Antediluvixen

Mass Effect: Renegade

So, what's the policy on Cybernetics? Specifically a character who, while "only" having a few, is a transhumanist visionary and wants to some day create even more.

Mass Effect: Renegade

@Rtron has brought this to my attention. Room for a variably bloodthirsty transhumanist punchy-girl?

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

@BiffleChump

Not at all, welcome aboard!

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

Rhaputira, capital of Surabhumi

An eagle soared overhead, riding high on the updrafts from below. Its keen, all seeing eye cast its gaze across the land, out to the horizon, down to the tiniest speck of land. Sprawling beneath lay the vast metropolis of Rhaputira. A city of over a million souls, situated at the convergence of two rivers flowing down from the mountains. Through its streets passed farmers and carpenters, blacksmiths and potters, soldiers, artisans, hucksters, wealthy merchants foreign and domestic - all people of all walks of like filled the open plazas or relaxed by open topped water fountains. Around them rose the city, magnificent pyramids, towers, and fortifications loomed overhead where once there was naught but trees and grass. Aqueducts ran throughout the city, water pumping stations operated round the clock by beasts of burden - or more rarely, prisoners of war. Through every structure, small domicile or vast estate ran water, and beneath the city ran an intricate system of sewers whose contents spilled into vats. Unlike many cities there was no rank smell of habitation, water readily available from the aqueducts. Sprawling away within the walls was the city's housing, constructed of brick and plaster and arranged in neat, orderly clusters seemingly without end. Some houses were vast affairs to house over a hundred inhabitants, others much smaller affairs to room at most five. Each building was arrayed in a group of seven, evenly spaced around a small central plot of open space. Many of these sported well tended gardens of herbs and spices, others boasted proud trees, their canopies granting the buildings below shade from the sun above. Whilst constructed of brick and plaster, many homes were decorated in colorful murals, painters and artists filling the walls of the city with vibrant depictions of old stories, historical events, or religious tales. Intricate patterns of alternating color and shape filled the eye with wonder, and colorful awnings which granted further shade granted yet more life to the city.

The city had once been nothing but an empty river plain, almost uninhabited since the fall of the Ashammai thousands of years past. But then had come the Old Empire, its generals marching at the heads of great armies, vast caravans of migrants seeking new lives following in their wake. When they faced conflict and war, it was swift, the disciplined marching of Surabhi armies spelling the death knell for many a petty king or lord. Hundreds of thousands crushed beneath the steel clad feet as the empire sprawled ever outward, seemingly unstoppable. And when the Empire fell, its heartland falling into toxic oblivion, these lands remained almost untouched. Millions fled, and many found their homes in the fertile plains, valleys, and plateaus of eastern Vehndathaya. Growing swiftly from a minor township to a sizeable city, the inhabitants found themselves under attack by hostile neighbors, rival city states vying for power in the wake of the collapse. And so the residents had begun to build. Rhaputira’s first walls had been measly affairs, scarcely ten feet in height, constructed of wood and earth. Then the city expanded, conquering its neighbors, and so the walls grew to match, quarried stone reaching twenty feet in height, strong towers and fortifications strengthened by the best Surabhi mages still living. And still, the dominion of Rhaputira’s influence expanded, becoming the realm of Surabhumi, one of many claimants to the title of successor to the Old Empire, and so grew the city’s walls. Vast constructs of stone that soared eighty feet into the sky and 60 feet across, towers, crenellations, murder holes, moats, trenches, and more. Within the city rose even greater walls, soaring a hundred feet in height and as many feet across they protected the inner citadel of the city, within them lay the chambers of the realm’s highest council, and one of the true masterpieces of Surabhi architecture and engineering - the palace of the Samraajni. 

Constructed around a vast pyramid as its base, the towering spires and grand central pyramid seemed artificial mountains, their tops seeming to kiss the clouds that dotted the sky. It served not only as a stark reminder of the capabilities of Surabhumi and its denizens, but housed the headquarters of the army, the magery, and the clergy. Each had a sub-pyramid sprouting from the main that, in any other city, would have served as the centerpiece all in their own right. Within each dwelled hundreds if not thousands, military commanders formulating strategy; priestesses deep in the study of not only the religious matters, but temporal affairs too, and new ideas seemed to pour forth from them as readily as water from the city’s aqueducts; mages toiled away the hours deep in their own study, seeking to reclaim the lost lore of the Old Empire. Its central pyramid housed the Samraajni, her entourage, guard, and many others - and could be seen for miles from the city, a stark sight against the horizon. In its shadow lay the council chambers, a proud, domed edifice of marble, granite, and silver. Four spires rose into the sky around it, atop each a depiction of Ishareth in the four recognized incarnations, each facing one of the cardinal directions. 

To the north was the Surabhi Ishareth, naked, three arms on each side, one side holding a child sucking at its mother’s breast, another holding a bundle of grain; on the other a bloody sword in one hand, a shield in the other. The lower hands on each side clasped a hammer of indistinct nature - the hammer of a blacksmith, the mallet of a carpenter, the maul of a warhammer, like its goddess it could create and destroy. To the south, towards Shanrilaath faced the Sangharan Ishareth, a proud, naked, haloed female Sangharan standing over an open sea, her hair floating about her head, a pregnant belly and bearing a great sword in one hand and a burning flame in the other. To the East faced the universal primordial Ishareth, flaming and winged, many eyes that saw and perceived all, a central halo aglow with blinding light, a being unearthly in every manner. To the west, the Tu’mong Ishareth (insert description here).

Ringed by a wall of guards to deter would be trespassers, the council was in session. 

"This is quite the proposal you have for us." Spoke one councilwoman, her brow furrowed. "Our liaison assures us of the honesty of your intentions, and we have all heard of the terrible events that have plagued your land for many years. But... in truth I find it hard to believe an entire realm as broad and diverse as yours, with such a long reaching history of the arcane, would commit to ridding your entire land of thalazhaad. It is... difficult to comprehend, in truth." 

"Councilwoman." The Ambassador - or Broker, if not both - for the delegation representing the Regency of Caelrumoste was a Human woman by the name of Alethea. She was perhaps in her early thirties, with an oval-face, bronze-toned skin, and wavery brown hair along with amber eyes. Many of the other humans amongst her delegation seem to bear similar appearances, so perhaps such characteristics were common in Caelrumoste. She was dressed in an ornate, flowing azure-colored robe, with dim purple embroidery, and bore upon her breast a badge emblazoned with an unfamiliar mark, apparently representing the interim Regency itself as opposed to the traditional emblem of Caelrumoste's throne. "If I may beg your indulgence. You are quite correct that the Numinous Islands'...determination in this matter is likely extreme. Uncommonly specific and absurd, perhaps. If our agenda might seem this way, know it is only because of the equally extreme and absurd lengths to which our enemy has demonstrated they are willing to go in order to plague our lands. I pray that all here have heard of and are familiar with the one-time and eternal Adversaries of the Numinous Islands?"

There was a general murmur of acknowledgement from the stands, and the councilwoman from before spoke. "Yes, we do have a basic understanding. Doubtless, there are some who could provide an exhaustive account down to the most insignificant minutiae of the events. But I digress - they are outlaw mages who waged a civil war within your lands for decades, is that correct? We received emissaries from your lands warning us of these individuals and their nature.

"Indeed - though they are hardly mere 'outlaw mages' as you put it." The Ambassador indicated, albeit with a polite bow of her head in deference. "They are uncommonly capable and driven. The Cursed Days, which spanned three decades, were greatly prolonged by their willingness to go aground, wait, and exploit every opprotunity available to regain power. I myself have experienced such a tactic employed. My home town of Ardovin, some six years ago, had stripped all native Ammacre from the chapels and markets and sealed it away in vaults. But..." She raised a finger emphatically. "We missed a single piece. A cufflink with a small Ammacre stone perhaps the size of a pebble embedded in it. An Adversary used that single pebble to, in turn - corrode a lock, taint two goblets, and kill one guard. They then seized the very vaults we had stored all our Ammacre away in for the express purpose of keeping it away from their ilk."

She paused for a moment, turning her head down. After a brief moment of reflection, she returned her gaze to the Councilwoman.

"I am the only living survivor of Ardovin. And only because I was not there at the time. We learned of that particular individual's methods after the fact through cursory divination. Understand, this was one of the least amongst the numbers of the Adversaries. They cannot be bargained or negotiated with. They are not interested in wealth, prestige, fame, or even political power. All of them, individually, possess an obsessive - compulsion - akin to a glamor, and they will not stop, ever, until they have brought all of the peoples of the Numinous Isles to bear underneath their heels. We do not pretend to understand their motives - only that such motives exist. Even today, we are far from certain that all of them have been apprehended. It is more than likely than one or more may be secluded in some rat hole of the isles, waiting for their opprotunity to strike." Alethea's tone was perfunctory and matter-of-fact, as though she were reciting the contents of a list of groceries.

"And in the face of such...persistent enemies, we must deny them their source of power."

There was a murmur of discussion amidst the council, hundreds of Surabhi discussing amongst themselves, before a different voice spoke. Much younger than the previous councilor, her face showed the marks of an experienced fighter. A nose that broken and never healed properly, scars that crisscrossed her skin, and most prominently - a leg leg that terminated in a stump below the knee, a simple prosthetic lay on the floor in front of her seat, and she seemed skeptical. "While I and my colleagues don't doubt that you speak the truth..." she trailed off, searching for words. "I must ask - if these 'Adversaries' are mages of such power and skill, what fixates them upon your land in particular? There are many nations in the world, such as Anahama, with thalazhaad in seemingly limitless quantities. Surely if these Adversaries seek to gain power over others through magery, they would install themselves in these locations and not an archipelago with comparably less of... if I am to be truthful, everything? If they seek dominion, there are vast lands that could be theirs and yet they war with each other over one particular area? What's more... while I am no shipwright, the logistics of your plan utterly baffle me. Such an undertaking - transporting the enormous quantities of thalazhaad across the world, is something that even Sanghara would struggle with - even with its vast fleet. What's more, if such a plan ​​​is viable, would it not simply be possible for one of these Adversaries to load a similar vessel to the brim with the material, land upon your shore, and wreak havoc despite your best efforts. Thirdly, and most importantly - you know the risk of catastrophe with such a plan is immense, surely? The extraction of thalazhaad is a delicate balancing act. More empires have fallen, the planet swallowing their civilizations, than I can even count. You threaten not only yourselves but millions throughout the world should your plan go awry. What's mo-"

Alethea raised a hand in the midst of the Councilwoman's speech.

"The councilwoman is most observant." She said, her voice clear and firm. Not disrespectful, but notably unaccomodating.

As far as overt displays went, this one was quite pointed. Each coffer was filled to the brim with heaps and stacks of opulent, shining, gleaming, glistering, glittering stones of every shape and cut, as big as peas and the size of clenched fists, flawless in composition, radiating an intensity. The very air seemed to tremble. Several nosebleeds broke out amidst the audience as the pressure in the room seemed to shift with the exposure of the magical crystals to the naked eye, where their dread wonder becalmed the mind with dreams, and yearning.these matters, none of them are the reason for which the council has nobly privileged me with the right to speak here today." She turned and gestured to her gathered retainers - massive and long sinuous, scaled creatures known as Ambucane, who closely resembled drakes after a fashion. With their immense strength, they easily wheeled two covered pallets along, despite their immense tonnage. They calmly - and carefully - wheeled the two pallets towards the center of the chamber, both draped with sheets of fine, silken turquoise. Alethea removed these each in turn with a brief flourish, revealing stacked bronze coffers, thirty-six to each pallet, each one rising to waist-height on its own. The ambucane, with their scaled and corded appendages, removed several of these in turn, opening the lids and setting them upon the floor.

The reaction of the council was mixed. Some gasped in surprise, some snorted in derision. The majority remained silent, simply observing the display impassionately. "This is impressive, no doubt." Spoke another voice, a priestess whose plain robes belied the weight her words carried. "But I and my compatriots are unsure of its meaning. If you seek to bedazzle us with fine craftsmanship, we can certainly appreciate it. But our interest in procuring an allotment of thalazhaad, not in decorative carvings. Thus, while these crystals are pleasing to the eye, I..." she turned to her colleages, obviously at a loss for the correct words, before sighing. "We fail to see the value in it. Our interest is in volume of thalazhaad for active use, not in aesthetics and decorations. It is at the end of the day, a fuel, not a precious metal."

"The councilwoman is entirely correct." Alethea nodded. "What you see here before you are, speaking openly, samples of what we are prepared to offer in bulk. As we are divesting the entirety of our lands of all native Ammacre, and taking advantage of our...perhaps unfortunately sophisticated magecraft and arcane techniques, it has been deemed that it would be wasteful not only of our efforts, but of your time if we were to offer it in any form that would prove less efficacious than possible. All of the bulk allotments the Regency proposes to sell shall ultimately be of similar cuts of Ammacre - already mined, refined, seasoned, treated, and worked into discerning cuts for particularly purposes. The selection you see here before you is a display of every individual form of our native Ammacre we are willing and able to sell in bulk amounts - and, of course, should the council wish to assess and examine their quality, they are more than free to do so. I can assure you that if there is a need and purpose, we have a form of Ammacre available which shall suit both."

The Ambucane continued to work as Alethea spoke, rearranging the coffers in rows and columns, each individual box containing - as indicated - different cuts, colors, and sizes of the crystaline gems. 

"And." Spoke the first councilor, rising from her seat, "Were we to take Caelrumoste up on this trade deal, it is our understanding you require foodstuffs? The realm has many wonders to trade, but such a magnificent offer carries with it an equally magnificent cost. What do your people require most? Foodstuffs, engineers to rebuild infrastructure, farmers to tend the fields, soldiers to pacify the land? 

"At this time, the people of the Numinous Islands are in need of many materials, as you said. Foodstuffs and cereals, building materials and tools, textiles, lumber, worked metal, medicinals, herbs, spices - anything that might be of help to us. We are also in need of ships and sea-faring vessels, and although Caelrumoste is presently concerned with its material needs the Regency will nonetheless consider offers in the alternative of various natures." Alethea elaborated. "All sales shall, naturally, be finalized and proferred to the highest bidders, and the Regency, in addition to negotiating with the Council herein, is already in the process of making similar overtures to other..." She paused as she surveyed the room carefully, picking her next words with care.

"...Interested powers with a need for such items."

The councilor nodded. "The Sangharans too will be interested in these crystals. There is no need to hide your meanings beneath gilded words and layers of obscurity. The truth is clear to all in this room. I will speak bluntly. Surabhumi, in its present state, cannot provide you with ships. We have precious few of our own. Our recent treaty with Sanghara will, no doubt, alleviate this ailment of ours, but such rectification will take time. However, your other needs our own people can, I say without exaggeration, meet in far greater capacity than the Sanghar of Shanrilaath. I am sure you saw the fields of rice and wheat on your journey inland, and I can assure you, such bounty is near universal across our domain. Building materials and fabrics - you can see plainly our abundance of such in this very city. While it is true, the Sanghar have silks, there is rarely such a need for such expensive fair that a sturdy sheet of linen or wool cannot satisfy. Furthermore..." she trailed off for a moment, smiling. "I hope your people have heard of Ukkayan steel? Barring the wildest rumors, that a blade of our steel can slice cleanly through that of lesser make, the stories are true. It is harder, stronger, more workable, and lasts longer than any other steel that is not of an expensive thaumaturgical origin. We produce it in great quantities - ask any farmer, they can attest to it. As far as spices, while Shanrilaath produces a bounty - we produce no less."

"Councilwoman, I am certain there is no need for you to act as gatekeeper as to my interests in possible bids of the Sangharan Senate and Assembly. I am here for your convenience, and will only be entertaining offers directly from the Council. Likewise, there is no need for you to validate your own worth. The specialities of Surabhumi, of course, are well-known factors." Alethea responded blythly. "If the council can achieve consensus both as to its interest in our bulk Allotments of Ammacre and is confident you can make a competitive initial bid for any of them, I am authorized to supply the council directly with Gestalt stones which may keep your administrators abreast of the present disposition of all active bids for all of our available allotments. If there are no further matters of address, I would like to humbly propose the formulation of an initial bid. Please be advised, all bids shall be anonymous - only terms, quantity, and quality shall be made available to possible competing parties."

The councilor nodded. "In that case, representative, do tell us of what it is you seek most. I assure you, if the price is right our realm can provide it."

"It is anticipated that the bids shall eventually be made of and to the specific capabilities of each individual party in turn, councilwoman. I would suggest you simply play to your strengths and make a token initial offer if only to see what others might be bidding. There is no need to deliver more than you absolutely must, I think we can all agree." Alethea responded cooly. The Regency's ambassador, it seemed, had no intention of supplying a firm request.

"If so, I believe we are capable of an initial offer of 250 maund of Ukkayan steel, and..." she smiled. "The Realm of Surabhumi sports, if I remember the last census correctly, around 120 million souls. We grow enough to feed every one of those hungry mouths, and we have ample surplus after. How much do your people need? We grow rice, potatoes, and wheat in abundance."

"It has...been some time since a formal census of the islands was performed, councilwoman." Alethea remarked faintly. "Those that remain on mainland Apocea exist in varying states of indigence. Many are refugees and exiles. I am afraid the Regency cannot readily give you a firm estimate of its own populace."

"Certainly, we understand. Civil disturbance makes an accurate assessment of the population difficult. Nevertheless, in addition to our steel, we are prepared to offer the assistance of our engineers and farmers, and... let us say, to begin with, about one and a half million bushels of rice per year. We can, of course, increase this supply as needed. This is our initial offer for ten allotments, nature irrelevant. It is at the end of the day, a power source, and will be used as such." 

"Of course. A start." Alethea said neutrally, waving over a swarthy-looking elven attendant carrying a small silver tray. Four clear pyramid-cut gems rested on its surface. Alethea then retrieved a small slip of parchment from within her robes, along with a hand-plank and a quill, and wrote out a short line in shorthand.

"The Council of Surabhumi's initial bid has been recorded. I hereby offer the council these four Gestalt stones for use in perusing all active bids. The coffers you see here before you, I leave in your care for examination and appraisal. If there are no further inquiries, the delegation for the Regency of Caelrumoste shall yield the chamber."

"The Council shall deliberate. Thank you, ambassador. You may return to your quarters, or travel the city at your leisure."

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

@Loo Tenant

it is indeed open, and we are eager to have some new faces! Join in! If the discord link is down, lemme know and I or Eldy can get you a new one in a jiffy.

Interest Check - A Jolly Good War! (A Fantasy Great War Army Roleplay)

Nerd Hello Squirtle, I may be interested (if Takanis starts to go smoother)

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

@Ever Faithful
Vaerheim:

First of all:

Male Varangians were expected to be perfect soldiers the moment they were born while female Varangians were expect to become strong healthy mothers and capable athletes. Babies that were born defective or deemed unfit by the elder judge would be demoted to become a Thenn. Rarely is a baby put to death but only in the most extreme cases.

You are hereby required to have _someone_ shout "THIS. IS. VAERHEIM." and kick someone down a well at some point in this RP.

The most iconic weapon of the Varangian Bannermen is the Long Axe, a two handed polearm that has a large axehead that cleaves through armor.

It should be noted that if you're referring to something like the dane axe, they were actually shockingly light and fast weapons - if you're referring to something like the big heavy two handed bearded axes they eventually supplanted, a smaller wedge can certainly drive through maille or other armor. The dane axe itself has more of a cutting motion and a rather thin blade. Armor is defeated by either going extremely fast, or by concentrating a large force in a small area - something like the dane axe, while not quite as bad as a sword as far as dispersing the power of its blow along a wide area, will still fall short of a two handed spear thrust, an arrow from a powerful bow, or a heavier narrower axe blade.

Barring those little niggles, it looks good! Approved!

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@Heyitsjiwon
Attolia:

Species: Fae/Elven, Humans, Halfbloods

Now now, make sure to show us what you mean by halfbloods, don't leave out any details - we've gotta know exactly how they get here! If you don't mind though, a little elaboration on your exact vision of elves and half elves would be appreciated. We all have different images in our mind if someone says elf.

The Empire's government was initially a form of military junta

A Military Junta you say...?

As for your traits, only Splendid Isolation really fits. Iron Walls and Always faithful simply reflect your rolls - you can keep them if you wish, but a very powerful navy and a small army are already shown in your rolls and in the army/navy sections.

Otherwise... it looks good!

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@Kho
Esher Righacd:

Ah, my favorite not-Scots return.

I... honestly have no criticisms. Heartily approved.

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@PsyKick
Nucaal:

Elaborate on how many Geradamas there are if you don't mind. Sorcerers in this setting are exceptionally rare (as in... 1 in a million or even fewer), and while you can explain having a sorcerer race for part of your magical sophistication for sure, bear in mind that creating a sorcerer race is the goal that numerous great empires tried and utterly destroyed themselves attempting to do. The issue mostly subsides if they are for some reason unable to use crystal - that's where the real power of our sorcerers is shown, but that also negates a lot of... well, their utility beyond normal mages who must take preparations to do magic.

One other thing -

Gear created by the Nucaali are typically modified to present a space to house a crystal for augmenting the gear with magical capabilities.

Pros: The gear can have certain effects in combat or other realms of society where significant impact can be had in more effective ways.

Cons: If the stone is overused, it can explode and have a negative impact on the wielder.

Please elaborate what kind of capabilities the gear can possess. Otherwise, crystal is consumed when it is used for things - you can have it overload if you wish, but it will steadily deplete and eventually fade away as used, necessitating replacement. Unless I'm misunderstanding and this is a different material.

Otherwise looks very interesting and I'm eager to see what they do! Fix those issues or please talk to me to see what we can do, and it's good!

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@Roby6Com
Athia:

Salve, aspirans.

I see you have cannons on one of your ship types. Please remove - this is probably an oversight, but remember - I don't want gunpowder in this at the moment to avoid the arms race/dick measuring contest that follows.

Otherwise I see no issues. Approved.

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@Aleranicus
Neferher Dynasty:

I love it.

Just bear in mind a few of the changes we've made in discussions - your eastern border is fairly good land and a fair number of Surabhi are there - but it is quite mountainous, thus difficult to traverse~

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@Willy Vereb
Quavarazi Empire:

Ahem: Mongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongolongol

Quavaraz, alternatively referred as Aurelia, a huge land mostly dominated by savannas and magically hazardous deserts.

To clarify - is your nation largely desert specifically because of the calamity in the past, or did that simply turn central asia into the Sahara? I'm not entirely sure which. I put mountains where they were with the understanding that the desert was largely natural.

Otherwise it looks great, approved once we clear the above up.

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@POOHEAD189
POOHEAD189's Poopland Andred:

Species: Men

Men, you say.

What you have so far looks good, but... well, there isn't much I can critique.

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@The Nexerus
Empire of East Asia Kuriso:

I love your sheet, man. Please feel free to discuss military/trait stuff with me if you feel the need. Once that's sorted out, happily accepted.

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@Legion02
Exiles of the Barren Isles:

I love this too! My only caveat is not to get carried away with scrying the future and other magical stuff. Not to say it can't be impressive - or that I think you will get carried away for that matter - merely a reminder.

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@Drunken Conquistador
Usharid Sultanate:

Abandoning the proper worship of Abtum for the faith of Ishareth and going as far as declaring that he would spread his “True Faith” to all the corners of the Usharid realm.

Meet me in my office, we have many things to discuss~

What you have so far looks great! Please feel free to message me at any time to work on military/traits and anything else.

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@Terminal
Caelrumoste Regency:

Your sheet is long O.O

You appear to be lacking info on your military - while this isn't a game of EU4, obviously military action will have some role, so while you don't need to go super into detail, a basic summary is useful.

Otherwise... nothing sticks out to me as needing revision. Looks good!

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

@Taeryn

Fixed!

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

(WIP) Roll Descriptions

Roleplay is accepting new people! Feel free to join the server, meet new and exciting people, and build a nation to kill theirs with.

Takanis - A Historically Inspired Fantasy NRP

WIP - Surabhumi

Name of Nation: Surabhumi (Denonym: Surbahuma, non Surabhi inhabitants - Surakhya)

Capital: Rhaputira (Population: 1.2 million)

Population: 120 million

Species: Surabhi, Tu’mong, Sanghar, minorities of neighboring human peoples

Surabhi: One of Ishareth’s three children, the Surabhi are by far the most populous, inhabiting a vast stretch of land that comprises much of the Old Empire. Markedly different in phsyiology than the other two, the Surabhi have a sharply skewed sex ratio at birth - with approximately 4 females born for every male. What’s more, the females of the species are significantly larger than the males, averaging 190 cm and 110kg - compared to the average of 145 cm and 55kg for males. The females are noted to be physically powerful, and their predilection for fighting as heavy infantry or archers utilizing immensely strong war bows is a natural conclusion of this. Surabhi live to an average maximum of about 150 years, reaching physical adulthood at age twenty and remaining fit and able to work for well over a century - in their later years, decline is rapid and relentless.

Sanghar:

Tu’mong:

Notable Individuals:

Anushravati Phadatara Satakevelar - Samraajni: The elected monarch of Surabhumi.

Aasmi Achaerikar Sayyanvar - A rising military commander and aspiring politician, she has distinguished herself in many recent battles fought in the annexation of several small successor states.

Amilaja Shivavadakkar Devsherikaan - Head of Agriculture: Extremely adept administrator and organizer, responsible for timing of sowing and harvesting, as well as overseeing the distribution of water to farmland. Dresses plainly and sees no value in anything that cannot be quantified..

Khalya Maruk Dheminu - Head of Surabhumi’s blacksmithing industry: Pragmatic and unconcerned with subtleties.

Aaliyu Navamaba Mallayeh - Head of Finance: A callous individual who hides behind layers of masks.

Sujati Khvamahant Enazhal - A Surabhi Priestess of Ishareth, known for her playful demeanor and sharp wit.

Vaidihe Nijasureh Mallam - An experienced Surabhi diplomat.

Sarasvati Kusari Adwani - Surabhi Priestess, experienced in diplomatic affairs.

Huyhn Tyet Ngau - A Tu’mong woman, seasoned negotiator.

Shridaveh Enheduana - Granddaughter of Ninshada Enheduana, the brilliant admiral who almost defeated Sanghara at sea. Her personal fleet, numbering 16 warships in total, is the only token naval force Surabhumi has been able to maintain in the long decades of humiliation at sea following their defeat outside Tel Belit. Shridaveh herself is intent on rebuilding the fleet of her grandmother’s legacy. A rare Sanghar among a nation predominantly populated first by Surabhi and secondly by Tu’mong.

Culture and Society:

The vast nation of Surabhumi is host to an equally vast array of regional dialects, mannerisms, quirks, and Surabhi subraces. All of these separate groups are nevertheless united by a few commonalities - the faith of Ishareth, homage to the realm they all call home, and a firm belief in the righteousness of unity between the “Three Children of Ishareth” (the Surabhi, the Sanghar, and the Tu’mong).

Society among the Surabhi is inevitably heavily matriarchal - males among them, being small and making up only 20% of the population - are primarily occupied with general childcare, domestic duties, and other non strenuous tasks. There is dissention as to whether the males can handle mentally taxing jobs - but the general consensus is that in this they are equal to their female counterparts, as such, administrative and other ‘desk jobs’ do not discriminate on basis of sex. In the military, rice and wheat fields, and other taxing work however, they are rarely seen, and the women reign supreme.

The core social unit among the Surabhi is the dhutris - a group of anywhere between 5 to 50 individuals, with multiple females and males cohabiting - dhutrisi rarely have familial elements, as upon reaching adulthood children will join or form their own unit. A dhutris is best compared to a large polyamorous relationship or marriage. For the Surabhi, reproduction is a somewhat bureaucratic affair, with individual Surabhi choosing the mate of their choice within their dhustris and requesting sanction by the local priestess of Ishareth. Relationships for non reproductive purposes are laissez faire and come and go as easily as morning rains, as the dhutrisi are strictly non familial groups, excepting the raising of children, relationships are primarily found between their members. Inheritance is generally among the collective of the dhutris, excepting those items explicitly designated for special inheritance by the deceased. Inheritance of titles, landed or otherwise, is generally elective. Familial bonds, while strong, primarily exist between mother and child - and inheritance along these maternal lines is only practiced in special circumstances.

Religiously, the Surabhi have both public and private elements in their worship of Ishareth. Priestesses of the goddess are selected upon reaching the age of ten, and will spend the next twenty years of their lives studying and learning about the world, its nature, its politics, mathematics, science, and every scrap of religious scripture available - as well as extensive tutelage in combat. In doing so they come closer to understanding the world Ishareth’s flock inhabits, and her other children - and are more in tune with the mostly unspoken desires of the goddess. In olden times, before the fall of the old empire, priestesses served double duty as state sanctioned mages. This function has begun to be reinstated with the readoption of magic by Surabhumi. Distinguished by plain robes and the symbols of their station - a sturdy silver inlaid blade in a distinctive pattern most commonly used by members of the clergy, a heavy tome of religious scripture, and a finely wrought silver amulet bearing a symbol of Ishareth, the priestesses are a ubiquitous sight throughout Surabhumi. Every village has its priestess, a town likely has several, and a large city may have hundreds of them residing within. The priestesses are not only religious officials, but experts on law, medicine, and more. Many of the universities within Surabhumi are staffed almost entirely by priestesses of Ishareth.

Even outside the clergy, the Surabhi have a culture that prides intellectualism and artistic endeavor, and outside of martial prowess, education and intellectual pursuits are often one of the best ways to raise one’s standing in society.

Religion, while often conducted privately, has many public elements - and the Surabhi throw lavish festivals and celebrations throughout the year on auspicious dates and other holy days.

For non Surabhi subject peoples, the policy of the nation is for them to largely follow their own cultural practices - to an extent. Should a people come into the empire and find their ways anathema to the Surabhi they can expect to find those practices deemed most repellant clamped down on - a culture that is patriarchal in contrast to the Surabhi matriarchy can expect to find itself pushed strongly towards an egalitarian bent. There are strict laws mandating any interfaith or interpeople disputes and conflict be mediated by a Priestess of Ishareth, a member of the others’ clergy, and the local government of the region.

Surabhi generally have five names. Their first, given name. The second name is that of the dhutris they are born in. The third, the dhutris they join after reaching adulthood. The fourth a matronymic. And the fifth, a patronymic.

History:
WIP Timeline:

6,000 years ago:
Ashammai civilization kills itself. Most of the subcontinent is blasted back to the stone age or rendered outright uninhabitable.

5,000 years ago:
Wandering period, most of the entire subcontinent fucked up, small kingdoms emerge in the north, with the best most untainted land emerging in the south western side of the subcontinent, leading to a Tu'mong golden age.

4,700:
A small Surabhi kingdom accepts population migration of Sanghar who had moved north from the Azure Empire of Tu'mong.

4,700-4,500:
Surabhi-Sanghar kingdom grows powerful and begins annexing neighbours.

4,500-4,000:
Surabhi-Sanghar kingdom conquers much of the Northwestern quarter of the subcontinent.

4,000-3,700:
Surabhi-Sanghar conquers the Northeastern quarter and declares itself an empire, now remembered as the Old Empire.

3,700-3,300:
The Old Empire pushes south and begins colonising and conquering lesser kingdoms, it joins horns with the Tu'mong Azure Empire which is still in its prime, resulting in intensely deadly wars with the Tu'mong which last for centuries.

3,300-3,100:
The Azure Empire disintegrates under the Old Empire's pressure and is forced back to a rump state in the far south, this eventually falls centuries later. Meanwhile the Old Empire is near its maximum extent and only has a few more provinces to add.

3,100-2,900:
War and conquest of southern Kuriso (New Nation Needed to continue this line of thought) possible situation where the Old Empire is repulsed after a few decades of occupation.

2,700(ish):
Shanrilaath begins to see limited settlement, and Sangharan pops migrate down the Eastern coastline to colonise the lands there, causing civil unrest with the Tu'mong who had claim to them originally.

3,100-2,500:
Old Empire enters a cultural renaissance of peace, order, art, science, philosophy and prosperity. With no external conflicts to shape it's internal politics, and no contender to power in it's world, it chooses to trade and explore across Takanis. Most importantly however, largescale developments in magic begin to come to bear, and take central focus in state affairs.

2,500-2100:
The decline period comes into play, government becomes mired in corruption and factionalism, bureaucracy breaks down, and restrictions on magic become less meaningfully enforced. New ground is pushed but nobody acknowledges the limits of what they're doing. A potential civil war between the provinces breaks out leading to an unsteady position between the heartland and its provinces afterwards. Still nothing is big enough to topple a state of this size, power and raw wealth. During this time the inner plateau of Shanrilaath is explored and the cult of Ishareth discovered, new priests of both races begin promulgating the scriptures they discovered (might be Medusan originally, dunno) but are mostly shrugged off as crazies.

2043-2000:
The cataclysm rips through the heartland of the old empire, millions die and hundreds of thousands are displaced. The Cult of Ishareth gains primacy and converts in droves as a result of their foresight of the disaster and preparations. Flight to the provinces shifts the population base towards what is now Surabhumi.

2002-1701:
The Schism breaks what's left of the now immensely fragile Old Empire. The Sangharan's push south and colonise Shanrilaath, Surabhumi waxes in power and authority in the north, consuming the other fragmentary and independent states. Cool but mostly civil relations are maintained as both nations are focused on different spheres of power

1701-1609:
Both Empires wax too powerful at the same time, the borders meet, a cold war develops. A dispute over taxes on merchant caravans breaks out between two groups of administrators and their soldiers at the Sangharan-Surabhumi border, the first Century War breaks out.

The war was the first of myriad bloody clashes between the two powers. Almost a full third of Sangharan domains on the mainland were annexed by the rising land power of Surabhumi. The armies of the ascendent empire were only halted from complete conquest in the brutal fighting of the Battle of the Akadarian Plains that saw over two hundred thousand dead on the side of Surabhi at the expense of some thirty thousand Sanghar. Pinned against a river and outnumbered by the concentrated force of their enemy - enabled by the superior Sangharan navy - Surabhumi’s southern invasion force was utterly crushed and stalemate ensued.

1609-1605:
The peace that followed suited neither side, with Sanghara bitter over the loss of mainland holdings, and Surabhumi eyeing the remaining Sangharan imperial domains and seeking to avenge their humiliating defeat at the Akadarian Plains.

The loss of much of its core regions had left the Sangharan Republic economic and militarily weakened but not decisively beaten, and Akadarian Plains had proven that the Surabhi could be defeated and driven back, leaving the prospect of further war a lingering question in the minds of the Sangharan elites. Whilst the government descended into infighting in how to retaliate to this blow, the general Asurbaal Urgathil-Esh, who had distinguished himself in the Century War, used this moment of weakness to depose the republic. Under the guise of restoring order, he used his armies and soldiers to install him as the First Prince - having his predecessor garroted - and seized control of the nation from the ruling families. After a few years of consolidating his position, he launches ends the fragile peace by declaring open war upon Surabhumi.

1605-1493 (1605-1562) (1556-1507) (1507-1498)
The sudden invasion of the contested territories took the Surabhumi government by surprise, who had assumed that the Sangharans would take much longer to launch a counterattack. As such there was little resistance for the first years of the war, which saw Sangharan reconquest of much of the occupied territory. Urgathil-Esh, buoyed by his success, used his newfound prestige to declare himself the first emperor of the Sangharan Empire. However, as soon as the Surabhumi were able to rally they return with renewed force and vigor. What once seemed to be an easy victory is soon reduced to defeat after defeat as the Surabhi inflict humiliating and brutal victories over the Sangharans in battle. By the turn of 1594 this reached its head where two main armies of the Sangharan military consisting of 200,000 soldiers, are obliterated almost completely in the Battle of the Red Rivers by a Surabhi force half its size. This disgrace proved too much for the disgruntled and disillusioned merchant-dynasties, and combined with Urgathil-Esh’s increasing megalomania resulted in his brutal assassination by a large bloc of conspirators whilst he relaxed in his private bathhouse. It is said that the waters ran as red as those of the battle, and that Urgathil-Esh had been stabbed over two hundred times, each wound representing one thousand Sangharan’s killed by his arrogance.

With the republic restored under capable leadership, Sangharan military defeats lessened greatly. The republic was however, forced to abandon their northern provinces as territorially indefensible. Pulling into the south, they managed to halt the Surabhi advance in Muhtava, beating back invasion after invasion, although suffering heavy losses. Eventually however, the full might of the Surabhumi’s military is summoned to the field, and after a number of defeats and pyrrhic victories, the Sanghar are forced to retreat further and further south. By 1563 the Sangharan Republic has lost all but the southern tip of its continental empire, with the Surabhi even marching across Tsang-Mah under numerous experienced and veteran generals. The final battle of this chapter of the war takes place in 1562, as the Sangharans desperately tried to evacuate the majority of their forces from the mainland back to Shanrilaath. A core of 50,000 are left behind to protect the rear against a force ten times that number, engaging in the Battle of Sabal-Mut. They achieve their goal, holding off the Surabhi for four hours, but are eventually forced to surrender. 30,000 die and the remaining 20,000 are lead into captivity by the victorious Surabhi armies. The only survivor of the Sangharan continental empire becomes Tel-Belit, a massive citadelic port on the southernmost tip of the continent, which proved too hard a nut to crack for even Surabhumi’s forces, no matter the size of the armies they threw at it - its vast port keeping the city supplied for a siege that would stretch on over ten years before an eventual peace treaty. Although all voices counseled to have the port blockaded, the Surabhumi navy had not recovered fully enough from the prior century war to ensure that this could be done, leaving a dangerous door open for eventual Sangharan recovery on the continent.

Third Century War - Indecisive, Sangharan Military Victory, Surabhi political Victory
Fourth Century War - Sangharan Decisive Victory
Fifth Century War - Indecisive, Surabhi semi-restoration
Sixth Century War - Ultimately indecisive - annihilation of Surabhuma fleet, Surabhuma nevertheless achieves supremacy on land.

Economy:
The economy of Surabhumi rests upon six great pillars. Foodstuffs, steel, silver, spices, sugar, and soldiers. The economy of the nation has been at a low ebb for some time, their utter defeat at sea against the Sangharans forcing them to rely exclusively upon overland trade - and their economy has suffered greatly as such. Nevertheless it is a powerful force by sheer size.

Surabhumi occupies some of the most fertile land in the world - much of its area making up the agricultural heartland of the old empire, where bountiful monsoon rains give rise to vast bumper crops, and myriad rivers snake across the land, bringing life giving water and even more fertile soil. The nation rarely if ever knows famine, and a great aqueduct snakes across the entire stretch of the empire - a vast work of civil engineering that ferries water for thousands of kilometers to the cities and farms of Surabhumi.

Surabhumi plays host to abundant resources of iron and other useful metals. The Surabhi are well known metalworkers - and they are famed for a steel stronger than almost any other. Dubbed Ukkaya by the Surabhi, it is a steel that is both fabulously hard and immensely strong - some merchants claim an Ukkaya blade can bisect another lesser blade in a single stroke, or cut a hair falling across its razor edge. While hyperbole, this steel, common throughout Surabhumi and exported across the land, is a closely guarded secret and all attempts to replicate it have failed. Some speculate there is something in the Surabhi that enables its creation, an intrinsic magical spark that operates within the low ebb of the land that, combined with carefully refined and jealously guarded metallurgical techniques, gives rise to the coveted material.

Like the Sanghar and Tu’mong, the Surabhi prize silver over gold - and their land is rich with the precious metal. Mines bring forth the land’s bounty in the metal, famed for its purifying qualities and sought after for its lustrous sheen.

Situated in the perfect region for cultivating many exotic spices, Surabhumi - while strangled at sea by remorseless Sangharan raiding - grows even more rare and valuable spices than their great rival. Saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, and more - all are grown in the fertile farmlands of Surabhumi, and exported to any nation easier accessed by land than by sea and more favorable to Surabhumi than Sanghara.

Like with spices, Surabhumi sits in the perfect climate for sugar growing - and the sweet crystals that come from sugar cane make for a tidy profit.

Soldiers - every nation needs them, whether it embraces that need or not. Many Surabhi, ill content to wait for a proper land war to be waged by their own nation, go abroad in great mercenary companies, signing on to fight in foreign wars in the style of the heavy infantry and foot archers that have made them a potent force in their own home region. The majority of these mercenary companies are based in Surabhumi, and cooperate closely with the government, receiving aid in training and equipment - and paying sizeable taxes in return.

Army:
Crude attempt at a generic Surabhi heavy infantrywoman.

Crude attempt at a Surabhi veteran archer.

The army of Surabhumi is a powerful force. The mainstay of the army is the archers and heavy infantry that make up the majority of fighters, with the Tu’mong serving as skilled light infantry and light cavalry.

The Surabhi themselves almost exclusively fight either as infantry or archers. The infantry, heavily armed and armored, are often fully bedecked in chain and lamellar armor, carrying spears, swords and axes, javelins, and heavy shields. Both the professional soldiers and civilians levied to fight are well trained and disciplined soldiers. The archers wield fearsome war bows with draw weights sometimes exceeding 300 pounds, and are likewise a mixture of professional and levied civilian fighters. After extensive contact with Kera-Bijan to the northwest, a small force of heavy shock cavalry was raised. Riding large bulls bred for war, both rider and mount are completely encased in Ukkayan steel armor.

Navy:
Surabhumi effectively has no navy. Ships come and go at their ports if they can slip by the Sangharan patrols, but after their humilating naval defeat in the most recent Century War, the nation has been unable to build up a proper fleet without Sanghara destroying it.

Traits:
Ukkayan Steel: The soldiers and civilians of Surabhumi almost universally use the superior steel produced in the forges of Surabhi blacksmiths. A major component of their economy, the steel is ubiquitous throught the enormous nation. Weapons and armor as well as mundane tools are harder and stronger.

Foreign Relations:
Sanghara: Arch rival
Kera-Bijan: Tentative Ally
Neferher Dynasty:
Arcana: Trade partner and sometimes ally.

Rolls:
Land Area: 17(19-2)
Land Fertility: 20
Development: 20 (18+2)
Land Power: 20 (13+7)
Naval Power: 2 (swapped with magical sophistication)
Economy: 15
Magical Reserves: 13
Magical Sophistication: 7(9-2) (swapped with navy)

Other: