The new stable portal at Pavel in the Principality of Moscow is closed to all but the Thule's and those with official business with the Thule's has they send in the army and launch a crack down on religion in the area.
Riots in Whitewater erupt killing many and destroying an important part of the harbour however after a few days the situation is brought under control.
The diplomatic conference ends with no progress other than a list of problems.
June AU15
The Sutekhreturn - Sutekh were spoted in the sewers of the Port Rabel, fear spreads through the thharbourArchipelagan region.
The Crimson Brotherhood retain control of Port Rabel and the island it sits upon
The Shogunate and Sanctuary in the Thunders have both moved large numbers of soldiers and samuria to thier common borders at the location of new stable portal location, the portal could not have appeared at worse time and worse place with relations already strained.
May AU15
The Crimson Brotherhood assaults and captures the Port Rabel in Archipelogo, a 2nd fleet is then sent to the Port of Saints armed with flangite bomb to blow it up.
Storms delay the attack giving Governor Dishwater a bit of time to prepare before sending out all his available fleet to intercept the approaching armada.
After a major battle in which many ships are sunk, the Confederacy navy is victorious and the bomb destroyed, what left of both fleets return to their respective ports for repairs.
Port Rabel remains in Crimson Brotherhood hands.
After nearly 6 month of being under siege Carnelium surrenders to Emperor Steiner, a deal has been struck making Queen Morticia the Duchess of Avalon. The forsaken agree to peace and join Queen Morticia's free forsaken, Morticia invites all humans of Carnelium to return home and reclaim whats left of their property. The City itself is a complete ruined mess and will take months before it is even remotely habitable and will take a decade to return to its former glory. The Avalon portal is now open for business and travel.
April AU15
Something valuable to the Draken is stolen, they close off the Island of Whitewater and threaten to burn it to the ground, unless the item is returned. At the final deadline for return nothing happens and Draken leave.
The Crimson Brotherhood attack Port Rabel and send fleet of ships towards Port of Saints
The Magi Mentary a group specialising in using elemental technology after internal arguments split from the Magi and rename themselves the Mentary. Caliph Khalil banishes the Magi.
The Seige of Carnellium persists, but negotiations of some sort appear to be taking place between the besieged Forsaken, and Emperor Stiener's diplomats.
March AU15
The Jade Sword of Kuen-Lu was won by Shika of the Sanctuary, Kuboji of the Sanctuary has declared this a sign the Sanctuary is the right path over the old ways of Shogunate and that destiny dictates the Shogunate will crumble.
A major earthquake in the mountains near the Mount Tajima Monastery sent a shock wave across the Thunders damaging many fine porcelain plates. This was said to be a result of something a group a Gajin did, but they have since disappeared so why and what they did cannot be determined.
A report of horrific werewolf wondering the Thunders that must be avoided at all costs, seems to be true, the Golden Vampire is blamed.
February AU15
A cold war between the leading vampires Vampires Nation has started. On one side Du-Mornay sits with his advantage of being able to create more vampires and use certain blood based technologies on the other side Stommler, the Comtessa and Falco have the advantage of age and power over these much younger vampires.
At last a clearer picture of the Dust new world is emerging. The lush lands to south east are called Thieneland by its people, they are ruled by someone called The first Skythiene, Skydew Wyrmtongue. The land is populated by mixed culture of humans and goblins although humans mainly live in the north and goblins the south, they worship a set of 5 gods and live in a land that seems to been torn apart, it obvious their culture was once much more advanced. In the very north of Thieneland is a area walled off that has yet to be explored as is the north and north east of Dust. This a vast land it will take many years to map and fully explore.
15 AU - General Background Update.
Archipelago and Union.
Whitewater remains under Lord Gutter and guild control, the guilds continue to grow their influence around the world mainly in Frontier and Dust.
Port of Saints recently built two deep water harbours, these have helped improve a already free and prosperous open port, with no taxes or import duties, cheap docking fees, together with few rules and a low crime rate, the port flourishes. The Port of Saints is also home to the Society of New Sciences a organisation which sponsor technological research.
The Confederacy Navy has been united under the command of a Admiral in Chief, Governor Dishwater. The Navy fights to regain control of Archipelagos seas and works alongside a state of the art independent sea force the Mari-Ann foundation, against the two large pirate groups the Black sail Buccaneers and Crimson Brotherhood.
Port Rabel can not really be called the capital of Archipelago anymore, the crime capital of the region yes, its steep decline can be seen in state of its buildings, where the stilted marsh town is its most thriving area.
The Court of the Water Dragon in the east remains open for trade, but otherwise remains quiet.
The Smoke is a powerhouse of industry producing much of the worlds manufactured goods with its steam powered machines working 24 hours a day. Now the official home of the Vampire nation who could be said to rule the whole city since they own most of it, one Vampire called DuMornay seems to be in charge.
The rest of Union remains unchanged the Institute of Curiosities and its College is remain the place to learn and research, a sanctuary from the world politics, while nearby Compton remains the place to have fun.
The Fenris Isles are still ruled by Prince Imericks younger brother, but until Imerick completes his quest or proves himself the Elders will not consider his challenge.
Dust.
The great evil magi Al-Fulani is dead, the Ogryn & Ogres remain a pain but the perhaps the biggest change is discovery of Dusts coastline after 15 years of isolation since the Shards re-united, Dust now knows its place in the world.
Caliph Khalil rules the main region called the Thousand Tears of Nia from his palace in Mubarak Abar. Using his Magi Mentary he builds great things using the power of the elements these include the Khal tunnel through the eastern mountain range giving the Thousand Tears of Nia its first ever port.
The Sable veil continues to exert influence from the shadows with its members entwined within all levels of Dust society
The Ogre's of Juanorge have managed to stay part of Dust society however the Caliph's has ordered their King, Langstrom, to stop the Orgrn's quickly or become the enemy of his nation.
Many thousand of undead raised by Al-Fulani wander without purpose in the deserts surrounding the Thousand Tear of Nia
About 500 miles north of the Thousand Tears of Nia a land ruled by Cat and Serpent like people was discovered.
The newly discovered what looks like very fertile region to the south west of continent seems to be inhabited by Goblins and Humans several expiditions are expected to return with news very soon.
Much of the vast land remains unexplored.
Faerie.
The war in Faerie some would say is won, however the Dark Riders forces although defeated by the Ard-Ri are still around north of wall, the Dark Rider himself also remains alive and in control of the high mages seat.
The Vault is now free and trading of rare elements as re-started but some materials particulary Flangite and Dilirium remain almost unobtainable.
Queen Madb's black stripe Fomorii remain at war with the Dark Riders red stripe counterparts who conduct a guerilla war against her kingdom.
The McUen's, Dwarves, Madb's Formori, The Sidhe, the Atlantean's and Courts remain at the Ar-dri's Finnlay's side, but rumbling of discontent remain about the how Ard-Ri compromised the ideals of this magical land to win the war.
Stronghold is now rebuilt stronger and better.
The Altlantean Survivors have renamed themselves the Alantean Protecorate and seem greatly influence by Lokion who could be called their leader.
Locus and the Dark Unicorns have disappeared back into the land and not been heard of for over a year.
The Knights of Discord, Dusk and Dawn and the Freaks remains apart from the Ard-ri rule.
The Dwarves and Formori continue to compete with their steam powered machines.
Frontier.
The land has seen little change in this last year, the Saurons after their brief war remain in their own lands, The Tribes remain at best unhappy with the settlers and Yogykarta continues to claim more and more land.
The only two sources of Flangite remain inaccessible, The Sauron controlled mine buried in the war is not mined by them as they do not see its value, and the other source on Zamboanga remains under control of Magnus who refuses to trade with anyone.
The Beastkin of Frontier and beastkin of all lands have formed a new nation of their own called Zoon within Zamboanga borders and share in Zamboanga's protection. Zoon has no leader, no governing organisation just a common goal to build a place to live but this surely will not last, the beastkin's nature will want a Prime. Beastkin do still remain outside Zoon, but mainly as slaves within Saurons lands.
The lands of Purple River in the far west of the land remain isolated by vast jungles and mountains.
The average temperature across the land remains stabilised, the Blood Stone have not reached their goal but have halted in a deal with tribes while alternatives are found to the Blood Stones concerns.
The Heart of the Raven a leader trying to unite the tribes in a war against the settlers finds many tribes unable to get past old rivalries and the Emerald Claw influence.
New Tara home of Brotherhood and the Heart of the Raven has grown beyond its walls with many tribes willing to follow the Heart setting up encampments around its walls.
Salem.
The Witch King is dead and what remains of his forsaken remain seiged by Emperor Steiner within the city of Carneliums walls, however after 2 month of siege the city still looks unlikely to surrender.
The Western Empire consists of the states of Aragon, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Bavaria, Brittany, Bohemia, Castile & Saxony ruled by Emperor Steiner it could at last be seen as recovering from the wars and natural disasters of the past years, its people are now allowed to practise religion again reliving many tensions and allowing priest to come out of hiding. Emperor Steiner declared himself the Supreme Pontiff and promised a new Wissen that will allow its people to grow, learn and tolerate rather than continue with the ways of the past.
The Thule Brotherhood controls Eastern Salem and the minds of its people, hatred of anyone different is rife, religion is still banned, the Youth League terrorises, and a new dark time exists here. The land however is wealthy, people work hard, and Rome is Salem best trading port, all the best prices and deals can be found here. They will not deal with the Western Salem Empire until Emperor Steiner renounces his title.
The Rakken have been driven back into the sewers, tunnels and mines of Borgengast in Bohemia, the city remains ruined and is unlikely to be re-occupied and rebuilt in the near future.
Von Dumas having been rescued remains ruler of Latveria and its borders remain closed.
Queen Carolin Medici returns after 15 years lost in time to claim back Avalon but find she is no longer in control, and finds Emperor Steiner claiming Avalon as part of Western Salem, not only that he favours a Forsaken called Queen Mortica as her replacement. The Duke of Saxony is a strong influence and will support Queen Medici claim.
Queen Morticia finds a home for many of the Forsaken freed from the blight and the Witch King, turning her a force to be noted.
Du Mornays army of Vampires in the Maldavia region of Eastern Salem is silently growing.
Thunders.
The old Shogun Imagawa Iyeusu die's at the age of 106 and his son Imagawa Huiansu is elected the new Shogun, he promises a strong but fair leadership.
The Golden Vampire returns and is gathering lost souls and any others that will follow him, what he offers them and to what purpose cannot be determined.
Kubuji head of the bureaucracy in the Sanctuary's and his allie Shika of Military are believed to planning to start a war with their enemy the Shogunate. Diplomatic relation were cut off before the new year following various action by both parties.
A pair of people calling themselves Yo-Yo and the Puppet Master declare they will kill every leader in every land, but this so far as come to nothing.
The Sanctuary miniture technology is making them wealthy; unfortunately corruption means the wealth does not get to population.
The Imperial Empire ruled by the Emperor is wise and forward thinking guided by what remains of the Twelve Tiger he seeks allies in the Shogunate and the Sanctuary he wants his nation back whole but not by force.
The Kuragari is silent, the Imperial Empire wants an alliance to destroy it, it is a fear that festers and quietly grows.
Other News
The Portal network has been re-ignited but is ever so slightly rickety....although it will withstand travel it is showing its extreme age. A minimum of two navigators are needed for a return journey - despite avoiding the Netherworld a portal opening is required going in and at the other end. The size of transport has been vastly reduced - you can basically get through a small caravan of people before the portal shuts close again. It also requires sometime to pass before the portal can be used again (this does not apply to an inbound journey where multiple portals can open sequentially). At the moment the time between useable portals is about an hour or so. The portals so far all lead to Union and one other place. Indications are they could be made to go to multiple places but work is needed by navigators and portal engineers in order for this to occur, hiring portal navigators remains only affordable for the very wealthy. For these reason moving armies or trade goods still requires fleets of ships and ships remains the cheapest form of travel.
Incursions from other Parallel worlds continue, a urgent call for help is issued by the Sorceror Supreme to try and prevent the phenomena reoccurring since the other worlds all seem intent on conquering ours.
A new technology created by the Vampires of grafting machines and men.
October AU14
The Golden Vampire is gathering lost souls and any others that will follow him, what he offers them and to what purpose cannot be determined.
Kubuji head of the bureaucracy in the Sanctuary's and his allie Shika of Military are believed to planning to start a war with their enemy the Shogunate. Diplomatic relation have been cut off following the Shoguns assassination Kubuji daughter, Momoko and the Shogun's attempted murder of the groom Jokin Karasawa by mind controlled farmers followed by trying to blow up everyone with some sort of lightening demon.
Two new large harbours have been raised in the Port of Saints.
September AU14
Borgengast is re-captured with many Rakken slain, what rakken remain hide in the caverns, sewers, mines and tunnersl below the city.
Emperor Steiner uses the momentum of the recent battles to focuse forces on the re-capture of Carnelium.
Al-Falani is challeged in hidden city by a group of hero's and is subsequently killed as he tried to gain power he'd long been seeking
The undead raised by Al-Falani remain in the deep desert surrounding the valley of Nia
August AU14
The Witch King and Blight are destroyed. Following the destruction of the Blight by a group of hero's the Witch Kings launches a revenge attack on those who did it, in a battle with the forces of Saxony, Bohemia, Baveria and The Free Forsaken his forces are destroyed and the Witch King is driven from his host hopefully never to return.
Many Thousands of Forsaken free of the Blight join Queen Morticia, those that remain are confused and leaderless leaving Carnelium extremely weak.
Emperor Steiner of West Salem repeals the law that forbids the practising of religion and makes himself Supreme Pontiff, and sons of other Dukes his Cardinals.
Von Dumas is rescued from the Thule Brotherhood, their plans to capture Latveria thwarted. The Borders of Latveria are closed to all.
Many Rakken are slain in a Thule occult machine, yet the numbers are still sufficient to be a problem. Queen Morticia sends her greatly enhanced army to help. Emperor Steiner says with his forces and those of the Mercenaries he hopes to re-capture Borgengast.
Merlin returns, then dissappears into the Black Forest looking for a Hermit.
Incursions from other Parallel worlds continue, a urgent call for help is issued by the Sorceror Supreme to try and prevent the phenomena reoccurring since the other worlds all seem intent on conquering ours.
Du Mornay one of the 13 Vampires captures the Smoke with 200 vampires, he then orders his factories to make the smog in the Smoke so thick Vampires can walk in the day. Du Mornay has been creating a massive army of vampires in Maldavia Salem against the wishes of the 13 along with a new technology mixing flesh and machine.
The Brethren of Minuo a group of Scientist working for Du Mornay let Cassidy and his hopes of creating day walking vampire escape.
Kept Rat also known as the Phoenix is found wondering the forest, after much discussion with The Saviours, Magnus and Zambuanga, The Liberty Syndicate and Monastery Order of Rosarius about who can offer his best protection. Kept Rat finally decides to go with Twigleaf to the Monastery.
June AU14
Al-Fulani raises thousand of undead and surrounds the Thousand Tears of Nia.
Ogrn march towards New White Water on Dust.
Dust find its place on the map of the World, New tribes of Cat and Serpent people found.
In Archipelago the Port of Saints is under going extensive construction work.
May AU14
The Calliph of Dust uses earth elementals to dig a tunnel through the mountains to the sea.
The Imagawa Iyeusu die's at the age of 106 and his son Imagawa Huiansu is elected the new Shogun, he promises a strong but fair leadership.
A pair of people calling themselves Yo-Yo and the Puppet Master declare they will kill every leader in every land.
The Golden Vampire returns and is aided by the White Ninja.
The Dark Rider's seige of The Vault is ended by an assult led by Thorin Ironskin of the Irondelve dwarves combined with a strong force of Fey warriors. The solid victory means his Dark Riders army will be crippled, however with the Ar-dri's forces also still fighting the Witchkings Necronaughts in south it may be difficult to follow up on the victory.
April AU14
The Caliph Khalil elemental flying machine sent over the eastern mountains of Dust, returns reporting that the great sea as at long last been found, however they still don't know where they are in relationship to other continents.
A large archealogical caravan organised by the Institute of Curiosities returns having found a two lost temples, but report the village in the Lost waters was nearly wiped out, the survivors plan to re-build.
February AU14
Vampire Nation make a home in the Smoke, many are uncomfortable about this, but find most of the cities great wealth and industry is already Vampire owned.
14 AU - General Background Update.
Archipelago and Union.
Whitewater remains under Lord Gutter and guild control, no recent changes have occurred in the area, if you want the best deals or to find the rarest items go to Whitewater.
The Guilds themselves have grown their influence and this seems to be good, they have gained many friends particularly in Frontier.
The Port of Saints remains the same an open port, no taxes or import duties, cheap docking fees, together with few rules and a low crime rate, businesses flourish.
Port Rabel seems to be in decline and has developed into the crime capital of the Archipelago/Union region.
The Court of the Water Dragon in the east remains open for trade, reports of Triad connections have been confirmed as false.
The Smoke's industrialisation has continued apace. The Smoke is filled with workshops and full of canals which take produce to the docks and bring back raw materials, this has left streets choked with thick smog. The people dress in drab dark colour, the wealthy men sporting top hats and straight long coats, the women wearing lace, lots of underskirts, gowns with bustles, bonnets and the poor wearing cloth caps and trousers. (OOC Victorian London)
The Institute of Curiosities and its College is now the place to learn and research, a sanctuary from the world politics, while nearby Compton remains the place to have fun. The extension to the world's longest pier started last year is complete and means Compton still has a long pier.
The Fenris Isles are still ruled by Prince Imericks younger brother, but until Imerick completes his quest or proves himself the Elders will not consider his challenge.
Port of Saints Governor, Dishwater has now officially taken over as Admiral in Chief of the whole Confederacy navy as they attempt to reclaim the seas back from the Crimson Brotherhood.
The Mari-Ann foundation now has many members under its protection, including the Confederacy navy, this has help keep much of the shipping in the area safe.
Dust.
A man Magi called Al-Fulani has come to prominence, he is feared by the other Magi and has acquired a vast estate which runs from the Oracles old tower in the west of Dust out into the Deep Desert and which is ever increasing in size as he claims more and more land. Survivors from settlements he has acquired say that the inhabitants are all killed or captured and then Al-Fulani's men appear to be digging in the sands as if looking for something.
He has no known army to defend his borders but those who have ventured in to his lands have been later discovered as nothing more than sun bleached bones that have had the flesh eaten off them by vultures. Rumours that his lands are cursed are spreading amongst travellers and nomadic tribes alike...
The Sable Veil continues to rule from the shadows, but up front Caliph Khalil rules from his palace in Mubarak Abar.
The region called Dust as now been part of the Shards world for 14 years, but explorers have yet to find routes through the mountains or be able to survive to travel to the ends of deep desert to conect it, so one portal remains the only way in and out. Mohammed al Maksoud from Basatin Badin now intends to send a vast caravan into the endless western desert that he hopes will return with good news. At the same time the Caliph Khalil has asked his Magi Mentary to use their magic to enslave the elements and build a flying machine to travel over the great mountains to east.
The Ogre's of Juanorge have managed to stay part of Dust society doing their best to keep the Ogryn in check; however the Caliph's watch them carefully as they Ogre's and Ogryn as considered one race.
Faerie.
Faerie remains at war.
In the North the Dark rider sieges the Vault, the Dwarves locked in, while The Ard-ri gathers forces to stop him gaining the Delirium he so desires. The Vault is home the world's wealth, should it fall many wealthy men, organisations, and even nations will lose much and the world's economy will probably come tumbling down with it.
Stronghold much weakened by the Witchking flangite bomb is using up a large proportion of the Ard-ri's resources has he attempts to re-build quickly, before any new attack can be mounted.
In the south the Witchkings necronaughts do not have the numbers to be a threat, but with no Navy the Ard-ri relies on water Sidhe to try stop him landing more forces ashore.
Queen Madb's formori decimated by Dark Riders red striped traitors find it difficult to keep control, so she uses her best men to build machines to defend her homeland.
The McUen's, Dwarves, Madb's Formori, The Sidhe, the Atlantean survivors and Courts remain at the Ar-dri's side, but rumbling of discontent are starting to appear as the many alliance that have saved Faerie compromise the ideals of this magical land.
Locus and the Dark Unicorns have disappeared back into the land after they realised the Witchking was going to fail.
With the death of Oishen Ap-Balor the allegiance of The Knights of Discord, Dusk and Dawn and the Freaks, remains unknown.
Frontier.
After a yearlong war the Sauron alliance with the Witchking was broken with the death of the Sauron Empress and the re-capture of Fort William by the Tribes. The Sauron's have retreated back to their homeland but retain control of the very valuable Flangite mine.
Beastkin freed from Sauron slavery have joined with other beastkin and announced they will be setting up a homeland within the protectorate of the Islands of Zamboanga. Magnus welcomes the mutual protection they will give each other.
With Magnus owning the only other flangite mine and declaring he will sell to nobody and the Saurons not caring about mining Flangite, 99% of worlds flangite supply has been removed, apart the stockpile in The Vault.
A map made by Hector Diaz the conquistador who nearly conquered the Saurons a few decades ago has been found on it is the location of El-Dorado fabled city of gold, due to war nobody has attempted to try and see if it is true.
The expedition back to Vincent's village has finally returned, but with Portal network down the return of the linked portal crystals was a failure.
The average temperature across the land seems to have stabilised, the Blood Stone have not reached their goal but have halted in deal with tribes while alternatives are found to the Blood Stones concerns.
The Merchants Council of Yogyakarta is selling land rights to mine vast tracks of land on the southern coast of Frontier; this has raised tensions between the Tribes and Settlers and made setting up mercenary companies and other mutual protection schemes highly profitable.
New Tara has been re-opened by the New Brotherhood and has become home to many tribes who follow the great tribal leader the Heart of the Raven.
Salem.
Salem remains split The East ruled by the Thule Brotherhood, The West by Emperor Steiner, and Avalon by the Witch King.
The Thule brotherhood controls the minds of its people, hatred of anyone different is rife, religion is still banned, the Youth League terrorises, and a new dark time exists here. The land however is wealthy, people work hard, and Rome is Salem best trading port, all the best prices and deals can be found here. They will not deal with the Western Empire until Emperor Steiner renounces his title.
The Western Empire consists of the states of Aragon, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Bavaria, Brittany, Bohemia, Castile & Saxony. After a year of rebuilding since the war and tidal wave, they have made progress but still have a long way to go before they become the wealthy regions of the past.
The Rakken now control the ruins of Borgengast in Bohemia, they have bread in great numbers and are starting to tumble out this once great city. Emperor Steiner who main forces patrol the borders with Avalon and Eastern Salem hires mercenaries to pick off any Rakken that stray from the city.
Von Dumas ruler of Latveria is missing. He has not been seen since he helped in the raid within Carnelium in an attempt to win the war against the Witch King.
The Witch King spent the last year re-building an army of Necronaughts flangite powered and controlled by the souls of the Forsaken, thwarted by the Ard-ri in Faerie and now lacking access flangite to build more Necronaughts he must use those he has with more care. He also lost nearly all of his portal navigators so those that remain keep the portal closed, he now builds a fleet of ships so he can rain his terror from the sea and Faerie remains what he desires.
Queen Morticia and the Free Forsaken have set up home in Saxony; the initial problems have gone away as Saxony thrives on the ability the Forsaken have brought to the area, such as night time workers. However the racial tensions have not totally gone away.
Thunders.
The Shogun is now 106 years old and gravely ill, the five great families of the Shogunate are all manoeuvring to take control when he dies. The current Shogun introduced a voting system 1 vote per lord to prevent civil war; time will tell if this will work.
The Sanctuary technology is making them wealthy; unfortunately corruption means the wealth does not get to population.
The Imperial Empire ruled by the Emperor is wise and forward thinking guided by what remains of the Twelve Tiger he seeks allies in the Shogunate and the Sanctuary he wants his nation back whole but not by force.
The port of Heian south of the Water Margins is a major route used to get men and traffic to the portal, imperial guards patrol the road from port to the portal, at the portal itself the area is fortified and guarded, while former guardians of the portal the Open Hand sit back and watch.
The Kuragari is silent, the Imperial Empire wants an alliance to destroy it, it is a fear that festers and quietly grows.
Travel
It's not expected that portal network as was will ever be recovered so only 7 core portals remain.
For individuals using one of the core portals is still the fastest form of travel for the individual between continents provided you don't want to go to Salem since the Witch King still controls Avalon core portal.
To get to Salem a regular fast ship now travels between Smoke, Union and Rennes, Western Salem that as cut the journey time down to 2 weeks.
A new continent has been discovered three and half thousand miles east of Archipelago.
November AU13
Three battles take place across the continents, organised from Union.
In Frontier the Saurons are removed from Fort William by the tribes, cutting off the Witch Kings easy access to Flangite, and on top of that the Sauron Empress is killed during the battle, breaking the Sauron alliance with the Witchking.
On Faerie Stronghold is defended but not without loss, the Witchking sends a force of Necronaughts assisted by Dark Unicorn's who blow up the outer walls of Stronghold weakening it. The Ard-ri starts a immediate rebuilding program knowing how important Strongholds wall are to the defence of the portal.
In Carnelium the raid organised by Havelock Lawrence goes horribly wrong, eighty percent of the raiders die or are lost to the blight, many of the Witchkings navigators die and they will not be quickly replaced. Von Dumas goes missing after being last seen fighting in the sky with the Witchking, and Havelock also does not return with the rescue party.
October AU13
A sneaky raid by a group of hero's into the catacombs of Carnelium find many secrets about the Witchking including his plans to attack Faerie next. They also discover the Witchking is building a army of mechanical men based on stolen Von Dumas technolgy with the souls of Forsaken inside them, the are called Necronaughts, these necronaughts while not as tough and well made as Dumas's mechanical men possess a terrifying weapon that can fire superheated shots at a rapid rate.
Victor Von Dumas and the Ard-ri Finnlay call a summit at the Institute of Curiosities to plan how to defend against the Witch King who plans to take over the portal of Faerie.
Plans grow and finally forces are assembled to attempt to re-take Fort William on Frontier, defend the Portal at Stronghold on Faerie, and raid Carnelium simultaneously. Many nations and individuals commit to helping only the Thule Brotherhood of Eastern Salem and the Cartel refuse to offer any help.
August AU13
Rumours that Lokion has returned travel around Faerie.
The Dark Rider and his sister Strife, Bliss, Carcass and Psyche form up with a vast army to march through the wall into central lands of Faerie.
The Ard-ri King Finnlay calls the courts to arms and defend Faerie at the Wall. Forces from the Thunders arrive to help as well as many famous hero's from many of the worlds continents. Mainly however the defenders are Fey, Dwarves, Formori and McUens.
Vast magic are unleashed and part of the wall crumbles, the Ard-ri force fight valiantly but retreat from the wall to avoid mounting casualties and regroup. Meanwhile the dwarves retreat to the Vault and lock themselves in and the Dark Rider out.
July AU13
After a long siege Fort William on Frontier is lost to the Saurons along with its crucial portal.
Many retreat North West to New Tara where they fight their way in through the Witch Kings blighted Forsaken led by a man called Craven, in New Tara they find sanctuary, a well built town surrounded by stone built walls and protected by magic.
On Dust the Caliph Khali orders Langstrom (King of Ogres) to sort his problem with the Ogryn and Ogres.
May 13 AU
Frontier
Fort William a large outpost on Frontier that us run by the guilds and built around the core portal is attacked by the Saurons. Powerful Sauron mages and warriors attack the Fort but they are held off and the attack become a siege. The Fort defence is bolstered by Bloodstone, Privateers from Whitewater and Ogres from Dust.
During the initial assault on the Fort the Witch King attempts to open the portal, but he is fought off by the largest group of portal navigators ever assembled.
After the initial attack the Beastkin slaves of the Saurons brought to help with the attack revolt, some join the Fort defenders, other go back into the forest, while a small group remain willing slaves.
Faerie
At the same time at the High Mages Seat, the tallest mountain Faerie is claimed by the Dark Rider. A small band of Fey and Dwarves hastily assembled try to stop him, but during a bloody conflict in which lighting, fire, flood and earthquakes rack the land the Fey and Dwarves find themselves loosing the battle and end up running for their lives, what the final outcome was nobody is yet sure, other than this Dark Rider is battling the mountain itself and the region is too dangerous to go anywhere near.
Salem
In the mountain north west of Rome in Salem a Thull Brotherhood secret project to build war machine of immense power was stopped by the Beggar Roost Underground with help from the Saviours, Magnus and Liberty Syndicate, during the attack the leader of the Saviours was badly injured.
April 13 AU
Oishen Ap-Balor is killed by the Princess Talia of the Court of Stars she then hand fast's to the son of Queen Madb in an alliance against a new enemy the Dark Rider.
Many Formori especially those of Oshian join the Dark Rider, changing their black stripe for red.
The Dark Rider a great sorcerer claims he will control High Mages Seat in Faerie but he falls to Ilona in battle which sees the new Alliance prevent a great ritual that will bring the Rider closer to this goal. The Dark Rider injured manages tp escape with his Dark Daughters.
March AU13
Black Rock is attacked by Saurons, tribes and others gather together and defend it successfully, many are injured.
The Saurons form an odd Alliance with the Witch King and say they intend to attack Fort William, Frontiers Portal.
February AU13
The Dwarves are attacked by Oshian Ap-Balor who wishes to claim a new mineral called Delirium the Dwarves have secretly been mining.
13 AU - General Background Update.
Travel
All but the core portals are down. For individuals using one of the core portals is still the fastest form of travel between continents provided you don't want to go to Salem. Sea travel is also becoming popular and for cargo is the only option, also the only option if you want to travel to or from Salem, and far cheaper than the portal, plus it may save you the walk from the portal.
Archipelago and Union.
The Guilds still control Whitewater under Lord Gutter, the Whitewater portal is guarded and heavily taxed, not suitable for bulky cargo it's primarily used by wealthy merchants. Whitewater remains the best place for the trade within the Union/Archipelago area.
The Port of Saints remains the same an open port, no taxes or import duties, cheap docking fees, together with few rules and a low crime rate is great for the businesses which are flourishing.
Port Rabel seems to be in decline and has developed into the crime capital of the Archipelago/Union region.
The Court of the Water Dragon in the east is rumoured to be run by the Triads but visitors are welcome and no trouble visits this region.
The Smoke as it's known locally, situated on the north east coast of Union (officially the city of New Borgengast) is what has over years become a heavily industrialized town. The Smoke is filled with metal workshops and full of canals which take produce to the docks and bring back raw materials, this has left streets choked with a thick smog. The people dress in drab dark colour, the wealthy men sporting top hats and straight long coats, the women wearing lace, lots of underskirts, gowns with bustles, bonnets and the poor wearing cloth caps and trousers. (OOC Victorian London)
The Institute of Curiosities has continued to grow and is now the primary place for learning and research on the Shards World.
Alongside Compton the barracks of the ISTF are being built, a influx of workers and military personnel has seen a even more rapid growth in brothels, gambling dens and ale houses, its rumoured even some academics from the nearby Institute have secretly frequented the town. The Mayor of Compton plans an extension to world's longest pier just in case.
The Fenris Isles are still ruled by Prince Imericks younger brother, but until Imerick completes his quest the Elders will not consider his challenge.
The Portal on Union is the central hub of all the portals and controlled by Navigators Guilds they guard and watch for signs that Witch King might attempt to open it and they seem to constantly shut it down at sign of any unexpected activity. The guild prefer people not to use the portal however they will if pushed by the right people allow its use escorted by a Guild navigators who can send a harmonic code through the portal to signal legitimate use.
With the Confederacy Navy badly damaged, the Crimson Brotherhood run riot through the shipping. Black Lizzie and Captain Morgan who lead group of privateers called the Sea Born discovered the 1st sea route to Salem.
Dust.
Mubarak Abar also know as New Whitewater is the main trade centre of Dust, it now has large daily caravans travelling to the portal in the Valley of Nia, the caravans take 11 days to travel the route and carry mainly water and supplies to the garrison around the portal which has no water supply of its own. Few come and go through this portal and travellers are heavily investigated and taxed a percentage of anything they carry.
The Sable Veil continues to rule from the shadows, but up front Caliph Khalil rules from his palace in Mubarak Abar.
Akawiya Usala is now the home of the 'Magi Mentary' a group dedicated to using the magical resources of Dust, slavers of the elements and Djin working directly for Caliph Khalil they are the future of Dust and will bring prosperity and wealth.
The Sands of Time surrounding the Hieraconpolis have mostly flowed away but pockets still exist, unseen and constantly moving, travel through this region is just as dangerous as it ever was.
Cut off from all but one portal explorers are being sent into the deep dry desert in the hope of finding the coast or indeed anything.
It is believed the Ogryn are ready for war against the Ogres over who should prevail although to most both these races seem alike.
Faerie.
The Ard-ri, King Finlay now rules again, although his mental stability remains in question, the McUens, Sidhe and Dwarves remain part of his Court.
Oishen Ap-Balor and Queen Madb (spoken Mave) each rule independent factions of Formori, while working together the alliance is not strong.
The Dark Unicorn's remain hidden throughout the land, a great mage called Locus seems to lead them.
With the sinking of Atlantis the remaining Atlanteans survivors have taking up home on the plains and have joined the Ard-ri's Court.
The Knights of Discord, Dusk and Dawn seem to be aligned alongside Oishen Ap-Balor as do the Freaks.
The Dwarf trade centre called The Vault accessible from the east and west side of the Iron Delve mountains via dwarven tunnels is now open to all traders and is best place to trade minerals on the Shards World. The Dwarves hope to complete a canal from the Vault to the west coast, but this is challenging since the west coast has no natural harbours and many locks will need to be built.
Stronghold the portal to Faerie is only accessible via the tower built around it, guarded by a large Fey and Dwarf force against a surprise attack by the Witch King, strong Fey portal navigators ensure only those that need to travel through it. Stronghold and its portal are only accessible via a mountain path from the east of the Irondelve Mountains.
Long reliant on portals for trade and travel Faerie never had any great ports however Greenhaven in the south for Courts and Redrust Dockyard for the Formori in the north have become in matter of months the harbours of choice for merchant ships travelling the great oceans.
Frontier.
The tribes have won many favours for their help in Salem particularly the Rat tribe and the Pack.
New abominations sent by the Saurons have been seen in and around the borders of their region; a modified Sauron even travelled the salt flats.
A map made by Hector Diaz the conquistador who nearly conquered the Saurons a few decades ago has been found on it is the location of El-Dorado fabled city of gold.
The expedition back to Vincent's village has not returned.
The average temperature across the land seems to have stabilised, the Blood Stone may have reached their goal.
The Port of Yogyakarta is now stretching its borders, well established it is mining the lands and exploiting the resources in the region, tension with local tribes are growing fast.
The new state of Zambuanga ruled by Magnus Von Kessler on behalf the New Humans is a sanctuary to any who are different.
Fort William controls the only portal on Frontier, surrounded by a stockade the portal is guarded by five hundred men and protected by forty portal Navigators from the Guild who take shifts to ensure the Witch King cannot open a portal from Carnelium. Friendly tribes and settlers have to apply to Fort William's Administration to obtain a travel pass before they are allowed through.
Salem.
Salem is split The East ruled by the Thule Brotherhood, The West by Emperor Steiner, and Avalon by the Witch King.
The Thule brotherhood controls the minds of its people, hatred of anyone different is rife, religion is still banned, the Youth League terrorises, and a new dark time exists here. The land however is wealthy, people work hard, and Rome is Salem best trading port, all the best prices and deals can be found here.
The West consists of the states of Aragon, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Bavaria, Brittany, Bohemia, Castile & Saxony. Emperor Steiner free thinking land is just about surviving, repairing the damage done by the Witch Kings invasion last year and the tidal waves when Atlantis sank. Strong seasoned soldiers guard the eastern borders and land bridge to Avalon using far too much of The West's meagre resource adding to the poor state of repair and poverty currently being experienced.
Latveria is once again cut off, Von Dumas closed the borders to his land and despite the help provided by many in the Witch Kings defeat, healing his own land and people come first.
Deep in Carnelium the Witch King is quiet, few Blite are seen but any scouts who get near never return.
Queen Morticia is given leave by the Emperor to set up home for her Forsaken in Saxony's northern territories, the native people of Saxony are not happy and small disputes are arising.
In the state of Bohemia the town of Borgengast has become a no go area, it is now a wild region of gang warfare fed by a plague of wild bloodlines, with the Emperors armies already stretched so thin it has been cordoned off and left to fester and hopefully die of own accord. Also with the only mountain pass from The East it protects The West making the pass impassable without a fight. Amidst this chaos the Rakken have started mining a new resource called Void stone or Nether stone.
Thunders.
The Sanctuary (Kinryoku) cut off from its alliance with Salem fears the Imperial Empire and Shogunate will invade, diplomats have been busy making deals and ships sent out into the great oceans to try and find connections and friends.
The Imperial Empire ruled by the child Emperor is wise and forward thinking guided by what remains of the Twelve Tiger he seeks allies in the Shogunate and the Sanctuary he wants his nation back whole but not by force since that will lead to more trouble.
Meanwhile the Shogunate trusts neither side, long used to the traditions of warfare and assassination politics they sit ready to fight back or perhaps strike first, they see control of portal in the Water Margins as a prize worth fighting for and secrete spies and assassins throughout the region trying to destabilize it.
A new form of clockwork miniature technology is developing in the Sanctuary, but both the Imperial Empire and the Shogunate are also using it in their cold war of either assassination or spying.
The port of Heian south of the Water Margins has become a hive of activity, used to get men and traffic to the portal, Imperial guards patrol the road from port to the portal, at the portal itself the area is fortified and guarded, while former guardians of the portal the Open Hand sit back and watch.
The Kuragari is silent, the Imperial Empire wants an alliance to destroy it, it is a fear that festers and quietly grows.
~
November AU12
Several ships have disappeared one off the coast of Maroto Misaki in the Thunders, one off the coast of Salem near Rome, one off the coast of Faerie near the Fae Courts. What is similar about all these disappearances is a thick fog which comes up suddenly.
The core portals remain the only way to travel between continents.
With the Witch King controlling the only portal on Salem, nervous leaders have occupied the ground surrounding the core portals elsewhere with soldiers in case he attempts to use them.
On the continent of The Thunders a checkpoint has been set up around the core portal in the Water Margins monitoring, recording & searching travellers. On Dust a similar if not so severe checkpoint as been set up.
On Archipelago use of the Whitewater portal is now taxed.
Physically some the best portal navigators have been employed to keep the remaining seven portals open and stable, nobody wants to be cut off totally from contact with the other continents.
Sea travel remains the best hope, but no one yet has found a sea route to Salem, it remains totally cut off from the rest of the world. Fears of the core portals closing have also lead to daring attempts by some brave sailors to final map the world and work out how to cross the great oceans. Reports of at least one vessel crossing from Frontier to Faerie may be true, the Captain was at sea for over 6 weeks so the oceans may far bigger than first believed.
A large reward offered by the merchants of Yogyakarta has been made to 1st person to navigate a route between Frontier and Salem or indeed anywhere and Salem.
Crimson brotherhood continue to harass the Confederacy Navy.
October AU12
The hero's of Latveria are honoured across Salem.
The former Eastern Salem Empire and Corinthia join the Papal states and the Thule brotherhood in declaring Emperor Emeric Steiner a heretic, and pledge to elect a new Supreme Pontiff to lead them.
The states of Aragon, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Bavaria, Brittany, Bohemia, Castile and Saxony, plus the dispersed of Avalon declare allegiance to Emperor Emeric Steiner.
The Ard-ri Finnlay returns! and once again will lead the Fey Courts.
Portals across the Shards world explode, now only 7 portals exist in the former nexus points, these are Stronghold on Faerie which is in the mountains west of Faerie, Somewhere in The Tears of Nia on Dust, Water Margins on The Thunders, Whitewater on Archipelago, Union of Gates on Union which is just west of Yana, Carnelium in Avalon on Salem, Fort William in the north of Frontier.
Since the only Portal to Salem is in control of the Witch King, Salem is effectively cut off until the charts for a sea crossing are produced.
September AU12
Following the destruction of one of the islands Magnus Von Kessler occupies the island chain of Zambuanga on Frontier and declares it a new independent country.
Witch King raises a massive army of his Blighted Forsaken and makes a surprise attack on his biggest threat on Salem, Viktor Von Dumas and Latveria
A alliance is formed involving Von Dumas, Emperor Emeric Steiner, The Thule Brotherhood, The Fey Courts, Queen Morticia's Forsaken, Ogres from Dust and bunch of hero's from every continent that eventually reduce the mighty Witch Kings force down to one twenty fifth of its initial size and force him not only out of Latveria but back behind the walls of Carnelium on Avalon.
Dark Unicorns join forces with the Witch King.
During the battle a bomb created by Von Dumas explodes with unimaginable power killing many thousands.
The Witch King escapes with Von Dumas Technology.
August 12 AU
The Witch King and Morpheus are no longer allies.
Several world wide waves of pain hit everyone, people feeling drained, tired and confused.
The Continent of Atlantis sinks below the waves in a cataclysmic event, nearly all of the continents populations is drowned.
The sudden loss of such a large land mass causes tidal waves to hit the coast of Faerie drowning many more people, hours later more tidal waves hit Salem, totally swamping Erin and going miles inland on the low lying coasts of Avalon, Brittany and Aragon.
Amidst the chaos of so many fatalities almost unnoticed nearly every member of the Horologist guild are found dead on the same day.
July 12 AU
The Forsaken have split those following The Witch King are now called The Blight.
The Witch King and Morpheus have formed an alliance.
June 12 AU
The Cross of Saint Carnelian is found and returned to the Carneliums main cathedral.
The Witch King ancient leader of the Forsaken is awoken from his slumber.
The nexus of the Forsaken Hive mind is broken.
Carnelium falls to the Forsaken despite a valiant defence, they capture it, forty thousand residents enslaved or killed.
Ten Thousand Avalonian's escape through a portal to Fort William on Frontier, Fort William is overwelmed.
Those Avlonian's outside Carnelium still remaining flee north to the Attacotti or west to Mordunum.
May 12 AU
New lands and tribes to the west of Frontier are discovered and still the western coast is not found. The new tribes are not aligned to the Emerald Claw but appear follow a man called Vincent.
A New race of ancient Serpent people is found in the same new land by a purple river.
The great walled city of Carnelium on Avalon is slowly being surrounded and sieged by Forsaken forces lead by Queen Morticia.
The Fey win a great battle against the Morpheus and the Formori lead by Oishen Ap-Balor and Queen Madb in a new alliance.
The Alanteans pick a side and join in a alliance with the Fey, coming to their aid and helping to win the battle.
The Fey Hive Mind is found to be linked through a ancient device.
April 12 AU
The Forsaken attack the land bridge from the Salem mainland to Avalon and despite a heroic defence they break through raising several thousand extra warriors from a bone pit buried long ago before Salem histories began.
March 12 AU
Magnus goes to war against Emperor Steiner, Steiner is saved but appears to be have been taken prisoner by his saviours.
12 AU, General Background Update.
Archipelago. The Guilds once again control Whitewater while the Crimson Brotherhood no longer under control of Lord Gutter are forced out.
The Crimson Brotherhood has found new masters on Salem and a new port as their base called Black Pearl Bay.
The Port of Saints remains an open port, no taxes or import duties, cheap docking fees, together with few rules and a low crime rate is attracting lots of new businesses which are flourishing, creating wealth for all from the small snack seller at the side of the road right up to the big merchant houses.
Dust. The Sable Veil continues to rule from the shadows, while the guilds still flourish out of their base in New Whitewater.
Faerie. The politics of this land get ever more complex.
The fact the Ard-ri is missing but not declared dead means some of the races are trying to make their influence felt.
The Alanteans are split 3 ways on their future, some want to remain autonomous, some wish to join the Ard-ri and make peace, and the remainder are looking to the Rogue Formori.
The Formori themselves are also being split as Queen Mave finds its difficult to control the Formori natural instincts. Some wish to join the group of Rogue Formori from the island of Safehaven lead by Oishen Ap.Balor who has put word out that all are welcome to join him in forming a rival faction to the Court of the Ard-ri.
The Knights of Discord, Dusk and Dawn remain enemies of all the races of Faerie because of their invite of Salemite forces on to Faerie lands, which they did to strengthen thier position.
The Black Unicorn enemies of the Unicorn Tribe have asked to be allowed to join the Court of the Ard-ri and thus be acknowledged as a legitimate race within the realms of Faerie.
The Dwarves, The Fae Courts, McUens and Sidhe remain united behind the Ard-ri and look forward to his return.
Frontier. Bear formerly of The Pack tribe is now Emerald Claw champion of Frontier.
The Saurons have gone quiet, while the average temperature across the land as dropped another degree.
New tribes on the edge of Frontier from the unexplored territories are starting to make contact with the tribes on the borders of the Emerald Claws domain.
The Port of Yogyakarta is growing fast, home to all sorts of scum and villainy it is a growing thorn in the native tribes side.
Salem. The Thule Brotherhood has taken a firmer hold over the minds of its people in particular the young. A new group of fanatical followers that call themselves The Thule Youth League is attracting many, this group can be identified by thier blue ribbon which they tie to thier arm or blue skirts.
Avalon remains the land the Forsaken claim is their traditional homeland and they make no secret that they will claim it by force, if no other way can be found.
Thunders. The Sanctuary strengthened by its allegiance with the Salem is currently balanced by an uneasy alliance between The Empire of the Thunders and The Shogunate of Imagawa. This balance as stopped all out civil war erupting but constant testing of borders, underhand assassinations and the build up of forces on all sides are keeping war on a knife edge.
Union. Yana's population as doubled with the influx of a whole Salamite farming community that would have been killed on sight by Thule brotherhood for their part in recent events.
The Institute of Curiosities a large community of mainly academics as completed its second wall, over 7 miles in circumference this will now prevent certain fauna escaping and contaminating Union.
Compton extends its main pier and is offering cheap holiday homes for rent. Its also cleaning up its act, in order to stop confusion it has been declared all Brothels be painted purple, and Casinos are no longer allowed to take peoples lives or body parts as security on gambling bets.
~
September 11 AU
Bright star that entered the night sky has gone.
More Salemite troops have entered Union at the invite of the new Mayor of Compton.
The Thunders are moving towards civil war.
The Phoenix has gone off with the Old Man of the Mountain to learn self control.
August 11 AU
Guilds return to Whitewater on Archipelago but also remain in New Whitewater on Dust. Guilds join alliance against Salem.
A New very bright star as entered the night sky.
Creature destroys half of the Port of Saints.
July 11 AU
Salem Empire forms alliances with, The Formorii & Dusk & Dawn on Faerie, Kinryoku or The Sanctuary on the Thunders, The Magi on Dust, The Crimson Brotherhood on Archipelago, Compton on Union, Ebon Cottons Desperado's Frontier.
Mayor of Compton on Union murdered.
June 11 AU
The Ard-ri is rumoured dead.
Emerald Claw murdered and new one chosen.
May 11 AU
Beggars Roost is taken and its people retreat to Latveria the lands of Von Dumas.
McCuens and Formorii form a alliance by marriage.
A military coup in Salem has removed the Church from Salem and appointed Emeric Steiner as Emperor.
