Many exciting things happened in September, religious follower upheaval, the beginning of the Dunnera-Caligus war, and some diplomatic shifts. How does that effect this month's power rankings?
1. Sirion
Sirion remains the strongest realm, sporting the most gold production, the most regions, the most nobles, and alliances with Caligus, Nivemus, Dunnera, and OI. Any way you look at it, Sirion seems to have both strength and diplomatic options, and has somehow avoided being pulled into the Dunnera-Caligus war. At least, for now...
2. Perdan
Perdan keeps their second spot as well. Once again, they are second to only Sirion in seemingly every category. However, Perdan has strengthened their already strong position by taking rogue regions around them that were their 'spoils of war' from the Ibladesh war. Perdan also boasts perhaps even stronger alliances than Sirion, with not only Caligus and OI as an ally, but the steady, strong state of Westmoor.
3. Caligus
While Caligus rounds out the Big 3 yet again, it is conceivable that if someone were to join on Dunnera's side, that Caligus would fall a spot in the rankings. For now, though, Caligus is fighting an over-matched opponent that is just looking to hang on as long as possible until a miracle happens or until they can cut a deal with their former ally. Neither seem likely, and Caligus should get the Duchy of Fontan back, further strengthening(and further stretching) the realm.
4. Westmoor
Westmoor is the strongest 'second-tier' state, and has been that way for some time now. While their national religion took a hit with the recent religious confusion, that is no large matter for a realm that also has the fourth strongest military, fourth most gold production, and tied for fifth most nobles.
5. Nivemus
Nivemus once again barely edges out Armonia in the power rankings. Nivemus has one less noble than Armonia and a less productive gold economy, however, the economy still has some room to grow and Nivemus has secured the fifth strongest military for several weeks. Add on top of that an alliance with the strongest single realm on the continent, some minor diplomatic strides this past month, and a continually good food supply, and you have Nivemus.
6. Armonia
Armonia has the fourth most number of nobles, the fifth best gold production, and the sixth best military. Armonia is a solid realm by itself, however, they remain on unstable diplomatic ground with no allies to speak of. Armonia was not able to take the fallen glory that is Ibladesh, so we will have to see where this realm turns to to add to it's strength.
7. Eponllyn
Eponllyn still has great food production and now has Ibladesh. Ibladesh remains a wreck, and will probably not be profitable for a year at the least, but if you are an Eponllyn noble, it must be good seeing your realm's banner flying high over that city.
8. Obsidian Islands
Obsidian Islands sustains their spot at eighth place. OI is much stronger than they once were and have a solid diplomatic base. This realm may still be weaker than many others, but don't pick on them, they are much improved in power than they have been in the past.
9. Dunnera
After the fallout with Caligus, a realm that once seemed brimming with promise seems to be brimming with despair. Their former ally has declared war on them, no realm has jumped to their aid, and this realm still cannot feed itself. The realm went back and forth between compromise and independence, and that may turn to be their downfall. It is possible that by November or December, the East Continent will return to eight realms once again.
-Editor Neji on October 5, 2012
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