The Rampant Lion/Archives/Twelve

From BattleMaster Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
TRL Header.png


In every land, in every age, there are always tyrants that will prey on those who are weaker than themselves. Given free reign, they will spread their lies across the land. They build empires on a foundation of deceit, manipulation, and boundless ambition. Left unchecked these tyrants will devastate East Island, and all it's inhabitants, in wars without end. The Kingdom of Perdan will not stand idly by while the East Island is led into ruin and destruction. The Rampant Lion will stand forth as a beacon of truth regarding the travails of Perdan as it seeks to oppose those who would bring destruction upon our lands. As events in Perdan unfold, they will be chronicled here so all people on the East Island have access to an accurate, fair accounting of the events taking place in our world.
The only thing necessary
for the triumph [of evil]
is for good men to do nothing.
- Edmund Burke (attrib.)
Commentary
Excal-icon.gif   January 31, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Arrest of All Gymnist Priests Ordered in Perdan
Arch Priestess Balkeese Indirik has issued a standing order for the arrest of all priests of Gymnistism in Perdanese lands. The order was sent out following the mass rioting of common folk in Bastad at the urgings of the Gymnist priests. Several of these priests have been returning to Perdan lands following repeated attempts to convince them otherwise, including lengthy stays in the dungeons. It has become increasingly obvious as time goes by that these priests of Gymnistism are merely tools of the occupational government of the Islands, and are being used in a futile attempt to prop up their failing government. Their actions are clearly against the best interests of the common folk they claim to represent, and have resulted in the deaths of of over 100 commoners. As a result, no priests of Gymnistism will be allowed in Perdanese lands. Any of their priests caught trespassing in Perdan will be harshly punished.


Excal-icon.gif   January 29, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Island Liberation Proceeding on Schedule
Yesterday, the liberation forces of Perdan freed another region from the clutches of the occupational government of the Kalmar Islands. Lundel is the last of the three regions on the southernmost of the island chain that surrounds Kalmar Bay to recognize Perdan as their lawful rulers. The realm of Avamar Selective is currently in even worse shape than Kalmar Islands. Avamar Selective, while also reduced to a mere two regions, is currently undergoing a takeover of their capital city at the hands of Old Rancagua. The takeover has been running for several days, and is sure to be completed soon.


Excal-icon.gif   January 25, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Hiding Behind the Skirts of a Priest
Over the course of the past several weeks, Perdan has slowly, but surely, been taking control of the southernmost of the Kalmar Islands. In this time, a rather interesting pattern has emerged. The military forces of the Kalmar Islands have refused to meet the military forces of Perdan in a battle on the open fields. The few nobles brave enough to meet the army of Perdan have quickly been outnumbered and surrendered. Most of them have, in fact, declared their opposition to the occupational government, and abandoned their former Island masters. And while their regions are inexorably liberated from their ruinous, clutching fingers, the occupational forces sit behind their walls and press more and more commoners into forced military service. Every commoner with two legs and at least one arm is given a sword or a knife and sent to man the formidable walls of Chaos Temple. But even with hundreds of troops manning the walls, the nobles of the Kalmar Islands still refuse to sally forth to defend their realm through strength of arms. What do they do instead? They send priests. Naked priests.

For the past two weeks, a near flood of priests of Gymnistism has flowed out of Chaos Temple, and into the regions of Bastad, Lundel, and Venas. Where the warriors of the Islands refuse to travel, the priests of Gymnistism bravely tread. These priests are clearly puppets of the Kalmar Islands. Their preachings attempt to extol the virtues of the occupational government, and harangue the liberationist troops. They attempt to bolster the sagging morale and loyalty of regions being wrested from the Islands greedy grasp. Even though these priests have been clearly warned to stay out of the lands flying the flag of Perdan, they still come. They are arrested by the nobles of Perdan, sit in the dungeons of Perdan for a week, are released, and come right back. The interesting part is that each of these priests seems to be carrying a rather large amount of gold. It is not uncommon for these priests to be carrying in excess of 80 gold pieces each. This is nearly a full year's worth of tax income for a noble of the Kalmar Islands. Where does this wealth come from, and why are these supposedly simple priests carrying this much personal wealth?

The nobles of Perdan have some admiration for these priests of Gymnistism. The strength of their (misguided) convictions is something to be envied. Their dedication to their cause is staunch and unwavering. But while this is all true, it is important to note what this also tells us of the mind set of the remaining nobles of the Islands. They are willing to sit behind the walls of their fortress and send unarmed (and unclothed!) priests out to defend their kingdom. Surely a realm that would refuse to defend their kingdom by force of arms, and would rather let naked priests incite the masses of commoners instead, is one that truly does not deserve to rule a kingdom.


Excal-icon.gif   January 23, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Bastad Liberated!
The common folk of Bastad have finally recognized the error of their ways and thrown off the yoke of the occupational government of the Islands. Bastad has declared their loyalty to Perdan. The current takeover of Lundel is proceeding well, with more Perdanese troops on the way. It is expected that the southern island will soon be completely under the control of Perdan. News from Old Rancagua brings word that Stora is also expected to fall soon, giving Old Rancagua a foothold on the easter island.


Excal-icon.gif   January 19, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
News of the Liberation
The war to liberate the Kalmar islands from the infestation of the occupying forces proceeds on schedule and according to plans. With the liberation of Venas complete, the Perdanese forces have moved on and begun the takeover of Bastad. The regions are relatively barren, unproductive, and unpopulated due to the gross mismanagement on the part of the Avamarian occupational government. Wresting these poor regions from their grasp is the first step in the long road to restoring the islands to their full capacity.

Scout reports of Chaos Temple provide a very revealing insight into the state of things in that enigmatic stronghold. The population of the stronghold, normally in the thousands, has been reduced to a mere 42 commoners! Historical records obtained by our scouts show that the population levels in the past have gotten down as low as 35! We can only guess at the horrible conditions in the stronghold that could have driven the population so low. Rumours speak of press gangs roaming the city, searching for every last living being and forcing them to bear arms against the liberating forces of Perdan and Itorunt.

In other news, the liberation forces of Old Rancagua and Sirion have completed the destruction of the military infrastructure of Avamar Selective. All recruiting centers on Kalmar Island have been torn down. This will prevent the vanquished usurpers from forcing any more peasants into their poorly trained armies. With their capital city and two remaining regions occupied by Old Rancaguan and Sirion troops, the destruction of Avamar Selective is surely close at hand.


Excal-icon.gif   January 19, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
"Equality" in KI a farce!
Arch Priestess Balkeese has her hands full with a prison full of Kalmar Island citizens. As known island-wide these citizens are not known for their silent, gentle nature. The most notorious prisoner is Lady Donna Ragna who was captured suspiciously traveling into Venas unaccompanied.

Rumour has reported that Judge Ch'in demanded her release due to her noble and royal blood line and the 'honourability' of the war. When Arch Priestess Balkeese opened negotiations, the proud Judge refused to barter, and demanded her immediate and unconditional release. In a twist, Donna Ragna agreed that she shouldn't receive special treatment and that as a member of her people all the nobless of KI should be released together. In fact, Donna Ragna decreed that the only thing that Royal blood was good for was getting theater tickets.

What is ironic is that Donna Ragna only found it in herself to demand the release of all of her countrymen after she was imprisoned. Before she was imprisoned herself she cared not one damn bit about how many of her nobles were in prison. Arch Priestess Balkeese has reported that not a single message from her, Kalmar Island's judge, or any single "Kalmarian" inquiring as to the safety or freedom of their countrymen was received.

To me, that fact alone gives the lie to all Kalmar's words of equality. Rumour has it that Donna Ragna will be offered the accommodation of Perdan's dungeons for awhile longer so that she can take the opportunity to think long and hard about her "equality", and the complete lack of respect and regard she has for her countrymen.


Excal-icon.gif   January 18, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Mistaken Identity!
During the recent over-running of Perdan soil with naked Gymnastics priests, a case of mistaken identity occurred. General ][osferatu glimpsed a flash of skin, averted his eyes (those Gymnastics priests aren't attractive) and ordered the arrest of Priestess Tabatha. Once the mistake was realised Lady Tabatha was released from prison and the General offered her a donation for her troubles. Most likely she'll be rethinking her wardrobe.

Along the same lines, the peasants of the southern island have rejoiced in being freed from the sight of the nude priests trying to spread their self-serving, juvenile religion. They have embraced the freedom and honesty of Perdan with open arms.


Excal-icon.gif   January 15, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Undead Horde Attack Perdan City!
The common folk of Perdan have fled from their homes to the safety of the walls of Perdan city at the sudden appearance of a massive horde of undead! Reports indicate that the horde of undead, numbering nearly 500 of the foul creatures, have been pillaging and marauding across the countryside. The horde is expected reach Perdan city in mere hours. Duke Nightmare and many more staunch defenders have rushed to the walls to prepare for the assault.

Update:After a full day of fighting, the undead horde was defeated. Many noble warriors of Perdan lost their lives fighting off the rampaging horde. They shall be hailed as heroes for making the ultimate sacrifice for their realm.


Excal-icon.gif   January 15, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Old Rancagua Regains Control
It seems as if the common fold of Kazan, Kazakh, and Juazeiro were not too happy to learn that they owed allegiance to Avamar Selective. The common folk of these regions rose up in revolt against their new masters and initiated their own friendly take over of the regions to return themselves to the ownership of Old Rancagua. The revolts were quick and orderly. All three regions rapidly threw off the yoke of the usurpers, and are now firmly back under the wing of Old Rancagua.

It has been determined that the so-called nobles of Avamar Selective did not assault the rightful lords of the region prior to taking control. Instead, they bribed the officials in the regions to hand control over to Avamar Selective, while the rightful lords were still seated! This incurred tremendous expenses on the part of the usurpers. Our sources indicate that nearly 24,000 gold was spent in forgeries and bribes. While their control of the regions was short-lived, Avamar Selective still maintains their claim that they have a legitimate right tot he regions. This could have some long-term effects on the production and usefulness of the regions to Old Rancagua.


Excal-icon.gif   January 12, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Deceit and Corruption Abounds
In a maneuver that surprised the East Continent yesterday, Bladesinger of Avamar Selective bribed public officials and bought the titles to the region of Kazan out from under the nose of Old Rancagua, and added it to the list of regions that owe fealty to Avamar Selective. Although expensive, the maneuver was only a hinting of things to come. Mere hours later Chancellor Amreadil of Avamar Selective moved into the city of Kazakh and bribed the officials in the city to declare him as the rightful Duke of Kazakh! Amreadil reportedly spent nearly 8,000 gold on bribes before he managed to convince the local officials to risk their lives on the forging of the official document. After the deception was discovered, it was too late. The officials perpetrating the act were nowhere to be found, and Avamar Selective had already taken possession of the region. Old Rancagua is expected to rapidly retake control of the city, but the shadow of the claim by Avamar Selective will have long lasting effects on the productivity of the region.

Update: Lady Althea of Avamar Selective has now bought the title of Juazeiro away from Old Rancagua. It is believed that assassins from Avamar Selective are attacking the regional lords of Old Rancagua in order to clear the titles so the region lordships can be bought. This string of region losses will surely be extremely damaging to Old Rancagua.


Excal-icon.gif   January 6, 2007   Excal-icon.gif
Perdan and Itorunt March to War!
The armies of Perdan and Itorunt have joined together and sailed to war! Yesterday morning, the armies of both of the realms put to sea from the Perdan Mines for Venas. The expeditionary force is ultimately bound for the realm of Kalmar Islands to liberate it from the occupying government. Resistance is already being met in the form of infiltrator activity delaying travel. With the long travel times across the islands, it remains to be see how much of an effect this will have on the invasion forces. As expected, the defenders have decided to retreat behind the walls of Chaos Temple and await the assault. This is typical of the tactics used by Kalmar Islands and Avamar Selective against the invasion forces of Old Rancagua, Sirion, and Fontan. It will take much work from the Marshals of the invasion force to coordinate the arrival times of the multitude of troops. But if it can be done properly, the attackers should have no trouble overwhelming the defenders.

Update: January 7, Perdan has declared war on the Kalmar Islands.


The News
January 28, 2007
Perdan has seized control of Lundel from the Kalmar Islands.


January 25, 2007
Old Rancagua has taken control of Stora from Avamar Selective.


January 24, 2007
The realms of Kalmar Islands and Avamar Selective have announced that they now form a federation.


January 23, 2007
Perdan has taken control of Bastad from the Kalmar Islands.


January 22, 2007
The rebellion in Avamar Selective has failed.


January 20, 2007
A rebellion is breaking out in Avamar Selective. Earlier today, Conor has called for an uprising against the current government.


January 16, 2007
The realm of Kalmar Islands has elected Kamenos as its new Chancellor.

The realms of Perdan and Old Rancagua have joined into an alliance.


January 15, 2007
Old Rancagua has regained control of Juazeiro from Avamar Selective.


January 14, 2007
Old Rancagua has regained control of Kazakh from Avamar Selective.

Old Rancagua has regained control of Kazan from Avamar Selective.


January 12, 2007
Kalmar Islands has declared war on Fontan.

Kalmar Islands has declared war on Sirion.

Avamar Selective has taken control of Kazakh from Old Rancagua. Forgery and bribery is suspected in the incident.

Avamar Selective has taken control of Kazan from Old Rancagua. Forgery and bribery is suspected in the incident.

Avamar Selective has taken control of Juazeiro from Old Rancagua. Forgery and bribery is suspected in the incident.

The King of Old Rancagua has publicly derided the people, government and ancestors of Avamar Selective, and declared them to be evil people devoid of soul and undeserving of mercy.


January 11, 2007
Itorunt has declared war on Avamar Selective.


January 10, 2007
Avamar Selective has declared war on Sirion.


January 9, 2007
Kalmar Islands has declared war on Itorunt.

Avamar Selective has declared war on Fontan.


January 7, 2007
Perdan has declared war on Kalmar Islands.