mutey is still in service :D I’m still in favor of the Hidden sands being deleted as a personal base and turned into a city, but that’s probably a lot of work so it’ll be understandable if you don’t wish to do it. I know I probably wouldn’t. 😂
(Okay, firstly, I love how you used the graves! Made me feel an instant ‘squee’ of joy, very awesome! And those Black Marauders look pretty dang cool, I like! I totally understand going ahead and abandoning the Hidden Sands. It’s a pity, however code errors making a thing not fun is- well, a very understandable reason. Plus, it’s a pretty decent time lore-wise. Zuri’s Refuge rises! Also, very nice taking the Dominion equipment to outfit the Sandukar. And finally, we see territory properly changing hands! Now, the Great Desert is more or less united. It’s pretty nice.) It was strange, the directions that life could take. A clerk for one of the most powerful men in the Great Desert, then a rebel, then the administrator of a city, and now? Kind of a clerk again. Well, a high-ranking officer with far more administrative power and authority than any clerk had, and still in charge of civil development of the city. However, one that made frequent reports and sorted regularly through records. It was something of an irony, nonetheless. The Sands of Hate had officially reformed into the ‘Sand Kingdom’, a name that had already been partially attributed to them, now fully. The Hidden Sands was, perhaps, being abandoned, or being converted. Either way, Sin was moving the main command to Zuri’s Refuge, and through that, making it a center for both the military and civil administrations. And with the help of Joseph’s Nexus, and the not insignificant amount of supplies taken from The Dominion, they had enough infrastructure and supplies to actually support that. It was a bit more crowded these days, no doubt about it. The Sandukar had largely been stationed in Zuri’s Refuge now as a more permanent fixture and had been armed with equipment scavenged from The Dominion and Empire both. Something that they had in excess due to their victories. That essentially took care of military security, though civil policing was also needed and was better handled NOT by the soldiers, but by the people Laru had started gathering up. Settling disputes and investigating problems was a different matter than going out to war, after all. Still, it did make Laru a bit antsy having the whole of the Sands here, since now she had a not insignificant number of superiors besides just him who were constantly around. Sin had come often enough that Hiroaki himself wasn’t too bothered by the more direct oversight, however it was still a bit of an adjustment to his leader’s constant presence while he managed the city. Nonetheless, they were good adjustments. Zuri’s Refuge was a good choice to make their base of operations, and capital. As of now, it was functionally their only city and territory. Which was part of why he was… cautious of giving up the Hidden Sands. Without that, Dune would be the only other actual territory they could lay claim to, and then only partially since they shared that with the Flotsam Ninjas. He did prefer Joseph’s plan in that regard, but also saw Sin’s logic. He’d understand either direction, really. The Sands, now Sand Kingdom, was powerful. However, small. And it’s functioning military was not large, just strong. Deadly strong. They could wield a great amount of influence, but couldn’t necessarily hold a large amount of territory. Not as they were now. They didn’t need to, of course, but they did need to stay mindful of their allies, and their intentions. Speaking of which… “The Dune Renegades have taken Heft and will likely attempt to reform themselves into a successor state to the United Cities that ‘fixes’ it’s ills, namely slavery and the aristocratic upper class, removing both from their new state. On that note, it won’t be an empire or a kingdom I don’t think, their ideologies seem to suggest a sort of ‘Council’ leadership based on meritocratic principles. I’m not sure of course, but I think their leadership is trying to write out of a full document to announce their new government. A constitution or charter of some kind.” Hiroaki stated simply, sitting across calmly from Sin. They were on the second level of the new Headquarters, looking out over Zuri’s Refuge, as Sin stood with his arms crossed thoughtfully, while Hiroaki recounted the facts from a series of reports. “They’ll likely send a formal representative to our reformed government after they make their own official reformation. The Rebel Outlaws are mostly focused on fighting the Southern Nobles forces in the area, but they don’t really have a ‘plan’ I don’t think. I’m not sure what they’ll try to do after the last of the Nobles are dealt with and all they have are their own cities. The territories controlled by the Empire Peasants, at least, are forming something of a loose coalition, pretty much entirely focused on their own development and survival. And understandable position, to be sure.” Hiroaki stated, flipping through a few papers, more out of habit than anything else. “The Anti-Slavers are still active because of the Southern Nobles, however I’m not sure what they’ll do afterwards, like the Rebel Outlaws. Tinfist is impressive, however he’s never struck me as a man with a plan either. And he holds territory. So, while the military situation in the Great Desert is very stable, the social situation is still very much up in the air. How we’re going to influence them and what we’re going to ask from our allies should be decided while they’re, well, undecided, for lack of a better word.” Hiroaki stated, before looking back across the city with a light sigh. “As for our allies to the West, Narko’s Disciples, the Shek Kingdom, and The Flotsam Ninjas, are all experiencing disagreements. The Flotsam Ninjas want freedom of religion, the Narko’s Disciples want the worship of Narko, and the Shek Kingdom is itching to prove themselves in battle again. That area could erupt into another war easily, though it’s not a certainty. They have their own diplomats after all. Still, we’ve been out of their politics for some time. We may want to sway things while we still have some sway.” Hiroaki stated, before humming as he considered the others. “Aside from that, The Reavers have been dealt with, General Mohi reports no real problems aside from uncooperative Skeleton Traders, we may want to look into fixing relationships with them. The Cannibal Hunters have been effective in cleaning up the remnants of the tribes after we decapitated their heads, but are now fighting with The Sturmijaz, a fight that was started by the latter I am reasonably certain. That makes two of our allies who are definitely fighting one another beyond skirmishes. The Shinobi Thieves want to establish a tower in Zuri’s Refuge, because of course they do, and The Sand Ninjas sent supplies of their own volition. Currying favor perhaps? Mirusaki would probably better know the significance of the rice they sent. And we’re making plans to make peace with The Crab Raiders.” Hiroaki summarized. “Once our southern campaigns are complete, pacifying the ‘Bug Master’ and finishing off the Southern Nobles and last of the slavers, we can finally turn the mainstay of our focus onto development, and peacekeeping.” Stated Hiroaki, before thinking for a moment, then stating. “Also, you need a title Sir.” He concluded. Sin blinked, and looked to Hiroaki directly for the first time since absorbing the information.
“What?” “A title Sir. Properly. As the head of the Sand Kingdom.” “I- … Do I- not have one?” “Nothing formally declared for our new government yet. It’s not a big deal internally, not for us at least, but it’s something that needs to be done for our legitimacy as a nation on the outside. King, Sultan, Marshall, Sensei, Supreme Commander, all good choices. Or maybe something like Liberator, First Emancipator? Essentially, anything that doesn’t remind anyone of the regimes we just overthrew. No Emperor, Master, Lord, or Shogun.” He stated plainly, to which Sin blinked. “I’ll… take that into advisement.” He stated, before looking back across the distance. “… You and Laru have done a wonderful job here, Hiroaki. It’s beautiful.” He spoke, and Hiroaki smiled, simply turning his gaze to the city with him. “… Thank you. Joseph’s Nexus has helped expansion grow drastically. We have enough people and enough boats to keep fishing properly and regularly, and right now it’s our primary food source.” He spoke, before sighing lightly, and nodding a little more, this time to himself. “Commander Joseph’s plans for The Library will require even further construction, and a bit more power for his additional Skeletons, but well worthwhile. And our population keeps growing. It’s getting a bit crowded, but good. And we’re able to keep up with the demand, keep expanding. We might be able to make a full on docks to go out into the deeper seas, acquire a bounty from the ocean… there’s so much potential here Sir. And only more. With all we’re putting in? Something wonderful will bloom…” He stated, sighing contentedly… and Sin looked back to Hiroaki with a light smile. “… Something wonderful already is. You should be proud my friend. Everyone should be.” He spoke, his voice soft, before looking back out into the distance. “… So when’s the wedding?” He asked simply, and Hiroaki blushed for a moment, looking down, for the first time nervous, like the early days, and moved his left hand to the back of his head. “Um, after the Southern Nobles are handled, we think. Not immediately, just- we want things to be settled, before we formalize it. Commit to a new life.” Hiroaki explained, leading to Sin chuckling lightly, and placing a hand on his shoulder. “I see. I’m happy for you both. Truly… we are approaching the end of a long road my friend. The happiness of you and Laru, is just more that makes it all worth it, in the end.” He spoke softly, before looking out into the distance once more, and Hiroaki fought off his bashfulness enough to look up and join him, simply quiet for a moment, as they enjoyed the view of the city. The capital of a nation born from those freed of chains. Flourishing, and growing, just like the rest of the Great Desert. The fighting wasn’t done yet. But soon. And people were already rebuilding. There were still problems, still matters to settle, still concerns. But today? Everything was beautiful. And they would only become more so…
@@patostrophia2948 (And it always makes me smile to hear that! I enjoy writing these stories, and having them appreciated makes me particularly joyful. You are most welcome, and thank you for your kind words! And indeed, it twas very cool!)
Mohi's Diary: Entry 11: After two days of traveling throgh the great desert, we finnaly reached the Reaver capital, Ark. The rusted steel walls towered over the wasteland, squads of reaver soldiers sould be seen patroling around the enterace down below, from within the fortress the crack of whips could be heard, followed by the screams of slaves echoing from within the metal walls. I havent seen that shithole in almost a year. It filled me with a feeling of Range and excietment, knowing that Valmon was in there, not knowing that I have come for revenge. Krown, Abrarious, Rinnosuke, Krown, Handy, Adrian and of course Ungern helped me set up camp on a cliff overlooking the enemy settlement. After we finnished our ration pack five men went to sleep exepct for Krown and I. Krown patroled around the camp while I simply sat down stearing at the fortress of Ark. I had mulsiple flashbacks, I remember being whiped chained and shoved into a cage with Valmon looking down at me with glee. Then, I had a second flashback, waking up in a cage, unlocking my shackles and cage with an lockpick that I fashioned from a scrap of metal. Then sneaking into the sleeping quaters of my master to throttle him while he was sleeping. Afterwards I sook his sword, killed two of his guards and escaped the camp, traveled north into the grate dester and vowed that I will return, that I will have my revenge. The next morning, we began our attack on the reavers. I lead the charge downhill towards a patrol squadron of Reavers. We smacked agaibst the think ranks of Reavers, begining the first phase of the battle. My Naginata cut through their armor like a knife through butter, hacking and slashing through wave after wave of Reavers. My vision was blury and red, never before had my aggression reached this hight. I cut men in half, watering the soil with their blood, I beheaded others, leaving their headless bodies twitching on the ground. As the battle progressed, more and more Reavers rushed in to join the fray but they were cut down by my Naginata. After two hours of bloody combat, the crab raiders joined the battle on our side, not that I noticed, I remained in a trance like rage, swimming in blood towards Valmon. When the Reavers outaide the fortress were killed, I made my way towards the enterance. On my way up the iron staircase I killed Reavers to my left and right, even pushing a Crab raider off the stairs. When I reached inside the fortress I was surrounded by Reaver soldiers with their cleavers at the ready, Spring Bats aimed at me and in the middle stood a tall Shek warrior, clad in thick leather armor and weilding a chrome steel longswond that shined in the torchlight. He had a hiddious and boney face with long corved horns, bright yellow eyes and gnarly rotting fangs, Valmon. I let out a war cry that echoed across the room and charged towards Valmon. The spring bats fired, five bolts hit me, one in the left shoulder and the rest in the torso, but I felt no pain. I reached Valmon but as I thrusted my blade at him, he stepped back as a Reaver jumped in front and impaled himself on my Naginata. Krown, Adrian, Ungern and the others charged in behind me and faught the other Reavers while I cleaved through ranks of enemies. "VAAAALMOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!" I cried out as I hacked through the Reavers, splitting skulls and impaling bodies on my Naginata. "FIGHT MEEEEE!" I cried out again in anger, as I continued to cut through his men in a fit of rage. After one more hour, there was only a dozen Reavers left. But still, I could not find Valmon, I stood their panting, drenched in blood, boddies, and scatter limbs around me and bolts sticking out of my armor. "Has the coward fled!?" I thaught to myself before I head a loud *thud* above me. I looked up and I saw a long shiny object glint in the dark above me, the shiny object decended falling down to reveal Valmon from out of the Dark. He swung his longsword down at me and I blocked the strike with my Naginata. The metal floor rattled as Valmon landed, his strike bending my Naginata shaft and knocking me down to my knees. He stared into my eyes and said "You are an aggressive one, you will make a fine slave for the revolution!" I stood up and slashed him across the face, he stepped back with the bone on his left brow being shaved off by my blade. He swung his longsword at me with impresive speed, but I dodged just in time. We faught for what seemed like an eternity, slashing and stabbing at each other, frolicking in blood and exchanging blows, in a deadly dance between two warriors gon mad. I thrusted my naginata, aiming for his chest, Valmon stepped out of the way, resulting in my blade being stuck in the wall. "Time to die bugman!!" He growled as he raised his longsword and swung at my neck to decapitate me. I ducked under with his blade cleaving through the wall above me and chopping off the tips of my helmet horns. I then stood up, grabbed my naginata and ripped it out of the wall, with metal debries flying onto Valmon. I cleaved through his thick leather armor and cut into his flesh, leaving a large gaping wound on his chest. Valmon stumbled back and smirked at me, gripping his sword tightly. This was my chanse to finish him off I charged at him like a bull as I thrusted at him, he stepped to the side and swung at my torso with impressive speed and devastating might, he cut through my chestplate and cleaved through my flesh, wounding me serverly, the thrist time I felt pain during the battle. I fell tonmy knees holding the side of chest as I bled out, I looked up at Valmon as he raised his sword again and slashed at my face, he cut through ny helmets visor leaving a scar on the left side of my face and taking out my left eye. I droped my weapon and fell to the ground, and as I reached for the shaft of my Naginata he stepped on my hand and said "Say your last words bugman" as he raised his longsword to finnish me off. But before he steuck me, he was knocked off he feet by a long cleaver that was swung with impressive force, Valmon whent flying ten feet across the room with a second scar across his chest. I looked up with my one eye and saw Ungern, covered in blood reach down to me. I took his hand and he helped me up with Krown, Adrian, Rinnosuke, Handy and Abrarious behind him. I picked up my Naginata and we all faught Valmon together. My comrades faught well, but they were exausted and injnjured, so after half an hour of fighting they were unconsious, with Krown having an entire research tabled thrown at him. Valmon and I were the last two in the battle. He stood their, coverd in blood and bolts fired by Krown, he spad out a tooth and said "You have been here for only four hours and you have ruined everything!!!" "I have been here before" I replied "I have met you before, and you took me from my hive, from my King, FROM MY QUEEN!!!!" I charged at him, and we continued fighting for ten more minuets hacking into eachother in a frenzey until he knocked my Naginata out of my hands, I then wrestled with him until I managed to grab he Longsword, I kneed him in the groind, wich losened his grip and I slashed at his knee caps, making him collapse in front of me on his knees. I took off my helmet, droped it on the floor then I grabbed Valmons horn and pulled down so he looked up at me. I raised the longsword high and let out a war cry as I sliced his neck, the blade cut through his flesh as if it was nothing, the light left his eyes as his body fell foward with a *thud*, and bleed out from the stump were his head was. I raised Valmons head high as blood driped from the neck into the floor. My Queen! I did it! I have avenged my warriors! I have spilled blood for the King! I will return to the Hive!!!!
Personaly I tought you want your kingdom capital to be in the middle of empire so I think the shem is best suited for that I think city called Perl should surfice if not I could construct military outposts inside of shem with trone and few buildings for you,maybe just maybe you can use files to change countess to queen with files also that child we speakin before shoul apear soon before the end of series
Todays story:
I have been here at Zuri’s refuge for a couple days now, and with the Nexus, who is currently still in its avatar as many of its pieces are still being transported by Mutey and my old thralls, we have begun to redesign the new city, improving the walls and power, and Hiroaki, alongside Laru, his.. wife? I am unsure of greenladers and their customs still, even after spending years among them, but the two of them have been a great help in keeping me and the Nexus from going wild and making the upgrades from taxing the new kingdoms resources. I have also chosen a spot for the new library to be built inside the town, and I cannot wait for it to be built. Im still designing it, but it will be a glorious replacement.
It will also be one of the last buildings built, due to it being its own complex of smaller buildings inside of a wall, much like the one that used to surround Zuri’s refuge. I’m still deciding upon either multiple towers or just one large building surrounded by sheds and maybe a storm house or two.
But that is for the future, and right now, I need to be focusing on the meeting I’m in.
Hiroaki: “… and we will make sure all is ready for the transition. The hidden sands fortress, while it’s been a long standing position for Joseph, we both have agreed that it has served its purpose. With the additions we have planned for Zuri’s refuge, it will be a better place to house much of the infrastructure that the hidden sands used to support. We hope that it won’t be abandoned completely, instead becoming a military base, perhaps for Mohi and his… warriors.”
Me: “I agree, and since I was its commander pretty much since its founding, it will be hard to abandon it. I am in favor of it staying, maybe being redesigned a little to better fit being a single-units military fort, but it is in a good, fortified position and we might end up needing to fall back there again.”
Sin, Nibol, and the rest of the council were silent as they digested Hiroaki and I’s recommendations for the base. I hope that they will accept our plan, as Mohi will be, hopefully, a good replacement, reporting to Nibol, as the commander of the military. Sin had told me that he had a position for me in his new government, if I was willing, but I declined. I will stay as an advisor for Sin, but my focus was now the Nexus and the Library.
Sin: “Give me and Nibol some time to think. Joseph, Hiroaki, thank you for your input. If I wish for your advice, I shall send for you. I shall need time to decide. You two are dismissed.”
We both stood and nodded, and walked out after a quick goodbye. After a couple steps of silence, I looked at Hiroaki.
Me: “Eventually I will be building my new library, and it will be a pretty nice complex, I hope, but I wish to employ my own guards. Not that I don’t trust your men, Hiroaki, or the Sandukar, but I don’t wish to tax your treasury with guards who do little more than stand basically at my house. They will be Skeletons, and they will be after my model, as they used to be my Thralls. I only have a few left, and I wish to make use of them as guards now, instead of explores, keeping them close to me.”
Hiroaki: “I will think about it. It shouldn’t be a problem, and it will add some more backbone to the defense of Zuri’s refuge, I hope. Especially if they will fight as well as you do.”
Me: “They will. They will all be getting an update on combat training through my memory, once they also reconnect with the Nexus. Speaking of which, have you found a good temporary building for its mainframe yet?”
Hiroaki, smiling: “Follow me, my friend.”
Great episode Pat! This fight was a great one, it’s a shame my character has retired as a fighter, thankfully Mutey is still in service :D
I’m still in favor of the Hidden sands being deleted as a personal base and turned into a city, but that’s probably a lot of work so it’ll be understandable if you don’t wish to do it. I know I probably wouldn’t. 😂
I mentioned it to Smiles, but ill say it again.
I absolutly love the storys you guys put out
Thank you so much Pat!! The Black Marauders look really cool! Can you equip Mohi with Valmons sword and give him some samurai legplates.
👍
(Okay, firstly, I love how you used the graves! Made me feel an instant ‘squee’ of joy, very awesome!
And those Black Marauders look pretty dang cool, I like! I totally understand going ahead and abandoning the Hidden Sands. It’s a pity, however code errors making a thing not fun is- well, a very understandable reason. Plus, it’s a pretty decent time lore-wise. Zuri’s Refuge rises! Also, very nice taking the Dominion equipment to outfit the Sandukar.
And finally, we see territory properly changing hands! Now, the Great Desert is more or less united. It’s pretty nice.)
It was strange, the directions that life could take. A clerk for one of the most powerful men in the Great Desert, then a rebel, then the administrator of a city, and now? Kind of a clerk again. Well, a high-ranking officer with far more administrative power and authority than any clerk had, and still in charge of civil development of the city. However, one that made frequent reports and sorted regularly through records. It was something of an irony, nonetheless.
The Sands of Hate had officially reformed into the ‘Sand Kingdom’, a name that had already been partially attributed to them, now fully. The Hidden Sands was, perhaps, being abandoned, or being converted. Either way, Sin was moving the main command to Zuri’s Refuge, and through that, making it a center for both the military and civil administrations. And with the help of Joseph’s Nexus, and the not insignificant amount of supplies taken from The Dominion, they had enough infrastructure and supplies to actually support that.
It was a bit more crowded these days, no doubt about it. The Sandukar had largely been stationed in Zuri’s Refuge now as a more permanent fixture and had been armed with equipment scavenged from The Dominion and Empire both. Something that they had in excess due to their victories. That essentially took care of military security, though civil policing was also needed and was better handled NOT by the soldiers, but by the people Laru had started gathering up. Settling disputes and investigating problems was a different matter than going out to war, after all.
Still, it did make Laru a bit antsy having the whole of the Sands here, since now she had a not insignificant number of superiors besides just him who were constantly around. Sin had come often enough that Hiroaki himself wasn’t too bothered by the more direct oversight, however it was still a bit of an adjustment to his leader’s constant presence while he managed the city.
Nonetheless, they were good adjustments. Zuri’s Refuge was a good choice to make their base of operations, and capital. As of now, it was functionally their only city and territory. Which was part of why he was… cautious of giving up the Hidden Sands. Without that, Dune would be the only other actual territory they could lay claim to, and then only partially since they shared that with the Flotsam Ninjas. He did prefer Joseph’s plan in that regard, but also saw Sin’s logic. He’d understand either direction, really.
The Sands, now Sand Kingdom, was powerful. However, small. And it’s functioning military was not large, just strong. Deadly strong. They could wield a great amount of influence, but couldn’t necessarily hold a large amount of territory. Not as they were now. They didn’t need to, of course, but they did need to stay mindful of their allies, and their intentions. Speaking of which…
“The Dune Renegades have taken Heft and will likely attempt to reform themselves into a successor state to the United Cities that ‘fixes’ it’s ills, namely slavery and the aristocratic upper class, removing both from their new state. On that note, it won’t be an empire or a kingdom I don’t think, their ideologies seem to suggest a sort of ‘Council’ leadership based on meritocratic principles. I’m not sure of course, but I think their leadership is trying to write out of a full document to announce their new government. A constitution or charter of some kind.” Hiroaki stated simply, sitting across calmly from Sin.
They were on the second level of the new Headquarters, looking out over Zuri’s Refuge, as Sin stood with his arms crossed thoughtfully, while Hiroaki recounted the facts from a series of reports.
“They’ll likely send a formal representative to our reformed government after they make their own official reformation. The Rebel Outlaws are mostly focused on fighting the Southern Nobles forces in the area, but they don’t really have a ‘plan’ I don’t think. I’m not sure what they’ll try to do after the last of the Nobles are dealt with and all they have are their own cities. The territories controlled by the Empire Peasants, at least, are forming something of a loose coalition, pretty much entirely focused on their own development and survival. And understandable position, to be sure.” Hiroaki stated, flipping through a few papers, more out of habit than anything else.
“The Anti-Slavers are still active because of the Southern Nobles, however I’m not sure what they’ll do afterwards, like the Rebel Outlaws. Tinfist is impressive, however he’s never struck me as a man with a plan either. And he holds territory. So, while the military situation in the Great Desert is very stable, the social situation is still very much up in the air. How we’re going to influence them and what we’re going to ask from our allies should be decided while they’re, well, undecided, for lack of a better word.” Hiroaki stated, before looking back across the city with a light sigh.
“As for our allies to the West, Narko’s Disciples, the Shek Kingdom, and The Flotsam Ninjas, are all experiencing disagreements. The Flotsam Ninjas want freedom of religion, the Narko’s Disciples want the worship of Narko, and the Shek Kingdom is itching to prove themselves in battle again. That area could erupt into another war easily, though it’s not a certainty. They have their own diplomats after all. Still, we’ve been out of their politics for some time. We may want to sway things while we still have some sway.” Hiroaki stated, before humming as he considered the others.
“Aside from that, The Reavers have been dealt with, General Mohi reports no real problems aside from uncooperative Skeleton Traders, we may want to look into fixing relationships with them. The Cannibal Hunters have been effective in cleaning up the remnants of the tribes after we decapitated their heads, but are now fighting with The Sturmijaz, a fight that was started by the latter I am reasonably certain. That makes two of our allies who are definitely fighting one another beyond skirmishes. The Shinobi Thieves want to establish a tower in Zuri’s Refuge, because of course they do, and The Sand Ninjas sent supplies of their own volition. Currying favor perhaps? Mirusaki would probably better know the significance of the rice they sent. And we’re making plans to make peace with The Crab Raiders.” Hiroaki summarized.
“Once our southern campaigns are complete, pacifying the ‘Bug Master’ and finishing off the Southern Nobles and last of the slavers, we can finally turn the mainstay of our focus onto development, and peacekeeping.” Stated Hiroaki, before thinking for a moment, then stating.
“Also, you need a title Sir.” He concluded. Sin blinked, and looked to Hiroaki directly for the first time since absorbing the information.
“What?”
“A title Sir. Properly. As the head of the Sand Kingdom.”
“I- … Do I- not have one?”
“Nothing formally declared for our new government yet. It’s not a big deal internally, not for us at least, but it’s something that needs to be done for our legitimacy as a nation on the outside. King, Sultan, Marshall, Sensei, Supreme Commander, all good choices. Or maybe something like Liberator, First Emancipator? Essentially, anything that doesn’t remind anyone of the regimes we just overthrew. No Emperor, Master, Lord, or Shogun.” He stated plainly, to which Sin blinked.
“I’ll… take that into advisement.” He stated, before looking back across the distance.
“… You and Laru have done a wonderful job here, Hiroaki. It’s beautiful.” He spoke, and Hiroaki smiled, simply turning his gaze to the city with him.
“… Thank you. Joseph’s Nexus has helped expansion grow drastically. We have enough people and enough boats to keep fishing properly and regularly, and right now it’s our primary food source.” He spoke, before sighing lightly, and nodding a little more, this time to himself.
“Commander Joseph’s plans for The Library will require even further construction, and a bit more power for his additional Skeletons, but well worthwhile. And our population keeps growing. It’s getting a bit crowded, but good. And we’re able to keep up with the demand, keep expanding. We might be able to make a full on docks to go out into the deeper seas, acquire a bounty from the ocean… there’s so much potential here Sir. And only more. With all we’re putting in? Something wonderful will bloom…” He stated, sighing contentedly… and Sin looked back to Hiroaki with a light smile.
“… Something wonderful already is. You should be proud my friend. Everyone should be.” He spoke, his voice soft, before looking back out into the distance.
“… So when’s the wedding?” He asked simply, and Hiroaki blushed for a moment, looking down, for the first time nervous, like the early days, and moved his left hand to the back of his head.
“Um, after the Southern Nobles are handled, we think. Not immediately, just- we want things to be settled, before we formalize it. Commit to a new life.” Hiroaki explained, leading to Sin chuckling lightly, and placing a hand on his shoulder.
“I see. I’m happy for you both. Truly… we are approaching the end of a long road my friend. The happiness of you and Laru, is just more that makes it all worth it, in the end.” He spoke softly, before looking out into the distance once more, and Hiroaki fought off his bashfulness enough to look up and join him, simply quiet for a moment, as they enjoyed the view of the city. The capital of a nation born from those freed of chains. Flourishing, and growing, just like the rest of the Great Desert.
The fighting wasn’t done yet. But soon. And people were already rebuilding. There were still problems, still matters to settle, still concerns. But today? Everything was beautiful. And they would only become more so…
You know, these storys always put a big smile on my face.
It makes the Character and world feel so alive.
i am always saying it, but thank you Smiles
@@patostrophia2948 (And it always makes me smile to hear that! I enjoy writing these stories, and having them appreciated makes me particularly joyful. You are most welcome, and thank you for your kind words! And indeed, it twas very cool!)
Corvax needs to get some action in form of missions as well ^^ Bet he can be of help and worth to be send to do stuff ^^
Can do! is there anything that would be interesting for Corvax :)?
Mohi's Diary:
Entry 11:
After two days of traveling throgh the great desert, we finnaly reached the Reaver capital, Ark. The rusted steel walls towered over the wasteland, squads of reaver soldiers sould be seen patroling around the enterace down below, from within the fortress the crack of whips could be heard, followed by the screams of slaves echoing from within the metal walls.
I havent seen that shithole in almost a year. It filled me with a feeling of Range and excietment, knowing that Valmon was in there, not knowing that I have come for revenge.
Krown, Abrarious, Rinnosuke, Krown, Handy, Adrian and of course Ungern helped me set up camp on a cliff overlooking the enemy settlement. After we finnished our ration pack five men went to sleep exepct for Krown and I. Krown patroled around the camp while I simply sat down stearing at the fortress of Ark. I had mulsiple flashbacks, I remember being whiped chained and shoved into a cage with Valmon looking down at me with glee. Then, I had a second flashback, waking up in a cage, unlocking my shackles and cage with an lockpick that I fashioned from a scrap of metal. Then sneaking into the sleeping quaters of my master to throttle him while he was sleeping. Afterwards I sook his sword, killed two of his guards and escaped the camp, traveled north into the grate dester and vowed that I will return, that I will have my revenge.
The next morning, we began our attack on the reavers. I lead the charge downhill towards a patrol squadron of Reavers. We smacked agaibst the think ranks of Reavers, begining the first phase of the battle. My Naginata cut through their armor like a knife through butter, hacking and slashing through wave after wave of Reavers. My vision was blury and red, never before had my aggression reached this hight. I cut men in half, watering the soil with their blood, I beheaded others, leaving their headless bodies twitching on the ground. As the battle progressed, more and more Reavers rushed in to join the fray but they were cut down by my Naginata.
After two hours of bloody combat, the crab raiders joined the battle on our side, not that I noticed, I remained in a trance like rage, swimming in blood towards Valmon. When the Reavers outaide the fortress were killed, I made my way towards the enterance. On my way up the iron staircase I killed Reavers to my left and right, even pushing a Crab raider off the stairs.
When I reached inside the fortress I was surrounded by Reaver soldiers with their cleavers at the ready, Spring Bats aimed at me and in the middle stood a tall Shek warrior, clad in thick leather armor and weilding a chrome steel longswond that shined in the torchlight. He had a hiddious and boney face with long corved horns, bright yellow eyes and gnarly rotting fangs, Valmon. I let out a war cry that echoed across the room and charged towards Valmon. The spring bats fired, five bolts hit me, one in the left shoulder and the rest in the torso, but I felt no pain. I reached Valmon but as I thrusted my blade at him, he stepped back as a Reaver jumped in front and impaled himself on my Naginata.
Krown, Adrian, Ungern and the others charged in behind me and faught the other Reavers while I cleaved through ranks of enemies.
"VAAAALMOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!" I cried out as I hacked through the Reavers, splitting skulls and impaling bodies on my Naginata.
"FIGHT MEEEEE!" I cried out again in anger, as I continued to cut through his men in a fit of rage.
After one more hour, there was only a dozen Reavers left. But still, I could not find Valmon, I stood their panting, drenched in blood, boddies, and scatter limbs around me and bolts sticking out of my armor. "Has the coward fled!?" I thaught to myself before I head a loud *thud* above me.
I looked up and I saw a long shiny object glint in the dark above me, the shiny object decended falling down to reveal Valmon from out of the Dark. He swung his longsword down at me and I blocked the strike with my Naginata. The metal floor rattled as Valmon landed, his strike bending my Naginata shaft and knocking me down to my knees.
He stared into my eyes and said "You are an aggressive one, you will make a fine slave for the revolution!"
I stood up and slashed him across the face, he stepped back with the bone on his left brow being shaved off by my blade. He swung his longsword at me with impresive speed, but I dodged just in time. We faught for what seemed like an eternity, slashing and stabbing at each other, frolicking in blood and exchanging blows, in a deadly dance between two warriors gon mad.
I thrusted my naginata, aiming for his chest, Valmon stepped out of the way, resulting in my blade being stuck in the wall.
"Time to die bugman!!" He growled as he raised his longsword and swung at my neck to decapitate me. I ducked under with his blade cleaving through the wall above me and chopping off the tips of my helmet horns.
I then stood up, grabbed my naginata and ripped it out of the wall, with metal debries flying onto Valmon. I cleaved through his thick leather armor and cut into his flesh, leaving a large gaping wound on his chest. Valmon stumbled back and smirked at me, gripping his sword tightly. This was my chanse to finish him off I charged at him like a bull as I thrusted at him, he stepped to the side and swung at my torso with impressive speed and devastating might, he cut through my chestplate and cleaved through my flesh, wounding me serverly, the thrist time I felt pain during the battle. I fell tonmy knees holding the side of chest as I bled out, I looked up at Valmon as he raised his sword again and slashed at my face, he cut through ny helmets visor leaving a scar on the left side of my face and taking out my left eye.
I droped my weapon and fell to the ground, and as I reached for the shaft of my Naginata he stepped on my hand and said "Say your last words bugman" as he raised his longsword to finnish me off. But before he steuck me, he was knocked off he feet by a long cleaver that was swung with impressive force, Valmon whent flying ten feet across the room with a second scar across his chest. I looked up with my one eye and saw Ungern, covered in blood reach down to me. I took his hand and he helped me up with Krown, Adrian, Rinnosuke, Handy and Abrarious behind him.
I picked up my Naginata and we all faught Valmon together. My comrades faught well, but they were exausted and injnjured, so after half an hour of fighting they were unconsious, with Krown having an entire research tabled thrown at him.
Valmon and I were the last two in the battle. He stood their, coverd in blood and bolts fired by Krown, he spad out a tooth and said "You have been here for only four hours and you have ruined everything!!!"
"I have been here before" I replied
"I have met you before, and you took me from my hive, from my King, FROM MY QUEEN!!!!" I charged at him, and we continued fighting for ten more minuets hacking into eachother in a frenzey until he knocked my Naginata out of my hands, I then wrestled with him until I managed to grab he Longsword, I kneed him in the groind, wich losened his grip and I slashed at his knee caps, making him collapse in front of me on his knees.
I took off my helmet, droped it on the floor then I grabbed Valmons horn and pulled down so he looked up at me. I raised the longsword high and let out a war cry as I sliced his neck, the blade cut through his flesh as if it was nothing, the light left his eyes as his body fell foward with a *thud*, and bleed out from the stump were his head was.
I raised Valmons head high as blood driped from the neck into the floor.
My Queen! I did it! I have avenged my warriors! I have spilled blood for the King! I will return to the Hive!!!!
Holy Macaroni!
That is what i call a brutal Revenge story! Love it
Oh Kral, best way to start the weekaend
lets gooo!
First, I love the series. Keep them coming.
Thank you
Personaly I tought you want your kingdom capital to be in the middle of empire so I think the shem is best suited for that I think city called Perl should surfice if not I could construct military outposts inside of shem with trone and few buildings for you,maybe just maybe you can use files to change countess to queen with files also that child we speakin before shoul apear soon before the end of series
I have some realy nice plans for Mirosaki and Sin. I think you will enjoy the end :)